India : Bodh Gaya : Attractions, Excursions, Shopping & Tourist Information - 3

Guys, here are some of the attractions, excursions, shopping and tourist information of Bodh Gaya.

Ratnachakarma or Jewel Walk:

The 3rd week was spent in meditation, walking to and fro from the tree to the unblinking shrine spot, Lotus flowers are said to have sprung up in this place which came to be known as Ratnachakarma and is marked by recently made brick platform containing 18 lotus flowers representing the footsteps of Buddha.

Magadh University:

An International university, this is a center for studies in history, culture and philosophy.

Monasteries:

Countries with Buddhist population have built their temples or monasteries here. There are Tibetan karma Temple and Monastery built in 1934 which contains a large wheel, brightly coloured Thai Monastery, Japanese Temple with a beautiful Buddha image from Japan and Daijokyo Temple, Burmese Monastery Myanmar, Chinese, Bhutanese and Srilankan monastics too. The annual insight meditation (vipassana) and spiritual retreats is held in the month of January at the Thai Monastery.

Image Source : Tibetan Monastery

Bodhi Sarovar:

Before going in for meditation, Buddha took bath in this pond. This pond is situated towards the west of Bodhi Temple.

Gaya (16 kms): It is very sacred pilgrim center for Hindu. Hindus offer oblation for salvation of their dead parents and forefathers. The temple of Vishnupada on the bank of river Falgu attracts a very large number of pilgrims.

Rajgir (80 kms):

Rajgir is reverently mentioned in Ramayana and Mahabharata. As far as recorded history goes, it was the capital of mighty Magadhan empire in 6th century BC and was also favorite abode of Lord Buddha, his teachings were panned down here. Mahavir, Teerthankar and Guru Nanak also visited Rajgir. The hot water spring and the lush green of Rajgir have made the place a popular winter health resort. The aerial rope way chairlift is also attraction to tourists.

Nalanda (96 kms):

It is the site of world famous international University which was at the peak of glory in the 5th century AD. As many as ten thousand students and two thousand teachers were engaged in learning and teaching in this great University. The foreign scholars like Hieun Tsang and Fa-Hien have given travel accounts. The ruins of this ancient University thrill the tourists to go there.