Buddha Jayanti Park, Delhi – Location and Significance

One of the most important green patch in Delhi (central ridge reserve forest) has the Buddha Jayanti Park right in the middle. Among the best maintained parks of Delhi, this one is significant for a good nature walk with a spiritual journey.

Buddha Jayanti Park has the following attractions.

• Bal Bodhi Tree or Kalpavriksha
• Buddha Temple between a manmade island
• The Garden Restaurant

The biggest attraction of this park is the way it is maintained and facilities provided. Ample parking with two parking lots which is free. Even the entry is free and open all day long. Even in the peak of summers, a walk inside the park is rejuvenating and de stressing.

Location of Buddha Jayanti Park, Delhi

Located on the Vande Mataram Marg which runs from Karol Bagh to Dhaula Kuan, the park is right there on the main road. You can choose either one of the two parking lots located on each side of the park.

At the cost of repeating, there is ample parking at both ends on the road and parking is free. Safety point of view, since this is an isolated area, it is not a good idea to leave valuables inside your car.

Buddha Jayanti Park is open for all days except Sunday. It is open from 6 am in the morning to 8:30 pm in the evening. Entry to the park is free.

Bal Bodhi Tree or Kalpavriksha

For first time visitors to Buddha Jayanti Park, the Bal Bodhi Tree is simply fascinating. The fact that such a tree is present in Delhi is a matter of pride for all Indians.

Bodhi Tree is the legendary tree under which Lord Gautam Buddha sat for meditation and attained enlightenment. He sat fasting for days together till he attained the wisdom which he was seeking. There is no way of knowing if the original Bodhi tree still exists. But branches of this tree were taken to different parts of the world as Buddhism spread far and wide. One such place where the branch was taken to was Sri Lanka where it was placed inside a temple and worshipped in 288 BC. The birth of Buddha is placed at 624 BC which makes is 300 years later that the branches of the original tree would have gone to different places which places us in the time range of about 200 years.

The branch which was taken to Sri Lanka was worshipped and guarded day and night. It was believed that the power of the tree would safeguard the ruling kings. 116 generation of Sinhala Kings ruled Sri Lanka for nearly 1300 years till they were invaded by Cholas in the year 993. This invasion not only ended the Sinhalese rule but also destroyed the city of Anuradhapura. After the city was abandoned by the people, this place went into ruins and was taken over by the jungles. For the next 1000 years, this place only remained in memory of local people. Excavations were initiated by the British in this area and it was a miracle that the tree as well as part of the temple still survived.

In 1964, the then President of Sri Lanka came to India and planted a branch of Jaya Siri Maha Bodhi tree in Buddha Jayanti Park in presence of Indian Prime Minister. For a long time this place remains out of the regular tourist circuit of Delhi.

Even in peak summers, this place provides green shade and tranquility.

Buddha Temple and the beautiful man-made island

Buddha Jayanti Park was open to public on 25th April 1966 to commemorate the 2500th anniversary of the enlightenment of Gautam Buddha.

The statue is in a sitting position in a meditating state. Enclosed by glass from four sides and further encircled by stone boundary wall, this type of structure belongs to the times of Ashoka who worked tirelessly to promote Buddhism. This temple is mostly closed for visits and any kind of regular worship or prayers. It is on occasions of Buddha Purnima when there are large number of activities and program organized. You can spend some time in total peace and tranquility which this place offers.

The garden restaurant – not to be missed

The main attraction of this park is The Garden Restaurant also known as Cafeteria. It has got a parking area of its own. Since the park is open up to 8:30 pm into the night, this restaurant serves as a spot to tickle the hunger buds. There are three seating areas as part of the cafeteria. Inside and outside seating under the tree as well as an outdoor seating. There are small shelters for four or more people with table and chairs. They offer a bit of privacy for small groups.