At The North-east Of Mahabodhi Temple Is Animesa Locana, Where Buddha Spent His 2nd Week After Enlightenment Gazing At Bodhi Tree Editorial Image

The Mahabodhi Temple Complex is one of the four holy sites related to the life of Gautama Buddha, in particular to his attainment of Enlightenment. The first temple was built by Emperor Asoka in the 3rd century B.C., and the present temple dates from the 5th or 6th centuries. The Mahabodhi Temple Complex was inscribed into the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2002. Animesa Locana, the Place of Unwinking Gazing, is located at the north-east of the Complex, where the Buddha is said to have spent the 2nd week after his enlightenment gazing at the Bodhi tree for 7 days without blinking his eyes. A stupa is built at the spot to commemorate the event.