Bodh Gaya, Buddhist pilgrimage site in Bihar, India.
Bodh Gaya is a town in Gaya district, Bihar, India, recognized as a center of Buddhist faith. The settlement sits along the Niranjana River and includes the Mahabodhi Temple complex, which features extensive gardens, meditation areas, and numerous religious structures.
In the 6th century BCE, Prince Siddhartha Gautama reached enlightenment at this location after meditating under a fig tree for 49 days. The first temple was built in the 3rd century BCE by Emperor Ashoka, while the current Mahabodhi Temple dates to the 5th or 6th century CE.
Buddhist monks from Tibet, Thailand, Bhutan, and other Asian nations maintain their individual monasteries within the temple complex grounds.
The period between October and March offers mild temperatures and clear skies for visiting the outdoor meditation spaces and temple structures. The main sites sit close together and can be reached on foot, with comfortable shoes recommended.
The Vajrasana, a red sandstone platform, marks the exact spot of Buddha's enlightenment and sits between the Bodhi Tree and Mahabodhi Temple. Followers from around the world place flower petals here and bow before the protected seat.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
