The town of Bodh Gaya has been the center of attraction for millions of Buddhism followers as well as the historians equally. This influx has not been limited only within the country and various governments have constructed their Monasteries and temples in the vicinity. The Royal Bhutan Monastery has been constructed by the King of Bhutan as a mark of respect to the Lord.
The seven weeks of meditation, which Goutama undertook to become Buddha, were dedicated at different locations and one such location is the Ratnaghara. It is believed that during one of the seven weeks, Lord Brahma and Lord Indra created a luxurious hall studded with seven precious elements for the Buddha to meditate. The Buddha was seen radiating lights of five colors through his meditating body and illuminate the nearby Bodhi tree.
Just opposite to the Daijokyo monastery is the Indosan Nipponji Temple, which has a beautiful hut-like roof and an elegant statue of Buddha inside.
An outstanding example of the Japanese architecture and deep rooted Buddhist preaching, the Indosan Nippon Japanese temple is situated at a distance of 15 km from the town of Bodh Gaya. The temple itself has been carved out from wood and resembles a typical Japanese shrine.
The Chinese Buddhist monks have erected a beautiful Buddha temple in the vicinity of the Bodhi temple complex. As is the case with other foreign Buddha temples in the area, the temple exteriors reflect rich Chinese architecture and have been liberally decorated with typical Chinese designs.
The Bodhi Temple is surrounded by various shrines and articles that were purified by the pious presence of the Lord. One of the pathways which was utilised by Buddha during the third week of enlightenment, for the purpose of meditation is the Cankamana.
Buddha did not achieve the enlightenment at once but had to complete a long cycle of meditation and association. Various objet d'art associated with this process remind us of the great soul. The Animesh Lochana (open eyes) Chaitya shrine is one such location where the Buddha, spent seven days (the second week of enlightenment) looking at the Bodhi tree. It is believed that he did so without batting the eyelids as gratitude for sheltering him. Subsequently the Buddha spent another seven days walking between the Bodhi tree and the Animesh Lochan Chaitya.
The travel of Buddha prior to attaining Nirvana is also revered by the followers, thus Sujata Kuti, a Stupa created in memory of Sujata, the daughter of the Senani (Village chief) of Uruvela, who offered him a meal of milk rice and honey. In fact it is believed to be the first morsel of grain consumed by Buddha after this hardship of six years. The Buddha was in a very fragile state and had lost all his belongings, including his clothes and his faithful but disillusioned followers, during the six years of meditation.
The Bodhi Temple complex is sure to puzzle any visitor with its wide assortment of location which are so sacred and important due too their association with the Buddha directly. The Rajayatna tree situated to the south-east of the temple is the one such location where the Buddha spent is, the seventh week and incidentally the last week of meditation.
Being one of the four holy places associated with Lord Buddha, Bodh Gaya is replete with learning centers and shrines / monasteries dedicated by various Buddhist followers across the globe. The Burmese monastery on the Gaya road is a very popular destination for many scholars and students because of the fact that it offers various in depth study courses and guidance expertise.
Bodh gaya is replete with location which have been purified with the presence of Buddha himself. The Ajapala Nigrodha tree is one such location. It is believed that a shepherd boy planted this tree to protect the Lord. Gautama is supposed to have spent the entire duration of the fifth week practicing meditation under this tree.