Mahabodhi Temple

• 08 Apr 2025

Source:TH 

Buddhist monks under the All India Buddhist Forum (AIBF) have launched protests at Bodh Gaya’s Mahabodhi Temple (Mahavihara) demanding the repeal of the Bodh Gaya Temple Act (BTA), 1949. 

• Provisions of the Act under Spotlight: 
  • The BTA created an eight-member management committee with equal representation from Hindus and Buddhists. 
    • It appointed the district magistrate as the ex-officio chairperson. 
  • Since the district magistrate has traditionally belonged to the Hindu majority, this led to a functional Hindu majority in the committee. 
    • Buddhist bodies have long demanded full control over the Mahabodhi Temple.  
• Mahabodi Temple: 
  • Emperor Ashoka worshiped at the Bodhi tree and built the Mahabodhi Temple in the 3rd century BCE. 
    • The temple remained a Buddhist site through the Pala period and was visited by Chinese traveler Hiuen Tsang in 629 AD. 
    • Following Bakhtiyar Khilji’s invasion in the 13th century, Buddhism declined in the region. 
  • The present Temple dates to 5th–6th century CE (Late Gupta period); made entirely of brick. 
    • In 1590, a Hindu monk established the Bodh Gaya mutt, bringing the temple under Hindu control. 
    • After Independence, the BTA (1949) transferred control from the Hindu head to a shared management committee. 
  • Architectural Features: Shikhara,Vajrasana (Diamond Throne), Chaitya niches, amalaka, kalasha, Sculpted balustrades, Buddha images, votive stupas. 
  • Seven Sacred Sites include Animeshlochan Chaitya, Ratnachakrama, Lotus Pond, Ajapala Nigrodh Tree, Ratnaghar Chaitya etc., marking Buddha's 7 weeks after Enlightenment. 

Read More: Buddhism's Global Legacy