ABSTRACT
Bodh Gayā (alternately spelled Buddh Gayā, Buddha Gayā, Bodhi Gayā, Bodhgayā), considered by many the seat of Buddhism, is the most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage site in the world. Here, under the sacred Bodhi-druma (Tree of Enlight enment), Gautama sat in meditation until he received enlight enment, that is, an understanding of all the mysteries of the universe. For twenty-five centuries, this tree has been as important to Buddhists as the cross is to Christians. Pilgrims have journeyed from all parts of eastern Asia to worship there, and the surrounding area has been glorified with monasteries and temples built by kings of India, as well as those as far away as Burma and Sri Lanka.
