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Decision 26 COM 23.15
Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya (India)

The World Heritage Committee,

Inscribes the Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya, India on the basis of cultural criteria (i), (ii), (iii), (iv) and (vi) :

Criterion (i): The grand 50m-high Mahabodhi Temple of the 5th-6th centuries is of immense importance, being one of the earliest temple constructions existing in the Indian sub-continent. It is one of the few representations of the architectural genius of the Indian people in constructing fully developed brick temples in that era.

Criterion (ii): The Mahabodhi Temple, one of the few surviving examples of early brick structures in India, has had significant influence in the development of architecture over the centuries.

Criterion (iii): The site of the Mahabodhi Temple provides exceptional records for the events associated with the life of Buddha and subsequent worship, particularly since Emperor Asoka built the first temple, the balustrades, and the memorial column.

Criterion (iv): The present Temple is one of the earliest and most imposing structures built entirely in brick from the late Gupta period. The sculpted stone balustrades are an outstanding early example of sculptural reliefs in stone.

Criterion (vi): The Mahabodhi Temple Complex in Bodh Gaya has direct association with the life of the Lord Buddha, being the place where He attained the supreme and perfect insight.
Decision Code
26 COM 23.15
Themes
Inscriptions on the World Heritage List
Focal Point
APA
States Parties 1
Year
2002
Documents
WHC-02/CONF.202/25
Decisions of the twenty-sixth session of the World Heritage Committee (Budapest, Hungary, 24 - 29 June 2002)
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