1. Yuan Chwang’s Account:
According to the testimony of the great Budhist Chinese pilgrim Hieun-Tsang, who travelled throughout the great part of India in the first half of 7th century A.D. has clearly stated that the magnificent Mahabodhi temple was constructed by a Shaiva devotee under the instruction of Lord Shiva and the image of Budha enshrined in the main temple by Shaiva devotee and Budh Pokhar, too, was excavated by his Shaiva brother.
(Ref. The holy land reborn: pilgrimage & the Tibetan reinvention of Buddhist India
“On the site of the present vihara Asoka-raja at first built a small vihãra. Afterwards there was a Brãhman who reconstructed it on a larger scale. At first this Brãhman was not a believer in the law of Buddha, and sacrificed to Mahesvara. Having heard that this heavenly spirit (god) dwelt in the Snowy Mountains, he forthwith went there with his younger brother to seek by prayer (his vishes). The Deva said, “Those who pray should aim to acquire some extensive religious merit. If you who pray have not this ground (of merit), then neither can I grant what you pray for.”
The
Brãhman said, “What meritorious work can I set about, to enable me to obtain my
desire?”
The
god said, “If you wish to plant a superior root (growth) of merit, then seek a
superior field (in which to acquire it). The Bodhi tree is the place for
attaining the fruit of a Buddha. You should straightway return there, and by
the Bodhi tree erect a large vihãra, and excavate a large tank, and devote all
kinds of religious offerings (to the service). You will then surely obtain your
wishes.”
