Tourist places in and around Bodhgaya

Pilgrims venerate the Buddha image in the temple.

Inside the temple is a colossal image of a seated Buddha touching the earth with his right hand (a gesture known as the earth-witness mudra). In this posture the Buddha accomplished the supreme enlightenment. The statue is of black stone but it has been covered in gold and dressed in bright orange robes.

The courtyard of the temple is studded with many smaller stupas and Buddha statues, some of which are several hundred years old. Parts of the railing that surrounds the area are among the oldest elements of Mahabodhi Temple that survive today.

Immediately next to the Mahabodhi Temple is the Bodhi Tree, a descendent of the very tree under which the Buddha was enlightened, and the Jewel Walk, marking the place where the Buddha is said to have practiced walking meditation for seven days after his enlightenment.

Pilgrimage Attractions

Mahabodhi Temple

The Mahabodhi Temble is located at the place of Lord Buddha's enlightenment. The temple has a 50m (170 ft) tower. The present temple was restored around 1880. There have been several other temples on this site. A previous temple was destroyed by the Muslims in the 11th century. Parts of the intricately carved railings to the south and west of the temple are very old. Some of the railings are original and parts of the railings are reproductions.

In the inner sanctuary there is a huge Buddha. In the center of the temple there is also a Siva-linga that was installed about 860. This temple is also sacred to the Hindus because Lord Buddha is the ninth incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

The date of Gautama Buddha's enlightenment is not known for certain - even the dates of his birth and death are difficult to pin down. However, Buddhists and historians alike recognize the Buddha as a historical figure who lived in the 6th or 5th century BC and it is likely that Bodh Gaya is indeed the site of his enlightenment.

Emperor Asoka (3rd century BC), the first Buddhist ruler of India, marked this important site with one of his trademark inscribed pillars, with an elephant capital. A stone rail was put up around the perimeter in the 1st century AD, part of which still remains. The uprights have representations of the Vedic gods Indra and Surya, and the railing medallions are carved with mythical beasts.

In the 2nd century, the shrine was replaced by the present Mahabodhi Temple. Around 400, the Chinese pilgrim Fa-hien recorded that the site contained several statues and monuments.

The temple was refurbished in the Pala-Sena period (750-1200), but after that it was deserted and fell into ruin. Mahabodhi was claimed by Saivite Hindus for a time, was heavily restored by Sir Alexander Cunningham in the second half of the 19th century, and finally restored by Burmese Buddhists in 1882.

In 1891, the Mahabodhi Society was founded with the aim of reclaiming Bodhgaya and the Mahabodhi temple from Hindu to Buddhist control. The 1949 Bodhgaya Act recognize the site as a Buddhist holy place.

The Mahabodhi Temple is located at the place of Lord Buddha's enlightenment. The temple has a 50m (170ft) tower. The present temple was restored around 1880. There have been several othe temples on this site. Aprevious temple was destroyed by the Muslims in the 11thy century. Parts of the intricately carved railing to the south and west of the temple are very old.

In the inner sanctuary, there is a huge Buddha. In the centre of the temple, there is also a Sivalinga. This temple is also sacred to the Hindus because Lord Buddha is considered to be the ninth incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

Maha Bodhi Temple The historical place at which the Enlightenment took place became a place of pilgrimage. Though it is not mentioned in the scriptures, the Buddha must have visited Bodh Gaya again in the course of his teaching career. About 250 years after the Enlightenment, the Buddhist Emperor, Ashoka visited the site and is considered the founder of the Mahabodhi Temple. According to the tradition, Ashoka, as well as establishing a monastery, erected a diamond throne shrine at this spot with a canopy supported by four pillars over a stone representation of the Vajrasana, the Seat of Enlightenment.

The temple's architecture is superb but its history is shrouded in obscurity. It was constructed with the main intention of making it a monument and not a receptacle for the relics of the Buddha. Several shrines were constructed with enshrined images for use as places of worship.

The basement of the present temple is 15m square, 15m in length as well as in breadth and its height is 52 m which rises in the form of a slender pyramid tapering off from a square platform. On its four corners four towers gracefully rise to some height. The whole architectural plan gives pose and balance to the observers.

Inside the temple there is a colossal image of the Buddha in the "touching the ground pose", bhumisparsha mudra. This image is said to be 1700 years old and is facing east exactly at the place where the Buddha in meditation with his back to the Bodhi tree was enlightened.

