Bodh Gaya, India was the location of Siddhartha Gautama’s enlightenment. The Buddha attained enlightenment sitting under a Bodhi tree. The ancestor of that tree is housed at the majestic Mahabodhi Temple. This World Heritage Site is a must for travelers who are interested in the faith. The grounds are filled with meditating monks, carefully maintained plant life, and eager to learn tourists.
Follow this photographic journey into the home of The Buddha’s enlightenment.
Buddhist Temple, Bodh Gaya © Gennaro Salamone
Bodh Gaya is filled with Buddhist temples that were built by governments throughout Asia. Every nation with a significant Buddhist population has built their own temple to pay respect to the place of Buddha’s enlightenment
Relaxing Monks © Gennaro Salamone
Buddhist monks from a variety of nations make the pilgrimage to the Mahabodhi Temple to meditate under the Bodhi tree. It’s a peaceful respite from the chaos of India’s urban areas.
Bhikkhuni (Buddhist Nuns) © Gennaro Salamone
All Buddhist traditions have Bhikkhuni (Buddhist Nuns). While nuns take the same important vows, their position and stature within the Buddhist community is largely determined by their country.
The Bodhi Tree, Mahabodhi Temple © Gennaro Salamone
The Bodhi tree at Mahabodhi Temple is an ancestor of the original tree that Siddhartha Guatama attained enlightenment under around 530 BCE. Visitors and monks alike wait for falling Bodhi leaves which symbolize good fortune.
Prayer Flags, Mahabodhi Temple © Gennaro Salamone
Buddhist Emperor Asoka is considered the founder of the Mahabodhi Temple. It’s a brilliant architectural structure. The central tower rises to over 180 feet (55 meters). Lucky prayer flags are seen throughout the complex.
Buddha Statue © Gennaro Salamone
Bodh Gaya, India is home to thousands of Buddha statues of various sizes. Each statue has a unique meaning in connection with the Buddha’s positioning and facial expression.
Buddhist Monk Chanting © Gennaro Salamone
Buddhist chanting takes place regularly under the Bodhi tree. Pilgrims and tourists alike take in the beautiful rhythms of the chants. Many visitors and monks begin to pray at this moment.
Read about three perfect places to meet Buddhist monks then follow another photographic journey to Angkor Wat, Cambodia.
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Gennaro Salamone is the founder and editor of Enduring Wanderlust. Feel free to contact him with questions, comments, or inquiries with reference to contributing a travel article or photograph for publication.
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Lisa
Stunning images. Love them. I would like to go there. Sounds so peaceful. I visit the local buddhist temple occasionally.
Yen
I googled it and Japan has built a nice temple there too. Looks nice to visit, There are a lot of nice ones all here too.
John H
Beautiful photos and place. My favorites are the monks relaxing, orange jumps out and the prayers. Interesting to see it in action.
Jay
These are wonderful photos. It feels like I am there. I love the power of the internet. Even through photos, you can feel the calmness of enlightenment. Thanks for a great post!
Gennaro
@Lisa & @John H
Thanks.
@Yen
Yes, the Japanese temple is very impressive.
@Jay
Thanks. It is amazing. I learn so much visiting blogs.
Tim
Love the images especially the Bhikkhuni nuns. I’m fascinated by Buddhism. This is a placed I’d like to read a lot about and visit. Been to Japan and China and saw quite a few temples. Always peaceful.
Spot Cool Stuff
I lived in Bodh Gaya as a student for 6 months; it has a really special place in my heart. For anyone interested in Buddhism I highly suggest it as a destination.
jen laceda
Quite simply, moving.
Gennaro
@Spot Cool
Must have been a great experience studying there.
@jen laceda
Thanks. The temple really is an amazing spot.
Kim Woodbridge
Do you know if there is any significance to the braided cloth in the first photo? Theses are wonder photos Gennaro.
kelly
I always wondered what tools they use to build such intricately-carved temples! I mean, many built without the present construction machinery we have! Simply amazing!
Wendy-Escape NY
Lovely photos. One could spend a life time exploring the temples of India, which is good work if you can get it :^).
Giovanna Garcia
The photos are brilliant. My parents went travel to Thailand when I was young and when they came back, they have some photos like this. Someday I wish to go see for myself.
Thanks,
Giovanna Garcia
Imperfect action is better than no action
Gennaro
@Kim Woodbridge
Tibetan Buddhism has some writings on “endless knots” symbolising the Buddha’s endless wisdom and compassion. It may be tied to that.
@kelly
It’s amzing the creations of generations ago. The one advantage they often had was a lot of free labor.
@Wendy
Thanks. Yes, not a bad job, if you can get it 🙂
@Giovanna Garcia
Thailand has lots of beautiful temples too.
Elodie
I am amazed by your blog, love it! India is one of my first dream destination along with Nepal and Bhutan. It must be an incredible experience to go there.
Good job!:)
Gennaro
@Elodie
Thanks so much. India was definitely amazing. It’s the kind of place that you never forget.