Bodhgaya Travel Guide

Bodhgaya Temple - Bodhgaya



The Vajra Throne - Bodhgaya

Archaeological Museum At Bodh Gaya: In the Bodh Gaya complex one should not miss the archaeological museum that houses the relics of the old temple, sculptures and objects excavated from the site.

The best time to visit the place is during winter when thousands of Buddhists from all over the world pour in.
The Dalai Lama, spiritual and temporal head of the Tibetans, migrates to Bodh Gaya and takes up residence for two months. The environment is phenomenally calm and quiet. The extremely disciplined monks robed in various colours (Tibetans in burgundy, Sri Lankans in saffron, Burmese in amber, Japanese in black) contribute to this atmosphere of mysticism and an almost tangible love for mankind.
Buddha's message preached thousand of years age can still be seen and felt. Chantings echo. "May all beings be happy." (2125 words)

The Exquisite Carvings:
The richly carved massive stone railings around the temple are the oldest remains of Bodh Gaya. The railings with carvings such as sculptured panels, medallions and other ornamental patterns were constructed in two parts. The sandstone part, dating back to the first century B.C., consists of inscriptions while the granite portion, embellished with scenes from Buddha's life, is a later addition of 7th century A.D.

What we see today is a mixture of the original panels and recent reconstructions in its original design. The railings represent the best of the Sunga art and architecture of Bihar. Some of the Jataka scenes are delicately sculptured and as in all periods of high culture, the art lies in the daring, not in the repetition.
The different Rashis have been artistically expressed, besides there are sculptures of Sri Ma and Gajalakhshmi that illustrate the beauty and grace of the female form. In the depiction of Salibhanjika the artist seems to emphasize more on female beauty and its sensuous appeal rather than realistic anatomy. Some of the love scenes are simply impressive.

Entry to the temple is through a Buddhist gateway, on the east, consisting of two ornamental pillars supporting an architrave. At the entrance of the temple hangs a huge bell that is customarily rung by everyone upon entering. Giant lamps illuminate the entrance before the sanctum sanctorum, housing the massive gilded image of Lord Buddha in the earth-touching pose. This is the meditative posture in which he attained enlightenment with one finger touching the earth, calling it to witness his awakening. Steps from either side (now closed) lead to the top chamber which houses a figure of Buddha's mother, Maya Devi. A passage runs round the tower, ornamented with rows of panels with images of Buddha and small shrines containing smaller figures of the Buddha.

Buddhapada: Tradition states that Buddha stayed in Bodh Gaya for seven weeks after his enlightenment. Each week was spent in a different part of the temple complex. The first week was spent under the Bodhi tree. For the next seven days he remained standing and gazing uninterruptedly at the tree for having helped him in his quest. This spot is marked by Animeshlocha Stupa (unblinking shrine) in the north east which houses a standing figure of the Buddha with his eyes fixed towards the tree. The third week was spent in meditation, walking to and fro from the tree to the unblinking shrine spot.