Located seven miles South of Gaya, is Bodh Gaya, one of the most important and sacred Buddhist pilgrimage centres in the world. It was here under a pipal tree–now known as the Bodhi tree–Gautama attained the supreme knowledge to become Buddha, the enlightened one. Part of the prestigious Monumental Legacy Series, this book presents an engaging account of Bodh Gaya and related monuments. Frederick Asher takes readers on a graphic historical journey of the site and the monuments as they appear today and as they have been altered through time and variously perceived through history. Most important among these is the magnificent Mahabodhi Temple Complex, an architectural amalgamation of many centuries, cultures and heritages. Claimed by both Buddhists and Hindus, it forms the main object of veneration. The book gives a fascinating description of other attractions at the site including the Bodhi Tree, Tara Temple, Jewel Walk, Gateway, Buddhapad and Sujata Stupa. It makes an instructive survey of the numerous stone sculptures found around the temple compound–Buddha figures, miniature stupas and Brahmanical images. The author discusses other modern monuments located around the temple including the monasteries and the Great Buddha Statue. He also provides a succinct account of Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the vicinity of Bodh Gaya–Rajgir, Nalanda, Vaishali, Vikramashila and Kurkihar. The illustrations, layout plans, maps and photographs in this volume provide a comprehensive visual presentation of the site for visitors who will also find the glossary and practical tips very useful. Lucidly written, this book will be indispensable for general readers and informed tourists visiting the site. Students and scholars of history, cultural studies, and arts and architecture as well as practitioners of Buddhism and Hinduism will find the work interesting.
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