Undoubtedly Bodhgaya's main attraction, the Mahabodhi temple is declared as a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO. The base of the temple is a square measuring over 45 metres and it stretches in a pyramid shape, ending in a smaller square platform towards the top. The exterior of the temple is covered with scenes from Buddha's life. Within the temple is a colossal image of the Buddha in a seated position, touching the earth with his right hand. The statue is made of black stone, though it has been covered in gold and enrobed in bright orange robes.

The outer courtyard has several smaller stupas and Buddha statues, some dating to several hundred years. Among these oldest structures, is the Bodhi Tree, which is actually a descendent of the tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment. It is also the spot marked as the Jewel Walk, where Buddha is believed to have practiced walking meditation for seven days after his enlightenment.

Owing to its close association to Buddha, the tree has great significance. In fact, prior to Buddha's image, the tree was used as a symbol to represent him. It is believed that pilgrims carried and planted leaves and seeds of the Bodhi Tree to their monasteries as a symbol of Buddhist teachings Also known as Diamond Throne or Thunder Seat, Vajrasana is a large rectangular slab of red sandstone covered with a gold canopy under the Bodhi Tree. This marks the spot where Buddha was seated when he attained enlightenment. The top of the canopy is decorated with an unusual geometric design and this seat is decorated with flowers and an urn to collect donations or offerings.

A whitewashed temple, Animeshlochana Chaitya is located off the walk to the Mahabodhi Temple. A miniature of the grand temple, it marks the spot where Buddha spent a week gazing at the Bodhi Tree in gratitude after attaining enlightenment. It is said that he stood here unblinking (animesh; hence the name).

Also known as the Jewel Walk, Chankamana is a raised platform where Buddha's foot impression is visible. Legends have it that Buddha walked here in meditation. It is said that wherever he walked, lotus flowers sprung up and this is depicted by the 18-lotus carvings on the platform.

Located on the north-west of the main temple, Ratnaghara is a roofless shrine where Buddha is believed to have meditated. Legends have it that while he meditated here, a mukti-hued ray of light emanated from his body and these are the colours that are found on the prayer flags of countries that follow Buddhism.

Buddha is believed to have spent the fifth week of meditation under the Ajapala Nigrodha Tree. His sixth week of meditation was spent near the Muchalinda Lake, which has a statue of the Buddha in the centre of the lake with a huge serpent protecting him. The final stop for devotees in the temple complex is the Rajayatna Tree, where Buddha spent his seventh week of meditation.

Open from 5.00 am-9.00 pm
Entry free; Still camera photography: Rs 20, video: Rs. 300
Footwear to be deposited at designated place outside the temple: Rs 1 per pair
The Maha Bodhi Temple, as it now stands, is approximately 170 feet high, while its base is 50 feet square. It consists of a straight pyramidal tower surmounted by a stupa. Its entrance porch, comparatively later than the original Temple, is on the east. Each of the four sides of the tower presents severa; tiers of niches, whild the front face has a tall lancet opening for the admission of light into the sanctum and at the base of the towe there rises a turret at each of the four corners-a miniature replica of the main spire. The Temple is built of bluish bricks, with a coating of plaster. In front of the main entrance, there is an imposing gateway decorated with delicate carvings. The Gateway presents on the front an elegant stone votice stupa of small proportions. The niches on both sides of the main entrance to the Temple contain images of the Buddha. The central shrine room of the Temple, which is situated at the ground flor is reached after passing through a vaulted passage. The pillars and the main door are made of stone.

The great gilded image of the Buddha, in the earth touching attitude symbolizing the supreme event of Enlightenment, is enshrined in the main sanctum at the base.

The Upper storey of the Temple has two steep stone staircases on either side of the outer hall near the entrance. On the first floor one can walk right round the main tower as there is a wide and open promenade. At the four corners of this floor, there are four smaller towers which add much to the symmetry and grandeur of the whole structure. The two towers on the West side have small shrines containing images of the Bodhisattvas, while the other two shrines in the East contain the landings of the staircases. On the two landings, there are two large images of the Buddha. The parapet along the passage contains numerous votive stupas, some of which are exquisitely carved and those in the East are the best. Under the main tower on the first floor is a fairly large shrine with a Bodhisattva image installed on the altar.

The outer side of the Mahabodhi Temple has innumerable niches, carvings, creepers and images. The main niche on the West wall contains an unusually fine image of the Buddha which has been gilded by the Tibetans. The best view of the Temple may be had from the North.

