A town of many countries
Besides the great temple, Bodh Gaya is known for something that few other pilgrimage towns offer: a collection of monasteries and temples built by Buddhist communities from different countries. These are often grouped as the international monasteries of Bodh Gaya. They were mostly built in the twentieth century and later, and their styles reflect their homelands, which makes a walk between them a way to see the range of Buddhist architecture across Asia.
Opening hours and access rules differ for each monastery, and some are active communities rather than tourist attractions. Check current information, dress modestly, remove shoes where asked and ask before photographing people. The notes below are general; which monasteries exist, and what they allow, may change.
Examples you may see
Several Asian countries are represented, including Thailand, Bhutan, Japan, Tibet-linked communities, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, China and others. Common features include:
- A Thai temple with a distinctive tiered roof of the style that readers may recognise from the Thai wat layout, usually with a gilded image in a main hall.
- Japanese and other East Asian temples whose halls reflect their own architectural traditions, often with quiet gardens or wooden interiors.
- Tibetan Buddhist monasteries with colourful murals, prayer wheels and large assembly halls, often busy with teaching events and winter gatherings.
- Bhutanese, Burmese and Sri Lankan temples that show the wide range of Theravada and Vajrayana expression.
A large seated Buddha statue, set in a garden to the west of the main temple area, is another landmark. Visitors often sit nearby for quiet reflection. Several monasteries also offer meditation sessions or courses in Bodh Gaya, though availability, language and registration differ; contact them directly.
Across the river: the Sujata village area
Tradition holds that before his awakening, the ascetic Siddhartha accepted a meal of milk rice from a woman named Sujata. The village on the far bank of the Niranjana River, usually called Sujata village (Bakraur), is linked to this story by local tradition, and a stupa associated with Sujata stands there. The river itself is often wide and sandy for much of the year but can flood in the monsoon, so check local conditions if you plan to go.
Pilgrims sometimes come here to reflect on the idea of the middle way, the balance between indulgence and extreme asceticism that the Buddha taught after rejecting strict fasting. Please note that in some villages the relationship between visitors and the community is a delicate one, and giving money or sweets to children is something local guides and charities often discourage. Support through established local projects, rather than casual handouts, is generally seen as more respectful.
Dungeshwari caves
A short drive from the town, in the hills across the Niranjana valley, lie the Dungeshwari caves, also known as the Mahakala caves. Tradition says the Buddha spent a period of austerity here before moving to the river and accepting food. Tibetan and other Buddhist visitors often come to meditate here. A small shrine in the cave contains an image of the emaciated ascetic Buddha, and Hindu shrines also stand on the hillside, so you may encounter worshippers from more than one tradition.
The exact historical identification of these places is not settled. Texts describe the austerities as taking place in the Uruvela area, and different sources and communities connect different spots to the story. The caves are best seen as places honoured by tradition rather than proven locations. The approach may involve a climb and rough ground; the heat in the plains can be intense, so take advice about timing and carry water. Roads and local travel arrangements vary, and it is sensible to check conditions and travel advice before heading out of town.
Other quiet places in the area
Not far from the town are other places linked by tradition to the Buddha’s time. A hill associated with the Buddha’s early search for a place to practise is one example. Local tradition connects further sites to the seven weeks following the awakening. Sources differ about the precise places, and some are modern memorials. It is sensible to treat these as places of reflection rather than documented sites.
A respectful approach
The smaller monasteries are usually happiest with visitors who come quietly, give a small donation if they wish and stay briefly. Local communities depend on respect from visitors as much as on income. Following responsible heritage tourism practice, hire local guides and eat at local places where this feels right, avoid crowds at times of teaching, and leave places as you found them.