Bodh Gaya Archaeological Museumबोधगया पुरातत्व संग्रहालय
The ASI museum holding the original railing pillars of the Mahabodhi Temple. Closed Fridays.
See what is open on your dateOpen in Google MapsWhereGaya, Bihar
Magadh
Magadh
Kind of placeMuseums
Best time to visit15 October to 15 March
Good seasonsPost-monsoon (October to November), Winter (December to February)
DifficultyEasy
Time needed1 hr
Base and nearbyBodh Gaya, Gaya Junction
EntryASI ₹5 · closed Fridays
ClosuresClosed on Fridays
About Bodh Gaya Archaeological Museum
The ASI museum near the temple, opened in 1956. Its best pieces are the original sandstone railing pillars from the Mahabodhi compound, carved in the 1st century BCE with lotus medallions and figures, which were replaced by copies at the site. There are Pala-period Buddhas, a gold-plated Buddha and some Hindu images found around Gaya. Twenty minutes is enough, and it is a useful stop before the temple so the copies make sense.
What to see and do
- Original Shunga-period railing pillars from Mahabodhi
- Pala stone and bronze Buddhas
- Hindu images from around Gaya
- Small, quick and close to the temple
Opening status, best time and closures here are estimates from usual seasons and past patterns, not live information. Confirm with the local authority before you go. Terms of use
More places in Gaya
- Brahmayoni HillGaya, Bihar · Pilgrimage Routes440 steps up the hill where the Buddha gave the Fire Sermon, for the best view over Gaya.
- Dungeshwari (Mahakala) CavesGaya, Bihar · CavesThe hill caves where the Buddha starved for six years before choosing the middle way.
- Great Buddha StatueGaya, Bihar · Monuments & HeritageThe 80-foot meditating Buddha of Bodh Gaya, consecrated by the Dalai Lama in 1989.
- Mahabodhi Temple, Bodh GayaGaya, Bihar · Pilgrimage RoutesWhere the Buddha found enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. UNESCO site, best at dawn or after dark.
- Mangla Gauri TempleGaya, Bihar · Temples & ShrinesA Shakti Peeth on a low hill in Gaya, ten minutes' climb from Vishnupad.
- Sujata Stupa, BakraurGaya, Bihar · Monuments & HeritageThe brick stupa across the river marking the home of Sujata, who fed the Buddha kheer.
- The Monasteries of Bodh GayaGaya, Bihar · Pilgrimage RoutesThai, Japanese, Bhutanese and Tibetan monasteries in one small town. Busiest December to February.
- Vishnupad TempleGaya, Bihar · Temples & ShrinesVishnu's footprint on the Phalgu, where India comes to feed its ancestors each Pitru Paksha.
All places in Gaya · All places in Bihar
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Jagah Pedia is a free travel guide by Santosh Pandey. Status, timings and closures are estimates from usual patterns, so confirm locally before you travel.