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Mahabodhi Temple: Enlightenment's Abode

Discover the sacred site of Buddha's enlightenment, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a beacon of spiritual awakening in Bodh Gaya, India.

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The Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, India, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site marking the place where Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, is said to have attained enlightenment. The temple complex, with its towering brick structure and serene atmosphere, is a major pilgrimage destination for Buddhists worldwide.

A brief summary to Mahabodhi Temple

  • Monday 5 am-9 pm
  • Tuesday 5 am-9 pm
  • Wednesday 5 am-9 pm
  • Thursday 5 am-9 pm
  • Friday 5 am-9 pm
  • Saturday 5 am-9 pm
  • Sunday 5 am-9 pm

Local tips

  • Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, as this is a sacred site.
  • Remove your shoes before entering the main shrine.
  • Maintain silence and respect the sanctity of the temple.
  • Leave cell phones and electronic devices at the free baggage counter at the entrance to maintain the peace within the temple.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Mahabodhi Temple is centrally located in Bodh Gaya and is easily accessible on foot from most hotels and guesthouses in the town. From the main road, follow the signs leading to the temple. Be aware of the vendors and pilgrims along the way. The temple entrance is clearly marked.

  • Public Transport

    If arriving in Bodh Gaya by bus, the bus stand is a short auto-rickshaw ride away from the Mahabodhi Temple. Hire an auto-rickshaw for approximately INR 30-50 and ask to be dropped off at the temple entrance. Buses are available from Gaya, Patna, and other nearby cities.

  • Taxi

    Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available from Gaya Airport (GAY) and Gaya Junction Railway Station. A taxi from the airport to the Mahabodhi Temple costs approximately INR 749-2500. From Gaya Junction, expect to pay around INR 400-600. Parking is available near the temple, but it can get crowded.

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Discover more about Mahabodhi Temple

The Mahabodhi Temple, located in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, stands as one of the most sacred sites for Buddhists around the world. It marks the very spot where Siddhartha Gautama, after years of spiritual seeking, is said to have attained enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree, becoming the Buddha. The temple's history stretches back to the 3rd century BCE when Emperor Ashoka, a convert to Buddhism, built the first shrine here. The current temple structure largely dates from the Gupta period (5th-6th centuries CE), with subsequent renovations and restorations. The temple's architecture has influenced Buddhist temple design across Asia. The central tower rises 55 meters (180 feet) and is surrounded by four smaller towers constructed in the same style. Stone railings, some dating back to 150 BCE, surround the temple. The Mahabodhi Temple complex includes several significant sites : * **The Bodhi Tree:** A descendant of the original tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment. * **Vajrasana (Diamond Throne):** A stone platform marking the exact spot where the Buddha meditated. * **Meditation Park:** A serene garden for meditation. Today, the Mahabodhi Temple continues to be a vibrant center for Buddhist practice and pilgrimage. Monks, scholars, and devotees from all over the world visit the temple to pray, meditate, and study the Buddha's teachings.

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