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GENERAL
INFORMATION
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Tourism in India generates a major
chunk of its revenue from the religion related tourism.
Many of the foreigners out for Indian Holidays do visit Bodh Gaya, the birthplace of Buddhism. About 2,500 years
ago, Prince Siddhartha Gautama (born in 566 BCE) sat
down under a pipal tree (cf. Trees and the Sacred) here
and received the enlightenment that would inspire one
of the world's great religions. Situated in the Bihar
state in northeastern India, about 65 miles south of
Bihar's capital of Patna, and 7 miles from the city
of Gaya, Bodh Gaya remains the most important Buddhist
pilgrimage destination on Earth.After
six fruitless years of seeking the ultimate meaning
of life, Siddhartha Gautama sat cross-legged under the
pipal tree and entered a deep meditation. During the
course of the night he attained enlightenment (Nirvana)
and became the Buddha (the Enlightened or Awakened One).
The pipal tree, a species of fig, became known as the
Bodhi or Bo (Enlightenment) tree. The Buddhe's followers
soon recognized the tree as sacred, and it was officially
revered by the first great Indian Buddhist empeor Asoka
(268-232 BCE), who marked it off with a railing.
The
pipal tree now at the site is reputedly descended from
the original Bodhi Tree. Pilgrims customarily tie scarves
to its branches, lay cut flowers and small lamps around
its base, and burn incense. Nearby is the vajrasana,
the Diamond Throne, a red sandstone slab marking the
spot, according to tradition, of the Buddha's meditation.
For Buddhist, this spot is the centre of the universe.
Mahabodhi
Temple, featuring a 150 foot high pyramid spire
on site of Siddhartha's original Bodhi Tree, along with
a golden image of the Buddha. |
| Places
of Interest |
Deo 20 km from Gaya, the Surya temple, here, is
the site of the famous Chhath Puja in November.
Parasnath
Hill
40 km from Gaya, they are the earliest Buddhist
rock cut caves. It is believed that 22 'tirthankaras'
out of 24 attained salvation here, and is deemed
one of the most sacred pilgrim centres for the
Jains.
Chotanagpur
The Chotanagpur plateau is one of the most beautiful
areas in Bihar. Studded with hills 300 - 900
m in altitude, and covered with verdant virgin
forests, this expanse of rivers, lakes, meadows
and valleys is an ideal retreat. Rich in wildlife,
these forests are an anthropologist's delight,
as the clutch of ancient tribes, like Santhal,
Ho, Munda, Oraon, Koi, Chero, Kharia, Paharia,
dwelling within them, still retain their intriguing
traditions and rituals. Bodh Gaya tour packages include a special excursion to this beautiful township.
Ranchi
The erstwhile summer capital of Bihar, Ranchi,
is 676 m in altitude, and is a wonderful hill
station. Its significant landmarks are a hill
- top Shiva temple, with the Ranchi lake at
the foothills.
Palamau
A popular tourist resort 140 km from Ranchi.
How
to get there
Gaya
is an important railway junction. There are
bus services from all important towns of Bihar.
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