Located directly behind the Mahabodhi Temple is the Bodhi Tree (Ficus religiosa), the most sacred tree in the world for Buddhists. It was under this very canopy that Siddhartha Gautama sat in meditation, vowing not to rise until he found the truth of existence. Upon attaining enlightenment, he became the Buddha.
The current tree is not the original one from 2,500 years ago, but it is a direct biological descendant. History tells us that Emperor Ashoka's daughter, Sanghamitra, took a cutting of the original tree to Sri Lanka (Anuradhapura). When the original tree in Bodh Gaya was destroyed (by natural causes or persecution), a sapling from the Sri Lankan tree was brought back and replanted here. Thus, the lineage remains unbroken.
Under the tree lies the 'Vajrasana' or Diamond Throne, a stone slab placed by Ashoka to mark the seat of enlightenment. Pilgrims spend hours sitting in the shade of the tree, meditating or reading scriptures. Falling leaves from the tree are treasured as sacred relics.
The energy under the tree is palpable. It serves as the physical and spiritual anchor for the entire Buddhist faith.
A UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the oldest brick structures in India. It marks the exact spot of the Buddha's enlightenment.
An ancient Hindu temple on the Falgu riverbank dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It houses a 40cm footprint of the Lord stamped into basalt rock.
Sit in silence in the meditation park within the temple complex. A profound way to connect with the energy of the site.
