Page 229 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - India

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Bodh Gaya: Mahabodhi Temple VISITORS’ CHECKLIST

The Mahabodhi Temple complex, a UNESCO World Practical Information
Heritage monument, marks the site where, more Mahabodhi Temple Complex.
than 2,500 years ago, Prince Siddhartha meditated n Temple Office, (0631) 240 0445.
Open daily. Extra charges for photo-
on the causes of human suffering, found the answers graphy. _ Buddha Jayanti (May).
he was seeking under the Bodhi Tree, and became the
Buddha – the Enlightened One. The best time to visit
the complex is at dusk, when thousands of oil lamps
bathe the temple in a golden light, and the sound of
Buddhist prayers fills the air.

The Spire, 52 m
(171 ft) high,
is carved
in tiers and The Buddha
capped by This gilded stone image (late 10th
an umbrella- century) in the main sanctum has
like finial. an aura of great serenity. The
pedestal is carved with alternating
lions and elephants.

The Torana
This gateway to
the temple is made
of granite and
covered with The
inscriptions from Bodhi
the Buddha’s Tree
teachings. It under
dates from the which the
8th century. Buddha spent
49 days.

The entrance
leads to the main
sanctum with the
Buddha image.

The Cankamana or Jewel Walk
Carved with lotuses, this sacred The Vajrashila
promenade was where the The red sandstone seat beneath
Buddha walked, meditating on the Bodhi Tree marks the spot
whether to spread his message to where the Buddha sat. It probably
the world. dates to the 3rd century BC.

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