Mahabodhi Temple, Bodh Gaya

The Mahabodhi Temple, one of the few surviving examples of early brick structures in India, has had significant influence in the development of architecture over the centuries. balustrades, and the memorial column. The present temple is one of the earliest and most imposing structures built entirely from brick in the late Gupta period. The sculpted stone balustrades are an outstanding early example of sculptural reliefs in stone.

The Temple Complex has direct associations with the life of the Lord Buddha (566-486 BC) as the place where in 531 BC he attained the supreme and perfect insight while seated under the Bodhi Tree. It provides exceptional records for the events associated with his life and for subsequent worship, particularly since Emperor Asoka made a pilgrimage to this spot around 260 BC and built the first temple at the site of the Bodhi Tree. The Mahabodhi Temple Complex is located in the very heart of the city of Bodh Gaya. The site consists of the main temple and six sacred places within an enclosed area, and a seventh one, the Lotus Pond, just outside the enclosure to the south.

The most important of the sacred places is the giant Bodhi Tree (Ficus religiosa ). This tree is to the west of the main temple and is supposed to be a direct descendant of the original Bodhi Tree under which the Buddha spent his First Week and where he had his enlightenment. To the north of the central path, on a raised area, is the Animeshlochan Chaitya (prayer hall) where the Buddha is believed to have spent the Second Week. The Buddha spent the Third Week walking 18 paces back and forth in an area called Ratnachakrama (Jewelled Ambulatory), which lies near the north wall of the main temple. The spot where he spent the Fourth Week is Ratnaghar Chaitya, located to the north-east near the enclosure wall. Immediately after the steps of the east entrance on the central path there is a pillar which marks the site of the Ajapala Nigrodh Tree, under which Buddha meditated during his Fifth Week, answering the queries of Brahmins. He spent the Sixth Week next to the Lotus Pond to the south of the enclosure, and the Seventh Week under the Rajyatana Tree currently marked by a tree.

Mahabodhi Temple History
The original structure was made primarily of brick, covered with stucco, which is not a very durable base when compared to stone. Nonetheless, the original structure has impressively survived many years, against the odds of its lifeline. In fact, it is one of the oldest and most imposing structures made entirely out of brick standing from the Gupta period.

Given the centuries that have passed since its construction, it is bound to be affected by the new environment and inevitable wear and tear. In 1883, a very detailed and thorough scientific renovation was carried out on the temple, under the guidance of the famous British archaeologist, Sir A. Cunningham, J. D. M Beglar and renowned Indian archaeologist Dr Rajendra Lal Mitra. Subsequently, on the occasion of the 2500th Buddha Jayanti celebrations, the Government of India undertook further repairs of the ancient temple and expanded its premises. Hence, the temple has undergone several restorations, renovations and repairs in the interest of retaining its unparalleled beauty.

How To Reach Mahabodhi Temple
The nearest railway station to the Mahabodhi temple is Gaya Railway Station, at a distance of 16 km. You can take an auto from here to the temple, and it will cost you approximately INR 80 to INR 120. There is rarely a shortage of auto rickshaws, so bargaining is not just possible but is advised. Taking a bus to the Gaya Bus Stand, which is only 12.4 km away is also a convenient and pocket-friendly option. You can even hail taxis and autos from anywhere around the city, and you will not have a problem locating this extremely popular attraction at all.