Located in the middle of the city of Bodh Gaya, the Mahabodhi Temple Complex is perhaps the most important site in the world in relation to the origins of Buddhism.  This place of spiritual importance is composed of the Mahabodhi temple and the seven sacred places of Buddha’s enlightenment.  It is considered by Buddhists to be the naval of the earth – the last place to disappear when the world ends and the first to appear when it rebirths.  The Mahabodhi Temple Complex was put on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list in 2002.

The first version of the Mahabodhi was built in the 3^rd century BCE by the great Emperor  Asoka.  He declared Buddhism to be the official state religion and erected the temple to mark the holy spot where Buddha attained his enlightenment under the Bodhi tree.  The present version of the temple dates back to somewhere around the 5^th or 6^th centuries.

The 180-foot tall Mahabodhi is one of the earliest Buddhist temples  in all of India and, consequently, all the world.  It is a renowned example of temple building architecture during this time period, with a beautifully crafted exterior and decorative, carved images of the Buddha ornamenting it.  The complex is a very important site for Buddhist pilgrims and sees thousands of them arrive to pay their respects every month.

The seven sacred spaces are as follows:

• The Bodhi Tree – This is where Buddha was said to have spent the first week of his enlightenment, meditating until he discovered the truth of the universe.  Though the tree is not the original one under which he sat, it is said to be a direct descendant of  that tree.
• Animeshlochan – A prayer hall where Buddha was said to have spent the second week of his enlightenment.
• Ratnachakrama – The Jeweled Ambulatory is where Buddha was said to have spent his third week, pacing back and forth.
• Ratnaghar Chaitya – Where Buddha spent the fourth week of his enlightenment.
• Ajapala Nigrodh Tree – The tree under which Buddha meditated and answered questions during the fifth week.
• Lotus Pond – Where he spent the sixth week.
• Rajyatana Tree – Where he spent the seventh and final week.

Whether one is a Buddhist or not, the historical, cultural and religious significance of the Mahabodhi Temple Complex transcends any beliefs.  It is the origin of one of the largest systems of thought in the world today and speaks much about how the past can reach across thousands of years to directly affect the present.