The famous Mahabodhi temple has been resorted and rebuilt over the centuries. Set among verdant lawns, this giant pyramidal sandstone structure soars to a height of 54 meters and is visible for mile around. The walls are carved with various aspects of Buddhism. The southern sandorum has a colossal golden Buddha. A chamber at the top houses a figure of mayadevi, the Buddha's mother. An ancient stone railing surrounds the temple on three sides. The railing dates to 100 BC and is the oldest of the excavated evidence in Bodhgaya. The temple is said to stand at the site of the original 3rd century BC temple built by the Mauryan Emperor, Ashoka. The temple was rbuilt in 7th century AD by the pala kings of Bengal. Hiuen, Isang, the Chinese scholar pilgrim, reers to having seen it. Destroyed by Muslim invaders in the 12th century, the temple was restored by The Burmese Kings in the 14th century, flooded and buried under silt till the 9th century.

The Mahabodhi temple has now been declared a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO.

The sacred temple complex set amidst lush lawns, marks the site where Buddha attained enlightenment or spiritual illumination. The original temple at this site was built by emperor Ashoka in 3rd century BC. It was rebuilt during the 7th crntury AD, by the Pala kings of Bengal. The shrine was rediscovered in 1883, by emient archaeologists and is now a world Heritage site of UNESCO. The present structure is a blend of architectural styles of diferent periods and cultures, but the style of the Guptas and later stages is clearly evident. The exquisitely carved 54 metres high enshrines a golden image of Lord Buddha in sitting posture. The entire courtyard of the temple is studded with a large number of beautiful stupas, in different sizes and built duing the past 2,500 years.

Bodhi Tree

The Bodhi tree here is said to be a descendent of the tree under which Budhha attained enlightenment. A sapling of the original bodhi tree that the Buddha sat under was carried by Emperor Ashoka's daughter (Sanghamitta) to Sri Lanka. That tree is at Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka. A cutting from that tree was planted in Budha Gaya when the original tree died. Under the tree is a red sandstone slab that is said to be the Vajrasana, the diamond throne, that Buddha sat on and attained nirvana. The tree is located behind the temple and is about 80 feet high and about 115 years old.

The Bodhi Tree For seven days after the Enlightenment, the Buddha continued to meditate under the Bodhi tree without moving from his seat. During the second week he practiced walking meditation. A jewel walk, Chankramanar, was built as a low platform adorned with nineteen lotuses which are parallel to the Maha Bodhi temple on its north side. For another week the Buddha contemplated the Bodhi tree. In this place a stupa was built called Animeschalochana situated to the north of the Chankramanar.

On the back of the main temple situated to the west there is an ancient pipal tree Ficus religiosa or Bodhi tree. It was under this tree that Gautama sat for enlightenment. The present tree is considered only as the descendant of the original tree. There is a tradition that Ashoka's wife had it secretly cut down because she became jealous of the time Ashoka spent there. But it grew again and a protective wall was also built at the time. Many sacred trees in India and other countries are originally raised from seeds brought from the ancient Bodh Gaya tree. A shoot of the original Bodhi tree was taken to Sri Lanka in the 3rd century BC. by Bhikkhuni Sangamitta, daughter of Ashoka, where the Lankan king Devanampiyatissa planted it at the Mahavihara monastery in Anuradhapura where it still flourishes today. While the Vajrasana was the specific site of the enlightenment, the Bodhi tree, closely linked to the Buddha's accomplishment, became a central focus of devotion early in the history of the Sangha. Pilgrims sought the Bodhi Tree's seeds and leaves as blessings for their monasteries and homes.

Around the Bodhi tree and the Mahbodhi temple there are quadrangular stone railings around 0.2 m high with four bars including the top piece. These are of two types and can be distinguished from each other in style and material used. The older set is dated to about 150 BC and made of sandstone while the latter set is probably of the Gupta period (300-600 AD) and constructed from course granite. The older set has a number of designs representing scenes from the purchase of Jetavana by Ananthapindika at Sravasti, Lakshmi being bathed by elephants, Surya riding a chariot drawn by four horses, etc. On the latter set there are figures of stupas, Garudas, etc. In most of these railings lotus motifs are commonly used.

