Bodhgaya

Bodhgayā is one of the four main Buddhist pilgrimage sites in India. The impressive Mahābodhi Temple marks the place of the Buddha's great awakening. Beside the temple stands the Bodhi Tree which legend has it is where the Buddha sat in meditation to achieve awakening.

Each year thousands of pilgrims from dozens of countries visit the site each year, and pay their respects.

Triratna Buddhist Order founder, Sangharakshita, initiated the project purchase some land in Bodhgayā in 1994.

The town of Bodhgaya has a population of about 30,000 and a literacy rate of approximately 51% (about 38% female literacy). Bodhgaya is in the state of Bihar which has the lowest GDP per capita of any state in India (around US$160 per year), and for many years has suffered from rampant corruption. Of the 100 million inhabitants of Bihar 40 million live in poverty. Gaya District, which includes Bodhgaya, is one of the poorest regions in Bihar State.