Bodhgaya’s Top 9 Sites to Visit offer an enriching journey through spiritual landmarks and historical wonders. Explore the revered Mahabodhi Temple, the serene Bodhi Tree, and the impressive Great Buddha Statue, immersing yourself in the profound heritage of this sacred city.
Bodhgaya’s Top 9 Sites to Visit
Bodhgaya’s Top 9 Sites to Visit, the holy town of India, is a unique gem. There, pilgrims of Buddhism congregate from all over the world. This is the site of the founding of Buddhism, when the Lord Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. With its many temples and monasteries, Bodhgaya is a sight to behold. This is a detailed guide to the top 9.
In addition to the well-known Mahabodhi Temple Complex, there are a ton of other locations that are modeled after Buddhist nations throughout. Each of them has a distinct style and characteristic architectural element from their respective nation.
It resembles traveling the entire globe in a single day! Furthermore, here is a list of temples, tourist attractions, and eateries that we believe you shouldn’t miss. Additionally, the peaceful atmosphere and spiritual ambiance of this holy village will soothe your soul, making it a truly enriching experience.
- VISITING BODHGAYA – ESSENTIAL ETIQUETTES
- Mahabodhi Temple
- Tibetan Temple – Buddha Temple
- Royal Thai Temple – Wat Thai
- Totora Tree
- Japanese Temple – Indosan Nipponji
- The Great Buddha Statue
- Royal Bhutan Temple
- Dungeshwari Cave in the Pragbodhi Hills or Mahakala Cave
- Sujata Stupa
VISITING BODHGAYA – ESSENTIAL ETIQUETTES
Bodhgaya’s Top 9 Sites to Visit Just like any other sacred site, Bodhgaya has a set of laws that you must follow.
- Dress modestly (don’t wear anything that covers your shoulders or falls above your knees).
- When you enter the temple, take off your shoes.
- Keep quiet in situations where prayers are offered.
- When it comes to taking pictures, especially inside the temple, strictly abide by the “No Photography” prohibition.
Mahabodhi Temple
When it comes to attractions to see in Bodhgaya, the Mahabodhi Temple should be your first priority. the location of Lord Buddha’s enlightenment beneath the revered Bodhi tree. This location’s Bodhi tree is a progeny of the first hallowed tree. You must check in at the Temple’s entry with your heavy luggage, laptops, tablets, and cell phones.
For a little price, cameras and video equipment are allowed. After that, you’ll receive a ticket that you must show at the security checkpoint. You can watch the pilgrims and monks silently chanting and meditating if you go to the temple early in the morning. Additionally, the tranquil atmosphere enhances the experience. Moreover, it is among the most fulfilling spiritual encounters, providing a serene start to your day.
The complex, which dates back to the second century AD, is surrounded by smaller holy locations where Lord Buddha practiced meditation in the weeks that followed his enlightenment. Additionally, these sacred spots contribute to the area’s profound spiritual significance. Furthermore, the combination of historical depth and religious importance makes this complex a must-visit for those exploring Bodhgaya. Furthermore, it’s a sizable compound altogether, featuring prayer wheels on the upper promenade and a lovely garden.
VISITING HOURS: 05:00-21:00 hours
ESTIMATED TIME: 30mins -1 hour
COST: Free
Tibetan Temple – Buddha Temple
This temple is located just across from the Mahabodhi Temple’s entrance. Moreover, the Dali Lama pays yearly visits to this monastery and temple complex, which is among the biggest in Bodhgaya. Additionally, the enormous Dharmachakra prayer wheel is the focal point—a ten-meter-tall red and golden-colored metal drum. It is thought that if one rotates it, their sins may be forgiven.
The Mongolian Temple, the Karma Temple (also Tibetan), the Taiwan Temple, the China Temple, the Vietnam Temple, the Burmese Temple, the Shechen Tennyi Dargyeling, and the Tergar Monastery are a few more noteworthy sites in Bodhgaya.
