Sujata Garh Guide
Sujata Garh: Where Enlightenment Began Guide
Sujata Garh, also known as Bakraur, is a significant Buddhist site located near Bodh Gaya. It marks the spot where Sujata, a village woman, offered Lord Buddha a bowl of milk-rice after he had spent six years practicing severe asceticism. This act of nourishment revitalized him and allowed him to continue his path towards enlightenment. Visiting Sujata Garh offers a glimpse into the pivotal moment that shaped the course of Buddhism. The history of Sujata Garh is deeply intertwined with the life of Siddhartha Gautama, the future Buddha. After years of self-deprivation, he realized that extreme asceticism was not the path to enlightenment. Weak and emaciated, he accepted the offering of milk-rice from Sujata, a gesture that symbolized the importance of balance and nourishment in the pursuit of spiritual awakening. A stupa was later built to commemorate this event, marking the location where Sujata's house once stood. Tourists visiting Sujata Garh can explore the ruins of the stupa and the surrounding area. The site offers a peaceful and serene atmosphere, perfect for contemplation and reflection. While there are no specific culinary traditions directly associated with Sujata Garh, visitors can enjoy local Indian cuisine in nearby Bodh Gaya, which offers a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.
Transportation
The most convenient way to reach Sujata Garh is by hiring a taxi or auto-rickshaw from Bodh Gaya, which is approximately 5-6 kilometers away. Local buses also operate on this route, but they may be less frequent and more crowded. From Gaya Airport or Gaya Junction railway station, you can hire a taxi or auto-rickshaw to reach Bodh Gaya first, and then proceed to Sujata Garh.