"Gaya - The Land of the Buddha" Bodh Gaya Video by anilpradhanshillong

• Gaya - The Land of the Buddha
• Bodh Gaya
• Date Added: Aug 22, 2010

In 6 BC, Prince Siddhartha Gautama attained Supreme Enlightenment at this place and became the Buddha. In commemoration, Emperor Asoka set up the Vajrasana (Diamond Throne) of polished sandstone in 3 BC. The Mahabodhi Temple was completed in AD 7th C. In 1883 and 1956, renovation was done. One of the oldest brick structures surviving in eastern India. Central tower rises to 55 meters. Surrounded by four smaller towers. Ringed by stone railings, about two metres high. Older railings made of sandstone. They have scenes such as Lakshmi, being bathed by elephants and Surya, the Hindu sun god, riding a chariot drawn by four horses. Newer railings constructed from unpolished coarse granite-Gupta period (300–600 BC). They have figures of stupas and garudas. The gold-painted statue of Buddha in the shrine of the temple is made of black stone built by the Pala kings of Bengal. The Buddha is seen seated in the Bhumisparsa Mudra, the Earth touching posture.