The Cankamana, also known as the Cloister Walk, is a sacred pathway located in the Mahabodhi Temple complex in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, India. It is one of the holy sites related to the life of Lord Buddha, wherein it is believed that Buddha spent his third week after enlightenment, walking back and forth in meditation.
Cankamana is situated within the Mahabodhi Temple complex in Bodh Gaya, which is in the Gaya district of Bihar, India. Bodh Gaya is one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites.
Cankamana holds great spiritual significance for Buddhists as a place of meditation and reflection. According to Buddhist traditions, it is said that Lord Buddha spent one week walking here after his enlightenment, which makes it a site of reverence and worship for adherents of Buddhism.
The hallmark of Cankamana are the lotus marks, which are believed to represent the footprints of Buddha during his meditative walking. These marks are enshrined along the raised platform on which the pathway is built, and they draw pilgrims and visitors to reflect upon the Buddha’s life and teachings.
The best time to visit Cankamana is from October to March when the weather in Bihar is pleasant. The peak season for pilgrimage is around December and January, during the Bodh Gaya Festival.
Cankamana can be visited during the opening hours of the Mahabodhi Temple complex. Typically, the complex is open from early morning to evening, but it's advised to check the current timings before planning your visit as they can vary.
No, there is no entry fee to visit the Cankamana or the Mahabodhi Temple complex. However, donations for the maintenance of the temple and its surroundings are welcome.
Photography is often allowed within the premises of Cankamana and the Mahabodhi Temple complex, but it is advisable to respect the sanctity of the site and adhere to posted signs or instructions regarding photography. Some areas might be restricted or require a fee for photography.
Near Cankamana, within the Mahabodhi Temple complex, tourists will find basic facilities like drinking water, restrooms, and shoe storage. Around the temple, there are various hotels, guest houses, restaurants, and shops catering to the needs of pilgrims and tourists.
Tourists can reach Cankamana by flying into Gaya International Airport or taking a train to Gaya Junction. From there, local taxis, auto-rickshaws, or bus services are available to reach Bodh Gaya. The Mahabodhi Temple complex is a central location in Bodh Gaya, easily accessible by foot from most parts of the town.
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