Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v1.c7.s2.t13.6

v1.c7.s2.t13.6

Once restored, the temple complex again became an active site of Buddhist pilgrimage with numerous buildings, *stupa* and parks built by devotees from various Buddhist countries. In 2002, the temple complex was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site on account of it being one of the few examples of the earliest classical-styled, brick structured, large temples in India as well as its connection with Buddha and his times. The preserved temple complex now consists of monuments linked with the first seven weeks of his enlightenment ie, the giant Bodhi Tree [religiosa ficus], Vajrasana [Diamond Throne], Animeshlochan Chaitya [prayer hall], the Ratnachakrama [Jewelled Ambulator], Ratnaghar Chaitya [Jewelled Temple], a pillar marking the site of the Ajapala Nigrodh Tree, the Lotus Pond, and the Rajyatana Tree. Most recently in 2013, the vault of the temple was covered with 290 kg of gold donated by the Thai Buddhist disciples.