Mahabodhi Temple, Bodh Gaya: Dress Code & Temple Rules

• Dress modestly: cover shoulders and knees. Light cotton clothing and a shawl or stole are ideal.
• Footwear is removed before entering the inner temple and Bodhi Tree enclosure; carry socks for hot afternoons on the stone.
• Mobile phones, cameras and electronic items are not allowed inside and must be deposited at the free counters near the gate; a paid pass is needed to carry a camera.
• Maintain silence around the Vajrasana and Bodhi Tree; circumambulate (pradakshina) in a clockwise direction.
• Do not pluck leaves from the Bodhi Tree or touch the trunk; fallen leaves are collected and distributed by staff.
• Security screening operates at the entrance; large bags are best left at your hotel.

The dress and conduct rules here are about respect and about protecting a living sacred tree. Cover shoulders and knees, favour light cotton and carry a shawl; footwear comes off before the inner temple and the Bodhi Tree enclosure, so socks help on hot stone afternoons. The strictest rule surprises first-timers: mobile phones, cameras and electronic gadgets are not allowed inside and must be left at the free deposit counters near the entrance, with a paid pass required to carry a camera in.

Inside, keep silence around the Vajrasana and the Bodhi Tree, where hundreds are meditating, and always circumambulate clockwise. Do not touch the trunk or pluck leaves from the Bodhi Tree; fallen leaves are gathered and distributed by staff, so wait rather than reach up. Security screening operates at the gate and large bags are best left at your hotel. None of this is heavy-handed in spirit, but the site takes the tree's protection and the meditators' quiet seriously.

Compiled from public sources including Pilgrimage Tour: Mahabodhi Temple timings and rituals · Pilgrimage Tour: How to reach Mahabodhi Temple · Gaya District (Govt of Bihar): Mahabodhi Mandir · Wikipedia: Bodh Gaya. Timings and seasonal closures change; confirm with the temple trust before travelling.