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BUDDHIST SITES |
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BUDDHIST DESTINATION |
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| BODHGAYA |
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| Bodhgaya is one of the spiritual places in India where the historical Buddha became enlightened some 2500 years ago. Presently, it is a holy place for the Buddhists as well as for the Hindus. Here, under the Bodhi Tree, Gautama has gained supreme knowledge to become Budhha, the `Enlighted One'.
With the popularity of Buddhism culture to various parts of the world, Bodh gaya is famed as a Buddhist shrine spread far and wide. One can visit thousands of Buddhist pilgrims ranging from China, Myanmar, Tibet, Thailand, Japan and other countries.
It is the holiest place for the Buddhist and an incredible part of India's Buddhist where one will find Buddha sprawling temple, known as Mahabodhi Temple, a perfect idol of Buddha. It is spotted with high spire and the walls have carved or painted portraying various incidents from the life of the Buddha. Another thing in this city is quite most popular that is a museum which has bronze, gold and stone idols of Buddha. |
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| Bodhgaya Attractions |
Mahabodhi temple :
The temple is an immense attraction to the Buddhists, and stands near the Maha Bodhi tree under which Tathagat, or Gautama attained enlightenment. The total height of the temple is 170 ft. Its basement is 48 square feet and it rises in the form of a slender Pyramid till it reaches its neck, which is cylindrical in shape. It is a must visit not only due to its importance but also for the architecture and the art objects. The Shiva Lingam inside the temple was installed on 9th century beginning, is a splendid piece of sculpture.
Mahabodhi Tree :
The tree is considered holy since Lord Buddha attained enlightenment under it , it is probably the fifth succession of the original tree. Anyone, who likes an ambience of serenity, would understand this place's surroundings to be perfectly weathered for meditation.
Vajrasana :
The stone platform, where Lord Buddha sat in meditation while he attained enlightenment is known as Vajrasana. The place is restricted for any tourist activity on it; however, even the sight doesn't fail to excite the spirituality of the watcher.
Rajgir :
Rajgir (80 kms) was the capital of the mighty Magadhas, described in Mahabharata, during the 6th century BC. It is one of the most important tourist places in India. Being located in a valley, Rajgir is a very scenic place. The attractions include the Ajatshatru fort, Shanti Stupa, Venu van, Karanda tank, Sonbhandar caves, Bhimbisar jail, Gridhkuta and hot water springs and the forestry. There is an aerial ropeway for adding charm to the tour.
Nalanda :
96 kms from Bodhgaya, The place where an ancient university, famous all over the world existed, which is 62 km from Bodhgaya and 90 km south of Patna. In this first residential international university of the world, 2,000 teachers and 10,000 monks students from all over the Buddhist world lived and studied here. Nalanda is a place to understand the cultural richness of India during 5th century AD. The excavations have revealed some very interesting facts regarding the ancient university, and the artifacts obtained are naturally a must for every visitor.
Gaya :
Gaya is a Hindu pilgrimage place. Gaya is 102 ms rom Patna and 17 kms from Bodhagaya Bihar. Gaya is one of the most sacred Hindu destinations. The Vishnu temple is the central pilgrimage centre and people believe it has been constructed on the footprints of Lord Vishnu. Hindus believe that if a person's last rites are performed in Gaya, the soul attains Moksha, so thousands come here to offer the last rites and funerary offerings for their ancestors, every year. Main attraction is Vishnupad temple.
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| How to Reach |
By Air : Patna is the nearest airport with regular flights to Delhi, Ranchi, Lucknow, Calcutta, Chennai, Mumbai. Calcutta, 482 km, has an international airport.
By Rail : Gaya is the nearest railway station. Several superfast as well as express trains are available from Gaya. Gaya is on the main Delhi to Calcutta line and there are direct trains to Delhi, Calcutta, Varanasi, Puri and Patna.
By Road : Bihar State Road Transport Corporation (SRTC) has bus services to Gaya, Patna, Nalanda and Rajgir. The main bus stand is opposite the Mahabodhi Temple. Private buses and taxis are also easily available.
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