Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, attained enlightenment under a peepal tree in Uruvela situated to the south of Gaya in Bihar. Because of this sacred association, Uruvela came to be known as Buddha Gaya or Bodh Gaya, and the peepal tree as the Bodhi tree. Emperor Asoka is said to have visited Bodh Gaya and constructed a monastery here. He also constructed a shrine at the spot of Buddha’s enlightenment. The shrine has been renovated and reconstructed so many times that its original form is unknown. The Mahabodhi temple, unique in Buddhist architecture, consists of a pyramidal tower amidst a stupa. It rises to an imposing height of about 50 m. A richly carved porch on the eastern side serves as an entrance. Each of the four sides of the tower presents several tiers and niches, while the front face has a narrow opening for light to enter. A turret with four corners, each consisting of a miniature replica of the main spire, rises from the base of the tower. A beautiful gilded image of the Buddha in the earth touching posture, signifying enlightenment, is consecrated here.
