Mahabodhi Temple

Mahabodhi Temple is one of the highlights of the religious township of Bodh Gaya. The shrine is constructed around the original Bodhi Tree in the 7th century AD. The ancient temple was destroyed during the Muslim invasion in 11th century. The current structure restored in 1880 has been renovated several times in yesteryears. At present, the shrine is maintained by Archaeological Survey of India.

This shrine was built by the Burmese King identical to the stupa constructed by Emperor Ashoka. Statue of Lord Buddha in a cross-legged seating position that attracts tourists and devotees from all over the world.

The structure has an elevation of 50 m, which features beautiful ancient carvings in the west and south. Highlighting characteristic of the temple are the railings, some of which are reproductions. The temple houses an ancient Shivalingam, which is believed to be installed in 860 AD. The Mahabodhi Temple is religiously important for Hindus as Lord Buddha is considered as ninth incarnation of Lord Vishnu.