by Jane Robert
Bodh Gaya is one of the most holy places on earth, for Buddhism followers all over the world. It is also a must visit place for every spiritualist who seeks enlightenment. It is situated by the banks of river Neranjana. This place was previously known as Urewela and King Ashoka was the first to build a temple in this holy location.
The main temple houses Mahabodhi temple and a descendant of the original Bodhi tree under which the Buddha gained enlightenment. It also has many other monasteries or temples from many other nations with a Buddhist tradition. All are within an easy walking distance from Mahabodhi temple so there is no need to hire a means of transport.
Buddha
Buddha was born in 563 BC in Nepal. He had been dwelling on the banks of river Nairanjana with five ascetic followers for six years who had been practicing austerities. He abandoned austerities after realizing that it could not lead to realization.
He moved towards the village of Senani. While here he under the spreading branches of a nearby tree and prepared for his meditation. Just then a young woman named Sujata who happened to be have been passing, noticed how thin he was She ran quickly to her home and brought him sweet honey and a bowel of milk rice. He was strengthened by this meal and he began his meditation. Having sat there all night he saw the Truth in all its glory.
Since he was no longer the prince of Gautama he had become the awakened One, the Compassionate one, the light of the World, the Buddha Supreme.
- The Buddha spent the next seven weeks near river Uruvela experiencing great enlightenment. He kept moving to a different location every seven days.
- His teachings spread and attracted more followers. Some people began to want to visit the place where their teacher had received enlightenment. The Buddha encouraged these visits since this could arouse faith and nourish the already aroused faith. The Buddhist tradition of pilgrimage began.
- The name Bodh Gaya started to be used in the 18th century.
Plan to visit Bodh Gaya
This place is without a doubt a melting pot of Buddhism and the most revered of all Buddhist sacred sites. As a spiritualist, it is therefore important that you plan to visit this great place at least once.
- It is necessary that you make prior arrangements of having a local tour guide. You need to be careful as this is a vulnerable tourist trap with some deceitful tour guides on motorbikes who offer to drive visitors around at exorbitant prices.
- Be prepared to bargain since here, street vendors and shopkeepers are known to overcharge for their goods.
- There are various affordable hotels that offer affordable accommodation while visiting Bodh Gaya, thus there is no need for you to worry about where to sleep.
Must visit places while in Bodh Gaya
- While here, visit Mahabodhi Temple which is ranked as the number one place that you must visit. You need to also visit Thai Monastry, Bodhi Tree, Chinese Temple, Vietnamese Temple, Archaeological Society of India Museum, Ajapala Nigrodha tree, Indosan Nippon Japanese Temple and Royal Bhutan Monastery.
- After visiting this place there is no doubt that you will leave as an individual whose faith in Buddhism will be more nourished than ever before.
About the author
Jane Robert is a passionate blogger. She works on behalf of turkish travel visa and she has been writing content on the web professionally since 2010. As an avid reader and blogger she shares her experience through her articles on travel, culture, history, lifestyle and many more.