VISITING HOURS: 05:00-21:00 hours
ESTIMATED TIME: 30 mins – 1 hour
COST: Free
Royal Thai Temple – Wat Thai
You can easily recognize this enormous structure on the main road if you have ever traveled to Thailand. Moreover, this temple’s architecture is heavily influenced by Thai design. Rich in gold, it features a sharply arched roof and an exactingly planned garden, adding to its grandeur. This Wat unquestionably demonstrates that Thailand is among the wealthiest and most devoted Buddhist nations.
On the compound, there’s also a shop, a café, and a hospital (which you can attend in case of medical emergency!).
VISITING HOURS: 06:00-19:30 hours
ESTIMATED TIME: 20 mins -40 mins
COST: Free
Totora Tree
No sign boards are present. You have to pass through a few tiny homes and ask the residents for assistance in order to get there. The walk is worthwhile because of the gorgeous scenery. In the event that the locals are unable to provide directions to the Totora Tree, inquire about the nearby Sarswati Temple (Mandir). But be ready for the curious village guys who are enthralled with your story to follow you.
To go off the main route, one of the most fascinating sites to visit in Bodhgaya is the Totora tree. Once you have crossed the river to see the Sujata Stupa, you should think about walking up the river in the opposite direction, towards the north, to reach the remarkably huge Totora tree.
You can scale the enormous branches or relax while sitting beneath the tree. Your mind, body, and spirit will all feel instantaneously refreshed by the quiet, tranquility, and peace.
VISITING HOURS: All days
ESTIMATED TIME: 1-2 hours
COST: Free`
Japanese Temple – Indosan Nipponji
The Japanese Temple is located not too far from the Thai temple. A must-see if you’re searching for the greatest sites to see in Bodhgaya is the Japanese temple, which is basic but exquisitely crafted. This edifice will astound you with its magnificence; it is the epitome of minimalist Japanese art and design.
It is a little less crowded because not many tourists go to this area of the town. Every morning at daybreak and every evening at 5 p.m., you are welcome to join in the chanting and meditation session.
VISITING HOURS: 05:00-12:00 hours & 16:00-21:00 hours
ESTIMATED TIME: 2-3 hours
COST: Free
The Great Buddha Statue
The eighty-foot (24.3-meter) statue of the Buddha in meditation is located nearby the Japanese and Bhutanese temple. For Buddhist pilgrims traveling to Bodhgaya, it is a crucial destination. After a seven-year construction period, the 1989 opening was overseen by none other than the Dalai Lama.
VISITING HOURS: 07:00-12:00 hours & 16:00-18:00 hour (17:30 hours in winter)
ESTIMATED TIME: 30 mins – 1 hour
COST: Free
Royal Bhutan Temple
The Bhutanese temple, which is far more elaborate and colorful, is located right next door. Since most of us will probably never be able to travel to Bhutan, we find this temple to be extremely interesting as it gives us a peek of the country’s culture and artwork.
VISITING HOURS: All days
ESTIMATED TIME: 30 mins – 1 hour
COST: Free
Dungeshwari Cave in the Pragbodhi Hills or Mahakala Cave
Buddha is reported to have spent six or seven years as an ascetic before meditating beneath the Bodhi Tree in the cave in the plainly visible hills near Bodhgaya. He nearly starved to death during the process, but he eventually understood that self-abasement is not the right path to enlightenment.
Right now, the only thing visible in this area is a little golden Buddha statue. still, the journey here is enjoyable, as is the vista from the summit.
It is 20 km east of there, on the other side of the Fagu River. there are rickshaws that provide three-hour return excursions, or you can purchase a motorcycle. while some individuals actually walk there, this is only something they think about in clear, temperate weather.
VISITING HOURS: All days
ESTIMATED TIME: 2-3 hours
COST: Free
Sujata Stupa
This stupa, which was once much larger and painted white, was built in memory of Sujata, a villager who fed the Buddha milk rice after he had fasted for six or seven years. a twenty-minute walk will get you to Bodhgaya.
VISITING HOURS: 07:00-18:00 hours
ESTIMATED TIME:1-2 hours
COST: Free
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