Maha Bodhi temple

AboutMaha Bodhi temple

The Mahabodhi temple is an imposing brick structure that is enclosed on three sides by an ancient stone railing. The temple celebrates the birth of Buddhism, for it is under a tree adjacent to this temple, that Prince Siddhartha became the Buddha by attaining enlightenment.

The Mahabodhi temple has a giant pyramidal structure (sikhara) which rises to a height of 54 m. It has a quadrangular base and four spires at the corners. It can be seen for miles around and distinguishes Bodhgaya from other Buddhist centres. Inside it you will find a gilded image of the Buddha. The bricks in the oldest part of the temple have been fitted together without the use of cement. It stands at the site of a shrine built by King Ashoka, who ruled over Magadha during the 3rd century BC. The present structure was most recently renovated in the 1880s, but is believed to have been rebuilt and restored during the 6 and 7th centuries and again in the 11th Century.

History ofMaha Bodhi temple

The Maha Bodhi temple is believed to have been built by the great Indian emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE in honor of Buddha. There is a raised walkway known as the Chankramana Chaitya or the Jewel Path and a lotus pond in the temple, where Buddha used to meditate. The temple has a 52-meter dome or central tower, which was renovated in the 19th century CE and still stands intact in its original framework without losing its charm. The temple is one the UNESCO world heritage sites The Mahabodhi Temple is surrounded on all four sides by stone railings, about two meters high. Many Buddhist temples and monasteries have been constructed within and around the Mahabodhi Temple. These temples have been built by the Buddhist followers of different countries like Sri Lanka, Japan, Bhutan, Sikkim, Nepal, Thailand, Tibet, China, Myanmar, Vietnam, etc. reflecting the architecture of these countries. It is the one of the very few brick structures that have survived in eastern India.