As a pilgrim, once you’ve boarded
the Buddhist train, Mahaparinirvan Express, calmness overpowers the mindset as
the spiritual journey proceeds towards Bodhgaya. This Buddhist pilgrimage
destination is also religious center of Buddhism in the world. Certainly, the
world’s most important sacred site devoted to Buddhism, Bodhgaya is an
important stopover in the Buddhist train tour.
Famous worldwide as the site of
Prince Siddhartha, this pilgrimage destination saw his transformation from a
skinny ascetic to the wise and awakened Buddha. It is due to this eventful
occasion that this destination rose to prominence as one of the four holiest destinations
according to Buddhist faith.
The pilgrims and passengers
alight the Mahaparinirvan Express at Gaya Railway Station and board the deluxe
AC coaches to cover a 13 km drive and reach Bodhgaya. After arriving here, the
participants of this exclusive train journey also get to stay at this pious and
pure location for a day.
The first site of reverence in
this Buddhist city is the Mahabodhi Temple. A significant archaeological site,
this temple complex is 15 meter square and rises to a height of 52 metres. The
temple complex also enshrines a big statue of Lord Buddha in the Bhoomi Sparsha
Mudra or hand touching earth posture.
But the site of reverence here is
dedicated to the Bodhi Tree. Sitting under the tree, the prince turned ascetic
first saw the light sitting under this tree. The site still holds a very
important role for every Buddhist follower. Be it a Theraveda, Mahayana or
Hinayana Buddhist follower, all revere this blissful tree as a sole inspiration
to nurture their faith.
Bodhi Sarovar, located towards the west of Mahabodhi Temple
is believed to be the pond where Buddha took bath before sitting in the
meditation under the Bodhi tree. After visiting the Bodhgaya Temple Complex,
the pilgrims after the mid-day lunch and rest continue exploring the essence of
Bodhgaya tour by visiting many monasteries and temple shrines of the town.
Thus, it can be said that the Bodhgaya tour is
indispensible for any Buddhist follower. Similarly, this site is an important
stopover of Buddhist Train,
Mahaparinirvan Express, without which the spiritual journey of Buddhist
pilgrimage is definitely incomplete.
