Mahabodhi Temple Bodhgaya

14/04/2026

Bodhgaya, April 14, 2026:
The 135th Birth Anniversary of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar was solemnly and respectfully observed this morning at Jay Prakash Park under the auspices of the Bodhgaya Temple Management Committee.
The programme commenced at 8:00 AM with the gathering of Venerable Bhikkhus and Lama's of different Buddhist Temple and Monasteries, including the Chief Monk of the Mahabodhi Temple Bhikkhu Chalinda, Ven. Dr. Manoj. Dr. Arvind Kumar and Shri Kiran Lama, Members of the BTMC were also present.
The ceremony began with the lighting of candles and offering of prayers, accompanied by sutra chanting, creating a serene and spiritually uplifting atmosphere.
A significant highlight of the event was the garlanding of the statue of Babasaheb Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar, paying tribute to his immense contributions to social justice, equality, and the upliftment of marginalized communities.
All Speakers including Dr. Mahashweta Maharathi, Secretary, BTMC, Dr. Arvind Singh, International Buddhist Council President and General Secretary reflected on Dr. Babasaheb's enduring legacy as the principal architect of the Indian Constitution and a champion of human dignity.
The event witnessed the gracious presence of officials, local residents, and followers including School Children came together in unity to honor Babasaheb’s ideals. The programme concluded with light refreshments, providing an opportunity for attendees to interact and share their thoughts on Ambedkar’s vision.
The Celebration reaffirmed the continued relevance of Dr. Ambedkar’s teachings and his profound impact on nation-building and the promotion of Buddhist values in contemporary society.

08/04/2026

01/04/2026

Visit of Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena to Mahabodhi Mahavihara Temple
Bodhgaya, 30 March 2026 — Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena, Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, accompanied by Smt. Sangita Saxena, paid a sacred visit to the Mahabodhi Mahavihara Temple today.
Upon arrival, the dignitaries were accorded a warm and traditional welcome by Dr. Mahashweta Maharathi, Member Secretary, Bodhgaya Temple Management Committee; Dr. Arvind Kumar Singh, Member, BTMC; Ven. Bhikkhu Chalinda, Chief Monk; and Ven. Dr. Manoj, along with other resident monks. The guests were offered traditional khadas (ceremonial scarves) as a mark of honor and auspicious welcome.
The dignitaries were then escorted to the garbh grih (sanctum sanctorum), where they performed puja and offered flowers, incense, and prayers before the sacred image of Gautama Buddha. A brief chanting ceremony was conducted by the monks, invoking blessings for peace, harmony, and the well-being of all.
Following the rituals, Shri Saxena and Smt. Saxena visited the sacred Bodhi Tree, where Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment. They offered silent prayers and paid homage in the serene surroundings of the temple complex.
The guests were subsequently given a guided tour of the temple complex, including important sacred spots, where they were apprised of its historical, cultural, and spiritual significance.
As part of the ceremonial visit, the dignitaries were presented with mementos, including a replica of the Mahabodhi Temple and a Bodhi leaf, symbolizing enlightenment, wisdom, and peace.
Expressing their appreciation, Shri Saxena conveyed his gratitude to the Bodhgaya Temple Management Committee for the warm hospitality and well-organized visit.

27/03/2026

Consecration Prayer Ceremony at the Mahabodhi Temple, Buddhagaya on 26 March 2026.

