There are four sacred Buddhist pilgrimage centers in the Indian subcontinent. The first of these is the birthplace of Buddha at Lumbinivana, east of Kapilavastu. The second most sacred place of pilgrimage is Buddha Gaya where he attained enlightenment. The third most sacred pilgrimage center for Buddhists is Sarnath or Isipatan where Buddha delivered his first sermon, and the fourth is Kushinara or Kashia in Uttar Pradesh, where he finally gave up his mortal self.
Buddhagaya or place of Buddha’s enlightenment is situated on the banks of the river Niranjana, Buddhagaya was originally a part of the Uruvela village (presently Urail). Its geographical location is at 24o 41′ 45” N. Latitude and 85o 2′ 22” E. Longitude and is located in Bihar.The Buddha’s experience at Uruvela not only resulted in the location changing its name to Bodhgaya or Buddhagaya; it has also meant that this, otherwise an obscure village, has been the focus of attention for millions of pilgrims. It became very early and remains even today, the most important place of Buddhist pilgrimage. The exact place where the Buddha sat, when he was enlightened, was called Vajrasana meaning ‘Diamond Throne’. The Vajrasana was also, sometimes, called the Victory Throne of all the Buddha’s (Sabbabuddhanam Jayapallankam) or the Navel of the Earth (Pathavinabhi). The Vajrasana which was also called Sambodhi by King Asoka but the most widely used and also the most enduring of Buddhagaya’s names was Mahabodhi meaning ‘great enlightenment’.The Mahabodhi Temple has been built where Lord Buddha got divine light.
History
Buddhagaya remained the cynosure of the Buddhist world upto the 13th century, thereafter due to the sudden political upheavals that took place in and out of India, activities at Buddhagaya were also interrupted and disrupted. The place was deserted and became desolate and it remained neglected and forgotten for several centuries.
The Bodhi tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment is considered to be the among the oldest and the most venerated tree in the world. This tree is said to be a descendant of the original tree, a branch of which was transplanted at Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka during the period of Emperor Ashoka the great. It is believed that Emperor Ashoka's Guru Upagupta led him to various holy sites in the Buddhist tradition, including this tree at Gaya.
Buddha Gaya is also home to the ancient temple of Buddha. The Mahabodhi temple has a 150 feet high tower, and it contains a gilded image of Buddha. The original shrine here is believed to have been raised by Emperor Ashoka. The temple has a beautiful stone railing around it. Depcited on the walls of the temple are scenes from Buddha's life. A museum in the vicinity has gold, bronze and stone images of Buddha.
The Vajrasana-platform where Buddha performed his penance is located below the Bodhi tree, and this spot is described as the center of the Universe. The spots where he spent seven weeks have seven shrines, built by devout Buddhists from several countries.
Several Buddhist relics have been unearthed in this area. Other places of interest here include the Tibetian, Japanese and Burmese monasteries. The Tibetian monastery houses the massive Dharma Chakra or the wheel of law. Millions visit Buddha Gaya from all over the world.
The Chinese traveller Hyuen Tsang of the seventh century CE, has described Buddha Gaya in detail in his travel accounts where he writes about the monasteries that thrived in this region.
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