Chankramana
Sub Place Details: Chankramana, also known as the Jewel Walk or Ratnachakrama, is a sacred raised platform located on the northern side of the Mahabodhi Temple. According to Buddhist tradition, this is the exact spot where the Buddha spent the third week after his enlightenment, walking back and for th in deep meditation. Legend has it that wherever the Buddha placed his feet, beautiful lotus flowers bloomed instantly to support his steps. Today, the path is marked by a long stone masonry platform adorned with 18 carved stone lotuses, symbolizing those miraculous blossoms. This site is a powerful reminder of the importance of "mindful walking" in Buddhist practice. Pilgrims from all over the world come here to perform their own walking meditation, pacing slowly along the adjacent path while reflecting on the Dhamma. The area is surrounded by ancient stone railings and is shaded by the nearby Bodhi Tree, creating a serene corridor of history and spirituality. It is one of the "Seven Sacred Sites" within the temple complex that detail the seven weeks the Buddha spent in Bodh Gaya after reaching Nirvana.
General information
-
Ideal Duration:
30 to 45 MinutesPlace Type:
Heritage & ReligiousEntry Fees:
Included in Temple Entry: There is no separate fee for Chankramana; it is covered by the general entry to the Mahabodhi complex.
Camera Fees: Remember to pay the 100 INR camera fee at the main gate if you wish to take photos of this specifi...Included in Temple Entry: There is no separate fee for Chankramana; it is covered by the general entry to the Mahabodhi complex.
Camera Fees: Remember to pay the 100 INR camera fee at the main gate if you wish to take photos of this specific shrine.Timing:
Regular Timings: Accessible during the main temple hours from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM every day of the week.
Ideal Visit Time: Visit at 7:00 AM when the soft morning light illuminates the stone lotuses without the harsh midday shadows. ...Regular Timings: Accessible during the main temple hours from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM every day of the week.
Ideal Visit Time: Visit at 7:00 AM when the soft morning light illuminates the stone lotuses without the harsh midday shadows.Special Events:
Weekly Chanting: Every Friday, specific groups of monks often congregate near this area for communal walking prayers.
Festival Illumination: During Buddha Jayanti, the entire length of the Jewel Walk is decorated with flowers and oil lamps. ...Weekly Chanting: Every Friday, specific groups of monks often congregate near this area for communal walking prayers.
Festival Illumination: During Buddha Jayanti, the entire length of the Jewel Walk is decorated with flowers and oil lamps.Best Photo Spots:
Symmetry in Perspective: Standing at one end of the walk and shooting down the length of the platform creates a beautiful leading-line effect.
Lotus Close-ups: Macro shots of the stone lotuses with sunlight hitting the carvings reveal the an...Symmetry in Perspective: Standing at one end of the walk and shooting down the length of the platform creates a beautiful leading-line effect.
Lotus Close-ups: Macro shots of the stone lotuses with sunlight hitting the carvings reveal the ancient texture and craftsmanship.
Monks in Motion: Capture long-exposure shots of monks walking past the shrine to symbolize the eternal flow of the Dhamma.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
-
Perform Walking Meditation: Walk slowly along the side of the platform, synchronizing your breath with your steps as the Buddha did.
Photography of Lotuses: Take detailed photos of the 18 stone lotuses, which are some of the oldest carvings in the complex.
Offer Loose Petals: Many devotees place fresh flower petals on the stone lotuses as a symbolic offering to the Buddha's footsteps.
Study the Railings: Observe the difference between the original sandstone railings and the granite extensions from different historical eras.
Listen to the Chants: Sit nearby and listen to the various international groups chanting their respective sutras in the courtyard.
Circumambulate the Shrine: Include the Chank...
Information
-
Why Famous:
Miraculous Lotuses: It is famous for the legend of the lotuses that sprang from the earth, a story that inspires many artists and poets.
Mindful Walking Center: It serves as the ultimate global symbol for the practice of walking meditation (...Miraculous Lotuses: It is famous for the legend of the lotuses that sprang from the earth, a story that inspires many artists and poets.
Mindful Walking Center: It serves as the ultimate global symbol for the practice of walking meditation (Kinhin in Zen or Chankramana in Pali). -
Architecture:
Raised Stone Platform: The structure consists of a brick and stone platform about 3 feet high, featuring a series of circular stone carvings.
Dimensions: The walk stretches approximately 60 feet in length, representing the distance the Buddh...Raised Stone Platform: The structure consists of a brick and stone platform about 3 feet high, featuring a series of circular stone carvings.
Dimensions: The walk stretches approximately 60 feet in length, representing the distance the Buddha paced during his third week.
Artistic Carvings: Each of the 18 lotuses is intricately carved in black stone, showcasing the artistic finesse of the Gupta and Sunga periods. -
How To Reach:
By Air: Fly to Gaya Airport and take a pre-paid taxi directly to the Mahabodhi Temple entrance gate.
By Train: Arrive at Gaya Junction, which is well-connected to Delhi and Kolkata, then take an auto for 16 KM.
... -
Near Tourist Places:
1. Bodhi Tree (0. 1 KM), 2. Animesh Lochan Chaitya (0. 2 KM), 3. Muchalinda Lake (0. 3 KM), 4. Archaeological Museum (0. 8 KM), 5. Great Buddha Statue (1. 2 KM), 6. Thai Monastery (0. 9 KM), 7. Japanese Temple (1. 3 KM), 8. Vietnamese Temple (1. 1 KM), 9. Royal Bhutan Monastery (1 KM), 10. Sujata Stupa (2. 6 KM).
Tourism Tips
-
Stay Quiet: This area is designated for walking meditation; avoid talking loudly or running near the platform.
Health & Safety: Watch your step on the stone paths, especially during the monsoon when they can become slightly slippery.
Reviews
Information about New and Updated Locations(521+) of Bihar Has Been Added :-
Card subtitle
Kesariya StupaKumhrar ParkRohtasgarh FortRuins of VikramshilaValmiki Tiger ReserveBio-Diversity ParkFanishwar Nath Renu JungleForbesganj Mela GroundJogbaniJokihat MosqueMaata Aasawar MandirRampur Over BridgeRaniganj Vriksh VatikaShiva MandirSultan PhokherBaba Bateshwarnath TempleBaithakji Hajipur Baraila Lake More PlacesNote:-
Information provided here in good Faith and for reference only.
All information and pictures will be updated soon, please keep visiting.
Near Places
Animesh Lochana Chaitya
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Archaeological Museum
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Archaeological Museum Bodh Gaya
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Barabar Caves
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Bodhgaya Archaeological Museum
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Bodhgaya Multimedia Museum
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Bodhi Tree
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Burmese Monastery
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Burmese Vihara Monastery
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Chankramana
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewherein Other Cities