Bodhi Tree, Bodhgaya

Bodhi Tree is one among the major tourist attractions in Bodhgaya. It was this place where Siddhartha Gautama meditated for several years to attain Nirvana- enlightenment and became Buddha.  The place is highly revered among Buddhist and allures a lot of Buddha devotees and other travelers to this place. As a part of their worship ceremonies there are various threads tied to Bodhi tree (Peepal tree) by devotees.

History

According to Buddhist tradition, Siddhartha Gautama started his search for peaceful community at a very young age. He was so much affected with the pain of this world that he started following all the Hindu traditions and searched for teachers who may guide him in attaining the level of Nirvana. Following their instructions he started yoga and meditations that may help him.

Siddhartha wanted to free the world from all problems and wanted to know the main reason for all the sufferings. The tough training of seven years passed, but he did not obtained that level. 

Later, he decided to sit under a Peepal tree and start meditation. Soon his intention to attain peace was realized and from Siddhartha Gautama he became Buddha and the Peepal tree under which he meditated is now known as Bodhi tree and is considered to be as an important sanctified spots among Lord Buddha devotees.  Further, for next seven weeks, Buddha again started testing his experiences that he had before, during the years of his training.

With years of experience of mediation and fasting, Buddha gave his first lecture at Isipatana- Sarnath in Varanasi. The lecture was called, ‘Setting in Motion of the Wheel of the Truth’.  Therefore, Buddha attained the level of Nirvana (enlightenment), around 250 years back.

Associated strongly with Lord Buddha, Bodhgaya is now considered to be as one of the most pious places for Lord Buddha devotees. Also, Buddha Jayanti is among the major festival that is celebrated here during the month of June.