Mahābodhi Temple
The Mahābodhi Temple is a significant Buddhist site located in Bodh Gaya, India, where it is believed that the Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. Constructed during the reign of Emperor Aśoka, the temple has a rich historical background, with evidence of its early structure dating back to the first century BCE. Pilgrims and historians, such as the Chinese travelers Faxian and Xuanzang, have documented its prominence over the centuries, noting various architectural features including a towering stupa and the sacred Vajrasana, or Diamond Seat.
Despite falling into neglect after the twelfth century, the temple underwent restorations in the late 19th century, largely inspired by earlier models. Today, the Mahābodhi Temple, along with the Bodhi tree, remains a vital pilgrimage destination for Buddhists around the world, attracting those seeking spiritual fulfillment and connection to the historical roots of Buddhism. The site is recognized for its cultural and religious significance, symbolizing the journey towards enlightenment.
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Mahābodhi Temple
Related civilization: India.
Date: 300 b.c.e.- 600 c.e.
Locale: Bodh Gayā, India
Mahābodhi Temple
The Mahābodhi (mah-HAW-BOH-dee) temple is the main structure of Bodh Gayā, where the Buddha attained enlightenment. Aśoka is credited with the construction of a structure around the Bodhi tree, under which the Buddha reached enlightenment. A first century b.c.e. relief sculpture from Bharhut showing a two-story structure built around the Bodhi tree and the Vajrasana (the Diamond seat) is probably the earliest pictorial evidence for the temple. The Chinese pilgrim Faxian (c. 337-422 c.e.) reported a stupa built at the place of enlightenment. Another Chinese pilgrim, Xuanzang (seventh century c.e.), saw a structure with a 160-foot (49-meter) tower beside the Bodhi tree. Sometime after the twelfth century c.e., the temple fell into neglect. Burmese missions were sent to restore the structure in 1875 and 1880. In conjunction with the second Burmese mission, J. D. Beglar restored the structure, primarily based upon an eleventh century c.e. miniature model of the temple. The Mahābodhi temple, along with the Bodhi tree and the Vajrasana, is a major pilgrimage site for Buddhists.
Bibliography
Barua, Dipak K. Bodh Gaya Temple: Its History. Buddha Gaya, India: Buddha Gaya Temple Management Committee, 1981.
Cunningham, Alexander. Mahābodhi. New Delhi, India: Munshiram Manoharlal Publishers, 1998.
Leoshko, Janice, ed. Bodh Gaya: The Site of Enlightenment. Bombay, India: Marg, 1988.