Mahabodhi Temple Complex

Why in News?

Recently, Prime Minister and Myanmar’s President, U Min Aung Hlaing visited the Mahabodhi Temple, one of Buddhism’s holiest sites and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Mahabodhi Temple Complex – It is considered as the Cradle of Buddhism in history of mankind.
• It is one of the 4 holy sites related to the life of the Lord Buddha, and particularly to the attainment of Enlightenment (Nirvana).
• UNESCO Recognition – 2002.
• Situated in– Bodh Gaya, Bihar (115 km south of Patna, 16 km from Gaya.)
• Constructed– 1^st temple by Emperor Asoka (3rd century BCE); present brick temple dates to 5^th –6^th century CE (late Gupta period).
• Architecture – One of the earliest surviving brick temples in India; influenced later brick architecture.

Architectural Features

• Main Temple – 50 m high, classical Indian style; curvilinear shikhara topped by amalaka and kalasha.
• Sanctum – Houses gilded seated Buddha (over 5 ft), depicting Enlightenment.
• Walls – 11 m high, niches with Buddha images, chaitya motifs, honeysuckle and geese designs.
• Vajrasana (Diamond Throne) – Polished sandstone throne installed by Asoka to mark the site of Buddha’s meditation.
• 7 Sacred Sites – It refers to the places around Mahabodhi Temple Complex where Buddha spent seven weeks meditating after achieving enlightenment, these spots mark the 7 sacred weeks.
• The Bodhi Tree & Vajrasana, Animeshlochan Chaitya (prayer hall), Ratnachakrama (Jewelled Ambulatory), Ratnaghar Chaitya, Ajapala Nigrodh Tree, Muchalinda Lake (Lotus Pond, Rajyatana Tree.
• Authenticity – Documented in Buddhist texts and architecture is largely unaltered.

Reference

UNESCO | Mahabodhi Temple Complex