Archaeological Museum

Bodhgaya being the center of Buddhism is a center of pilgrimage and also a tourist destination. It has ancient monuments, caves, temples which are tourist and historical magnets. Since everyone cannot explore all these places they can get a piece of this historical land at the Archaeological Museum, Bodhgaya.

So, while visiting the Mahabodhi Temple don't miss the Archaeological Museum, Bodhgaya as it houses ancient sculptures and antiquities of Buddhism. The museum was established in 1956 and has a collection of Buddhist sculpture from the 1st century B.C to 11th century A.D. You can see a collection of relics of the old temple and also the remains of the railings of the temple dating to the 2nd-1st century B.C .Inside the museum are two galleries with an open courtyard and two verandahs filled with antiquities. The courtyard inside the Archaeological Museum, Bodhgaya contains cross bars, railing pillars and coping stones which were once inside the Mahabodhi temple premises.

Inside the first gallery you will find a beautiful crowned Buddha in Bhumisparsamudra, images of Buddha in varying attitude, images of Buddha in terracotta plaque, railing pillar, miniature pots etc. Inside the second gallery are Buddhist and Brahmanical sculptures. It has paintings of the Pala period dating to the 8th-12th century, bronze cast figures of Buddha and two important figures of Yahkshis of the 1st century B.C are also exhibited. A carved stone model of the original temple can be seen which was found during excavation. A large number of sculpted railings and medallions of other buildings are also exhibited.

A massive image of standing Buddha in abhayamudra is exhibited on the outer verandah and in the inner verandah is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu as varaha.
The Archaeological Museum, Bodhgaya is located near the ITDC Ashok hotel a short walk from the Mahabodhi Temple. One of the best time to visit this beautiful place is during winter when Buddhists from all over the world congregate here including the Dalai Lama. Come and visit this treasure trove of history and culture and pick a copy of Buddhist architecture and art on sale at the museum.