Mahabodhi Temple, Bodh Gayaमहाबोधि मंदिर, बोधगया
Where the Buddha found enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. UNESCO site, best at dawn or after dark.
See what is open on your dateOpen in Google MapsWhereGaya, Bihar
Magadh
Magadh
Best time to visit15 October to 15 March and 25 April to 25 May
Good seasonsPost-monsoon (October to November), Winter (December to February)
DifficultyEasy
Time needed3 hrs
Base and nearbyBodh Gaya, Gaya Junction
EntryFree · camera and phone fee at the gate, shoes off
About Mahabodhi Temple, Bodh Gaya
Where Siddhartha Gautama sat under a pipal tree and became the Buddha, about 2,500 years ago. Ashoka built the first shrine; the 55-metre brick tower is 5th or 6th century, restored in the 1880s. The Bodhi tree behind it descends from the original via Anuradhapura, and the Vajrasana slab beneath marks the spot. Go at dawn or after dark, when the monks chant. December to February is the Tibetan teaching season.
What to see and do
- The Bodhi tree and the Vajrasana beneath it
- The 55-metre brick tower
- Seven stations of the Buddha in the compound
- Muchalinda lake with the serpent-hooded Buddha
- Chanting at dawn and evening
- Buddha Purnima in April or May
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.
- 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.
- Bodh Gaya Archaeological MuseumGaya, Bihar · MuseumsThe ASI museum holding the original railing pillars of the Mahabodhi Temple. Closed Fridays.
All places in Gaya · All places in Bihar
Jagah Pedia home · All places A to Z · Privacy · Terms
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.