Question

A Vesak lantern kept near Gangaramaya temple in Colombo has been modelled on the “stupa” at the Mahabodhi temple in Gaya, Bihar.Consider the following statements Mahabodhi temple:

Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?

• A. All 1, 2&3
• B. Only 2&3
• C. Only 1&2
• D. Only 1&3

Answer 1

The correct option is C Only 1&2

Lanterns are an integral part of the Vesak Poya festival (Full Moon in May), which is celebrated to mark three important events in the life of Buddha — birth, enlightenment and death.Bodh Gaya was known as Bodhimanda, Uruvela, Sambodhi, Vajrasana and Mahabodhi till 18th century when Bodh Gaya name became popular. It has the Mahabodhi temple and Bodhi tree. It became Unesco world heritage site in 2002.It had a significant influence on the development of brick architecture over the centuries.

• Located about 115 km south of Patna, the temple is regarded as one of the four holy sites related to the life of Buddha.
• Astamahasthanas are 8 great holy places. 4 are as follows:

Lumbini: Birth of Buddha. Bodhgaya: Enlightment of Buddha. Sarnath: First sermon or Dhammachakraparivartan Kushinagar: Death or mahaparinirvana Along with them, Sravasti, Sankasya, Rajgir and Vaishali are known as Astamahasthanas. According to the UNESCO, this was the first temple built by Emperor Asoka in the 3rd century BC. However, the present temple is of the 5th-6th century CE, belonging to the late Gupta period.