Bodh gaya is a sacred and historical place in northern India where
Gautama Siddhartha was enlightened about 2,500 years ago. Before coming to
Bodh gaya and starting meditation under a
Bodhi tree, he had stayed at rocky hills named
Dhungeshwari near
Bodh gaya for 6 years.
Gautama had been practicing austerities for six years in this place near
Niranjana river. Finally understanding that this could not lead to realization, he abandoned his austerities and in the nearby village the Brahmin girl
Sujata offered him milk-rice.
