Gaya City – Introduction
Gaya, a city of significant historical and cultural value, is the place to go if you are looking for your inner self. Sacred relics from the past, temples, and remarkable spiritual getaways may be found in abundance across the entire district of Gaya. 48 hours in Gaya could provide you with a better understanding of the city’s heart and nerve, as well as its religious and cultural dynamics.
Of course, the Bodhi Tree and the Mahabodhi Temple, which attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world, are at the heart of this sacred pilgrimage. A universe of peace and love await you at this important milestone in Indian tourism history.
Day 1
Bodhi Tree
The Bodhi tree is a popular tourist destination in India and is one of the four important Buddhist pilgrimage destinations in the world. In fact, it is thought that the Anandabodhi tree in Sravasti and the Bodhi tree in Anuradhapura, both of which are key sites in the history of Buddhism and believed to have been propagated from this tree here in Bodh Gaya, were both planted by monks from this place.
Since the time of the Buddha, the aura of the Bodhi tree and the temple complex in which the tree is located have drawn sages, meditators, and yogis to the location. Great and renowned spiritual luminaries, such as Buddhajnana, Padmasambhava, Vimalamitra, Nagarjuna, and Atisha, have lived and meditated beneath the historically and religiously significant Bodhi Tree in many locations across the world.
In addition to the tree, Bodh Gaya is known for its UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Mahabodhi Temple Complex, which is located right next to it. This area holds a special fascination for persons who are religious or who are interested in history.
Bodhgaya Archaeological Museum
This museum, located close to the Temple of Mahabodhi, was founded in 1956. It contains an excellent collection of various Hindu and Buddhist relics, sculptures of stone, Terracotta objects, Lord Buddha images, miniature pots, coping rocks carried from the renowned Temple of Mahabodhi and coffee antimony rods.
Visitors are introduced to the Dasavatara (Incarnation) of Lord Vishnu in the second gallery of the museum. The museum’s prominent attractions include Lord Buddha’s gigantic images of Abhayamudra and Lord Vishnu’s avatar. For the visitors, there are also the coins of the Mughal period, ancient relics and monuments from the Mauryan and the Gupta Empire.
Pretshila Temple
Pretshila Hill, often known as the Hill of Ghosts, is located about eight kilometres outside of Gaya. For Hindus, it is one of the holiest places in Gaya, where people gather to give pind-daan, a ceremony done for the serenity of a dead person’s soul, which is one of the most important ceremonies in the city.
According to Hindu mythology, the temple at the summit of the hill is devoted to the devotion of Lord Yama, the God of Death, and is located at the summit of the hill.
For certain, no one knows when this religious structure was built, although it was built many years ago, according to the best information available. It is claimed that Rani Ahilyabai Holkar, the Queen of Indore, was responsible for its construction.
Om Restaurant
Om Restaurant is another prominent place to eat in the city of Gaya, quite popular amongst backpackers and budget travellers. The food here is quite reasonable yet delicious and you can dine outside also.
The place serves a wide range of Indian delicacies and remains packed with a number of tourists most of the time. The well-cooked food is served by courteous staff with a smile on their face, enhancing the overall dining experience of guests.
Day 2
Dakshinaarka Temple
The temple of Dakshinaar is a prominent Sun God Adithya shrine. Many people worship the Surya God in and around Gaya. They are thought to have been the offspring of Central Asian fire adorers.
The remains of the temple can be open all year round and are open all day long. Hundreds of pilgrims go to the God of Sun on this auspicious day to adore Sunday and the most important day to praise it.
The Surya Temple was linked to the old rituals of offering sacrifices to death. The Surya Kunda is known and is the most important religious figure.
This sacred practise of offering to the deceased is performed by people from across the country and blesses people with wellbeing, riches and prosperity. The Sun-God recorded in the ancient Vedas and sung by the priests at the temple are many hymns and mantras.
Mangal Gauri Temple
Because it is referenced in several of Hinduism’s most holy religious texts, including the Vayu Purana, Padma Purana, and Agni Purana, as well as many other tantric scriptures, the Mangla Gauri Temple is considered to be of great significance to the Hindus.
The Mangla Gauri Temple, one of the country’s 18 Maha Shakti-peeths, has stood majestically since the 15th century and is one of the country’s most important religious sites.
Royal Bhutan Monastery
The Royal Bhutan Monastery, one of the most splendid monasteries in the region of Gaya, is also a place to learn and practise Buddhism. This monastery was built to honour Lord Buddha by the King of Bhutan.
The magnificent architecture, tranquillity and seven feet of Buddha statue within this Monastery will undoubtedly wow you. The clay carvings illustrating the life of the Lord Buddha are what add to the fame of this monastery. Fans of Buddhism from all over the world visit to see these magnificent sculptures.
Bhutanese monks at this monastery organise prayers for peace, and also take Buddhism courses and so guide others.
Muchalinda Sarovar
The lake is also called Lotus Team and is home to a meditative idol of the Buddha. People, mainly the Buddhist monks for meditation, visit the Sarovar on a huge scale.
The Buddha picked Muchalinda Sarovar for meditation in accordance with the historical background. During intense concentration, the Buddha did not feel comfortable due to the storm.
Muchalinda, the King of Snakes, felt his distress and got out of his dwelling place and went around Buddha while shielding him beneath his hood. In the centre of the lake is a statue that shows the same scenario. In the lake, there is also much fish that can be fed rice.
Ram Sevak Tea Corner
This dhaba eatery is your solution at pocket-friendly prices to some scrumptious appetisers. A choice of scrupulous snacks like samosa, dosa and idli are served at Ram Sewak Tea Corner that are suitable for satiating your little tribulation.
You may also savour litti chokha, a famous Bihar delicacy, or order thalis with a host of cuisine items that are very popular here. A choice of tasty desserts and drinks is also offered in this modest food joint.
The Ram Sewak Tea Corner also provides outdoor sitting facilities, where you can sit down and have a cup of delicious masala chai and watch the Gaya sights and sounds.