Bodh Gaya

Bodh Gaya

We arrived in Bodh Gaya in time for lunch. Part of the group, who had traveled by car straight from Varanasi on the highway, was raring to go. I, on the other hand, was still bouncing and shaking from the bumpy bus ride.

We visited a few smaller temples before visiting the main Mahabodhi temple. The first temple we stopped at was the Bhutanese Temple. It was a beautiful temple with every inch covered by colorful art.

Next, we stopped at the Japanese Great Buddha Statue. As we circumabulated the Great Buddha, we passed by statues of his disciples, like Mahakassapa and Mahamoggallana.

The Taiwanese Temple was under construction. But we were still able to go inside and pay homage.

Mahabodhi Temple

When we arrived at the main temple, we had to take off our shoes and pay 100 rupees each to take pictures. We had a guide who only took us as far as the bodhi tree under which the Buddha obtained enlightenment. Inside, we came across Ravi and the film crew interviewing pilgrims. We all stopped to meditate under the bodhi tree. Then around 7 pm, we went inside the Mahabodhi Temple with Ravi and the film crew for a puja. We each lit an incense stick and received a katha (scarf).

Ravi and film crew

Ole

Chris

puppies

Burmese bell

footsteps of Buddha with offerings

Bodhi Tree

Golden Buddha