The sacred Bodhi Tree sitting under which Siddhartha had attained Supreme Englightenment is situated to the West of the Temple. Ashoka's visit to the Bodhi Tree is known from his inscriptions and is also portrayed on one of the Sanchi gate ways. Sasanka, a Hindu King, had cut down the Bodhi Tree in A.D. 6th century but luckily another tree arose out of the same root. This tree was seen by Hiuen Tsang in A.D. 637. In the course of excacation work in 1870 the old Bodhi tree fell down and a sapling from it was planted by Cunningham in its original place. This is the Bodhi Tree which we see to-day.

The Buddha spent the first week after his enlightenment under the Bodhi tree, towards the left in the Mahabodhi Temple the Buddha was born. The tree was destroyed and replanted at least five times. The present tree grew from a sapling brought from the tree in Anuradhapura is Sri Lanka, which had been planted by Emperor Ashoka;s son, Mahendra, in 3rd century BC. The holy tree, which is surrounded by small beautifully carved votive stupas and chaityas, form a canopy over the seven sacred shrines. People pray, meditate and prostrate before the Bodhi tree, making a wish or in thanksgiving.

The Bodhi tree here is said to be a descendent of the tree under which Budhha attained enlightenment. A sapling of the original bothi tree that the Buddha sat under was carried by Emperor Ashoka's daughter (Sanghamitra) to Sri Lanka. That tree is at Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka. A cutting from that tree was planted in Bodhgaya when the original tree died. Under the tree is a red sandstone slab that is said to be the Vajrasana, the diamond throne, the Buddha sat on and attained nirvana. The tree is located behind the temple and is about 80 feet high and about 115 years old.

Lord Buddha is said to have attained nirvana, while meditating under this sacred tree. It lies towards the left in the Mahabodhi Temple Complex. The tree was destroyed and replanted at least five times. The present tree grew from a sapling brought from the Bodhi tree at Anuradhapura in sri Lanka, which was planted by emperor Ashoka's son Mahinda, who took a sapling from the original tree to Sri Lanka, on one of his missions to propagate the teachings of Lord Buddha. The holy tree is surrounded by small, but beautifully carved votive stupas and chaityas.

Vajrasana

Great Buddha at Bodh GayaVajrasana, the seat of stability. Buddha supposed to have say in meditation gazing east, under the Bodhi Tree, where the Vajrasana, the stone platform is kept.

The Vajrasana (Diamond Throne) seen between the Bodhi Tree and the Temple marks the actual spot sitting where Siddhartha attained supreme enlightenment. The holy seat is now marked by a red sandstone slab, which is 7 feet 6 inches long and4 feet 3 inches broad and 3 feet high. The Vajrasana was unearthed during repairs in A.D. 1881.

Vajrasana is the seat of stability. Buddha is supposed to have meditated gazing east, under the Bodhi Tree, where the Vajrasana, or the stone platform is kept.

The ‘seat of stability', a red sandstone platform beneath the Bodhi tree maks the site where Buddha is believed to have sat in meditation gazing east. It probably dates back to 3rd century BC. In 1993, the then Sri Lankan president golden railing around the Vajrasana as a dift from the people of Sri Lanka.

Chankaramana

This marks the sacred spot of the Buddha's meditative perambulations during the third week after pious enlightenment. It is believed that wherever the Buddha put his feet lotus sprang up.

This marks the sacred spot of Buddha's meditative perambulations during the third week after the pious enlightenment. It is believed that wherever Buddha put his feet a lotus sprang up.

Arimeshlochana

It is believed that the Buddha spent one week here looking towards the great Mahabodhi Tree out of gratitude, without twinkling his eyes.

It is believed that the Buddha spent one week here lokking towards the great Mahabodhi Tree out of gratitude, without twinkling his eyes.

It is believed that Buddha spent the second week after enlightenment over here.

Ratanaghara Chaitya

The next weeks was devoted by Buddha in the Ratanaghara Chaitya to attain higher modes of exposition, Abhidhama Naya (deep meditation). He emitted dazzling light from his body which can be seen incorporated in the Buddhist flog of blue, yellow, red, white and orange.

Animeshlocha Stupa Buddha spent the second week after enlightenment at the Animeshlocha Stupa, from where he gozed at the Bodhi tree without blinking Muchalinda Lake The sixth week takes us to Muchalindu lake where the serpent king, Muchalinda, dwelling at the bottom of the lake, rose out to protect the master from a severe storm created by Mayo (the god of chaos) to disturb the meditation.

The Buddha spent one week here, where it is believed that five colours came out of his body.

Lord Buddha spent one week here to attain Abhidhama Naya (deep meditation), a higher mode of exposition.

