Mahabodhi Temple is constructed like a Buddhist Stupa (a dome-shaped shrine erected by Buddhists) and is marked by its 50 m high pyramid and houses a huge golden image of the Buddha. Lord Buddha is seen in a sitting posture touching the earth with his right hand. He is said to have accomplished enlightenment in this posture. His statue of black stone is covered in gold and dressed in bright orange clothes. The temple is adorned by scenes from the life of Lord Gautam Buddha.
Many smaller stupas and Buddha statues are found in the temple enclosures. The temple is surrounded by stone railings which are about two meters high. There are two different types of railings found here. The older ones are made of sandstone and date back to about 150 BCE. They depict figures of Hindu Gods such as Goddess Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth, being bathed by elephants; and Lord Surya, the Hindu Sun God, who is seen riding a chariot drawn by four horses.
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Other railings are constructed from unpolished coarse granite and are believed to be of the Gupta period (300–600 CE). The newer railings have figures of stupas and garudas (eagles). Images of lotus flowers are also seen.
A raised walkway known as the Chankramana Chaitya (the Jewel Path) is found along the northern wall of the Mahabodhi Temple Bodhgaya. This marks the place where Buddha is said to have practiced walking meditation for seven days after his enlightenment. There is a lotus pond in the temple, where Buddha used to meditate.
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