Vajrasana, Bodh Gaya in the context of "Mahabodhi Temple"

In Buddhism, a Pūjā (offering or worship) is a ritual devotional action made to a Buddha, deity or to the Triple Gem. Within the traditional Buddhist framework of karma and rebirth, Pūjās lead to the accumulation of merit (Sanskrit: puṇya; Pali: puñña), which leads to: a better rebirth as well as progress towards nirvana. The practice is also held to generate other positive qualities in a Buddhist practitioner, like respect, gratitude, and inspiration. It is also seen as being able to stimulate the blessings (adhiṣṭhāna) and power (bala) of the Buddhas. A pūjā can also act as preparation for meditation.

Common elements of a Buddhist Pūjā include the recitation of certain formulas, prayers, and texts (such as parittas, sutras or dharanis) which are often accompanied by different physical acts like bowing, prostration and the hand gesture of the añjali mudrā. It often includes material offerings such as a lit candle or oil lamp, incense, flowers, food, fruit, water or drinks. These offerings are commonly placed in front of a Buddhist altar.

The Pithipatis of Magadha (also known as the Pithis) were the rulers of Magadha from the 11th to 13th century CE in what is now Bihar, India. They were centred in Bodh Gaya and Pithi refers to the diamond throne where the Buddha was said to have gained enlightenment.

The Pithipati chiefs styled themselves with the title of Acarya in addition to Pīṭhīpati. Pithipati Buddhasena also termed himself as magadhādipati (ruler or lord of Magadha). The realm of the Pithipatis at its peak seems to have extended from the Magadha region up to the western and southern parts of Munger district as inscriptions of the Pithipatis have been found in these regions.