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The Abode Of
Enlightenment
Steeped in history, Bodh Gaya has more than just a temple and a river to offer.
The huge 80 feet high
statue of
Gautam Buddha
towers over Bodhgaya
Strolling through the bank of ancient
Niranjana (Falgu) river, the first thing that
caught my eyes were the riot of colours. Some monks wearing yellow robes, Buddhist
pilgrims wearing maroon and tourists donning
other colours added to the brilliance. Come winter and this abode of enlightenment blooms
like a garden of flowers. It was apparently in
Falgu where Siddharta used bathed regularly. |
Thai Temple at Bodh Gaya
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Besides it was this river where he had thrown
the bowl of kheer (Rice pudding) given to him
by the village lass Sujata. Soon after eating this
kheer Siddharta had attained his enlightenment.
Leaving the banks of Falgu as I start
moving towards the Mahabodhi Temple, the
chants of ‘Buddham Sharnam Gachchami,
Sangham Sharanam Gachchani’ enter my ears.
In and around the Mahabodhi Temple, many
little shops sell cassettes and CD’s of religious
songs and various other items related to Buddhism.
A flight of steps lead me to the inner courtyard
of Mahabodhi Temple. On looking at this 170 ft high shrine anybody would praise the
nameless ancient masons who had created this
architectural wonder centuries ago. This truncated
pyramidal shape temple dates back to the
2nd century AD.
In the courtyard, I find many monks moving
around barefoot, others meditating without
even noticing my presence. Tranquility prevails
everywhere. I have a feeling of boarding a timemachine
and going back to Emperor Ashoka’s
time. In his days (2550 years ago) Buddha had
pleaded against war and fought to establish peace. Looking at the Mahabodhi tree near the shrine one really feels
that Bodhgaya continues to remain a living page of history. Under
this peepal (Banyan) tree Siddhartha attained enlightenment. He became Tathagata. |
This Mahabodhi tree still appears to be radiating an aura of abiding
serenity, spiritual solitude and peace. It is believed that the original
Bodhi tree sprang up during the day of Siddhartha’s birth. |
Monks listen in rapt attention to a spiritual
discourse |
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The Sun has already set. I cannot resist the temptation of witnessing
the Arti carried out in the Mahabodhi Temple by the devout
Lamas, Monks and others who consider Shakya Muni their supreme
solace. Hurriedly I walk to the premises of the shrine to find hundreds
of butter lamps and candles lighting there to create a divine
atmosphere. The statues of Buddha attained serene glow due to the
light of those lamps and candles. The holy sight arrested me. I stood
still against a ancient wall. A group of monks were slowly moving
with lamps in their hand and chanting “Buddham Sharanam
Gachchami, Sangham sharanam Gachchami.” |
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FACTFILE
How to Go : Deccan flies daily to Patna. Bodh Gaya is 112km from Patna. There isalso an airport at Gaya.
By Rail : Gaya station, the nearest railhead is 16 km away. Gaya is
well connected by rail to all major Indian cities.
Where to stay : There are two moderately priced tourist bungalows
Hotel Sidhart Vihar and hotel Buddha Vihar of Bihar Tourism
Development Corporation near the temple.tel:0631-2200445.
Hotel Lotus Nikko, Bodhgaya. |
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The Mahabodhi temple |
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