Gaya is the second-largest city on the fringes of Bihar. In the olden days, it was a part of Magadh. Since ancient times the places around Gaya like Nalanda, Rajgir, and Pataliputra have been citadels of learning, they had flourished under the Mauryan rule.

Surrounded by sparse landscapes and vegetation - a drive-by a car or bus for 12 km will take you to the small town of Bodh Gaya – The birthplace of Buddhism.

The word Bodhi is derived from the verbal root Budh (to be awakened, become aware, to notice, knowledge or understanding). Hence the name Bodh Gaya, where Buddha attained enlightenment under a Peepal tree. It is the ultimate place of worship for Buddhists across the world, which flock here to the Mahabodhi temple complex built around the site where Buddha achieved nirvana.

You can check a photo gallery on Bodh Gaya here.


The first glimpse of the tall and erect structure of the Mahabodhi temple within the complex.