Mahabodhi Temple Complex, Bodh Gaya
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Overview
The Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya, Bihar, marks where the Buddha attained enlightenment. It became a World Heritage Site in 2002.
The present temple dates mainly from the 5th–6th centuries, built of brick in the Gupta period.
Ashoka is said to have built the first shrine here in the 3rd century BCE.
It was inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 2002.
The temple has a 55 m tower in the Nagara style.
The Bodhi tree, the Vajrasana and the Animeshlochan Chaitya are in the complex.
It is managed by the Bodh Gaya Temple Management Committee under a 1949 Act.
It is one of the holiest sites for Buddhists worldwide.
Geography and key facts
- Bodh Gaya, Bihar
- Enlightenment
- WHS 2002
- Gupta-period brick temple
- Ashoka's shrine
Why it matters for UPSC
Asked on Buddhist sites.
Note for UPSC
Cultural World Heritage Site, inscribed 2002 · Bihar.
UPSC asks about the state, the dynasty or period, and whether a site is cultural or natural.
Asked in PYQs
No question in our Prelims bank names Mahabodhi Temple Complex, Bodh Gaya yet.
Key facts
- Type
- World Heritage Site
- State / UT
- Bihar
- Heritage type
- Cultural
- Inscribed (UNESCO)
- 2002
- Coordinates
- 24.696°N, 84.991°E
From the Map Explorer data; positions are for orientation.
In the lessons
- Indian Architecture and Temple Styles (map lesson)
- Performing Arts, Paintings and Heritage (map lesson)
- Hindu Temple Architecture: Nagara, Dravida and Vesara (map lesson)
- Indo-Islamic, Mughal and Colonial Architecture (map lesson)
- Mughal Culture: Architecture, Painting, Literature and Music (map lesson)
More world heritage sites nearby
Other places in Bihar
All world heritage sites · Revision list · Most asked in PYQs