Animeshlochan Chaitya in Bodh Gaya is the holy place close to the Bodhi tree where the Buddha stood after receiving enlightenment, looking at the Bodhi tree in gratitude while thanking it for sitting under it had been fruitful for Him. The spot is more of a prayer hall for the devotees today.

Bodh Gaya
A young man had been perturbed since His childhood with whatever He saw, mainly the forms of sufferings. His state of mind compelled Him to leave all the luxuries for search of the truth so much so that He lead the life of an ascetic for nine years. But nothing could satisfy Him and one day He discarded the ascetic's life and reached a place where under a tree He meditated and meditated and ultimately, felt the divine light of enlightenment within self. The place was Bodh Gaya and the young man was Lord Buddha.
Since then, Bodh Gaya has been a godly place for the Buddhists, though frequently visited by the people of other faiths as well.

Other Attractions

• Bodhi Tree :The Bodhi tree(80 feet high), which is the fifth generation plant of the original ficus tree under which Lord Budhha had attained enlightenment in 528 BCE after nine years of ascetic life, is one of the most sacred places for the Buddhists.
• Maha Bodhi Temple : The Maha Bodhi temple, named after the Buddha, is a sacred place for the Buddhists in Bodh Gaya. A symbol of the great Indian architecture, the temple stands in front of the Bodhi tree as if paying homage to the divine place.
• Vajrasana: Vajrasana is a red sandstone slab under the Bodhi tree, where the Buddha is believed to have meditated and attained enlightenment.
• Chankramanar: Chankramanar is a low platform adorned with nineteen lotuses parallel to the Maha Bodhi temple on its north side. It is also known as the Jewel walk, as the Buddha practiced walking meditation over here in the second week after His enlightenment.

Accessibility
The Animeshlochan Chaitya, which is situated in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, can easily be reached. Bodh Gaya is at a distance of 100 Kilometers from Patna, the state capital of Bihar. One can reach the place by rail, road or air conveniently. Gaya, 12 kilometers away from Bodgh Gaya, is the main access station to reach Bodh Gaya. By airways, it is connected directly to other Buddhist countries like Colombo and Bangkok. Gaya has an important rail head with services from other parts of India. Gaya and BodhGaya, both are well connected by a proper road network to other major cities of India and Nepal such as Patna and Ranchi(the state capital of Jharkhand). BodhGaya is connected to Gaya by regular and frequent transport services and can easily be reached within half an hour by covering a minimal distance of 12 kilometers.

Best Months to Visit