20 Interesting Facts About Bodhgaya Mahabodhi Temple

Bodhgaya Mahabodhi Temple is one of the most significant Buddhist temples in the world. The temple is located in Bodhgaya, Bihar, India, and is the place where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. In this article, we will explore 20 interesting facts about Bodhgaya Mahabodhi Temple.

1. Bodhgaya Mahabodhi Temple

Bodhgaya Mahabodhi Temple is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites for Buddhists around the world. The temple is believed to be the place where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. The temple complex is spread over an area of 4.8 hectares and includes various structures and monuments.

2. History of Bodhgaya Mahabodhi Temple

The history of Bodhgaya Mahabodhi Temple dates back to the 3rd century BCE when Emperor Ashoka visited the site and erected a stupa. The present temple complex was built during the Gupta period in the 5th-6th century CE. The temple complex has undergone several renovations and restorations over the centuries.

3. Architecture of the Temple

The Bodhgaya Mahabodhi Temple is a fine example of Indian brickwork architecture. The temple stands 180 feet tall and has a pyramid-shaped spire with a crescent moon on top. The temple is surrounded by four smaller shrines at each corner.

4. Mahabodhi Tree

The Mahabodhi Tree is the most sacred tree in the temple complex. The tree is believed to be a direct descendant of the original Bodhi tree under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. The current tree is said to be the fifth succession of the original tree.

5. The Main Temple Building

The main temple building houses the Mahabodhi statue of Lord Buddha. The statue is made of black stone and stands 5 meters tall. The statue represents Lord Buddha in a sitting position with his right hand touching the earth.

6. The Mahabodhi Temple Complex

The Mahabodhi Temple Complex consists of several structures and monuments, including the main temple building, the Vajrasana or Diamond Throne, the Animeshlocha Stupa, the Chankramana Path, the Lotus Pond, the Ratnachakrama or Jewel Walk, the Ajapala Nigrodha Tree, the Muchalinda Lake, and the Sujata Village.

7. The Mahabodhi Temple Wall

The Mahabodhi Temple Wall is made of red sandstone and surrounds the temple complex. The wall is 7 feet tall and has 4 gateways. The wall has carvings and inscriptions from different periods.

8. The Vajrasana or Diamond Throne

The Vajrasana or Diamond Throne is the seat of enlightenment where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment.

9. The Buddha Statue

The Buddha Statue in the main temple building is made of black stone and stands 5 meters tall. The statue represents Lord Buddha in a sitting position with his right hand touching the earth. This posture is known as the Bhumisparsha Mudra, and it signifies the moment when Lord Buddha attained enlightenment.

10. The Animeshlocha Stupa

The Animeshlocha Stupa is located near the Mahabodhi Tree and is considered to be one of the oldest structures in the temple complex. The stupa is believed to be the spot where Lord Buddha spent the second week after attaining enlightenment.

11. The Chankramana Path

The Chankramana Path is a stone path around the main temple building. The path is believed to be the same path that Lord Buddha walked during the third week after attaining enlightenment. Devotees walk around the path, reciting prayers and mantras.

12. The Lotus Pond

The Lotus Pond is located on the southern side of the main temple building. The pond is said to be the spot where Lord Buddha spent the fifth week after attaining enlightenment. The pond is surrounded by lotus flowers and is a serene spot for meditation.

13. The Ratnachakrama or Jewel Walk

The Ratnachakrama or Jewel Walk is a raised platform around the main temple building. The platform is adorned with a decorative design of lotus petals, and it is believed that Lord Buddha walked on this platform during the fourth week after attaining enlightenment.

14. The Ajapala Nigrodha Tree

The Ajapala Nigrodha Tree is located near the eastern entrance of the temple complex. The tree is believed to be the spot where Lord Buddha spent the sixth week after attaining enlightenment. The tree is also known as the “Goat Herder’s Banyan” tree.

15. The Muchalinda Lake

The Muchalinda Lake is located on the northern side of the temple complex. The lake is named after the serpent king Muchalinda, who protected Lord Buddha from a storm while he was meditating. The lake is a popular spot for meditation and prayer.

16. The Sujata Village

The Sujata Village is located near the temple complex and is believed to be the place where Sujata, a young girl, offered rice milk pudding to Lord Buddha before he attained enlightenment. The village has a shrine dedicated to Sujata.

17. The Japanese Temple

The Japanese Temple is located within the temple complex and was built by the Japanese government as a symbol of friendship between India and Japan. The temple has a beautiful garden and houses a statue of Lord Buddha.

18. The Thai Temple

The Thai Temple is located within the temple complex and was built by the Thai government. The temple has a beautiful architecture and houses a statue of Lord Buddha.

19. The Tibetan Temple

The Tibetan Temple is located within the temple complex and was built by the Tibetan government. The temple has a unique architecture and houses a statue of Lord Buddha.

20. Conclusion

Bodhgaya Mahabodhi Temple is a place of great significance for Buddhists around the world. The temple complex is a fine example of Indian brickwork architecture and houses several structures and monuments, including the Mahabodhi Tree, the main temple building, the Animeshlocha Stupa, the Chankramana Path, the Lotus Pond, the Ratnachakrama, and the Muchalinda Lake. The temple complex also has shrines built by various countries, including Japan, Thailand, and Tibet. A visit to Bodhgaya Mahabodhi Temple is not only a religious pilgrimage but also an opportunity to witness the rich cultural heritage of India.

FAQs

What is Bodhgaya Mahabodhi Temple?

Bodhgaya Mahabodhi Temple is a Buddhist temple complex located in the Indian state of Bihar. It is the place where Lord Buddha is believed to have attained enlightenment.

When was Bodhgaya Mahabodhi Temple built?

The temple complex was first built in the 3rd century BCE by Emperor Ashoka. However, the current structures were built during the Gupta period in the 5th and 6th centuries CE.

What is the significance of the Mahabodhi Tree?

The Mahabodhi Tree is the spot where Lord Buddha is believed to have attained enlightenment. It is also the oldest living tree in India and a symbol of the Buddhist faith.

Can non-Buddhists visit Bodhgaya Mahabodhi Temple?

Yes, Bodhgaya Mahabodhi Temple is open to people of all faiths. However, visitors are expected to show respect for the religious sentiments of the Buddhist community.

What are some other attractions near Bodhgaya Mahabodhi Temple?

Other attractions near Bodhgaya Mahabodhi Temple include the Great Buddha Statue, the Dungeshwari Cave Temples, and the Barabar Caves.