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Bodh Gaya

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Bodh Gaya, a town in Bihar, India, is the most sacred destination for Buddhists worldwide. Its heart is the Mahabodhi Temple complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The main temple rises 55 meters and houses a gilded statue of Buddha touching the earth. Behind it stands the descendant of the original Bodhi Tree, under which Siddhartha Gautama achieved enlightenment. Pilgrims meditate, chant, and circumambulate the temple. The complex also includes ancient stupas, lotus ponds, and monasteries built by Buddhist communities from Japan, Tibet, Thailand, and other countries, creating a vibrant multicultural atmosphere.

Don't miss

  • Meditate under the Bodhi Tree, the direct descendant of the tree where Buddha was enlightened.
  • Explore the Mahabodhi Temple's intricate carvings and the 80-foot (24 m) high central spire.
  • Visit the various international monasteries around the complex for unique architecture and murals.

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Ways to visit Bodh Gaya

You can usually visit on your own. A tour is worth it for transport, a guide, or combining nearby sights into one day.

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