Lord Buddha obtained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree in the kingdom of Magadha, now in the Indian state of Bihar. The place was given the name of Bodh Gaya to differentiate it from Gaya-a city of Hindu pilgrimage where pilgrims came to perform shradha
Prince Siddhartha sat under this tree for a week in contemplation. While he was meditating under the Bodhi tree he was tempted by the demon Mara who sent beautiful women to seduce him
It is under this tree that he attained enlightenment and became Lord Buddha.
This tree was destroyed and replanted several times and the present tree is thus the fifth incarnation of the original holy tree.
The Seven Weeks Spent by Lord Buddha in Mahabodhi temple
Week1 – Bodhi Tree
The first week was spent by Lord Buddha under the Bodhi Tree.
Week 2-
After spending a week under the Bodhi tree The Buddha went to a place from where he could see the Bodhi tree and sat there for a week gazing at it without blinking (animesh lochanam – steadfast eyes).
( Pic from Tripinvites. com)
Week 3
was spent by Lord Buddha in meditation, walking back and forth. Flowers sprang up miraculously as he walked and they are said to be eighteen in number.
This jewelled ambulatory is also called Ratnachakrama and is located near the north wall of the main temple.
Week4
was spent by Lord Buddha in the Ratnaghar Chaitya located towards the north-east near the enclosure.
Week 5
was spent by Lord Buddha meditating under Ajapala Nigrodh Tree. Here Lord Buddha answered the questions put to him by Lord Brahma. Only a signboard survives today.
Week 6
was spent by Lord Buddha at the Muchilinda lake situated outside the enclosure to the south of the temple complex. This was the lake of the serpent king Muchilinda who kept guard over Lord Buddha with his folds as the former sat in rapt meditation.
Week 7
Lord Buddha spent in meditation. A tree named Rajyatana Tree marks the site.
It is located towards the south-east of the temple.
He sat here in meditation till two travelling merchants named Tapusa and Bhallika offered him rice cakes and honey.
Pic g@n’s lifebook
