Sujata Village was believed to be the place where Prince Siddharta was offered with a bowl of kheer (rice milk) when resting under a Bayan tree, ailing, feeble and starved after practicing severe penance. The Prince recovered miraculously after bathing in the river and taking the food. After staying a day in Sal Grove, he proceeded to sit under a Pipal Tree in the evening, meditated and attained enlightenment at night.
Buddhist devotees paying respect to Sujata Stupa, which was built to commemorate the living site of the doomed village woman named Sujata who made offer to Lord Buddha a bowl of rice milk before his enlightenment on a full moon day of Visakha month.
Sujata Stupa was a double terraced circular mound with Ayakas (offering altar) at four main directions when exposed in year 2001-6. The entire structure was originally plastered with lime and there was a wooden railing around the sacred stone pathway (pradakshinapath) at its ground level. The structure was believed to have been constructed in three phase from Gupta (4th-6th century) to Pala period ((8th-12th century). All unearthed artifacts were presently displayed in Bodhgaya Museum.
The remains of the front Ayakas (offering altar) at Sujata Stupa
As per the inscription dated from 8th-9th century found during excavation at the spot in year 1973-4, Sujata Stupa was read as Devpala Rajasya Sujath Griha.
Sujata Stupa is one of the destinations that foreign Buddhist pilgrims would come and pay respect.
Monks lead devotees to pay homage and chant verses at Sujata Stupa.
Sakya Sujata Children Welfare Trust located short distance from Sujata Stupa, was a charity organization focus on the education of the local children. It was established by a Singaporean and donors come from all parts of the world. Funds collected are used on building classrooms and education kits to the children. Many international people come here and work as volunteers to teach and guide the kids.
There is a dispute about authenticity of location where the maiden offered the rice milk. The Sujata Temple at the other side of the village claimed that it was the actual spot where the incident took place.
They said that the Bayan tree at Sujata Temple was where Lord Buddha rested and been offered with rice milk.
Buddha Images and worshiping structures placed under Bayan tree were pasted with gold foils.
Legends of maiden offering rice milk to Lord Buddha is depicted at the stage platform in Sujata Temple.
The thatched huts at Sujata Village which are meant for storage purposes, have turned into a perfect natural backdrop for the sights.
The millet farm!
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