Bodhgaya – The Important Stopover Aboard The Buddhist Train

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.