The Buddhagaya Temple History

The Mahabodhi Mahavihar or more popularly known as the Buddha Gaya Temple or Great Stupa and is one of the shrine out of 84000 shrines erected by King Ashoka the Great in the 3rd century B.C. The Mahabodhi Mahavihar is the sole surviving example of what was once an architectural genre. How long it took to create this magnificent structure or whose creation it still remains a mystery and the lack of a comprehensive historical data this subject remains a controversy till date.

However, throughout the centuries, this blessed site has retained its deep spiritual vibration and and inspired countless beings towards a saintly life and the vihara itself stands out as an eye catching artistic landmark as if standing testimony towards the presence of the greatest Teacher of all time mankind has ever witnessed. The Temple underwent several restorations, renovations and repairs in subsequent periods by a number of devout Kings and philanthropists persons of home and abroad. A very thorough renovation of the Temple was taken up during 1874 by the deputation of the Burmese King, Mindon-Min, with the permission of the Government of India but subsequently completed in 1884 under the supervision of Cunningham and Dr. Rajendra Lal Mitra.

This Temple suffered much at the hands of time, especially during the reign of the Hindu King Shashanka of Gour (Bengal).