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Vajrasana : Vajrasana -the stone
platform is situated below the Bodhi tree. This is the place where
Lord Budhha performed his penance. This spot is described as the
centre of the Universe, where Buddha spent seven weeks. On the spots
where Buddha spent seven weeks, seven shrines have been built by
Buddhist devout from several countries.
Chankaramana : Chankaramana, marks the sacred place
of the Buddha’s meditative perambulations, during the third week
after enlightenment. It is said that wherever Lord Buddha put his feet
lotus sprang up.
Arimeshlochana : Arimeshlochana is believed to the
spot where Lord Buddha spent one week looking towards the Mahabodhi
tree out of gratitude, without twinkling his eyes.
Ratnagar : Lord Buddha spent one week here, it is
believed that five colours came out of his body.
Muchilinda Lake : This is the place where Lord
Buddha was provided a shelter during a fatal storm. Muchalinga, was
the multi-hooded snake king, who provided protection to Buddha.
Ajapala Nirgodha Tree : The Ajapala Nirgodha Tree,
is also a very sacred spot. Here Lord Buddha was offered
Kheer(rice-milk preparation) by Sujata.
The Mohanta's Monastery : The monastery is situated
right next to the Mahabodhi Temple.
The Tibetan Mahayana Monastery : The monastery is
famous for housing large Dharma Chakra, or wheel of law. It is
believed that one will be freed of sin, if he spins this wheel three
times in succession from left to right.
Other Temples and Monasteries : Besides the
Mahabodhi temple, several other temples and monasteries have been
built by the people of Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, China, Japan,
Mynamar, Nepal and Thailand etc. These temples and monasteries reflect
the architecture, decoration and idols of their respective countries.
How to Reach Bodhgaya
Air : Gaya (12 Kms) and Patna (135 Kms) are the
nearest airports from Bodhgaya.
Rail : Gaya railway station is the nearest
railhead, which is connected to Delhi, Kolkata, Puri, Varanasi and
Patna.
Road : Bodhgaya is connected to Patna and other
nearby towns with good motorable roads. The buses of Bihar State Road
Transport Corporation run from Bodhgaya to Patna, Nalanada and Rajgir.
Accommodation
The hotels, monasteries, guest houses and dormitories, offer plenty
of accommodation options, at Bodhgaya. Famous hotels are Siddhartha
Lumbini Hotel, Siddhartha International etc.
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Mahabodhi temple is situated at the place where Lord Buddha attained
enlightenment. It is said that Emperor Ashok, built this temple when he
visited Bodhgaya 250 years, after Buddha’s enlightenment. The temple
has a 170 feet (50 metre) high tower, with a glided image of Lord Buddha.
The present temple was restored by Sir Alexander Cunningham, in 1883. A
beautiful stone railing encircles the temple, while the walls of the
temple are carved with the scenes from Buddha’s life. Some of the
portions of south and west railings are very old, and some parts of the
railing are reproductions. A huge image of Buddha stands in the inner
sanctuary. In the center of the temple there is a Siva-linga. Mahabodhi
temple is also sacred to the Hindus, because Lord Buddha is the ninth
incarnation of Lord Vishnu. 
Visit
Lavishly built and aesthetically designed temples of South India.
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and explore holy and peaceful temples of North India.
North
India Temple Tour
