Dungeshwari — Attraction in Bihar

Dungeshwari Cave Temple in Bodhgaya Bihar India.

Location: 12 km north-east of Bodhgaya,Bihar Built in:7th and 10th century AD Built By:Sakya prince Dedicated to:Lord Buddha Entry:Free Photography:Allow Temple Timing: 5:00Am to 9:00Pm Significance: One of the Buddha Cave Temple Visiting Timing:30 Mins Best time to Visit:October to March. Nearest Railway Station:Gaya station Nearest Air Port: Gaya 7 Kms and Patna 135 kms

Dungeshwari Cave Temples, also known as Mahakala caves, is situated 12 km north-east of Bodhgaya, Bihar. There are three caves containing Buddhist shrines, where the Buddha is believed to have meditated. Dungeshwari Cave Temples are the ancient caves, located 12 km northeast of Bodhgaya. These are caves Lord Buddha underwent years of self-mortification before descending to Bodhgaya. Three main caves contain several shrines for Buddhists and one for Hindus. Dungeshwari cave temples are also popular as Sujata Sthan to local people. An interesting story is being famous on this temples. It is believed that when Buddha was doing his self-mortification, he became frail, feeble and starved. When he rested under a Banayan tree, a doomed village women named Sujata offered him food. Buddha accepted her offerings and consumed the food, his explicit approval presented him with a divine truth that neither extreme self indulgence nor self-abasement is the right way to attain enlightenment. Buddha attained the knowledge that folow the middle path was require to attain the supreme nirvana. Sujata Sthan or Dungeshwari Temple stands as a symbol commemorating this event.

Importance of Dungeshwari Cave

Gautama Siddhartha is believed to have piously meditated at this place for six years before he went to Bodhgaya for the final realisation. Two small shrines are built to commemorate this phase of Buddha. A golden emaciated Buddha sculpture memorising the rigid penance is enshrined in one of the cave temples and a large (about 6’ tall) Buddha’s statue in the other. A Hindu goddess deity Dungeshwari is also placed inside the cave temple.

How to reach Dungeshwari Cave Temple

By Air: The nearest airport is at Gaya 7 Kms and Patna 135 kms. Indian Airlines and Sahara Airlines connect Patna to Calcutta, Bombay, Delhi, Ranchi, Lucknow and various other cities.

By Rail: The nearest railway station is Gaya (17km).

By Road: Bodhgaya is well connected by road to Gaya (17km), Nalanda (101 km), Rajgir (78 km), Patna (135km), Varanasi (252 km), Calcutta (495km)

Local Transport: Taxis, Tongas, Auto Rickshaws, Cycle Rickshaws are available.

By Bus : Regular direct bus services are available from Gaya, Patna, Nalanda, Rajgir, Varanasi. Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation run buses from Patna- Bodhgaya route twice a...



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Dungeshwari Cave Temple: Where Buddha Starved Himself to Death

22 December 2020

Archaeological travel guide to the Dungeshwari (Mahakala) Cave temples in Gaya, India where legend says Buddha nearly starved himself to death while meditating on enlightenment.



In the various sects of Buddhism found throughout the world, there exists the common agreement that there are four important pilgrimage sites which embody the most important stages in the life of Siddhartha Guatama. Those are:

1. Lumbini – Where Siddhartha Guatama was born

2. Bodhgaya – Where Guatama achieved enlightenment under the bodhi tree

3. Sarnath – Where the Buddha gave his first sermon

4. Kushinagar – Where Guatama died and achieved Parinirvana

After these four come sites of auxiliary importance, however many of them are much more spectacular, or at least peculiar, than the four main Buddhist pilgrimage sites. The Dungeshwari Cave Temple is one such that is more peculiar than spectacular.

Contents

The Story of Dungeshwari Cave Temple

Visiting Dungeshwari Cave Temple

How to Get to Dungeshwari Cave Temple

Fast Facts

Glossary

The Story of Dungeshwari Cave Temple

Although the 4 major stages in Gautama’s life are said to be represented in the four pilgrimage sites, the places where he is thought to have spent other periods in his life are also important sites for devout followers.

The Dungeshwari Cave Temple (also called Mahakala Caves) is where Gautama is said to have spent 6-7 years (according to varying accounts) meditating in extreme asceticism. At least one point during this experience, he had starved himself to the edge of death. His only relief came when a local woman came to offer him a modicum of sustenance.

It was from this experience that he come to the conclusion that self-deprivation would not lead to his, nor others’, enlightenment. With this realization, he left the Dungeshwari Caves behind and proceeded to his eventual enlightenment at...

Title: Mystical Journey: Exploring Dungeshwari Mountain

Nestled amidst the serene landscapes of Gaya, Bihar, Dungeshwari Mountain stands as a testament to spirituality and tranquility. Embarking on a journey to this sacred site unveils an experience that transcends the mundane and delves into the depths of spirituality.

Ascending the gentle slopes of Dungeshwari, one is enveloped by the soothing ambiance, punctuated only by the soft rustle of leaves and the occasional chirping of birds. The pristine surroundings offer a respite from the chaos of modern life, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in introspection and contemplation.

At the heart of Dungeshwari lies the Mahakala Caves, a revered site where Lord Buddha embarked on his journey towards enlightenment. Stepping into these ancient caverns, one can almost feel the echoes of the past reverberating through the air. The tranquil atmosphere is conducive to meditation, allowing visitors to connect with their inner selves and find solace amidst the chaos of life.

The ascent to the summit rewards travelers with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, serving as a poignant reminder of the beauty and grandeur of nature. As the sun sets on the horizon, casting a golden glow over the mountains, one can't help but feel a sense of awe and reverence for the wonders of the natural world.

For those seeking spiritual rejuvenation and inner peace, Dungeshwari Mountain offers a sanctuary unlike any other. Whether you're a devout pilgrim or simply a curious traveler, a visit to this sacred site is sure to leave a lasting impression on your...