About Bodhgaya
Bodhgaya,
located centrally in the state of Bihar, is one of the most popular
pilgrimage centres of the Buddhists. The place boasts of its historical
treasures that are a proud of the country of India. The Mahabodhi Temple is
the key attraction of the town. The town has its associations with Buddhism
since time immemorial. Bodhgaya has a population of about 25,585 and stands
on the western banks of the Falgu river. Myriad of tourists and visitors
arrive here to have a glimpse of the century-old miracles. Bhojpuri, Hindi
and English are the main languages of the people.
Climate
Bodhgaya experiences a tropical climate. Summers are extremely hot and the
temperature during the season rises to a maximum of 48 degrees centigrade.
Summer extends from April to June. October to February are the winter
months. During these months temperature drops down to a low of 10 degrees
centigrade or even less than that. October to March is the ideal time to
visit.
Major Attractions
» The Mahabodhi Temple - The Mahabodhi Temple is
the place where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. About 250 years after
the enlightenment, king Ashoka paid a visit to the site and erected the
temple in remembrance of the event. Ashoka built the Diamond Throne that
enshrines the Vajrasana. Vajrasana is a stone representation of the seat of
enlightenment.
» The Bodhi Tree - The Bodhi Tree is an ancient
Peepal tree under which Lord Buddha meditated for seven days after the
attainment of enlightenment. Innumerable sacred trees in India are
originally brought up from the seeds of this ancient Bodhi Tree.
» The Muchilinda Lake - The Muchilinda Lake is the
place where Lord Buddha was provided a shelter during a fatal storm. It was
Muchalinga, the multi-hooded snake king that gave protection to Buddha.
» The Ajapala Nirgodha Tree - The Ajapala Nirgodha
Tree is also a very sacred spot. This is the place where Lord Buddha was
offered Kheer(rice-milk preparation) by Sujata.
Shopping
Bodhgaya has numerous shopping stalls selling Buddha memorabilia. There are
also several decorative items relating to Buddha's life. Various metal items
and sandalwood beads are on sale all around. There are no big market places
in Bodhgaya though.
Accommodation
There are ample accommodation facilities in Bodhgaya. There are hotels,
monasteries, guest houses and dormitories. The Siddhartha Lumbini Hotel is a
3-star hotel on the Great Buddha Statue Road. The hotel provides facilities
like conference halls, restaurants, A/C rooms with attached bath, Channel
music, close circuit TVetc. The Siddhartha International stands on the
Station Road. The hotel caters services like 24-hour room services, A/C
rooms with attached bath, hot/cold water, laundry, bar, doctor on call,
travel agent,safe deposit etc. Cuisine from Indian to Chinese to Continental
is offered here.
North
India States
