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In 528 B.C. Prince Siddhartha leaving all his material resources came here in search of truth & he attained enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree & was known as Buddha, the person who had gained prime knowledge. The place Bodhgaya came under light after that & Bodhgaya Tourism started to expand from then. - Best time to visit:
The best time to visit this holy city of Bodhgaya is between October & February as the summer is really scorching. - How to reach:
Bodhgaya does not have its own airport & even there is no railway station.The place can only be reached by road. There is bus service to the town of Gaya, which is 13 km north of Bodhgaya. - Language used in Bodhgaya: - Bhojpuri
- Hindi
- English
- Where to Stay:
There in Bodhgaya visitors can find a number of budget hotels within walking distance from the main bus stand. There are few mid-range and luxurious hotels also. The ITDC hotel Bodhgaya Ashok is the main hotel in the higher category. Some of the monasteries also provide accommodation to the tourists.
- Where to Eat:
Though the quality of food in the off-season is not good, it improves during winters. Tourists can taste a variety of cuisines other than traditional Indian food. Chinese, Tibetan and western food are also available in the restaurants across the town.
- Chief attractions:
- Mahabodhi Temple :
This temple is the best pilgrimage center in Bodhgaya. A 50 mt high pyramidal spire crowns the Mahabodhi temple, inside which, is a large gilded image of the Buddha. It is told that the temple stood on the site of a shrine, erected by Ashoka in the 3rd century BC. The stone railings around the temple, is considered to be from the Sunga period.
The Bodhi tree is believed to be the direct descendant of the original tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment. Buddhism to the island.
- The Archeological Museum - Lotus Tank :
It is that sacred tank, where Buddha is believed to have spent one week. - Excursions from Bodhgaya:
Excursions can be made from Bodhgaya to neighboring places like Gaya, an important spiritual destination for Hindus. Here in Gaya there is the Vishnu Temple. Nalanda, the famous ancient learning center of India is located 50 kms from Bodhgaya. Tourist can also go to Rajgir where Buddha had spent a major part of his life. The place is famous for its rock cut temples, forts and Buddhist ruins. - Bodhgaya Fair & Festivals :
- Buddha Jayanti: This festival is celebrated on a full moon day in April/May as the birth anniversary of Buddha as well as his enlightenment. On this occasion, huge numbers of devotees come from all over the world. - Nyingma Monlam Chenmo: This festival is held in January-February for about three weeks. This festival is celebrated for world peace. It is often attended by the Dalai Lama.
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