Vajrasana, Bodh Gaya

[1] The slab is presumed to have been placed at the location during the reign of Maurya king Ashoka between 250–233 BCE, at the spot where the Buddha meditated.

[2] The empty throne was a focus of devotion in early Buddhism, treated as a cetiya or symbolic relic.

Being the site where Gautama Buddha achieved liberation, Tibetan Buddhist texts also use the term vajrasana to refer to Bodh Gaya itself.

[4] The geese (hamsa) in particular are a very recurrent symbol on the pillars of Ashoka, and may refer to the devotees flocking to the faith.

[10][11] Ashoka is thought to have visited Bodh Gaya around 260 BCE, about 10 years into his reign, as explained by his Rock Edict number VIII.

[12] He describes his visit to Bodh Gaya, known in ancient times as Sambodhi ("complete enlightenement") or Uruvela ("Original ancient name of Bodh gaya as mentioned in Pali Canon's Paṭhamauruvelasutta of Anguttara Nikaya and Bodhi Sutta of Khuddaka Nikaya and many other Pali Suttas(Sutras)"):[13] In times past the Devanampriyas (Kings) used to set out on so-called pleasure-tours.

[6] According to the inscribed Bharhut relief related to the Vajrasana, the original Mahabodhi Temple of Asoka was an open pavilion supported on pillars.

Various gold objects and a talisman with the impression of the bust of the Kushan ruler Huvishka were found buried under the Vajrasana.

The Vajrasana in the early 20th century
Anagarika Dharmapala (1864-1933) at the Vajrasana. The throne appears clearly in its exact shape, with supporting columns.
Bharhut relief with the Vajrasana (similar to the Anagarika Dharmapala photograph with its supporting columns), and the Mahabodhi Temple around the Bodhi Tree (2nd century BCE). [ 9 ]
The Vajrasana as illustrated in Bharhut (2nd century BCE)
Offerings found in Bodh Gaya under the "Enlightenment Throne of the Buddha", with a decorated coin of the Kushan emperor Huvishka , 3rd century CE. British Museum . [ 15 ]