The life of Gautam Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, is associated with the small town of Bodhgaya. It is one of the four holiest cities of Buddhist faith. The four most holy places associated with the Buddha are Lumbini, his birthplace, in Nepal; Sarnath, near Varanasi, where he preached his first message; Kushinagar, near Gorakhpur, where he died; and Bodhgaya, where he attained enlightenment. Bodhgaya is the most important Buddhist pilgrimage site in the world. Apart from being a significant archaeological site, it is also a vital Buddhist centre.

Devoted Buddhists and tourists from all over the world visit Bodhgaya, to study Buddhism and the art of meditation, or to simply absorb the aura of solemn grandeur that surrounds the place. Bodhgaya is a quiet and peaceful place. You could visit Bodhgaya in a day, or even plan a long study leave, depending on your inclination.

The Mahabodhi temple is the main attraction of this town and is located near the spot where Lord Buddha attained spiritual enlightenment. Bodhgaya is not only an important Buddhist pilgrim center, but it is also an important center for the study of Buddhism. Bodhgaya is located in the central part of the state of Bihar, in the northeastern part of India. It is the part of the great Ganges plains. It is situated on the west of the Falgu River, which is a tributary of River Ganga (Ganges). It is 13 km south of Gaya and 113 km south of Patna city.

Exotically robed monks from Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Tibet, Thailand, China, Bhutan and Japan, the ubiquitous Western neophytes, the many modern temples, dharamshalas (rest-houses) and monasteries, built by devotees from all over the Buddhist world each in their own distinctive architectural style - the recent revival of Buddhism is wonderfully evident in the sights and sounds of Bodhgaya. Of all the sites on the Buddhist pilgrim route, Bodhgaya is easily the most exciting. For it is not merely a historical site, but a vibrant center of a living faith. The Dalai Lama often comes down from his headquarters in Dharamsala to spend the winter here. The mood in this little village is serene and friendly - an expression of the Master’s gentle creed.

Among the modern temples, of particular interest is the Japanese temple with its highly polished floors and gold statues. The Thai temple is a colorful pagoda aglitter with gilding. There is an ornately painted Tibetan temple and a beautiful Bhutanese shrine overflowing with brightly colored carvings of the fearsome pantheon that guards their little Himalayan kingdom.

However, to really experience Buddhist enthusiasm and character, you must be here during the Buddh Purnima celebrations, or during the 3-week long Nyingma Monlam Chenmo for world peace. In keeping with their principles, the celebrations are shorn of pomp and spectacle. Rather, there is meditation and recitation of the scriptures, and alms are distributed to the poor.