Bodhgaya

Monks meditate in Bodhgaya. Photo © Sacredsites.com.

Bodhgaya (also written Bodh Gaya) in northeastern India is the site of the Buddha's enlightenment and the most important of four main Buddhist pilgrimage destinations. Known as Uruvela in the Buddha's time, the city of Bodhgaya is now a town of about 30,000 permanent residents.

The two major sacred sites in Bodhgaya are the Mahabodhi Temple and the Bodhi Tree, around which many other temples and monasteries of various Buddhist traditions (Japanese, Tibetan, Bhutanese and others) have been built.

Every year, millions of Buddhist pilgrims, mainly from Asian countries, flock to Bodhgaya to be inspired, dissipate negative karma and earn merit by visiting the holy site where the Buddha became the Buddha ("Enlightened One"). Throughout the day and night in the height of the pilgrimage season, monks in colorful robes can be seen meditating where the Buddha did, studying dharma texts, making offerings to the many statues and stupas on the site, and circumambulating (walking around) the sacred Mahabodhi Temple.

City Guide & Travel Resources Bodhgaya Satellite Map Get a bird's-eye view of Bodhgaya with our zoomable, high-resolution satellite map. Fast Facts on Bodhgaya Some facts and stats on Bodhgaya. When to Go to Bodhgaya Tips on the best time to go to Bodhgaya. Bodhgaya Hotels Information on hotels and lodging in Bodhgaya. Bodhgaya Travel Forum Get travel advice and insider tips on Bodhgaya from fellow travelers.

Sacred Sites & Religious Places Bodhi Tree This is a descendent of the tree under which Siddharta Gautama attained enlightenment after 49 days of meditation and became the Buddha, the "Enlightened One." Mahabodhi Temple This sacred stupa marks the site of the Buddha's enlightenment and is the main destination for Buddhist pilgrims. The temple dates from the 2nd century AD but has been restored over the years.

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