Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi Vihara in Bodhgaya has a deep historical and spiritual significance. It was established by the Maha Bodhi Society of India and stands on the site of the original Maha Bodhi Rest House, built in 1901 by the great Buddhist revivalist Anagarika Dharmapala. In 2006–07, during the 2550th Buddha Jayanti celebrations, the site was transformed into a Vihara, and sacred relics of Lord Buddha and his chief disciples, Sariputta and Maha Mogallana, were ceremoniously enshrined here, adding immense spiritual value to the temple. The Vihara regularly hosts important Buddhist festivals and rituals such as Buddha Purnima, Kathina, and Vassāvāsa, drawing monks and devotees from Sri Lanka, India, and beyond. It is not only a place of worship but also a center of learning, reflection, and Buddhist unity. Today, Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi Vihara stands as a symbol of Buddhist revival and devotion in the sacred land of Bodhgaya.
The Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi Vihara in Bodhgaya has its roots in the early 20th century, linked to the pioneering efforts of Anagarika Dharmapala, a Sri Lankan Buddhist reformer and founder of the Maha Bodhi Society of India. In 1901, he established the Maha Bodhi Rest House in Bodhgaya to support Buddhist pilgrims visiting the land where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. This rest house later became the foundation for the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi Vihara. The transformation into a temple began during the 2550th Buddha Jayanti celebrations in 2006–07, when sacred relics of Lord Buddha and his chief disciples Sariputta and Maha Mogallana were enshrined there. This marked the beginning of a new spiritual chapter for the site, turning it into a fully active Vihara. Since then, it has hosted numerous significant events, including relic expos, festivals like Buddha Purnima, and traditional Theravāda Buddhist ceremonies such as Kathina and Vassāvāsa. Today, the Vihara stands not only as a historical monument of Buddhist revival but also as a living center for prayer, cultural exchange, and monastic education in Bodhgaya.
Inside the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi Vihara in Bodhgaya, a sense of peace and devotion surrounds every corner. The main prayer hall features a striking golden statue of Lord Buddha seated in meditation, with beautifully painted murals and sacred Buddhist symbols on the walls. The hall is calm and welcoming, with rows of cushions laid out for monks and visitors to sit during prayers and meditation sessions. The soft flicker of butter lamps adds warmth to the atmosphere, enhancing the spiritual feel of the space. In a separate area, sacred relics of Lord Buddha and his chief disciples, Sariputta and Maha Moggallana, are respectfully kept and displayed during important festivals and ceremonies. The temple also includes quiet rooms for study and reflection, making it not only a place of worship but also a center of learning and Buddhist culture. The simplicity and purity of the Vihara leave a lasting impact on every visitor.
Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi Vihara is surrounded by many significant Buddhist and cultural attractions in Bodhgaya, making it a perfect stop on a spiritual journey. Just a short distance away lies the world-famous Mahabodhi Temple, where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment under the sacred Bodhi Tree. Pilgrims can also visit the Great Buddha Statue, an 80-feet tall marvel symbolizing peace and compassion. Several international monasteries, including Thai, Japanese, Bhutanese, Tibetan, and Vietnamese temples, are located nearby, each reflecting their country’s unique architectural and spiritual traditions. The Archaeological Museum of Bodhgaya offers historical insights into ancient Buddhist art and culture. The Muchalinda Lake, associated with a myth about Buddha being protected by the serpent king, is also close. These surrounding sites, along with peaceful gardens and walking paths, make the area around Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi Vihara not only spiritually uplifting but also rich in heritage, learning, and scenic beauty.
The distance from Gaya Junction Railway Station to Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi Vihara in Bodhgaya is approximately 14 km
The distance from Gaya Airport to Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi Vihara in Bodhgaya is around 10 km.
The distance from Gaya Airport to Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi Vihara in Bodhgaya is around 10 km.
Visiting the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi Vihara Temple in Bodhgaya was a peaceful and spiritually uplifting experience. The temple offers a calm and welcoming atmosphere, perfect for meditation and reflection. The golden statue of Lord Buddha in the main prayer hall is truly captivating, and the traditional Buddhist murals add beauty and meaning to the space. The presence of sacred relics of Lord Buddha and his chief disciples gives the temple a very sacred and special feel. The place is clean, well-maintained, and managed with great care by the monks and staff. We also appreciated how the temple preserves and shares the heritage of Sri Lankan Buddhist traditions. Whether you are a pilgrim or a curious traveler, this temple leaves a lasting impression with its quiet charm, spiritual energy, and deep cultural significance. It’s definitely one of the must-visit places in Bodhgaya.