Other Places

The Mohanta's Monastery, located right next to the Mahabodhi Temple, is a Shaivite monastery. It is said that Adi Sankaracharya spent days here in a heated debate with buddhist philosophers.

At the Tibetan Mahayana Monastery (1938) there is a large Dharma Chakra, or wheel of law. It is believed that you will be freed of sin if you spin this wheel three times in succession from left to right. It is a 10m high metal drum painted gold and red.

Budha bathed in the nearby Niranjana (now called Lilanja) River after attaining enlightenment. The Niranjana River is about 250m east of the temple. Prince Siddharta crossed this river to reach the Bodhi tree.

Tibetan Temple

Located near the Mahabodhi Temple, this temple houses within it a large collection of Buddhist paintings and thangkas and a statue of Maitreya Buddha. A particularly striking feature is the huge Dharma Chakra or wheel of Law. It is believed that anyone rotating this heavy wheel three times in succession will be freed of all sin.

The Tibetan Temple is to the east of the Maha Bodhi Rest House. Built in typical Tibetan style, it is main shrine on the first floor is stocked with many colourful images, scriptures, tonkas and other religious objects. There is also a huge prayer wheel.

Chinese Temple

The Chinese Temple, built on the pattern of a Buddhist temple in China, is situated further to the south-west of the Maha Bodhi Resr House.

Thai Temple

The What Thai (Thai Buddhist Temple) is to the west of the Archaeological Museum. It was first built in 1957 and later partially reconstructed in 1970-1972 by the Royal Government of Thailand. Built in typical Thai style and almost a copy of the Marble temple in Bangkok, this temple is quite impressive and is an attractive building. The huge golden Buddha image in the Main shrine is its primary attraction for the visitors.

This brightly coloured shrine has gold lacquered tiles and a sloping roof, ending in curled daragons. It has a huge image of Lord Buddha.

Japanese Temple

The beautiful Japanese Temple is situated at a little distance on the right of the Thai Temple. Built by the International Brotherhood Association of Japan, it was inaugurated on 8 December 1973.

The beautiful pagoda shaped shrine with a splendid image of Lord Buddha, is set amidst a well laid out garden.

New Japanese Temple

Just adjacent to the first Japanese Temple, another beautiful Buddhist Temple has been built by the Daijokoyo Association of Japan. It was inaugurated on 13 February 1983. The lofty Pagoda has enhanced the Beauty of this temple.

Burmese Monastery

The Buddhists of Burma have also built a monastery in their national style at Bodh Gaya.

Bodhi Sarovar

This pond is situated towards the west of the Bodhi Temple and is believed to be the place where Buddha bathed before going into meditation.

Beforegoing in for meditation, Buddha took bath in this pond. This pond is situated towards the west of Bodhi temple.

The sacred pond lies to the west of Bodhi temple. It is said that Buddha bathed here before going into the meditation under the bodhi tree.

The Archeological Museum

Maintained and managed by the Archeological Survey of India, the museum houses a large collection of stone sculptures and artifacts. The museum has a small collection of Buddha statues and pillars found in the area as well as bronze statues that date back to the Stone Age and Gupta period.

Open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Closed on Friday
Entry fee - Rs 2

Run by the Archaeological Survey of India, it has a large collection of Buddhist and Hindu relics, terracotta seals, scriptures and railings/pillars from the Stone Age and Gupta period. It is open from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm, closed on Friday, and there an entry fee of Rs 2.

This fine museum exhibits a rich collection of Buddhist and Hindu relics, terracotta seals, scriptures and railings/pillars dating back from 1st century BC to 11th century AD.

Magadh University

The prestigious international university is well known for its studies in history, culture and philosophy.

Monasteries and Temples

There are a number of monasteries and Buddhist temples in Bodhgaya, that offer tourist a unique opportunity to experience Buddhist culture. You can head out to the Thai Monastery which is brightly decorated like the one in Thailand. The Japanese Temple with its blue tiled roof is magnificent with its canopied ceiling. This large complex of the international societies in Bodhgaya houses offices, study areas, library and rooms for visitors. The Karma Temple and Namgyal Monastery houses sizeable prayer wheels and the Indosan Nipponji Temple is donned with a Japanese Pagoda roof. Wat Bodhgaya is another impressive temple that faces the main road next to the tourist bungalow. The Bhutanese temple has more or less a conventional architecture with a beautiful landscaped garden, while the Burmese Temple is shaped like a pagoda. There is a temple built by the Chinese too. It is white in colour and its architecture is a blend of traditional Chinese and Indian styles. The Buddha statue within is believed to have come from China two centuries ago.

