Mahabodhi temple and tree
Mahabodhi Temple ("Great Awakening Temple") UNESCO World Heritage Site
The site contains a descendant of the Bodhi Tree under which Buddha gained enlightenment, and has been a major pilgrimage destination for Buddhists for well over two thousand years, and some elements probably date to the period of Ashoka (died c.232 BCE).
The first temple was built by Emperor Asoka in the 3rd century B.C. (2200 years ago), and the current pyramidal structure dates from the Gupta Empire, in the 5th–6th century CE. (atleast 1600 year old).
It is one of the earliest Buddhist temples built entirely in brick, still standing in India, from the late Gupta period.
Many of the oldest sculptural elements have been moved to the museum beside the temple, and some, such as the carved stone railing wall around the main structure, have been replaced by replicas.
The most important of the sacred places is the giant Bodhi Tree, to the west of the main temple, a supposed direct descendant of the original Bodhi Tree under which Buddha spent his First Week and had his enlightenment.
As per UNESCO:-
The inscribed property contains all the attributes necessary to convey its outstanding universal value. The historical evidences and texts reveal that the parts of present Temple Complex date from different periods. The main Temple, the Vajrasana, the seat of Buddha's enlightenment was preserved by Emperor Asoka and the Bodhi Tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment witnessed through the ages.
Having suffered from long abandonment (13th -18th century A.D) it was extensively restored in the 19th century, A.D and more works were carried out in the second half of the 20th century A.D. Nevertheless, the temple is considered to be the oldest and best-preserved example of brick architecture in India from this particular period.
The Vajrasana (diamond throne) is a throne in the Mahabodhi Temple at Bodh Gaya. It is thought to have been placed by Emperor Ashoka of the Maurya Empire between 250-233 BCE, at the location where the Buddha had reached enlightenment some 200 years earlier.
According to the inscribed Bharhut relief related to the Vajrasana,
the original Mahabodhi Temple of Asoka was an open pavilion supported on pillars. In the middle is seen the Vajrasana decorated in front with four flat pilasters. Behind the Throne appears the trunk of the Bodhi Tree, which rises up high above the building, and on each side of the Tree there is a combined symbol of the Triratna and the Dharmachakra, standing on the top of a short pillar. On each side of the Vajrasana room there is a side room of the same style. The top of the Throne is ornamented with flowers, but there is no figure of Buddha.
Mahabodhi Temple premises is well maintained - clean and nice.
In last 21 years , the entire mini city has transformed into a Temple city full of mesmerising temples constructed by Governments and religious organizations from several countries where Budhha is worshipped, notably China, Taiwan, Vietnam, S Korea, Thailand, Bhutan, Cambodia etc .among others. But really, it is the Mahabodhi Temple that stands tall, literally.
The temple and surrounding are well kept and well decorated with lights at night.
One can sit near banyan tree and feel the vibration of the place, you do not generally experience anywhere else.
Overall, must visit this place.
Dear, buddha - you are my heart !!!!!
The site contains a descendant of the Bodhi Tree under which Buddha gained enlightenment, and has been a major pilgrimage destination for Buddhists for well over two thousand years, and some elements probably date to the period of Ashoka (died c.232 BCE).
The first temple was built by Emperor Asoka in the 3rd century B.C. (2200 years ago), and the current pyramidal structure dates from the Gupta Empire, in the 5th–6th century CE. (atleast 1600 year old).
It is one of the earliest Buddhist temples built entirely in brick, still standing in India, from the late Gupta period.
Many of the oldest sculptural elements have been moved to the museum beside the temple, and some, such as the carved stone railing wall around the main structure, have been replaced by replicas.
The most important of the sacred places is the giant Bodhi Tree, to the west of the main temple, a supposed direct descendant of the original Bodhi Tree under which Buddha spent his First Week and had his enlightenment.
As per UNESCO:-
The inscribed property contains all the attributes necessary to convey its outstanding universal value. The historical evidences and texts reveal that the parts of present Temple Complex date from different periods. The main Temple, the Vajrasana, the seat of Buddha's enlightenment was preserved by Emperor Asoka and the Bodhi Tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment witnessed through the ages.
Having suffered from long abandonment (13th -18th century A.D) it was extensively restored in the 19th century, A.D and more works were carried out in the second half of the 20th century A.D. Nevertheless, the temple is considered to be the oldest and best-preserved example of brick architecture in India from this particular period.
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| Diamond Throne |
The Vajrasana (diamond throne) is a throne in the Mahabodhi Temple at Bodh Gaya. It is thought to have been placed by Emperor Ashoka of the Maurya Empire between 250-233 BCE, at the location where the Buddha had reached enlightenment some 200 years earlier.
According to the inscribed Bharhut relief related to the Vajrasana,
the original Mahabodhi Temple of Asoka was an open pavilion supported on pillars. In the middle is seen the Vajrasana decorated in front with four flat pilasters. Behind the Throne appears the trunk of the Bodhi Tree, which rises up high above the building, and on each side of the Tree there is a combined symbol of the Triratna and the Dharmachakra, standing on the top of a short pillar. On each side of the Vajrasana room there is a side room of the same style. The top of the Throne is ornamented with flowers, but there is no figure of Buddha.
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Mahabodhi Temple premises is well maintained - clean and nice.
In last 21 years , the entire mini city has transformed into a Temple city full of mesmerising temples constructed by Governments and religious organizations from several countries where Budhha is worshipped, notably China, Taiwan, Vietnam, S Korea, Thailand, Bhutan, Cambodia etc .among others. But really, it is the Mahabodhi Temple that stands tall, literally.
The temple and surrounding are well kept and well decorated with lights at night.
One can sit near banyan tree and feel the vibration of the place, you do not generally experience anywhere else.
Overall, must visit this place.
Dear, buddha - you are my heart !!!!!
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