Further west there is Kagyu monastery which is bigger of the two other monasteries and belongs to the Kagyu sect. The monastery has a spacious main prayer hall which is adorned with beautiful modern murals, Buddha images, and a huge Dharma Chakra or Wheel of Law.
The Tibetan monastery is situated within the Tibetan quarter northwest of the main shrine. Built around four decades back, the complex has a central prayer hall, a huge prayer wheel and residential buildings. Every winter, the Tibetans visit Bodhgaya in large number and set up a small market with restaurants and cafes.
Animesh Locahana Temple is a small white temple located to the right of the compound entrance. A miniature version of the main temple, Animesh Temple marks the spot where Lord Buddha stood and gazed upon the Bodhi Tree in gratitude.
It is said that when the Lord touches simple things they attain permanent fame and longevity. The Bodhi tree which shielded the Lord and helped him attain his goal has been immortalized and is believed to have fathered similar trees across the globe. First seven days of enlightenment saw the Buddha meditate below the tree.
The present day tree is believed to be a direct descendant of the original. The original tree was burned down and destroyed by many Kings. Emperor Ashoka was in fact so depressed that he ordered a branch of the tree in Sri Lanka and planted it and took so much care that the jealous queen ordered its destruction. The tree survived all this and its branches still flourish everywhere.
Mahabodhi Temple is the main attraction of Gaya and it is also an architectural masterpiece. Of course, the temple is like is other most popular temples in India, but as you enter inside the temple complex you find an atmosphere of peace and tranquility. Extensively renovated during the 19th century, the temple is supposed to be a replica of the 17th century structure that was standing on the site of Mauryan Emperor Ashoka's original 3rd century shrine. The imposing single spire of the temple rising to the lofty height of 55mts and is visible from all over the surrounding countryside. Atop the temple there are Chhatras which symbolise sovereignty of Buddhism.
This hill adds to the beauty of Gaya. It is about 10 kms from the Ramshila hill. Just below the hill is the Brahma Kund. After taking bath in this pond people go for the 'Pind Dan' which involves performance of religious rites and offering donations and charity for the peace of souls of one's parents and ancestors. On top of the hill the Queen of Indore, Ahilya Bai, built a temple in 1787popularly known as Ahilya Bai Temple. This temple has always been an attraction for the tourists due to its unique architecture and magnificent sculptures.
In 1787 Queen Ahilya Bai built the Vishnu temple on the banks of river Falgu. The temple has some great architecture and design which attracts devotees and tourists alike. A 30-meter high octagonal tower overshadows this temple.
Buddhism had reached Vietnam very early and was eagerly adopted by its people. The Government of Vietnam decided to dedicate a temple to the Lord and recently (in 2002) the Vietnamese temple was constructed near the Maha Bodhi temple complex. Being the most recent the temple has had all the advantages of science with it and has been exquisitely constructed with serene surroundings and beautiful vicinity.
The Tibetan monastery is the oldest, largest and most revered monastery. The Dalai Lama is a regular visitor to this monastery and he has ensured excellent maintenance and facilities at the monastery. The monastery complex also houses a special and colorful Tibetan temple and also the very special wheel of law. The Tibetan Monastery boasts of the Maitreya Buddha or the future Buddha.
Amongst the hustle of foreign monasteries and temples, stands out the Thai Monastery, for its unique appearance as well as the beautiful surroundings. The Thai Temple is adorned with sloping and curved roof which has been covered with golden tiles. The exterior is exquisite and is not to be missed.
The temple houses a beautifully carved gigantic bronze statue of Lord Buddha. The atmosphere inside the sanctum is serene and silence falls on the ears upon entry into the monastery. A 25 meter high statue of Buddha has been recently installed in the garden near the Thai monastery.
