* Bodh Gaya, a pilgrimage site located 100 kilometers from Patna, the capital of Bihar, is a significant place. In ancient times, this place, now known as Bodh Gaya, was called Uruvela, Mahabodhi, Sambodhi, or Vajrasana. Bodh Gaya is famous for the Mahabodhi Temple and the place where Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. UNESCO has included Bodh Gaya as a World Heritage Site. King Ashoka built the temple.
* Bodh Gaya is filled with pilgrims from all over India and abroad throughout the year, who come to offer their respects at the monasteries, temples, and the remains of the Bodhi tree. Therefore, many foreign countries, including Japan and China, have helped the Indian government to provide facilities for Buddhist pilgrims. Buddhists consider Bodh Gaya the holiest city in the world because Lord Buddha attained enlightenment here. Gaya is a small city situated on the banks of the Falgu River.
* Buddha was born as a prince in 593 BC. His name was Prince Siddhartha. Siddhartha renounced worldly possessions at the age of 29 in search of eternal truth. He traveled far and wide. Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree after rigorous penance. It is said that the day Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment was the full moon day of the month of Vaishakh, so this day is celebrated with great pomp every year, and millions of devotees come. Bodh Gaya, formerly known as Uruvela, was situated on the banks of the Niranjana River.
* Gautam Buddha was freed from desires, hatred, and illusions upon attaining enlightenment, thus achieving knowledge or Buddhahood. The tree under which he attained enlightenment is the famous Bodhi tree. Over time, the number of his followers increased, and this place became a pilgrimage site. Emperor Ashoka was one of his greatest disciples. He built the famous Mahabodhi Temple. Around the 13th century, many temples were built in the holy village. Due to political upheavals, the city remained underdeveloped for many centuries. Some development of the city took place after British rule. Over time, this place has undergone changes. The Mahabodhi Temple is also known as the Great Awakening Temple. Lord Buddha is considered the ninth incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
* The Bodh Gaya Temple is spread over an area of 4.8 hectares and is 55 meters long. The original temple was built by Emperor Ashoka in search of peace and solitude after war and victory. The great Emperor Ashoka visited Bodh Gaya in 290 BC. The architecture and peace of this temple mesmerize tourists. Here, monks and devotees are seen prostrating countless times to the tree.
* The Great Buddha Statue located here is the statue of Lord Buddha. The height of the beautiful statue of Lord Buddha is 80 feet. It is considered the tallest in India. This impressive statue was installed by the 14th Dalai Lama in 1989. The meditating Lord Buddha is resting on a large lotus. It is made using intricately carved sandstone and red granite. Since Bodh Gaya experiences a lot of heat, it is advisable to avoid going from April to June. The best time to visit Bodh Gaya is from October to February.
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