Varanasi Trip Overview
Same day guided visit to Bodhgaya from Varanasi
The crucible of Buddhism, Bodhgaya was where Prince Siddhartha attained enlightenment beneath a bodhi tree 2600 years ago and became Buddha (the ‘Awakened One’). In terms of blessedness, this tiny temple town is to Buddhists what Mecca is to Muslims. Unsurprisingly, it attracts thousands of pilgrims from around the world every year, who come for prayer, study and meditation.
Additional Info
Duration: 14 hours
Starts: Varanasi, India
Trip Category: Cultural & Theme Tours >> Cultural Tours
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Same day guided visit to Bodhgaya from Varanasi
The crucible of Buddhism, Bodhgaya was where Prince Siddhartha attained enlightenment beneath a bodhi tree 2600 years ago and became Buddha (the ‘Awakened One’). In terms of blessedness, this tiny temple town is to Buddhists what Mecca is to Muslims. Unsurprisingly, it attracts thousands of pilgrims from around the world every year, who come for prayer, study and meditation.
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Mahabodhi Temple, Bihar 824231, Bodh Gaya 824231 India
At 05:00 AM take your packed breakfast from your Hotel and drive to Bodhgaya.
You will reach Bodhgaya at around 10:00 AM.
On arrival in Bodhgaya visit to Maha Bodhi Temple Complex – is one of the oldest brick temples in India. The magnificent Unesco World Heritage–listed Mahabodhi Temple, marking the hallowed ground where Buddha attained enlightenment and formulated his philosophy of life, forms the spiritual heart of Bodhgaya.
Pilgrims and visitors from all walks of life and religions come to worship or just soak up the atmosphere of this sacred place. An enthralling way to start or finish the day is to stroll around the inside of the perimeter of the temple compound (in an auspicious clockwise pattern) and watch a sea of maroon and yellow dip and rise, while Tibetan monks perform endless prostrations on their prayer boards.
After this see Bodhi Tree – Undoubtedly, the most sacred fig tree ever to grace the Earth was the Bodhi Tree at Bodhgaya, under which Prince Siddhartha, the founder of Buddhism, achieved enlightenment. Buddha was said to have stared unblinkingly at the tree in an awed gesture of gratitude and wonder after his enlightenment.
The 4.8-hectare (11.9-acre) complex also includes ancient shrines and modern structures built by Buddhist devotees. It was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2002.
After this see the Great Budhha Statue – This 25m-high Japanese-style statue towers above a pleasant garden at the end of Temple St. The impressive monument was unveiled by the Dalai Lama in 1989 and is surrounded by 10 smaller sculptures of Buddha’s disciples. The statue is partially hollow and is said to contain some 20,000 bronze Buddhas.
After this visit to Vishupad Temple – As the name suggests, this temple was built as a dedication to Lord Vishnu and features a 40 cm long footprint of Lord Vishnu that is enclosed by a basin made of silver plates.
Later after this visit to some famous monasteries such as Thai Monastery, Vietnamese Monastery, Japani Monastery etc.
If you wish to perform Pind Daan rituals for your ancentors, you can do it here at some additional cost should be paid to Pundit directly.
Later after all these drive back to Varanasi and on arrival in Varanasi transfer to your Hotel.
Duration: 14 hours