Countries with Buddhist population have built their temples or monasteries here. There are Tibetan karma Temple and Monastery built in 1934 which contains a large wheel, brightly coloured Thai Monastery, Japanese Temple with a beautifu Buddha image from Japan and Daijokyo Temple, Burmese Monastery Myanmar, Chinese, Bhutanese and Srilankan monastics too. The annual insight meditatin (vipassana) and spiritual retreats is held in the month of January of the Thai Monastery.

Shaivite Monastery

It lies near the Mahabodhi temple and has a cluster of four temples amidst lush surroundings.

Sujatha Sthane

Located across the dried Niranjan River is the sacred spot Sujatha Sthane. It is believed to be the spot where Sujatha, a young village woman offered prince Siddhartha a bowl of rice pudding, which helped him get a miraculous recovery from his ailment.

Meditation and Learning

The Bodhgaya International Vipassana Meditation Centre runs intensive 10 day vipassana courses monthly. There's the International Meditation centre that runs courses year round. You can take free Zazen sessions (Zen meditation) at the Nipponji Temple early mornings and evenings

Ratnachakarma of Jewel Walk

The third week was spent in meditation, walking to and fro from the three to the unblinking shrine spot. Lotus flowers are said to have sprung up in this place which came to be known as Patnachakarma and is marked by recently made brick platform containing 18 lotus flowers representing the footsteps of Buddha.

The third week after pious enlightenment was spent here by Buddha in meditative perambulations. The sacred site is marked by a recently made brick platfrom with 18 lotus flowers representing the footstepsof Buddha mark the sacred spot.

Magadh University

An international university this is a center for studies in history, culture and philosophy.

Around

Gaya (16 km)

It is very sacred pilgrim center of Hindu. Hidus offer oblation for salvation of their dead parents and forefathers. The temple of Vishnupada on the blank of river Falgu attracts a very large number of pilgrims.

This important Hindu pilgrim site lies between the Pretshilla and Ramshila Hills, on the banks of river Phalgu. Gaya along with Varanasi and Allahabad are regarded by Hindus as the three most sacred sites for performing the funeral rites. Hindus offer oblation here for the salvation of their ancestors. Gaya also has a large number of Buddhist temples. According to legends, a completely fatigued Lord Buddha rested here under a tree and was offered food by a condemned lady named sujata. To everybody's surprise Buddha realised the ‘Supreme Truth', that neither extreme self indulgence nor self mortification is ever required. What is needed is to follow the Middle path. The sujatha sthan or durgeshwari Temple built here marks this important event in the life of Buddha. Other attractions are Vishnupad Temple, on the banks of river Phalgu, Pretshila Hill and Brahma Kund.

Rajgir (80 km)

Rajgir is reverently mentioned in Ramayana and Mahabharat. As far as recorded history goes, it was the capital of mighty Mangadhan empire in 6th century BC and was also favourites abode of Lord Buddha, his teachings were panned down here. Mahavir, Teerthankar and Guru nanak also visited Raigir. The hot water spring and the lush green forest of Rajgir have made the place a popular winter health resort. The aerial reopeway chairlift is also on attraction to tourists.

Nalanda (96 km)

It is the site of world famous international University which was at the peak of glory in the 5th century AD. As many as ten thousand students and two thousand teachers were engaged in learning and teaching in this great University. The foreign scholars like Hieun Tsang and Fa-Hien have given travel accounts. The ruins of this ancient University thrill the tourists to go there.

Barabar Cave (41 km)

Barabar Cave is an important archaelogical site. The caves carved out from soild rocks bear details of the life of Buddha.

Pawapuri (118 km)

Pawapuri or the sinless city is a great pilgrimage centre of the Jains. Lord Mahavira Teerthankar, the greatest propounder of Jainism had given his last sermon here, took Mahaparinirvana here and was cremated here. The Jalamandir and Samosharan are two beautiful temples here of exquisite examples of architecture.

Deo (32 km)

Famous for the sun temple and "Chatt Festival" held in October & November every year.

Dungeshwari (12 km) Famous for caves where Buddha meditated for same time. It was in these caves that he conduded that the ultimate knowledge can not be attained through mortification of the flesh.

It is famous for the beautiful temple of sun god and ‘chhat' festivities (Oct/Nov).