Bodhgaya
is one of the most important and sacred Buddhist pilgrimage center
in the world. It was here under a banyan tree, the Bodhi Tree,
Gautama attained supreme knowledge to become Buddha,the Enlightened
One. Born; in the foothills of the Himalayas as a Sakya prince of
Kapilvastu (now in Nepal), most of the major events of his life,
like enlightenment and last sermon, happened in Bihar. Buddhism as a
religion was really born in Bihar and evolved here through his
preaching and the example of his lifestyle of great simplicity,
renunciation and empathy for everything living. Significantly, the
state's name of 'Bihar' originated from 'Vihara' meaning monasteries
which abounded in Bihar. Several centuries after Buddha's passing
away, the Maurya Emperor Ashoka (234-198 BC) contributed
tremendously towards the revival, consolidation and spread of the
original religion. It is the monasteries, Ashoka built for the
Buddhist monks and the pillars known as Ashokan Pillars erected to
commemorate innumerable historical sites associated with the
Buddha's life, mostly intact to this day, that helped scholars and
pilgrims alike to trace the life events and preaching of a truly
extraordinary man. There is a magnificent Mahabodhi temple and the
Tree from the original sapling still stands in the temple premises.
The temple is an architectural amalgamation of many centuries,
cultures and heritages. While its architecture has a distinct stamp
of the Gupta era, it has later ages inscriptions describing visits
of pilgrims from Sri Lanka, Myanmar and China between 7th and 10th
century AD. It is perhaps still the same temple Hieuen Tsang visited
in 7th century.
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.
Gaya - Situated just 13 Km from Bodhgaya,
Gaya is another highly sacred place for Hindus. You will find a
slightly different scenes than Bodhgaya. Gaya is densely populated
and full of noise and excitement. Hindus come here to offer oblation
for salvation of their dead parents and forefathers in the huge and
magnificent Vishnupad Temple. Though it is splendid to look at, Non
Hindus are not allowed to enter the temple premises.
Temples And Monasteries - Around the big Mahabodhi Temple,
there are a number of modern monasteries belonging to different
countries. The monasteries give the area around the Mahabodhi temple
a splendid atmosphere of peace and calm. The most magnificent of all
is the Thai Temple which, with its splendid roof and aura, dominates
the premises. Another important monastery is the Gelugpa Tibetan
Monastery. Every year from November till February, hundred of
Tibetans come to Godhgaya who make a complete setup of a market with
restaurants and cafes. The other Tibetan Monastery of Kagyu sect is
further west and is famous for its spacious main prayer hall
decorated with beautiful murals, Lord Buddha Images and a large
Dharma Chakra, 'Wheel of Law'. Sakya sect and Nyingma sect too have
their representation in Bodhgaya. There are temples belonging to
Nepal, Bhutan and China as well.