A solemn and spiritually uplifting Consecration Prayer Ceremony was held on 26 March 2026 under the sacred Bodhi Tree at the Mahabodhi Mahavihara, marking the successful completion of the hydro-cleaning of this revered World Heritage Site.
Organized by the Bodhgaya Temple Management Committee (BTMC), the ceremony commenced at 9:00 am in the serene and sanctified ambiance of the Temple premises.
The Chief Monk of the Mahabodhi Temple Bhikkhu Chalinda, Caretaker Monk, Ven. Dr. Dinanand, Dr. Mahashweta Maharathi, Secretary, BTMC, BTMC Members Dr. Arvind Singh, Mr. Kiran Lama alongwith Revered monks and representatives from various Buddhist monasteries, along with devotees were present on the occasion.
The Ceremony commenced with the lighting of the Ceremonial Lamp and the Welcome Address by Dr. Mahashweta Maharathi.
Dr. Maharathi in her speech acknowledged with profound appreciation and gratitude the exemplary dedication of Mr. Theerawat and his team Members of the Volunteer Group of Thailand, CHOBTHAM. She further expressed their service not merely as a technical accomplishment, but as an offering of faith, a living expression of Dana and service performed at the very site where Gautama Buddha attained Enlightenment.
Venerable Mahayana Lamas and the Theravada Monks traditionally offered Prayers by chanting, invoking blessings for the preservation and continued sanctity of the Mahabodhi Temple.
The hydro-cleaning work, completed with great care and dedication, has significantly restored the pristine beauty and spiritual aura of the temple complex.
The ceremony reflected unity, devotion, and a shared commitment to preserving the spiritual and cultural legacy of Bodhgaya.
The programme concluded with presentation of the Letter of Application and Mementos which included the wooden replica of the Mahabodhi Temple, framed Bodhi Leaf and a few important publications of the Mahabodhi Temple.

27/03/2026

Shri Puneet Agrawal, Ambassador (Designate) to Thailand paid his maiden visit to the sacred Mahabodhi Temple in Bodhgaya today the 26th March, 2026 along with his wife and son. Shri Agrawal and family were graciously received with a traditional khada by Dr. Mahasweta Maharathi, Secretary of the Bodhgaya Temple Management Committee (BTMC), and BTMC Members Dr. Arvind Singh and Shri Kiran Lama. Phramaha Nipon, Monk in Charge of the Royal Wat Thai received Shri Agrawal and family by offering Khadas.
Inside the sanctum, a special chanting was performed by the resident monks, invoking blessings to the distinguished guests amidst an atmosphere of deep spiritual tranquility. They were taken around the Temple premises including under the Bodhi Tree.
Mementos were presented as a gesture of respect and appreciation to Shri Agrawal.

25/03/2026

Smt. Kiran Bedi, the former Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry and India’s first woman Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, paid a reverential visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Mahabodhi Mahavihara Temple, this morning.
Upon her arrival at the sacred temple complex, Smt. Kiran Bedi was accorded a warm and traditional welcome. She was greeted with ceremonial Khada scarves by Dr. Mahasweta Maharathi, Secretary of the Bodhgaya Temple Management Committee (BTMC), and Bhikkhu Dr. Manoj.
Accompanied by Dr. Mahasweta Maharathi and Bhikkhu Dr. Manoj, Smt. Kiran Bedi offered prayers at the main shrine in the sanctum sanctorum, where the revered statue of Lord Buddha is enshrined. She then proceeded to the ancient and sacred Bodhi Tree, under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. In a spiritually uplifting atmosphere, Venerable Monks chanted sacred mantras, invoking blessings of peace and harmony for Smt. Kiran Bedi.
Expressing her profound sentiments after the visit, Smt. Kiran Bedi said:
“It is an immense spiritual privilege to visit this holiest of sites, where the message of peace, compassion, and enlightenment was realized. The serenity and divine energy of the Mahabodhi Temple are truly uplifting. I carry with me a sense of deep peace and renewed inspiration.”
The visit concluded on a gracious note with Dr. Mahasweta Maharathi presenting mementos to Smt. Kiran Bedi on behalf of the BTMC. These included a Holy Bodhi Leaf and a set of publications brought out by the Bodhgaya Temple Management Committee.

