Bodhi Temple, Bodh Gaya

      The architecture of this temple is no comparison with any in North India. There is a belief that in the 3rd century B.C emperor Ashoka built this temple. It's structure is very different and attractive from the other temples in North India.

       The king Lanka, Meghvarn had constructed a monastery towards the North of the Bodhi tree. This construction was done during the period of Samudragupta. In the 12th century the fierce attack of the Muslim invaders had destroyed the temple completely. In 1876 the ruler of Burma in agreement with the British government of India had rebuilt the temple on the remains of the older structure.

      The Mahabodhi temple has a huge Idol of Buddha in the 'bhumisparsa mudra'. The temple is surrounded by a small pillars and delicate lattice work. These are a major attraction for the tourist who visit the place. To maintain the balance of the main tower there are four smaller towers.

       Before 25 centuries , a light was kindled here when Prince Sidhartha attained supreme enlightenment renouncing a kingdom and the luxuries of royal existence. in 531 B.C. It was here that Sakya prince first saw "light" under the Bodhi tree. The prince became "Buddha", the enlightened one. The tree that stands today, is said to have grown from the original Bodhi Tree.

      Bodh Gaya , is the greatest pilgrim centre for Buddhists of the world. Number of Monasteries constructed by Burmese, Tibetan, Chinese, Japanese, Thai and Bhutanese in their native architectural styles provide great attraction to tourists. The place is located 12 Kms from Gaya Railway Station, an important junction on Grand Chord line of Eastern Railways. BodhGaya is is approx. 106 Kms by Road from the nearest Airport at Patna the holy place, the capital of Bihar.

Rajgir

      Rajgir is a place of temples and monastries situated just 15 kms from Nalanda. It has very beautiful hindu and Jain temples which attracts Hindus and Jains also to the place.It is one of the most important tourist places in India.

      Being located in a valley, Rajgir is a very scenic place. The small hill grit town is covered with lush green forest which add to the beauty of the place.

      Rajgir was the capital of the Magadh Mahajanpad (State) when Patliputra was not formed. In olden days it was called Rajgrih. Rajgir or Rajgrih means the home of Royalty. This place has been associated with Lord Buddha and Budhism. Buddha not only spent many years in Rajgir but also delivered sermons here and proselytized emperor Bimbisar at the Griddhakoota hill. The Jivekarmavan monastery was the favourite residence for Budha.

       The teachings of Budha was penned down at Rajgir and it was also the venue for the first Budhist Council. Today Rajgir has come up as one of the most important pilgrimage for the Budhist.      

       Not only as a place for worship, Rajgir has come up as health and winter resort with its warm water ponds. These ponds are said to contain some medecinal properties which help in the cure of many skin diseases.