BODHAGAYA

It is the most important Buddhist pilgrimage destination in the world. The holiest among holy places is Bodhgaya, where the quest of Prince Siddarth was fulfilled after years of seeking the truth and the saga of Buddha began.
He attained the supreme enlightenment and became 'The Buddha', the enlightened one. Thus Buddhism was born here under the 'Peepal Tree'. The Prince had been wandering in search of supreme peace for long six years hither and thither. But it was at Bodhgaya only where his holy mission was achieved.
The focal point is the Mahabodhi Temple, which marks the spot where Buddha attained enlightenment and set out on his life of preaching.
Buddhist from all over the world flock to Bodhgaya, along with non-Buddhists who come to learn about Buddhism and meditation. It is pleasing place to stay a few days.
Mahabodhi Temple is Standing adjacent to a descendant of the original Bodhi tree under which Buddha meditated on the excesses of life and formulated his philosophy of a balanced approach to it, this temple is a pilgrimage for all Buddhists.
The present Bodhi tree is probably the fifth succession of the original Tree under which the Buddha had attained enlightenment.
The architectural effect of Mahabodhi Temple 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 hight of the temple is 170 feet. On the top of the temple there are Chatras which symbolise sovereignty of religion. Four towers on its four corners rise gracefully giving the holy structure a poice and 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 transcedental peace through wisdom, good conduct and disciplined life.
Inside the temple in the main sanctum, on an altar, is a colossal image of Buddha in a 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 guilded by the devotees.
The entire courtyard of the temple is studded with a large number of varities of stupas - Votive, decorative, memorative. These stupas are of all sizes built during the past 2,500 years ago. Most of them are extremely elegant in structural beauty.
Vajrasana the seat of stability. The Buddha supposed to have say in meditation gazing east, under the Bodhi tree, where the Vajrasana, the stone platform is kept.
Ancient Railings which surrounded the temple are of first century BC and are very interesting monuments of the country.
Chakaramana is the marks, the sacred spot of Buddha's meditative perambulations during the third week after pious enlightenment. It is believed that wherever the Buddha put his feet lotus sprang up.
Animeshlochana is believed that the Buddha spent one week here looking towards the great Mahabodhi Tree out of gratitude, without twinkling his eyes.
Ratnagar The Buddha spent one week here, where it is believed that five colours came out of his body.
Lotus Tank The sacred tank where it is believed that Buddha had spent one week