Mahabodhi Temple Facts for Kids

Budh Gaya temple

The Mahabodhi Temple is a very old and important Buddhist temple in Bodh Gaya, India. Its name means "Great Awakening Temple." This special place is where Buddha is believed to have reached enlightenment. Enlightenment means a state of deep understanding and wisdom.

The temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This means it's recognized by the United Nations as a place that is important for everyone in the world. The site also has a tree that grew from the original Bodhi Tree where Buddha found enlightenment. For over two thousand years, the Mahabodhi Temple has been a major pilgrimage spot. A pilgrimage is a special journey to a holy place. Both Hindus and Buddhists visit this temple. Some parts of the temple might even date back to the time of Emperor Ashoka, who lived around 232 BCE. It is known as the "National Buddhist temple of India."

History of the Mahabodhi Temple
The Bodhi Tree
Temple Architecture and Features
Importance of Mahabodhi Temple
Images for kids
See also

History of the Mahabodhi Temple

The First Temple and Ashoka

The first temple at Bodh Gaya was built by Emperor Ashoka the Great. This was around 250 BCE. Ashoka was a powerful ruler who became a Buddhist. He wanted to honor the place where Buddha became enlightened. He built a small shrine and a special stone platform called the Diamond throne. This platform marked the exact spot of Buddha's enlightenment.

Later Buildings and Changes

Over many centuries, the temple was rebuilt and expanded. The main structure we see today was likely built during the Gupta period, around the 5th or 6th century CE. This was a time when art and architecture in India were very advanced. The temple has a tall, pyramid-like tower. It is a classic example of Indian temple architecture.

Restoration and Modern Times

The Mahabodhi Temple has been restored many times throughout its history. It faced damage from natural events and invasions. In the late 19th century, a major restoration project took place. This helped to bring the temple back to its former glory. Today, it remains an active place of worship and a key site for Buddhists worldwide.

The Bodhi Tree

The most sacred part of the Mahabodhi Temple complex is the Bodhi Tree. This tree is a direct descendant of the original tree under which Buddha meditated. It is a Ficus religiosa, also known as a sacred fig. Buddhists believe that meditating under this tree can help them find peace and wisdom. Many pilgrims visit the tree to meditate and offer prayers.

Temple Architecture and Features

Main Tower and Shrines

The Mahabodhi Temple's main tower is about 55 meters (180 feet) tall. It has a unique design with several layers and a pointed top. Inside the temple, there is a large statue of Buddha. This statue shows Buddha in a meditation pose. Around the main tower, there are smaller shrines and stupas. Stupas are dome-shaped structures that hold sacred relics.

Railing and Sculptures

Around the temple, there is an ancient stone railing. Some parts of this railing date back to the Sunga period, around the 2nd to 1st century BCE. These railings are decorated with beautiful carvings. The carvings show scenes from Buddha's life and Buddhist symbols. They also show animals and plants. These sculptures tell stories and teach lessons.

Mucalinda Lake

Near the temple, there is a lake called Mucalinda Lake. It is said that after Buddha's enlightenment, a great storm came. A snake king named Mucalinda protected Buddha from the storm. He coiled his body around Buddha and spread his hood over him. There is a statue in the lake showing Mucalinda protecting Buddha.

Importance of Mahabodhi Temple

The Mahabodhi Temple is one of the four main pilgrimage sites for Buddhists. These sites are connected to the life of Buddha. It is a place where people can reflect on Buddha's teachings. It inspires millions of people to seek peace and understanding. The temple stands as a symbol of enlightenment and spiritual awakening.

Images for kids

Ashoka's Mahabodhi Temple and Diamond throne in Bodh Gaya, built c. 250 BCE. The inscription between the Chaitya arches reads: "Bhagavato Sakamunino/ bodho" i.e. "The building round the Bodhi tree of the Bhagavat(Holy) Sakamuni (Shakyamuni)". Also interesting to note is the word Bhagavat for Buddha, as Hindus consider him an incarnation of Vishnu who is also called Bhagavat. The elephant-crowned pillar of Ashoka (now lost) is visible. Bharhut frieze (c. 100 BCE).
Another relief of the early circular Mahabodhi Temple, Bharhut, c. 100 BCE.
Bodhi Tree
Discovery of the Diamond throne, built by Ashoka c. 250 BCE.
Reconstitution of the Sunga period pillars at Bodh Gaya, from archaeology (left) and from artistic relief (right). They are dated to the 1st century BCE. Reconstitution done by Alexander Cunningham.
The stupa finial on top of the pyramidal structure.
A statue of Mucalinda protecting the Buddha in Mucalinda Lake, Mahabodhi Temple
Temple before restoration
The temple as it appeared in 1899, shortly after its restoration in the 1880s
Bodh Gaya quadriga relief of the sun god Surya riding between pillars (detail of a railing post), 2nd–1st century BCE.
The temple undergoing repairs (from January, 2006).
Bodh Gaya Chedi Replica at Wat Yansangwararam, Chonburi Province, Thailand
Bodh Gaya Sunga pillar.
Bodh Gaya Sunga railing.
Bodh Gaya Sunga railing.
Bodh Gaya Sunga railing.
Bodh Gaya Sunga railing.
1903 photograph.
Bodh Gaya original railings, Indian Museum, Calcutta.
Bodh Gaya original railings, Indian Museum, Calcutta.
Railing post.
Another railing post.
Bodhi tree.
Bodhi Tree.
Dharmacakra.
Medallion.
Adoration of the Bodhi tree.
Elephant.
Centaur.
Horse.
Winged lion.
Bull.
The Jetavana Garden at Sravasti.
Miraculous River crossing.
Miraculous river-crossing (drawing)
Devotee and apsara.
Visit of Indra to the Indrasala Cave.
Kalpa drum.
Music scene.
Palace scene, Sibi Jataka.
Ploughing scene.
Devotee.
Devotee.
Devotee.
Vegetal medallion.
Plaster copy and reconstruction of original Sunga railing.
Railing.
Post relief (plaster copy).
Adoration of the wheel of the Law (plaster copy).
Flower Design decorated with gold leaves.
Decorated railing.