Mahabodhi Temple Bodh Gaya

UNESCO World Heritage Site - Where Gautama Buddha Attained Enlightenment Under Sacred Bodhi Tree (1M+ annual pilgrims)

Plan Your Pilgrimage

About Mahabodhi Temple

Holiest Buddhist Pilgrimage Site in India

Mahabodhi Temple Complex in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, marks the exact spot where Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment to become Buddha around 531 BCE. The 55m pyramid-shaped temple (5th century CE) enshrines the Diamond Throne (Vajrasana) and surrounds the sacred Bodhi Tree descendant. UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2002, visited by millions annually.

Temple History

From Enlightenment to Global Heritage

Mahabodhi Temple UNESCO

Origins

First temple built by Emperor Ashoka (3rd cent BCE). Current structure from Gupta period (5th-6th cent CE). Restored by British/UNESCO.

Bodhi Tree Sacred

Bodhi Tree

Direct descendant of original peepul tree under which Buddha meditated 49 days. Protected by diamond fence.

Diamond Throne Diamond Throne

Vajrasana

Original diamond throne marking exact spot of enlightenment. Never moved since 531 BCE.

Visiting Information

Essential Guide for Pilgrims & Tourists

Temple Complex Timings

Temple Hours

Open 5AM-9PM daily. No entry fee for Indians (₹20), ₹300 foreigners. Special meditation halls available.

Buddha Statue Rituals

Practices

Circumambulation, Bodhi Tree prayers, meditation under tree, lotus flower offerings. English tours 5PM.

Monks Facilities

Amenities

International monasteries (Thai, Japanese, Tibetan), museums, guest houses, vegetarian restaurants nearby.

Major Festivals

Celebrate Buddha's Enlightenment

Buddha Purnima Main

Buddha Purnima

Full moon (May) celebrates Buddha's birth/enlightenment/parinirvana. Torchlight processions, all-night prayers.

Vesak International

Vesak

UN-recognized Buddha Day (May). Global Buddhist participation, cultural programs, relic exhibitions.

Kathina Robes

Kathina

October/November robe-offering ceremony post-monsoon retreat. Monks receive new robes from devotees.

Sacred Atmosphere

Virtual Tour of Mahabodhi Temple

Location & Access

Bodh Gaya, Gaya District, Bihar (24.6978° N, 84.9902° E)