Exploring Trails of Buddhism With a Tour to Bodhgaya
by Indiator
Bodhgaya is a Buddhist pilgrimage site located in the Bihar state of India. The dusty town holds importance for being one of the major places in the birth of a young religion of India, Buddhism. Lord Buddha attained enlightenment in this town under the Bodhi Tree (Peepal tree). The village situated in Bihar is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. People and Buddhist followers from far off places visit the place with Bodhgaya tour from Varanasi, which is the nearest city to Bodhgaya.
How to reach Bodhgaya from Varanasi
Bodhgaya lies at a distance of 256 km from Varanasi and is connected by well-maintained roads. The drive by car takes approximately four hours. Other cities that share a proximal distance from Bodhgaya are Patna 92 hours), Nalanda (1.15 hours) and Rajgir (1 hour). However, large traffic is witnessed from Varanasi which makes a complete spiritual tour Varanasi-Bodhgaya.
Public transport is also available from respective cities. You can take a train from Varanasi, which takes five hours to reach Bodhgaya. The train to Bodhgaya is easily available Varanasi which runs every five hours. It drops at Gaya Junction, take a public transportation bus and reach the destination covering 13 km distance.
Important places to see in Bodhgaya
Mahabodhi Temple
Travel from Varanasi to Bodhgaya and visit this grand temple dating back to 3rd century. The pilgrimage site of Buddhists underwent reconstruction later in the 19th century. The main attraction of the temple is a sacred descendant of Bodhi Tree (peepal tree), under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. Take a walk in the premises and see the 9th-century shivalinga (idol of Lord Shiva) and a mesmerizing Lotus Pond.
Vishnupad Temple
The ancient temple is entrenched on the banks of Falgu River. Its name is derived from the Hindi translation ‘Vishnu’ meaning Lord and ‘Pada’ means feet. It was built in the 18th century and sanctified by the footprints of Lord Vishnu. the main deity here is the footprints of Lord Vishnu measuring 40 cm in length. You will also see idols of other Gods worshipped by Hindus. The fact which makes it stand out from the rest is the rare presence of the idols of Lord Vishnu and Shiva.
Dungeshwari Cave
Take a look at the history of Lord Buddha inside this dark cave, where he spent the early phase of his life before going to Gaya. The caves are also called Mahakala Caves and are located in Sujatha village. Visit here on your Varanasi to Bodhgaya tour and see the dim lit cave boasting Buddha sculpture made of gold which glistens in the dark. Another fascinating idol inside present is 6 feet tall Lord Buddha and of goddess Dungeshwari.
Barabar Caves
The historic Barbara Caves offer an interesting and adventurous walk through them representing a set of multiple rocks-cut caves. Some caves hewn in the shape of a hut to be used for meditation are worth seeing. Touch the inscriptions made by monks during their meditation sessions. Constructed in 300 BC the caves throw light on the early phase of Buddhism in India.
Chinese Temple
Walk to this Chinese temple located at a stone’s throw distance from Mahabodhi Temple. Exhibiting the typical Chinese architecture, it was built in 1945 and later renovated in 1997. It is a must-visit for history fanatic displaying a mind-blowing 200 years old Buddha statue. You should not miss this place on the itinerary of your Bodhgaya tour packages.
Thai Monastery and Temple
This temple is the one and only Thai temple in India built in the authentic Thai architecture. It is sanctified with a Bronze Buddha statue. The major thing to see inside the temple is Dharma Chakra, a large on a wheel drenched in red and golden color. Turning the wheel three times is believed to absolve one’s all sins.
Bodhgaya Archaeological Museum
This museum is a perfect place for those utterly interested in the roots of the Buddhist religion. It displays an impressive collection of relics excavated from all over the world. Enjoy the walk in the museum and see the sculptures, sculpted in 1st century BC, antiques and several statues of Hindu Gods made of bronze, silver and gold. It shares the location with the famous Mahabodhi Temple.
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