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Bodhgaya, a sacred place for Buddhists around the world is home to the sacred Mahabodhi Temple. It is on the site of this temple that over 2000 years ago a prince attained Enlightenment and came to be known as the Buddha. Prince Gautama Siddhartha after becoming a monk failed to get divine knowledge. He sat in meditation under a pipal tree on a stone platform and attained true knowledge and enlightenment.This stone platform is the Vajrasana meaning 'Diamond Throne'. The Vajrasana, Bodhgaya is located close to the sacred Mahabodhi Temple between the temple and the Bodhi tree. Made of grey sandstone it has animal and bird motifs at the side and carved geometrical patterns on the surface. The Vajrasana, Bodhgaya is also known as "the Navel of the Earth" (puthavinabhim) or "the Victory Throne of all Buddhas" (sabba buddhanam jayapallankam). The Vajrasana is the place where Lord Buddha achieved divine knowledge, light, wisdom, understanding and vision. Emperor Asoka also referred it to as 'Sambodhi'. The Mahabodhi temple is the biggest Buddhist temple and built around 6th-7th centuries. It towers at a height of 170 ft consisting of nine storeys of pyramidal tower. It is surmounted with a stupa shaped dome. The base of the tower has four turrets on each corner duplicating the main facade. The first Buddhist ruler of India, Emperor Asoka marked this important place with inscribed pillars and an elephant capital. During the 1st century AD a stone railing was put around the perimeter which had carved mythical beasts on raised medallions. The present temple was constructed on this shrine around the 2nd century. Around 750-1200 AD the temple was renovated but later deserted and fell in ruin. Only in the 19th century was it renovated again by Sir Alexander Cunningham and restored by Burmese Buddhists in 1882. There are scenes from the life of Buddha depicted on the brickwork on the outside of the temple. Inside you will find the massive golden statue of Buddha and the shrine of Vajrasana, Bodhgaya. The courtyard of the temple houses the descendent of the famous Bodhi tree under which Buddha became the 'Enlightened One'
Discover this sacred and mystical place of the Vajrasana, Bodhgaya and get the answers to your inner self.
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