The Mahabodhi Temple is the hub of this land. This temple is a pilgrimage center for all Buddhist. A 50 mt high pyramidal spire crowns the Mahabodhi temple, inside which, is a large gilded image of the Buddha. The temple is believed to be standing on the site of a shrine, erected by Ashoka in the 3rd century BC. Although the current temple was restored in the 11th century, and again in 1882. The stone railings around the temple, parts of which still stand, is considered to be from the Sunga period.  

The Bodhi tree growing here is believed to be the direct descendant of the original tree under which Buddha sat, meditated and attained enlightenment. A sapling from the original tree was taken to Sri Lanka, by Sanghamitra (Emperor Ashoka's daughter), when Ashoka took Buddhism to the island. The tree now flourishes in Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka. A sampling of this tree was brought back to Bodhgaya, when the original tree died. A red sand stone under the tree is said to be the Vajrasan, or diamond throne, the one on which Buddha sat.

There is a great sense of peace and serenity within the temple compound.