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Bodh Gaya: Place of Buddha’s Enlightenment

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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