Asian Current

Bodh Gaya - the Ultimate Pilgrimage Destination for Buddhists

Bodh Gaya is the ultimate pilgrimage destination for Buddhists where people from all over the world come to visit. It is located 113 km’s south of Patna, which is the capital of Bihar in Eastern India.

Bodh Gaya is famous for its association with Goutama Buddha, the fonder of Buddhism who attained Nirvana or the ultimate release from the cycle of reincarnation, sitting under the Bodhi Tree in a secluded part of the place. The small town of Bodh Gaya near the main city of Gaya is one of the four holiest cities in Buddhism and attract thousands of Buddhists who come to visit and pay respect to the sacred place every year. Tropical in climate, Bodh Gaya gets fairly hot in summer (April to June) though the winter (October to February) is pleasant and comfortable. So most people prefer to come here in the winter months.

A pilgrimage trip to Bodh Gaya centers round the intricately carved Mahabodhi Temple that has a large gilded image of Lord Buddha that is believed to have been built around 3rd century BC by the mighty emperor Ashoka. Bodh Gaya has also been accredited the status of a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1992 - it is today recognized as an ancient seat of culture and religion.

Buddhists from a number of countries including China, Japan, Korea, Sri Lanka, Vietnam and Nepal have created their respective temples and monasteries here in reverence to the Lord. Pilgrims also come to visit the Bodhi Tree for its association with the great event. It is here that Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. Although the tree has long been dead, the present one is a descendant of a sapling that was presented by ardent devotees from Sri Lanka decades ago. The Archeological Museum in Bodh Gaya is another center of interest for the pilgrims as it houses several ancient artifacts related to the original Mahabodhi Temple.

Temples and monasteries built around the Mahabodhi Temple by artisans and craftsmen from countries like Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Japan, China, etc. reflect the architectural style, exterior, interior decoration and idols of their respective countries. Buddha’s idol in the Chinese temple is more than 200 years old and has Chinese traits in it, while Japan’s Nippon Temple resembles the structure of a pagoda. The Thai temple is an exact replica of a place of worship in Thailand, complete with golden tiles and a curved roof. The temple built by the Nepalese look similar to the Buddhist temples you will come across in Nepal.

Apart from being a significant Buddhist pilgrim center, and an archeological site, Bodh Gaya is also renowned for the various meditation courses that are offered by numerous foundations and organizations. The courses are mostly conducted in the winter months.

The eventful past of Bodh Gaya is documented by many including the Chinese traveler, Huen Sang (Xuanzang) in the 7th century. According to him, the place was at the heart of Buddhist culture for centuries until it was destroyed in the 13th century by the Turkish army. As in the earlier days, people throng Bodh Gaya in respectful reverence during the full moon day in the month of Vaisak (April-May) that is observed elsewhere too as the august day of Buddha Purnima.