Bodh Gaya is one of the 4 pilgrimage sites on Buddhist pilgrimage tour packages. It is believed as a very sacred place. Every year millions of people visit this place. It is associated with the Maha Bodhi Temple. Maha Bodhi Temple is located in a big complex in Gaya district. Gaya is located in the Indian state of Bihar. There is a tree in Mahabodhi temple complex which is believed to be the enlightenment spot of Gautam Buddha. Buddhism is followed by both Buddhist and Hindus. The three other pilgrimage sites are Kushinagar Lumbini and Sarnath.
The history of Bodhgaya
The most interesting details about Bodh Gaya are that Gautam Buddha was abandoned by buying around 5 men at this place. Those five men were his companions of earlier austerities. They did not respect Buddha’s well-nourished appearance. Then Gautam Buddha explained to them some points of learning.
The learnings by Gautam Buddha
These points of learning are in my own words is not in the words of Gautam Buddha, since I read it on my tour. The austerities are only meant for confusing the mind. These austerities lead us to the exhaustion and mental stupor; it becomes very difficult to understand the ordinary things of life. It is more difficult to understand the truth that is beyond the senses. Then Gautam Buddha explains that he had given up the extremes of luxury and he developed the middle way. On this middle way, there is neither the rich Prince nor an ordinary man living in austere conditions. This melted the hearts of those 5 men and they became the disciples of Gautama Buddha.
Best time to visit Bodh Gaya
The best time to visit Bodh Gaya is during the full moon in the month of Vaishakh according to Hindu calendar. Vaishakh could be April or May according to the English calendar. This full moon day is celebrated as Buddha Purnima in Bodh Gaya. Both the tourist and the local people visit Mahabodhi complex on Buddha Purnima. The aura and atmosphere of this place bring a lot of peace and prosperity in the lives of people. The importance of visiting Bodh Gaya at this time is extremely high.
Turkish rule
This place was the heart of the Buddhist civilization for many centuries. For some time, it was conquered by Turkish Armies in the 13th century. There was Turkish rule till the 18th century. It was not called Bodh Gaya at this time.
Sambodhi
The meaning of Sambodhi is complete enlightenment. If we consider the historical name of Bodhgaya, it was Uruvela, Sambodhi. It was so because Gautam Buddha attained complete enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. This is the reason the Bodhi tree is called a Mahabodhi tree. You can also have some experience of complete enlightenment on Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour Packages India if you happen to spend some time under Bodhi tree. It is so because I have heard that spending time under the peepal tree is capable of eradicating depression. I understand you might doubt it is true as far as my experience is concerned. It is generally said we should not jump to a conclusion unless we try something.