Ratnagar is a small shrine nearby the MahaBodi temple and the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya. It is believed that the Buddha spent one week here, while five colours coming out of His body. A home to numerous temples and monasteries, the place is a sacred place for the Buddhists from all over the world.
Bodh Gaya
For centuries, Bodh Gaya, the place of Buddha's enlightenment, has been one of the four major sacred places for the Buddhists while others being Lumbini, Sarnath and Kushinagar. In 528 BCE, Bodh Gaya had the privilege of showering the divine light of enlightenment on a young man who had deserted His luxurious life and princely sate in search of the truth. Today the place witness thousands of pilgrims everyday who comes to commemorate the Buddha's enlightenment.
Other Attractions
- Monasteries: There are several monasteries and temples in Ratnagar and Bodh Gaya such as Chinese monastery, Japanese and Tibetan monastery which organises meditation and other activities apart from offering prayers.
- Bodhi Tree : The sacred site which has a descendent of the original Bdhi tree under which the Buddha had attained enlightenment.
- Maha Bodhi Temple : Located in the east of the Bodhi tree, the Maha Bodhi temple is venerated by the Buddhists as the place of the Buddha's divinity.
Accessibility
Ratnagar, close to Bodh Gaya, is easily accessible via Bodh Gaya. Once can take a flight to Gaya, which is connected to all other major Indian cities and also has a direct access to international places such as Bangkok and Colombo. Gaya, 12 kilometers from Bodh Gaya, has also an important railway station with services from other parts of India. Another way to reach Ratnagar is via road ways as a good road network connects Bopdh Gaya to other cities such as Gaya(12 km) and Patna(100 km).
Best Time to Visit
Ratnagarcan be visited throughout the year, however the best months to visit Ratnagar is from October to February.