In the Vajrayana (Tibetan) tradition, light symbolizes wisdom. The Mahabodhi complex has a dedicated 'Butter Lamp House' where thousands of lamps burn continuously. The lamps use vegetable oil or clarified butter (ghee).
Pilgrims can purchase lamps and light them with a prayer for the well-being of all sentient beings. The heat and light inside the lamp house are intense, serving as a physical metaphor for the burning of negative karma.
A UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the oldest brick structures in India. It marks the exact spot of the Buddha's enlightenment.
The sacred Ficus religiosa under which Siddhartha became the Buddha. The current tree is a direct descendant of the original.
An ancient Hindu temple on the Falgu riverbank dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It houses a 40cm footprint of the Lord stamped into basalt rock.
