Situated 100 kms south of Patna on the banks of Phalgu (or Niranjana) river, the city has historical importance in terms of the religious beliefs attached to it by millions of Buddhists and Hindus who visit here during different times of their religious services.
The city is considered to be the most important place in India for 'Pind Daan', a religious act believed to impart 'Moksha' (or liberation) to one's ancestors, and is performed every year during the dark fortnight of Ashwin Month of the Hindu calendar that generally lies between September-October.
This period is considered to be highly inauspicious and people avoid marriages, business and other important activities. So much so that political parties too keep their major decisions on hold, as was evident when the UPA government postponed its much-awaited cabinet expansion during this period last year.
The period in which 'Pind Daan' is performed, is known as 'Pitr Paksha' and it ends before the 10-day Dussehra begins. During the Daan, apart from the religious offering, community service is also performed and donations made.
In the heart of the district -- some 12 kms from the railway station -- lies Bodhgaya, one of the holiest places for Buddhist pilgrimage. It is home to the famous Mahabodhi temple and the Mahabodhi tree where Gautam Buddha is said to have attained enlightenedment.
The Mahabodhi Temple was declared a UNESCO Heritage site in 2002.
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According to historians, 250 years since the enlightenment of Buddha, Emperor Ashoka visited here and it was during this time that the original Temple (Mahabodhi) came into existence.
The temple boasted of an elongated spire crowned by a miniature stupa and a Chhatravali on platform. In the 19th century, it was later restored by Sir Alexander Cunningham and extensive renovation work took place to bring back its lost glory.
Apart from the Mahabodhi temple, there are several other big and small temples, prominent among which are the Thai temple, Karma temple, Daijokyo Buddhist temple, 80-feet temple, Nippon temple et al.
Different countries with Buddhist links have built their own temples here such as Japan, China, Burma, Bhutan, etc to name a few. (MORE)