Mahabodhi Temple is one of the most sacred and ancient Buddhist temples in the world. It is the place where the Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree, more than 2500 years ago. The temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a pilgrimage destination for Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike.
how to reach Mahabodhi Temple by road, rail, or air. I will also tell you what to see and do in and around the temple, such as visiting the Bodhi tree, the Vajrasana, the museum, the meditation park, and other nearby attractions.
How to reach Mahabodhi Temple by road
If you are travelling by road, you can reach Mahabodhi Temple from various cities and towns in Bihar and neighbouring states. The nearest city to the temple is Gaya, which is about 12 km away. You can take a bus, a taxi, or an auto-rickshaw from Gaya to the temple. The road distance from Patna, the capital of Bihar, to the temple is about 110 km. You can also take a bus or a taxi from Patna to Gaya and then to the temple.
The advantage of travelling by road is that you can enjoy the rural scenery and the cultural diversity of Bihar along the way. You can also stop at some interesting places en route, such as Nalanda, Rajgir, Barabar Caves, etc.
The disadvantage of travelling by road is that it can be slow and hectic, especially during peak seasons or festivals. You may also face traffic jams, roadblocks, or poor road conditions on some stretches of the road.
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Some tips and advice for travelling by road are:
• Check the weather forecast and road conditions before you start your journey.
• Carry enough water, snacks, and medicines with you.
• Take breaks at regular intervals to stretch your legs and refresh yourself.
• Follow the traffic rules and drive safely.
• Avoid driving at night or in foggy conditions.
How to reach Mahabodhi Temple by rail
If you are travelling by rail, you can reach Mahabodhi Temple from major cities and towns in India. The nearest railway station to the temple is Gaya Junction, which is about 16 km away. You can take a train to Gaya Junction from Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai, Varanasi, Lucknow, etc. You can check the train schedule and availability here.
From Gaya Junction, you can take a bus, a taxi, or an auto-rickshaw to the temple.
The advantage of travelling by rail is that it is convenient and economical. You can also relax and enjoy the views of the countryside from the train window.
The disadvantage of travelling by rail is that it may not be very comfortable or punctual. You may also face difficulty in getting confirmed tickets or seats during peak seasons or festivals.
Some tips and advice for travelling by rail are:
• Book your tickets well in advance to avoid last-minute hassles.
• Carry your identity proof and ticket confirmation with you.
• Pack light and keep your valuables safe.
• Be alert and aware of your surroundings at the railway station and on the train.
• Respect the co-passengers and follow the train etiquette.
How to reach Mahabodhi Temple by air
If you are travelling by air, you can reach Mahabodhi Temple from various domestic and international destinations. The nearest airport to the temple is Gaya Airport, which is about 10 km away. You can take a flight to Gaya Airport from Delhi, Kolkata, Varanasi, Colombo, Bangkok, etc. You can check the flight schedule and availability here.
From Gaya Airport, you can take a taxi or a bus to the temple.
The advantage of travelling by air is that it is fast and easy. You can save time and energy by flying to your destination.
The disadvantage of travelling by air is that it is expensive and risky. You may have to pay extra for baggage or taxes. You may also face flight delays or cancellations due to weather or technical issues.
Some tips and advice for travelling by air are:
• Compare the fares and timings of different airlines and choose the best option for you.
• Check the baggage allowance and weight limit of your airline and pack accordingly.
• Carry your passport, visa, and ticket confirmation with you.
• Arrive at the airport at least two hours before your flight departure.
• Follow the security and safety guidelines at the airport and on the flight.
What to see and do in and around Mahabodhi Temple
Once you reach Mahabodhi Temple, you will be awed by its beauty and significance. The temple is a masterpiece of ancient Indian art and architecture. It has a pyramidal tower, which rises to a height of 55 metres. It has four smaller towers at its corners. It has a large sanctum, which houses the image of the Buddha in a sitting posture, touching the earth with his right hand. This gesture is known as the bhumisparsha mudra, which signifies the Buddha's enlightenment.
The temple is surrounded by a stone railing, which dates back to the 1st century BCE. The railing has carvings of lotus flowers, animals, and scenes from the Buddha's life. The temple also has a museum, which displays some relics and artefacts related to the temple and Buddhism.
The most sacred and important part of the temple complex is the Bodhi tree, which is located behind the temple. It is said to be a descendant of the original tree under which the Buddha meditated and attained enlightenment. The tree is revered by Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike. You can sit under the tree and meditate or pray. You can also tie a thread or a cloth on its branches as a mark of your devotion.
Another important spot in the temple complex is the Vajrasana, which is a stone platform under the Bodhi tree. It is said to be the exact spot where the Buddha sat and attained enlightenment. The platform has an inscription by Emperor Ashoka, who visited the place in the 3rd century BCE and erected a pillar near it. The pillar is now broken and only its base remains.
The temple complex also has a meditation park, which is a peaceful and serene place for meditation and relaxation. The park has a lotus pond, a statue of the Buddha, and some stupas and shrines dedicated to various Buddhist traditions.
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Apart from the temple complex, you can also visit some other nearby attractions, such as:
• The Great Buddha Statue, which is a 25-metre high statue of the Buddha in a sitting posture. It is made of sandstone and red granite and was inaugurated by the Dalai Lama in 1989.
• The Thai Monastery, which is a beautiful monastery built in Thai style. It has a sloping roof, golden spires, and colourful paintings. It also has a 25-metre high statue of the Buddha in a reclining posture.
• The Tibetan Monastery, which is a large monastery built in Tibetan style. It has a prayer hall, a library, and a museum. It also has an 80-feet high statue of Maitreya Buddha, the future Buddha.
• The Japanese Temple, which is a simple and elegant temple built in Japanese style. It has a pagoda, a bell tower, and a garden. It also has a statue of Tara, the female aspect of the Buddha.
• The Chinese Temple, which is a colourful and ornate temple built in Chinese style. It has dragons, lions, and lotus motifs on its walls and roofs. It also has three golden statues of the Buddha.
A pilgrimage to the Mahabodhi Temple in Gaya, Bihar, is a journey of self-discovery and spiritual awakening. As you explore the temple complex, absorb the history, and immerse yourself in the serene atmosphere, you'll find a deep connection to the teachings of Buddha and the timeless wisdom he imparted.
The Mahabodhi Temple isn't just a place; it's an experience that transcends time and space, allowing you to touch the essence of enlightenment and inner peace.
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According to pandit for puja in Varanasi, Kumkum Puja is a puja to worship Goddess with Kumkum.
Most of the women perform this Archana for better married life and also for their children’s health and for their betterment.
These rituals in Varanasi get more powerful when the purohit for kumkum Archana perform Kum Kum Archana along with chanting Lalita Sahashranama.
Advantages of Kumkum ArchanaEradicates all obstacles in lifeBrings positive vibes in lifeSuccess in all strugglesAs per the pandit for kumkum Archana, a special type of copper plate is etched with a special mantra of the deity worshipped which will be energized with the mantra in the 48th day of the pooja and those energies will be locked in a silver amulet along with the copper plate.
The silver amulet is contemplated as a pure sound infused Talisman which will provide you a lifelong advanced benefit thereby just protecting you from all negative vibes when worn around the neck or waist.
Along with the pure grey ash powder, this energized copper plate present inside the silver amulet shall be sent.
