Gaya Arrival In
Gaya
Upon your arrival in the city of Gaya, you'll be transferred to the hotel
where you'll freshen up for the day. In the meantime your breakfast is ready
because your day ahead is going to be a busy one as you'll soon be off to
some of the best known religious destinations of India in Bodhgaya.
Gaya, The Religious City
Gaya anyway is associated with the word pilgrimage in India as Hindus from
all over the world congregate here to pay homage to their departed
forefathers so that their souls may rest in peace. The services of the
priests are also available for the purpose. Gaya and the nearby Bodhgaya
have some of the most sacred Buddhist and Hindu shrines situated here.
Bodhgaya, The Place of Enlightenment
Bodhgaya is only 14 km away from the city of Gaya. This is the place where
Siddharatha, prince of Kapilvastu, meditated under a peepal tree on the bank
of Niranjana river for 49 days after which he attained enlightenment. Later
on the place came to be known as Bodhgaya and the river was known as Phalgu.
The peepal tree later came to be known as Bodhi tree. It is said that
emperor Asoka also visited the place several times. The tourist inflow
especially increases during the anniversary of Lord Buddha in May when the
place turns into a festive city.
Bodhgaya Destinations
» Mahabodhi Temple - The most striking thing about
the Mahabodhi temple is the vast image of Buddha which is installed here.
The Mahabodhi temple is shaped like a pyramid which has a prayer on the
first floor. The temple entrance is built in the South Indian style and
there are four towers on the four corners of the temple. It is believed that
the temple was first built by Asoka which was renovated later by Burmese
Buddhists, General Cunninghum etc. The temple was renovated in recent times
as well.
» Tibetan Monastery - It is a two
storeyed structure which is located to the west of the temple. It has been
built with attractive ornamentation and Lord Buddha is the presiding deity
here.
» Surya Temple, Deo - It is about 20 km away from
Gaya and is famous for being the site of Chhath Puja in November.
» Parasnath Hill - It is about 40 km away from,
these are believed to be the earliest Buddhist rock cut caves. It is among
the most sacred pilgrim centres for the Jains.
» Bodhi Sarovar - This is a pond which is located to
the west of Bodhi temple. It is believed that before going for his
meditation Lord Buddha took bath in the pond which later came to be known as
Bodhi Sarovar.
» Bodhi Tree - It was under this tree that Lord
Buddha attained enlightenment. It is considered very sacred for all the
Buddhists of the world.
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