After a mercifully quick stay in Gaya, we headed on to Bodhgaya by bus (Rs.15, ticketmaster smirked as he asked for Rs 50(~$1) while everyone else looked on and paid Rs.10. I laughed back and handed him a much more reasonable fee).
The Mahabodhi temple at the town center is a 19th century reconstruction of a 7th century temple at the location of the Bodhi tree where Buddha attained enlightenment. It's surrounded by a multitude of smaller stupas, as well as a reconstruction of a 2nd century fence. The Bodhi tree in the rear gave shade to about 150 Sri Lankan pilgrims praying. Picking up a fallen leaf from the tree ensures good luck in studies; plucking one is very bad luck. Don't worry, I got mine the right way. Aaron and I returned at night to play with the low light settings on our cameras:
We buzzed around to every country's temple here: Thailand, the 4 Tibetan ones, Burmese, Bhutanese, Japanese, Chinese, the Mahabodhi Society's, as well as the Archaeological museum here. Particularly outstanding were the relief work in the Bhutanese one and the interior painting and exterior decoration of the Thai temple.
Oh and we're staying at one of the Tibetan monasteries.
The Mahabodhi temple at the town center is a 19th century reconstruction of a 7th century temple at the location of the Bodhi tree where Buddha attained enlightenment. It's surrounded by a multitude of smaller stupas, as well as a reconstruction of a 2nd century fence. The Bodhi tree in the rear gave shade to about 150 Sri Lankan pilgrims praying. Picking up a fallen leaf from the tree ensures good luck in studies; plucking one is very bad luck. Don't worry, I got mine the right way. Aaron and I returned at night to play with the low light settings on our cameras:
The Mahabodhi towers 55m above the field of stupas. The great bodhi tree is in front.
The Bodhi tree and its protective fence, behind which is also the Buddha's thunder-seat.
We buzzed around to every country's temple here: Thailand, the 4 Tibetan ones, Burmese, Bhutanese, Japanese, Chinese, the Mahabodhi Society's, as well as the Archaeological museum here. Particularly outstanding were the relief work in the Bhutanese one and the interior painting and exterior decoration of the Thai temple.
Bhutanese Temple and monastery.
Thai Temple, during evening prayers. Thailand wins fanciest temple.
Oh and we're staying at one of the Tibetan monasteries.
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