Bodh Gaya, Bihar
Main God
Lord Buddha
Timings
Check locally
Location
Bodh Gaya
Type
MAJOR
Enter through the main gate. Pass through security check. The temple complex is well-maintained as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. No entry fee is charged.
Visit the sacred Bodhi Tree (Pipal tree), a direct descendant of the original tree under which Prince Siddhartha attained enlightenment as the Buddha. See the Vajrasana (Diamond Throne) beneath the tree.
Enter the Mahabodhi Temple, a 55-metre tall pyramid-shaped structure. The sanctum houses a gilded statue of the Buddha in the earth-touching (Bhumisparsha) mudra. Meditate or offer prayers.
Walk around the temple complex to visit the seven sites where the Buddha spent the seven weeks after enlightenment: Animeshlocha Stupa, Ratnachankrama, Rajayatana Tree, and others.
Spend time in meditation at the Bodhi Tree. Visit the international monasteries around Bodh Gaya representing Japan, Thailand, Myanmar, Tibet, and many other Buddhist nations.
Bodh Gaya, Gaya District, Bihar 824231
By Bus
Regular Bihar State (BSRTC) buses from Gaya, Patna (3 hours), Varanasi (6 hours), and Nalanda. Bodh Gaya Bus Stand is 500 m from the temple
By Air
Gaya International Airport (GAY) - 8 km from Bodh Gaya (20 minutes by taxi). Receives flights from Delhi, Kolkata, Varanasi, and international Buddhist pilgrimage charters
By Rail
Gaya Junction Railway Station - 15 km from Bodh Gaya. Well-connected to Delhi, Kolkata, Varanasi, Mumbai, and Patna. Auto-rickshaws and taxis available outside the station
Local Transport
Auto-rickshaws, cycle-rickshaws, and e-rickshaws within Bodh Gaya. Shared autos to Gaya available. Ola/Uber limited but growing
Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism, revered as the ninth avatar of Lord Vishnu in some Hindu traditions.
Explore all Lord Buddha Temples
