Bodh Gaya/ 2023 Attractions - Tourist Places To Visit In Bodh Gaya/ 2023

Mahabodhi Temple is a Buddhist shrine and is revered as it is considered the place where Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment. On the west is the eternal bodhi tree. It has Dravidian architectural style. King Asoka is credited as the founder of the Mahabodhi Temple.

It is undoubtedly one of the initial Buddhist temples built entirely in brick that is still standing in its original form. Mahabodhi Temple's central tower is 55 metres in height and was renovated during 19th century. Four smaller towers, constructed in the same style, surround the central tower.

The Mahabodhi Temple is bordered on all four sides by stone railings, close to two metres in height. Some railings showcase lotuses while many railings symbolise Indian gods and goddesses, such as Surya, Lakshmi and so on.

The Bodhi tree at the Mahabodhi Temple is also referred to as Sri Maha Bodhi. The tree is revered, as Buddhist texts affirm that Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment under this tree. After his enlightenment, his heart was flooded with gratitude for the Bodhi tree.

Many rulers have attempted to destroy the tree, but it is believed that the Bodhi tree has successfully blossomed after every such attempt. The present tree is probably the fifth succession of the original Bodhi tree.

Gaya is one of the most important pilgrimage places for the Hindus because it is blessed with the Vishnupad Temple. It is believed that the temple was built around the 40 cm long footprints of Lord Vishnu known as Dharmasila, which is incised into a block of basalt in the centre surrounded by a silver-plated basin. The temple is 220 years old and is situated along the river Falgu.

Legend says that after pushing demon Gayasur, by his right foot, below the surface of earth, Lord Vishnu’s footprint remained on the surface providing the roots for the temple’s establishment. One of the rulers of Indore rebuilt the temple though its original date of construction is unknown.

The enchanting Dungeshwari Cave temples, also known as the Mahakala Caves, are deeply revered and make for a soulful spot. Tourist comes to Dungeshwari Cave in the pursuit of peace and quietude.

The cave temples are the place where Gautam Buddha served his penance, before proceeding to Bodhgaya, where he finally attained enlightenment. It comprises of three main caves containing Hindu and Buddhist shrines.

The major caves of the Barabar hill are broadly four in number. Lomas Rishi cave has an arch-like frontage and has extensive timber architecture. The doorway is adorned by a row of elephants proceeding towards stupa emblems along the curvature of the cave.

The Sudama cave was dedicated by Mauryan Emperor, Ashoka in 261 BC. Its arches are bow shaped and consist of a domed chamber in the midst of a rectangular mandapa. Karna Chaupar is a single room with polished surfaces and could be dated back to 245 BC. Visva Zopri consists of two rectangular rooms.

Dating back to the Mauryan Empire, the Barabar Caves are the oldest surviving rock-cut caves in the country. Most caves at Barabar have two chambers, carved wholly out of granite, with an exceedingly polished internal surface and an echo effect.

The four major caves are Karan Chaupar, Lomas Rishi, Sudama and Visva Zopri, each of which has magnanimous arches, very rare in ancient times. The caves are a fine example of rock-cut architecture.

Jama Masjid of Bodhgaya is the largest mosque in Bihar. The Muzaffarpur royal family constructed it almost 180 years ago. A large number of people unite at the mosque to offer their prayers and it is a centre of Tabligh in Bihar.