About Bodhi Tree, Bodhgaya
The Bodhi Tree present here today is believed to be the fifth succession of the original tree. The tree is encircled by intricately carved votive stupas, a number of Buddha statues, and chaityas. On your visit to this place, you can find many Buddhist monks sitting under the Bodhi tree, meditating or reading.
Timings: 5 AM to 9 PM
Location: The Bodhi Tree lies to the left of the Mahabodhi Tree. The sacred Bodhi tree is located within the premises of the temple and is a part of the temple complex.
Historical Facts:
- The current Bodhi Tree stands at the same site where the original Bodhi tree, under which Buddha attained nirvana, once stood.
- Sidhartha meditated under the holy Fig tree for more than a month before finally attaining moksha.
- December 8 marks the enlightenment of Buddha under the Bodhi tree and is celebrated annually across the globe as Bodhi Day.
Facts:
- As per popular beliefs, Sanghamitra, the daughter of Emperor Ashoka carried a branch of the original Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya to Sri Lanka and planted the same in Anuradhapura city.
- That Bodhi Tree in Sri Lanka is still alive and is considered to be the oldest documented tree on the earth.
- The present Bodhi Tree in Bodh Gaya has grown from a sapling carried here from the Bodhi tree in Sri Lanka.
