MAHABODHI TEMPLE COMPLEXMaha Bodhi Templeone of the four holy sites related to Lord Buddha; situated in Bodhgaya (originally part of erstwhile Uruvella villageholiest sites of Buddhism, marking the spot of the Buddha’s enlightenment (bodhi). It is located in Bodh Gaya (in central Bihar state, northeastern India) on the banks of Niranjana river, Bihar; marks the spot of the enlightenment of Lord Buddha; also called Bodh treethe Niranjana River.

One of the oldest brick temples in India, the Mahabodhi Temple is an example of architectural genius. Built by emperor Ashoka 250 years after the Buddha’s enlightenment, it houses notable relics of Buddhist history. The temple today covers an area of 4.8 hectares and measures 55 metres Maha Bodhi Temple was built by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka (died c. 238 bce), one of Buddhism’s most important proselytes, to commemorate the Buddha’s enlightenment. The temple structure is 55 metres (180 feet) in height. Its pyramidal shikhara (tower) comprises several layers of niches, arch motifs, and fine engravings. Four towers, each identical to its central counterpart , but smaller in size and topped with an umbrella-like dome, adorn the corners of the two-storeyed story structure. Each of these towers is topped with an umbrella-like dome - a recurrent theme in Buddhist architecture. A shrine inside the temple has holds a yellow sandstone statue of the Buddha sitting in meditation and encased in glass.

The Bodh Bo tree, standing under which the Buddha is said to have sat until he attained enlightenment, stands adjacent to the temple is considered a symbolic representation of the Buddha. The stone slab built in the third century BC by Ashoka is believed to be . Ashoka’s stone slab purporting to mark the exact position where the Buddha attained enlightenment. It sat is traditionally called the Buddha’s vajrasana (literally diamond throne or thunder seat“diamond throne” or “thunder seat”). Stone railings surround the temple as well as the Bodh Bo tree. The famous Ashoka pillar stands on One of the most famous of Ashoka’s many pillars (on which he had engraved his edicts and his understanding of religious doctrine) stands at the southeast corner of the temple.

Shrines commemorating significant events during Buddha’s meditation at Bodhgaya can be seen even today, along with several modern constructions The 4.8-hectare (11.9-acre) complex also includes ancient shrines and modern structures built by Buddhist devotees. Notable among these are a giant Buddha with a serpent in the centre of Muchalinda Lake and an 80-foot Buddha statue.A Mecca of Buddhism, the Mahabodhi Temple was conferred the prestigious It was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage status site in 2002.