This village is situated near the river Niranjana (Phalgu)12 kms. from Gaya and 112 km from Patna. It is one of the holiest Buddhist centers. This is the place where Gautama meditated and attained enlightenment.

Mahabodhi Temple

Originally a shrine erected by Emperor Ashoka near the Bodhi tree, it was later replaced by the Mahabodhi temple in the 2nd century. This temple lies on a high and broad plinth. It has a soaring 54 meters high pyramidal spire with a square cross-section. It has a image of Buddha signifying the pose of enlightenment. The entrance of the temple has torana or ornamental archway. The south side of the temple has a lotus pond. The original 'Bodhi tree' or Pipal (Ficus religiosa) was said to have been destroyed by Ashoka. The present tree behind the temple is believed to have grown from a sapling of the original tree. The Vajrasila (a red stone slab) under the tree marks, the place where Gautama sat in meditation. The Animeshlochana is the sacred spot where Buddha stood to gaze in gratitude at the Bodhi tree for a week. Pilgrims from Tibet, Thai, Bhutan, Japan, China and Burma have built their own temples here. A 20 meters tall Buddha statue built in stone can be seen at the end of the road, beyond the Japanese temple.