The UNESCO certified World Heritage Site, Mahabodhi Temple is sited at
Bodhgaya in
Gaya District of
Bihar. Built entirely in brick, it is 170 ft high and dates back to the fifth or sixth century. The temple is historically an interesting spot because it is the place where
Buddha attained enlightenment.
The temple stands adjacent to descendant of the original Bodhi Tree, under which Buddha sat in meditation for enlightenment.
A Buddhist shrine, the temple is an ornate structure with a pyramid (50 m high) on the top. A red sandstone slab named Vajrasan can be seen beneath the tree. It is believed to be the spot where Buddha sat for meditation. Also found here is a large gilded image of Buddha.
The temple is about 100 km from Patna. At a distance of 12 km is Gaya Junction Railway Station.
