Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya (UNESCO/NHK)

Under the Bodhi Tree, Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya. According to Buddhist scriptures, India's Mahabodhi Temple Complex is the navel of the earth. This is the city of Bodh Gaya in north-eastern India. Some 2,500 years ago, Shakyamuni bathed in this river and sat under a large tree. Shakyamuni practiced asceticism for a long time without attaining enlightenment. He continued his search for absolute truth through meditation. Finally, Shakyamuni attained enlightenment here and became Buddha. Buddha in Sanskrit means the awakened one, and this tree became known as the Bodhi Tree. Bodhi was the Sanskrit word for enlightenment. This tree is believed to be the third of four generations descended from the original Bodhi Tree. Buddhist pilgrims from all over the world visit the holy site of Bodh Gaya, and particularly Tibetan monks. These repeated exercises by the monks have been considered since ancient times as the most respectful form of prayer. At the roots of the sacred Bodhi Tree is a diamond throne, where Buddha is believed to have meditated. Next to the throne is a large tower temple. Over 50 meters high, this is the Mabodhi Temple. The temple was originally built during the 3rd century BC and rebuilt a century later. However, a series of invasions led to the decline of Buddhism, and the temple fell into ruin until the site was rediscovered in the 19th century. This golden statue of Buddha portrays the moment when Buddha drove off evil spirits as he strived to attain enlightenment. The large tower, as it stands today, was reconstructed by the British at the end of the 19th century. Worshippers walk around the reconstructed tower in a clockwise direction. According to Indian tradition, it is respectful to approach a person or object with your right shoulder towards them. In order to get closer to Buddha's great wisdom and enlightenment, people continue to light candles to brighten the darkness.