Places to See in Bodhgaya
Mahabodhi temple
Category : Religious
In the 3rd century, the great Mauryan ruler King Ashoka built a small shrine at the spot where Buddha had got enlightenment. Subsequent rulers left their mark on this shrine, which finally took the shape of the famous Mahabodhi temple.
There are a large number of stupas of all sizes in the courtyard of the temple. Built in the past 2500 years, most of them are elegant. The temple has ancient railings as old as the first century BC. Animesh Lochan Chaitya is important as the place where Buddha is believed to have spent one week looking toward the great Bodhi tree where he eventually received enlightenment. Under the Bodhi Tree one can find the Vajrasana, a stone platform on which Buddha is believed to have sat in meditation.
Chankramana marks the sacred spot of the Buddha's wanderings following his enlightenment. Legend has it that wherever Buddha put his feet lotus sprang up. Ratnagarh is another place where Buddha is believed to have spent one week when five colors came out of his body.
Other tourist attractions of Bodhgaya are the Sun Temple famous for its "chat festival" in the month of October-November, Pretshila Hill which overlooks a pond where people go for 'Pind Dan', performance of rites for departed souls. On top of the hill is the Ahilya Bai Temple, which has magnificent sculptures and the Barabar Caves, which are carved out of rocks depicting the life of Buddha.
Prestshila Hills
Category : Nature
Gaya is a place known to the Hindus as one of the 'Dhamas' or the most sacred places for pilgrimage and is guarded on one side by the Prestshila Hills, Gaya. On the side opposite to the Prestshila Hills, Gaya lies the Ramshila hills.
The Prestshila Hills, Gaya in Bihar is a legendary place in Bihar. It is said that there used to be a demon called Gaya who was very much shocked at the distress caused by death. He expressed his sorrow to Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu was very happy to see that a demon had such a kind heart and gave him a boon by virtue of which he could forgive the sinners.
Prestshila Hills, Gaya of Bihar is situated at a distance of 100 kilometers to the south of Patna. The age old town of Gaya is of tremendous importance to the Hindus as well as the Buddhists.
Prestshila Hills, Gaya in Bihar lies in the close vicinity of the Phalgu river. The peculiarity of this river is that the water cannot be seen from outside. It always remains under a thick layer of silt and sand. People who go to Gaya dig holes in the river to take out its water.
The Prestshila Hills, Gaya encloses a region in Bihar which has got the famous places like that located at around 3 kilometers from the center of the town of Gaya and which has got the Bodhi tree. This is the place where Lord Buddha was blessed with enlightenment. Gaya is noted for many holy shrines of which special mention should be made of the Vishnupad Temple. On the south of it you will find the Bodh Gaya.
Tourist Destinations Near Bodhgaya
Nalanda, a center of ancient learning is located 50 kms from Bodhgaya.It was from Nalanda that Buddhism spread to other South-East Asian and Far-east countries. Rajgir where Buddha had spent a major part of his life is famous for its rock cut temples, forts and Buddhist ruins.
Last Updated on : 3/09/2013
