| Temples & Legends Of Bihar |
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| Temples & Legends Of
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MAHABODHI |
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a few samadhis of the Giri Mohants. The Saivite Mohant of Buddha Gaya was one of the
richest Zamindars in Northern India. The Zamindari has now been taken over by the State.
The famous Niranjara River, often referred to in Buddhist literature, is to the east of
the temple. According to the legend, Prince Siddhartha crossed the Niranjara River while
on his way to the shade of the Bodhi tree. Sujatakuti is the site of Sujata's house on the
opposite side of the Niranjara River and now marked by a brick mound. Niranjara
River is now called Lilanjan. According to the Buddhist legend, it was in this river that
Gautama bathed and put his begging bowl on the water and declared that the bowl would go
upstream if he were to become the Buddha. This is said to be what actually happened and
Gautama knew that he -was near his life's ambition. Gaya is on the left bank of this river
at a distance of 7 miles. Gaya has the famous Vishnupada temple, where the Hindus offer
pinda or oblations for the welfare of their dead ancestors.
The Hindu pilgrims also visit Buddha Gaya where they repeat the ritual under the Bodhi
tree specially set apart for this purpose. Vishnupada temple has a slab with foot-prints
and the Buddhist think that they are of Lord Buddha.
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