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Mahabodhi Temple
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Mahabodhi Temple
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Mahabodhi Temple
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Mahabodhi Temple
INDIA, Bihar, Bodhgaya
isited Bodhgaya and erected a stele to commemorate his visit. The temple was rebuilt in the 12th century during the Pala period (circa 8th-12th century). Since then the temple underwent several renovations and restorations with contributions from the Burmese. With the decline of Buddhism in India, the temple was neglected and buried under rubble. It was not until the 19th century that an excavation and reconstruction was led by British archaeologist Alexander Cunningham, resulting in the temple assuming its present appearance. The Mahabodhi Temple Complex was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002.
The site consists of the main Mahabodhi Temple and seven sacred places. The main temple is built of brick and is one of the earliest brick structures in India. It is in a Diamond Throne style, with a 55 m high central stupa surrounded by four smaller stupas at the corners. The base platform is square with each side measuring 15 m. The exterior walls are decorated with moldings. Above the base there is a central stupa with walls decorated with geometric patterns. The spire is in the shape of a small inverted-bowl stupa topped with gilded stacked rings and a finial. Stone railings about 2 m high surround all four sides of the temple.
Within the complex there are seven sacred places related to the Seven Weeks after the Buddha’s Enlightenment. In order, they are the Diamond Throne, Place of Unblinking Gazing, Cloister Walk, Jewel House, Banyan Tree, Naga King Pond, and Rajayatana Tree. In addition, the sacred Bodhi tree is situated to the west of the main temple. The present tree is probably the fifth generation of the original Bodhi tree, under which the Buddha sat while attaining enlightenment. |
