M
UNESCO World Heritage
ASI Protected
Mahabodhi Temple
Bodh Gaya, Bihar
3rd Century BCE (original); 5th - 6th Century CE (current)
The most sacred site in Buddhism, marking the spot where Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree. The current temple dates to the 5th-6th century CE and features a distinctive 55-meter pyramidal spire. A descendant of the original Bodhi Tree still stands beside the temple.
Source: Aitihasik heritage database. Use this as a field guide and verify sensitive historical claims before citation.
Details
- Dynasty
- Misc Historic
- Style
- Buddhist temple (unique shikhara)
- Primary Deity
- Buddha (site of enlightenment)
- Languages
- Hindi, Sanskrit
- Scripts
- Devanagari, Sanskrit
Historical Significance
Most sacred site in Buddhism worldwide. Site of the Buddha's enlightenment. UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2002. The Bodhi Tree beside it is a descendant of the original
Architectural Features
Distinctive pyramidal shikhara towerVajrasana (Diamond Throne) marking the enlightenment spotDescendant of the original Bodhi TreeStone railing (Ashokan and Sunga periods)Meditation alcoves around the temple