Mahabodhi Temple in Bodhgaya
Mahabodhi Temple in Bodhgaya is one of the four sacred places representing the life of Lord Buddha. It is in Bodhgaya that Lord Buddha became enlightened by doing intense meditation under a Bodhi tree. In the 3rd century B.C, Emperor Asoka built the first temple, and today’s temple dates from the 5th or 6th centuries.
Mahabodhi Temple was a previously built Buddhist Temple; whole in brick still exists in India from the late Gupta period. It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the year 2002. Thousands of people visit this temple every year.
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Location Mahabodhi Temple
Mahabodhi Temple Complex, Bodhgaya, Bihar – 824231, India.
Mahabodhi Temple Timings and the Entrance Fees
The Mahabodhi Temple complex opens at morning 5 am and closes at 9 pm. No need to take an entry ticket for the temple Darshan.
However, the price for cameras is Rs 100 and video cameras are for Rs 300. One can enter the meditation park from sunrise till sunset by paying a small entry fee around Rs 20.
There is a 30-minute chanting session in this temple at 5.30 am and 6 pm. To maintain peace within the temple premises, visitors have to leave their mobile phones and other electronic devices at the free baggage counter near the entrance.
Dress Code to Enter Mahabodhi Temple
There is no special dress code at this temple. As it is a place of worship, visitors should dress modestly and leave their phones at the baggage counter. You can use cameras inside the temple by paying a fee. Remove the footwear while entering into the temple.
How to Reach Mahabodhi Temple
Gaya Airport located at a distance of 12 km has rare direct flights from the city of Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai. Patna, 140 km away is the nearest airport for visitors coming from other main Indian cities. From Patna, it takes 3-4 hours to reach the temple.
The train is an easy means of transport to reach Bodhgaya. Gaya, the closest railway station is well-linked with Patna, New Delhi, Varanasi, Puri and other places in Bihar. It takes two and a half hours from Patna to reach Bodhgaya by train.
People can also visit Bodhgaya as a part of the pilgrimage to other Buddhist spots across the nation. Indian Railways had also come up with a special train known as ‘Mahaparinirvan Express Buddhist Tourist Train’ for the ease of the tourists. The other option to get over Bodhgaya is by hiring a car with 6 hours travelling.
Best Time to Visit Mahabodhi Temple Bodhgaya
In Bodhgaya, the pilgrimage season begins in the month of September and reaches a peak in January. The best time to explore this temple is from November to February. Try to avoid traveling during the monsoon season (June to September) due to heavy rains at this place. Summers are hot but still, Bodhgaya attracts many tourists due to the Buddha Jayanti celebrations (late April or May) held over here.
Some Other Interesting Facts Bodhgaya Mahabodhi Temple
It is believed that Gautam Buddha achieved enlightenment at Bodhgaya. By sitting under a peepul tree, the young prince Siddharta (later called as Gautam Buddha) got all the answers after meditating for 3 days and 3 nights.
Mahabodhi Temple was the first Buddhist temple to be erected entirely in brick by Emperor Asoka in 260 BC. Its architecture was world-famous for being one of the oldest brick structures in Eastern India.
In June 2002, this temple was formally announced as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From that time onwards, all its religious artifacts are legally preserved.
Besides a huge structure, the temple complex has various interesting places like the Bodhi tree (where Buddha actually received enlightenment), the lotus pond, and several old stupas. The seven weeks Buddha has spent time at these places.
The main tower of the Mahabodhi Temple has a height of 55 m. This temple has restored many times throughout the 19th century and 4 smaller towers surround this complex.
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