The Mahabodhi Temple of Bagan was known to have been modelled after the famous Mahabodhi temple in Bodhgaya, Bihar State of India. The original Mahabodhi Temple of India was built during AD 500. It commemorates the spot where the Buddha attained enlightenment; this monument was built during the reign of King Nantaungmya (1211-34).
HistorySeven places (or) Satta Htana
After Gotama Buddha has gained the enlightenment, he stayed and meditated at seven places, each for one week. Therefore, there are seven holy places known as Satta Htana. The first week – Mahabodhi Tree and the Golden Throne. Lord Buddha sat under the Mahabodhi tree and meditated after gaining the enlightenment. The second week – Animisa Hillock. Gotama Buddha gazed intently without on Animisa Hillock to his throne under the Mahabodhi tree. The third week – Ratanacar Krama. Buddha spent pacing up and down the jewelled walk, north of the Bodhi tree. The fourth week – Ratana Gara. Buddha stayed in this place and meditated. The Ratana Gara is now only seen as some ruins. The fifth week – Ajapala Banyan Tree (or) Seik Kyaung Nyaung Pin. Buddha was sitting under the Ajapala Banyan tree. The sixth week – Musalinda Lake. Musalinda Naga (dragon) protected the Buddha from rain during the sixth week after the enlightenment. The seventh week – Rajaratana Tree (or) Linlun Tree . The two merchants Tapussa and Bhalika offered rice cakes and honey to the Buddha under the Rajaratana tree (Buchanania latifolia) at the end of the seventh week.