The background of the famous Mahabodhi temple at Bodh Gaya near Gaya has to be indicated. According to accepted testimony, Gautama Buddha's birth and death could be placed between 560 B.C. and 480 B.C.

There are a very large number of mythical and legendary stories regarding the Buddha. This is partially due to the fact that Buddhist literature grew later than the Buddha and statements, traditions, and Iegends have been freely ascribed to Buddha personally.