Bodh Gaya, Bihar

Bodh Gaya is one of the most popular buddhist tourist destinations in India for the followers of Buddhism in the country and abroad. Located in the Gaya district of Bihar, Bodh Gaya is where the sparkle of Buddhism was first lit. It was here that Prince Siddharth Gautama transformed into the Buddha when he gained enlightenment meditating under a Bodhi Tree. The event that took place almost 2,500 years ago still attracts thousands of pilgrims throughout the year who throng to Bodhgaya as part of their journey of religious tourism. Being a place of such religious significance, a number of monasteries and temples in service of Buddhism have managed to make Bodh Gaya their home. Some of the best places to visit when in Bodh Gaya include the Thai Temple which features a 25 meters tall bronze statue of the Buddha, the Bhutanese Monastery, Tibetan Monastery, and the Tergar Monastery.

Today, the pilgrimage site of Bodh Gaya is not just important for those following the religion but also holds immense importance as part of the country's heritage. The site of the Bodhi Tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment is today surrounded by the Mahabodhi Temple Complex that houses the tree as well as a 50 meters tall temple dedicated to him. The Temple Complex is an important part of history and has been recognized as one of UNESCO's World Heritage Sites. The temple complex, along with the sacred Bodhi Tree and the temple, also has the vajrasana, and 6 other sites related to the Buddha's enlightenment, which are further surrounded by votive stupas inside a circular boundary. The Lotus Pond that is also among the sacred sites, is located outside of the circular boundary within the temple complex.

The Bodhi Tree at the complex is an important place of interest for the devotees. Situated close to the main temple, the present Bodhi Tree is said to be a direct descendant of the original Bodhi Tree that the Buddha gained enlightenment under and spent his first week, to the north of which lies the Animesh Lochan Chaitya, a prayer hall where he spent his second week, the Ratnachakrama where he spent his third week, the Ratnaghar Chaitya, the place he chose to spend his fourth week, along with a pillar that marks the site of the Ajapala Nigrodh Tree, where the Buddha meditated during the fifth week. He spent his sixth week close to the Lotus Pond and the seventh week under the Rajyatana Tree. A pilgrimage tour to Bodhgaya and its temple complex forms an important part of Buddhist tourism in India and provides an opportunity to experience one of the most integral Buddhist places for tourists and devotees alike. For events that happened many millennia ago, Bodh Gaya holds a piece of history and devotion within its premises, standing as a sign for peace and introspection.