The Mahabodhi Temple was located in Bodh Gaya, Bihar and it is one of the most revered Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the world. The temple is the sacred place where Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree over 2,500 years ago. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this temple draws millions of Buddhists and spiritual seekers from all corners of the globe.
The precise location where Prince Siddhartha became Gautama Buddha and attained enlightenment circa 500 BCE is marked by the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, Bihar. It is special because it is not just a monument to religion but also the birthplace of Buddhism, which is regarded as the source of spiritual awakening by millions of people in Asia and beyond.
Ashokan Legacy and Timeless Resilience: One of India’s oldest surviving brick buildings, the original temple was commissioned by Emperor Ashoka in the third century BCE. The temple has undergone multiple reconstructions and restorations in spite of invasions and centuries of neglect, and it now stands as a testament to tenacity, harmony, and the spiritual legacy of the world.
Pandharpur Vitthal Temple 2025 – Darshan Timings, Aarti Schedule, Online Ticket Booking & Guide
Mahabodhi Temple Timings (2025)
| Activity | Time |
|---|---|
| Temple Opening Time | 5:00 AM |
| General Darshan | 5:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Afternoon Break | 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM |
| Afternoon Darshan | 2:00 PM – 9:00 PM |
| Temple Closing Time | 9:00 PM |
| Meditation Ground Access | 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
🔔 On special days like Buddha Purnima, timings may extend for night-long chanting.
Mahabodhi Temple Morning Schedule
- 5:00 AM: Temple opens with soft chanting of mantras.
- 5:30 AM – 8:00 AM: Ideal time for peaceful meditation and pradakshina (circumambulation).
- 6:00 AM – 9:00 AM: Devotees and monks perform offerings and chants near the Bodhi Tree.
Mahabodhi Temple Daytime Activities
- 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Devotees explore the premises, read scriptures, or participate in group chanting.
- 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM: The temple closes for maintenance and monk prayers.
Mahabodhi Temple Evening Schedule
- 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Open for darshan and silent meditation.
- 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM: Illuminated temple view, perfect for chanting and reflection.
- 9:00 PM: Temple closes.
Meditation & Chanting Timings
| Activity | Time |
|---|---|
| Open Meditation Hours | 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Group Chanting (optional) | 6:00 AM – 7:00 AM & 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM |
| Full Moon Chanting | 8:00 PM onwards |
Monks from Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, and Tibet lead global chanting sessions. Visitors are welcome to sit in silence or join in.
Best Time to Visit Mahabodhi Temple
- Ideal Months: October to March (cooler weather, pleasant for meditation)
- Time of Day: Early morning (5:00 AM to 7:00 AM) or late evening (6:00 PM to 8:30 PM) for a calm experience
- Festivals: Buddha Purnima, Vesak Day, and Magha Puja bring vibrant spiritual energy
Mahabodhi Temple Entry Fee & Guidelines
- Entry Fee:
- Indian Citizens: Free
- Foreign Tourists: Free for temple; camera charges may apply
- Mobile Phones & Bags: Must be kept in the cloakroom outside the temple
- Guided Tours: Available on request in multiple languages
Temple Location & Nearby Attractions
Address:
Mahabodhi Mahavihar, Bodh Gaya,
Gaya District, Bihar – 824231, India
Official Website: Click Here
How to Reach:
- Nearest Airport: Gaya International Airport (12 km)
- Nearest Railway Station: Gaya Junction (17 km)
Nearby Attractions
- Bodhi Tree – Actual site of Buddha’s enlightenment
- Animesh Lochana Chaitya – Place where Buddha meditated continuously
- Thai Monastery – Beautiful modern Buddhist architecture
- Great Buddha Statue – 80-ft tall seated Buddha statue
Dress Code & Visitor Tips
- Dress Code: Modest and respectful attire (shoulders and knees covered)
- Footwear: Must be removed before entering the main temple
- Behavior: Silence is expected; avoid loud talking and group selfies
- Languages Spoken: Hindi, English, Tibetan, Pali, and Thai
FAQs on Mahabodhi Temple Timings
Q1. What are the opening and closing times of Mahabodhi Temple?
A: The temple opens at 5:00 AM and closes at 9:00 PM daily.
Q2. Can I meditate inside the temple premises?
A: Yes, meditation is allowed and encouraged. You can sit under the Bodhi Tree or around the temple.
Q3. Are foreigners allowed in Mahabodhi Temple?
A: Yes, people of all religions and nationalities are welcome.
Q4. Are there any specific pooja timings?
A: There are no Hindu-style poojas, but Buddhist prayers and chanting occur throughout the day.
Q5. Is there any dress code for Mahabodhi Temple?
A: Yes, wear modest and simple clothes. Avoid shorts, sleeveless tops, or flashy attire.