WORLD HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -Bodh Gaya contains one of the holiest of Buddhist sites: the location where, under the sacred pipal, or Bo tree, Gautama Buddha (Prince Siddhartha) attained enlightenment and became the Buddha.

Detailed explanation-2: -After approaching but declining a mango tree, the Buddha chooses the fig tree (Ficus religiosa). The fig tree became known as the bodhi tree because the Buddha reached enlightenment (bodhi) after meditating beneath one such tree for 49 days.

Detailed explanation-3: -The tree in reality is Pipal (Asvattha, Ficus religiosa), the Indian Fig. The term Bodhirukkha is explained by Buddhaghoṣa as the one under which the Buddha attained Bodhi. Bodhi tree at the Mahābodhi Temple is also known as the Sri Mahā Bodhi.

Detailed explanation-4: -Gaya is mostly known as the birthplace of Buddhism as Gautama Buddha attained nirvana in this holy site. Gaya has temples of great beauty and heritage and makes it one of the most desired. The beautiful city is surrounded on three sides by hills and the meandering Phalgu River.

Detailed explanation-5: -At a place now known as Bodh Gaya (“enlightenment place”), he sat and meditated all night beneath a pipal tree. After defeating the forces of the demon Mara, Siddhartha reached enlightenment (1982.233) and became a Buddha (“enlightened one”) at the age of thirty-five.