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Mahabodhi
Temple: The temple stands in the east
to the Bodhi Tree. Its architectural effect is superb. Its basement is
48 square feet and it rises in the form of a slender Pyramid till it
reaches its neck, which is cylindrical in shape. The total height of the
temple is 170 ft. and on the top of the temple are Chatras which
symbolize sovereignty of religion. Four towers on its corners rise
gracefully giving the holy structure a poise balance. This sacred
edifice is like a grand banner unfurled by time to proclaim to the world
the pious efforts of the Buddha to solve the knots of human miseries, to
ascend above worldly problems and to attain transcendental peace through
wisdom, good conduct and disciplined life.
Inside the temple, in the main sanctum,
there is a colossal image of the Buddha in sitting posture touching the
earth by his right hand. In this posture the Buddha accomplished the
supreme enlightenment. The statue is of black stone but it has been
guilder by the devotees. The entire courtyard of the temple is studded
with large number of votive stupas. These stupas are of all sizes built
during the past 2500 years ago. Most of them are extremely elegant in
structural beauty. The ancient railings, which surround the temple, are
of the first century BC and are among the very interesting monuments of
the century.
Animesh Lochan Chaitya:
It is believed that the Buddha spent one week here looking towards the
great Bodhi tree out of gratitude, without twinkling his eyes.
Bodhi
Tree: The present Bodhi Tree is
probably the fifth succession of the original tree under which the
Buddha had attained enlightenment. Vajrasana, the seat of stability, is
a stone platform on which the Buddha is supposed to have sat in
meditation gazing east, under the Bodhi tree.
Chankramana: This
marks the sacred spot of the Buddha's meditative perambulations during
the third week after pious enlightenment. It is believed that wherever
the Buddha put his feet lotus sprang up.
Ratnagarh: The Buddha
spent one week here, where it is believed that five colors came out of
his body.
Other
Treasures of Bodhgaya: 80 ft Statue of
the Buddha, Lotus Tank, Buddha Kund, Rajayatana, Brahm Yoni, Chinese
Temple & Monastery, Burmese Temple, Buddhist Monastery of Bhutan,
International Buddhist House & Japanese Temple, Thai Temple & Monastery,
Tibetan Monastery, Archaeological Museum. Sujata village (2 kms),
Dungeshwari Hill (Prag bodhi) (22 kms by road), Maitraya Project (3 kms).
Sun Temple
(32 km): It is a famous temple of the
Sun God at Deo and has a beautiful architecture similar to the Konark
Temple in Orissa. This place is famous for the 'Chhat' festival which is
held in the month of October-November.
Pretshila
Hill (12 km, Gaya): This hill adds to
the beauty of Gaya. It is about 10 kms from the Ramshila hill. Just
below the hill is the Brahma Kund. After taking bath in this pond people
go for the 'Pind Dan' which involves performance
of religious rites and offering donations and charity for the peace of
souls of one's parents and ancestors. On top of the hill the Queen of
Indore, Ahilya Bai, built a temple in 1787popularly known as Ahilya Bai
Temple. This temple has always been an attraction for the tourists due
to its unique architecture and magnificent sculptures.
Vishnupad Temple (12km, at Gaya):
In 1787 Queen Ahilya Bai built the Vishnu temple on the banks of river
Falgu. The temple has some great architecture and design which attracts
devotees and tourists alike. A 30-meter high octagonal tower overshadows
this temple.
Barabar Caves (41 km):
It is an important archaeological site. The caves carved out from solid
rocks bear details of the life of the Buddha. The interior of these
caves is chiseled to a wonderful polish. The carvings in the caves
reflect the skill with which these caves were carved out. These caves
were built in the 3rd century and are fine examples of the skill which
the Indian mansion had attained at that time. These caves of Mauryan
period are rightly considered to be the origin of Indian cave
architecture. It was here in these caves where the Buddha had meditated
for some time and concluded that the ultimate knowledge can not be
attained through mortification of the flesh.
Other Excursions: Dungeshwari
(12 km), Muchalinda Lake (3 km), Gaya (12 km), Rajgir (80 km), Nalanda
(96 km), Pawapuri (114 km).

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