Gaya
is an important Centre of 'Hindu Pilgrimage' where people go to
offer oblations for the salvation of their dead forefathers. Bodh
Gaya is situated near the river Niranjana (Phalgu)12 kms. from Gaya
and 112 km from Patna . It is one of the holiest Buddhist centers.
This is the place where Gautama meditated and attained enlightenment.
Bodh Gaya "The Land of Enlightenment of Buddha" is the
place where Prince Gautama attained enlightenment and came to be
known as Lord Buddha. Bodh Gaya was the place where his holy mission
was achieved.
Tourist
Destinations:
» The
Bodhi Tree
At
the western side of the Mahabodhi Stupa in Bodhgaya stands the large
and historic Bodhi Tree under which Shakyamuni Buddha, then known
as Gautama, attained enlightenment some 2540 years ago. Gautama,
had been practicing austerities for six years in the area of the
Niranjana River near Bodhgaya.
» Mahabodhi
Temple
The
Mahabodhi Temple stands east to the Bodhi Tree. Its architectural
effect is superb. The height of the temple is 170 feet and on the
top of the temple are Chatras which symbolise sovereignty of religion.
Four towers on its four corners rise gracefully giving the holy
sturcture a poise and balance.
» Pretshila
Hill
This
hill is about 10 kms from the Ramshila hill and just below the hill
is the Brahma Kund. After taking bath in this pond people go for
the Pind Dan involving performance of some religious rites and rituals.
This is done for peace of the departed soul of the ancestor. The
temple is an attraction for the tourists due to its unique architecture
and magnificent sculptures.
» Surya
Kund
West
of the Vishnu temple is the pond, Surya Kund. Here in the Hindu
months of chaitya (March-April) and Kartikya (September-October)
the festival of Sun God is held and a fair is also organized on
these occasions at the Kund.
» Museum
There
is a large collection of stone sculptures and other artifacts in
this museum maintained by The Archaeological survey of India . The
bronze statues in the museum are very attractive. It also has a
small collection of Buddha statues and pillars.
» How
to reach Gaya
Air
: The nearest airport is the Patna airport, 105 Km from Bodhgaya.
Rail : The nearest Railway station is Gaya at 16 Km. Gaya is a major
railhead and is connected to the rest of India.
Road : Bodhgaya is connected by road to Gaya(16 Km) and Patna (105
Km).
