Bodhi Tree, Bodhgaya

The Bodhi Tree and Mahabodhi Temple by night. Photo juicyrai.

Bodhi tree leaf

Leaf of the sacred Bodhi Tree. Photo Jonathan.

Bodhi Tree by night

Monks in prayer at the Bodhi Tree. Photo Matthew Winterburn.

Crowds at entrance to the Bodhi Tree enclosure

Crowds at the entrance to the Bodhi Tree enclosure. Photo juicyrai.

Buddhist monks at Bodhi Tree

Monks meditate at the Bodhi Tree. Photo Diego De Pol.

First-century railing pillar from Bodhgaya in the V&A Museum, London.

Sri Lankan monks inside the Bodhi Tree railing. Photo Prince Roy.

The Jewel Walk. Photo Prince Roy.

The Bodhi Tree ("Tree of Awakening," also known as the Bo Tree) in Bodhgaya is a direct descendent of the tree under which Siddharta Gautama is attained enlightenment.

After 49 days of meditation, it was here that Siddharta Guatama became the Buddha, the "Enlightened One."

History

According to Buddhist tradition, Siddharta Gautama finally abandoned years of rigorous fasting and asceticism by accepting milk and honey from a young woman. He then sat down beneath the Bodhi Tree and vowed not to move until he attained enlightenment.

After 49 days of concentrated meditation and several battles with Mara (illusion), Siddharta became the Buddha, the "Enlightened One." The Buddha remained seated in meditation for a week after his enlightenment, then practiced walking meditation nearby for another week.

What to See

The Bodhi Tree is known to botanists as Ficus religiosa (holy fig), a species of fig in the Moraceae family. The leaves of the tree are somewhat unusual, being cordate in shape with a distinctive extended (or caudate) tip.

The Bodhi Tree that exists today is not the exact one that shaded the Buddha's meditation 2,500 years ago, but it may well be a direct descendent.

In the 3rd century BC, Emperor Asoka's daughter Sanghamitta brought a branch of the Bodhi Tree to Sri Lanka and planted it in Anuradhapura, where it still grows today. According to one tradition, Asoka's wife destroyed the original Bodhi Tree out of jealousy over the time the emperor spent there.

Other accounts have the tree destroyed in the 7th century. But most reports agree that the original tree was destroyed and replanted using a shoot from the Sri Lanka tree.

The path the Buddha walked after his enlightenment is marked by Chankramanar, the "Jewel Walk," lined with 19 lotuses and located on the north side of the Mahabodhi Temple.

In the third week, the Buddha contemplated the Bodhi Tree from a site nearby, which is marked by the Animeschalochana Stupa.

Video of the Bodhi Tree

Pilgrimage

Because of its close association with enlightenment, which is the goal of all Buddhists, the tree has great sacred and symbolic significance. According to some Buddhists, the Bodhi Tree is the center of the world and the site at which all Buddhas (enlightened ones) attain enlightenment.

In early Buddhist art, before the Buddha image was used, the image of a tree was one of the symbols used to represent him.

Early pilgrims took leaves and seeds of the Bodhi Tree back to their monasteries and homes, and sacred trees throughout India and nearby countries are likely descendents of the Bodhi Tree. Still today, it is customary to plant a Bodhi Tree in every Buddhist monastery to symbolize the presence of the dharma (Buddhist teachings).

At Bodhgaya, the Bodhi Tree is a favorite place for pilgrims to meditate and contemplate the Buddha's teachings. Many also hang prayer flags or leave offerings at the sacred site.

Quick Facts

Site Information
Names:	Bodhi Tree; Bo Tree, Bodhirukkha (Pali); Bodhivrksa (Sanskrit); ficus religiosa (scientific, "holy fig")
Location:	Bodhgaya, Bihar, India
Faith:	Buddhism
Category:	Sacred Trees
Date:	6th/5th century BC
Features:	Holiest
Status:	active
Visitor Information
Address:	Bodhgaya, Bihar State, India
Coordinates:	24.696033° N, 84.991066° E (view on Google Maps)
Lodging:	View hotels near this location

Note: This information was accurate when published and we do our best to keep it updated, but details such as opening hours can change without notice. To avoid disappointment, please check with the site directly before making a special trip.

Travel Resources

Bodhgaya Map - our detailed interactive map of Bodhgaya, plus hand-picked links to more
Bodhgaya Hotels - check availability, maps, photos and reviews, and book at the guaranteed lowest price

Location Map

Below is a location map and aerial view of Bodhi Tree. Using the buttons on the left, zoom in for a closer look or zoom out to get your bearings. Click and drag the map to move around. For a larger view, see our Bodhgaya Map.

Article Sources

Article written by Holly Hayes with reference to the following sources:

Dharma Data: Bodhi Tree - BuddhaNet Buddhist Studies
Mahabodhi Mahavihara Buddhagaya Temple - official website of Bodhgaya Temple Management Committee
Mahabodhi Temple at Bodh Gaya - UNESCO World Heritage List
360° Interactive Panorama of Mahabodhi Temple - World Heritage Tour
Journey to Bodh-Gaya - Bamboo in the Wind

Last updated on August 8, 2009.