Great Buddha Statue – Bodh Gaya, Bihar

The Great Buddha Statue in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, is a globally revered symbol of peace, meditation, and enlightenment. Situated in one of the holiest Buddhist pilgrimage sites, this magnificent statue draws visitors from around the world who come to pay homage to Lord Buddha and experience the serene spiritual energy of the region. Adjacent to the sacred Mahabodhi Temple, where Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree, the statue stands as a timeless representation of Buddhist values and architecture.

Temple About

The Great Buddha Statue is a renowned pilgrimage site and one of the tallest Buddha statues in India. It symbolizes peace, spirituality, and the enlightenment of Gautama Buddha.

Temple Description

Inaugurated in 1989, the statue is 80 feet tall and depicts Lord Buddha in a meditative posture (dhyan mudra) seated on a lotus. It is made of sandstone and red granite and took over seven years to complete. The statue is surrounded by 10 smaller sculptures of Buddha’s disciples.

Temple Speciality

First and tallest Buddha statue in India at the time of its construction

Built with a blend of Indian and Japanese architectural styles

A serene spiritual environment visited by Buddhists from around the world

Located near the Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Temple Address

Great Buddha Statue, Buddha Road, Bodh Gaya, Gaya District, Bihar – 824231, India

Temple Location (Latitude & Longitude)

24.6880° N, 84.9910° E

Temple Timings

Open daily: 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM

Entry: Free

Temple Sevas

Meditation sessions

Offerings of flowers, candles, and incense

Group prayers and Buddhist chants by monks

Celebrations during Buddha Jayanti (Vesak)

Traveling Facilities

Auto-rickshaws, taxis, and rental cars available

Local buses connect nearby towns

Guided tours from Gaya and Patna

Food Facilities

Numerous vegetarian and international cuisine restaurants nearby

Buddhist monasteries offer simple meals

Tibetan, Thai, and Japanese food options are available

Stay Facilities

Budget to premium hotels, guest houses, and monasteries

Several dharamshalas and spiritual lodges

Popular accommodations: Hotel Taj Darbar, Maha Bodhi Hotel, Oaks Bodhgaya

Nearby Railway Station

Gaya Junction (GAYA) – Approx. 13 km away

Nearby Airport

Gaya International Airport (GAY) – Approx. 10 km away

Patna Airport (PAT) – Approx. 120 km away

Nearby Bus Station

Bodh Gaya Bus Stand – 1 km away

Connected to Gaya, Patna, and other towns

Bus Routes to Temple

Buses from Patna, Rajgir, Nalanda, Gaya

Operated by BSRTC and private travel agencies

Train Routes to Temple

Trains to Gaya Junction from major cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Patna, Varanasi

Local transport options available from Gaya to Bodh Gaya

Airways to Temple

Direct flights to Gaya Airport from Kolkata, Varanasi, Delhi, and Bangkok (seasonal)

Regular flights to Patna Airport, followed by a road journey to Bodh Gaya

Nearby Cities to Temple

Gaya (13 km)

Patna (120 km)

Rajgir (70 km)

Nalanda (85 km)

Nearby Visiting Temples and Places

Mahabodhi Temple (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Thai, Tibetan, Japanese, and Bhutanese Monasteries

Dungeshwari Caves (Sujata Garh)

Vishnupad Temple (Gaya)

Barabar Caves – ancient rock-cut caves

Preferable Visiting Season

October to March – Pleasant weather ideal for spiritual activities and tourism

Shopping Famous For

Buddhist handicrafts and souvenirs

Prayer wheels, idols, incense sticks

Books on Buddhism and meditation

Tibetan and handmade artefacts

A visit to the Great Buddha Statue in Bodh Gaya is more than a sightseeing experience—it is a journey into the heart of Buddhism and Indian spirituality. Whether you're a devotee, a history enthusiast, or a curious traveler, the peaceful surroundings, historic landmarks, and vibrant cultural atmosphere make Bodh Gaya an unforgettable destination. With excellent connectivity, ample facilities, and proximity to many sacred and historic sites, the Great Buddha Statue remains a must-visit gem in India's spiritual landscape.