|
India being the center of Buddhism has many pilgrimage centers especially in places which are connected with the life of Lord Buddha. These pilgrimage destinations vary from temples like Mahabodhi Temple, monasteries to centers of Buddhist learning. Even caves are part of Buddhist pilgrimage destinations. One such cave is Mahakala (Dungeswari) cave, Bodhgaya. Buddhist caves tell us the story of the life of Buddha through its beautiful rock cut carvings, statues and paintings. Buddhist monks used these caves as a place of meditation and also were a resting place for travelers. Prince Gautama Siddhartha left his royal life in search of truth and peace by leading a life of fasting and asceticism. During this time he meditated in caves. It is in this cave that he realized that fasting and mortifying the flesh will not bring him enlightenment or divine knowledge. This cave was the Mahakala (Dungeswari) cave, Bodhgaya which is actually located 12 kms from the main town of Bodhgaya. Located on a hillside the cave feels mysterious and consists of two caves. One of them is quite small which has a statute of Buddha representing him when he was leading a life of austerity. Close by is a small Tibetan temple. Bodhgaya the most sacred place for Buddhists has the sacred Pipal tree under which Lord Buddha attained Enlightenment. After achieving the divine knowledge he spent seven days around seven places near the Bodhi tree which are now marked as shrines.
Mahakala (Dungeswari) cave, Bodhgaya can be reached from Bodhgaya by car or bus but by car is best since it's a long walk from the bus stop. Bodhgaya can be reached by bus and rickshaw from Gaya. Gaya can be reached by train from any place in India since it's an important train station. Regular bus services are available between Gaya and Bodhgaya which is 13 km apart. Some important monasteries near Mahakala (Dungeswari) cave, Bodhgaya are Tibetan Mahayana Monastery, Karmapa Temple, Sakya Monastery,Thai Temple and Indosan Nipponji Japanese Temple. So come and explore Mahakala (Dungeswari) cave, Bodhgaya where you can reflect your inner feeling and have a peace of mind. Its a wonderful and beautiful place where time has stood still. A must destination not only for Buddhists but also for anyone with a spiritual hunger
|
