In his quest of peace and truth, Siddhartha (first name of Buddha) first came in touch with two Yogins, Arada Kalama and Udraka Ramputra. But the stern asceticism they prescribed did not bring him any peace or truth. Siddhartha left them and came to Gaya (part of modern Bihar State) and practised austerities near Brahma Yoni Hill. But he found no solace. Finally he left Gaya and went to the neighbouring village of Uruvila (modern Uraila) and for several years, along with his five disciples, followed a life of meditation and severe austerity. But he did not succeed in getting any spiritual salvation. It was only when he sat under the Bodhi tree here that he attained enlightenment. Uruvila is now known as Bodh Gaya.

The legends also say that Mara (God of evil spirits) tried to distract Buddha while he was meditating by offering worldly pleasures. However, Buddha was unmoved. After some time Gautama obtained the supreme enlightenment (Samma Sambodhi) and became the Buddha. He spent a few more weeks ... More

In his quest of peace and truth, Siddhartha (first name of Buddha) first came in touch with two Yogins, Arada Kalama and Udraka Ramputra. But the stern asceticism they prescribed did not bring him any peace or truth. Siddhartha left them and came to Gaya (part of modern Bihar State) and practised austerities near Brahma Yoni Hill. But he found no solace. Finally he left Gaya and went to the neighbouring village of Uruvila (modern Uraila) and for several years, along with his five disciples, followed a life of meditation and severe austerity. But he did not succeed in getting any spiritual salvation. It was only when he sat under the Bodhi tree here that he attained enlightenment. Uruvila is now known as Bodh Gaya.

The legends also say that Mara (God of evil spirits) tried to distract Buddha while he was meditating by offering worldly pleasures. However, Buddha was unmoved. After some time Gautama obtained the supreme enlightenment (Samma Sambodhi) and became the Buddha. He spent a few more weeks in the village of Uruvila. During this time he dwelt upon the question as to whether he should keep the supreme knowledge that he had obtained to himself or he should share it with the world.