Bodhi Tree Tourism

The Bodhi Tree was a Peepal (Sacred Fig) tree located in Bodh Gaya. It is believed to be the tree under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. Lord Buddha meditated under the Peepal tree for forty nine days before reaching a spiritual awakening. He spent two more weeks under the tree in meditation and contemplation. The Bodhi Tree quickly became a holy site for the followers of Buddha and was and still is revered by Buddhists all over the world.
The Bodhi Tree that can be found today is a descendent of the original tree, which was probably destroyed by King Puspyamitra Sunga in the 2nd century B.C. However, it was replanted from cuttings taken from the original tree. It was replanted again after the tree was destroyed by King Shashanka in 600 A.D., and the process was repeated every time the tree died. The present Bodhi Tree was planted in 1881 after its predecessor died of old age. It grows on the western side of the Mahabodhi Temple and is visited by devotees from all over the world. It symbolizes the Buddha’s enlightenment, and the potential for enlightenment that lies within everyone.

History : According to Buddhist tradition, Siddhartha Gautama started his search for peaceful community at a very young age. He was so much affected with the pain of this world that he started following all the Hindu traditions and searched for teachers who may guide him in attaining the level of Nirvana. Following their instructions he started yoga and meditations that may help him.
Siddhartha wanted to free the world from all problems and wanted to know the main reason for all the sufferings. The tough training of seven years passed, but he did not obtained that level.

Later, he decided to sit under a Peepal tree and start meditation. Soon his intention to attain peace was realized and from Siddhartha Gautama he became Buddha and the Peepal tree under which he meditated is now known as Bodhi tree and is considered to be as an important sanctified spots among Lord Buddha devotees. Further, for next seven weeks, Buddha again started testing his experiences that he had before, during the years of his training. With years of experience of mediation and fasting, Buddha gave his first lecture at Isipatana- Sarnath in Varanasi. The lecture was called, ‘Setting in Motion of the Wheel of the Truth’. Therefore, Buddha attained the level of Nirvana (enlightenment), around 250 years back.