On Yuan Chwang's Travels in India, 629–645 A.D. v2.c19.85

v2.c19.85

The pilgrim next goes on to tell us that a journey of 14 or 15 *li* south-west from the Prāgbodhi Hill brought one to the Bodhi Tree. The enclosing walls, he relates, are built of brick, high and strong; the inclosure is long from east to west, and narrow from north to south, and it is above 500 paces in circuit. Rare trees and noted flowers make continuous shade; fine grass and strange plants climb over and cover everything. The principal gate opens east towards the Nairañjana River, the south gate is connected with a large flower-tank, the west limit is a natural defence, and the north gate communicates with the grounds inside the walls of a large monastery. The sacred traces are very close together; topes or shrines (*ching-shê*) have been raised, as memorials, by sovereigns, high officials, or nobles of India who were pious Buddhists.