25/03/2026

Inspection of Hydro-Cleaning Work at Mahabodhi Temple
Bodh Gaya, 24 March 2026:
An inspection of the ongoing hydro-cleaning work of the outer walls of the Mahabodhi Temple was carried out today by officials from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and in the presence of Secretary, Member, Temple Caretaker and Engineer of BTMC.
The inspection team comprised Mr. Hari Om (Superintending Archaeologist, ASI), Mr. Bhanu Pratap (Engineer, ASI), from BTMC side Dr. Mahashweta Maharathi (Secretary, BTMC), Dr. Arvind Kumar Singh (Member, BTMC), and Bhikkhu Deenanand (Caretaker Monk, Mahabodhi Temple) were present during the inspection, the team expressed satisfaction with the quality of the cleaning work and the er****on of bamboo scaffolding. It was observed that the black spots on the temple façade, caused by the accumulation of dust and biological growth, have been effectively removed. The temple walls now appear clean, smooth, and aesthetically restored, enhancing the visual appeal of the Temple.
It was further noted that approximately 70% of the bamboo scaffolding has been dismantled, indicating significant progress towards completion of the work.
The ASI team also interacted with Mr. Theerawat, Founder of Chobtham, Thailand, and conveyed their appreciation for the dedicated efforts of him and his team. The voluntary contribution and careful ex*****on of the cleaning work were highly commended.
The cleaning activity is being carried out under the supervision of ASI, from 17th February 2026, ensuring adherence to established conservation norms and preservation of the monument’s heritage value. The entire process of dismantling of the bamboo scaffolding is expected to be completed by March end.

17/03/2026

Devotees And Buddhist monks participating in 2nd international Tipitaka chanting Ceremony At Mahabodhi Temple, Bodhgaya on Tuesday 17th March, 2026

16/03/2026

Sprouting of the sacred New Bodhi leaves on the branches of Holi Bodhi tree at Mahabodhi Mahavihara.

16/03/2026

The hydro-cleaning work at the sacred Mahabodhi Temple (Mahabodhi Mahavihara), a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, was initiated by the volunteer group “Chobtham” from Thailand on 17 February 2026. The commencement was marked by a spiritually uplifting ceremony featuring solemn prayers and blessings from revered monks.

The initiative is being carried out by the Thai volunteer group “Chobtham” as a profound gesture of devotion, service, and Buddhist solidarity. The cleaning process adheres strictly to established conservation guidelines to preserve the temple's sanctity, structural integrity, and invaluable heritage value.

Key features of the hydro-cleaning process:

No chemicals are used —only pure water under controlled pressure is employed to gently remove dirt, biological growth, and surface impurities.

Non-invasive bamboo scaffolding has been erected to facilitate safe and careful access.

The work is executed with the utmost care, full devotion, and emotional reverence, while following all conservation norms and safety protocols.

Regular coordination and monitoring are in place with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). An ASI representative remains present throughout the scaffolding er****on and cleaning phases to ensure complete compliance. The entire effort is monitored under the guidance of Superintending Archaeologist Dr. Hari Om and his dedicated team.

Regular cleaning is an essential aspect of preventive conservation for this living monument. Periodic maintenance helps avoid further decay, ensuring the long-term preservation of the Mahabodhi Mahavihara for future generations.

Progress update (as of 16 March 2026): Approximately 60% of the hydro-cleaning work has been successfully completed. The remaining portion is on track and expected to be fully finished well before Buddha Purnima on 1 May 2026, allowing the temple to shine in its pristine glory for this auspicious occasion celebrating Lord Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and Mahaparinirvana.

This collaborative effort reflects deep respect for the site's spiritual and historical significance, combining international devotion with professional heritage conservation.

23/02/2026

The Bodhgaya Temple Advisory Board (BTAB) Meeting was convened on Monday, 23rd February 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at the ITC WelcomHotel, Bodhgaya.
Her Excellency the High Commissioner for Sri Lanka to India, Ms. Mahishini Colonnee, was nominated to preside over the meeting. Her gracious presence added solemn dignity to the proceedings, reflecting the deep spiritual and cultural ties between Sri Lanka and the sacred land of Bodhgaya.
At the outset, traditional khadaas, along with a sacred plant and a framed Bodhi Leaf, were presented to the Hon’ble Members of the BTAB as a gesture of reverence and welcome. The ceremonial felicitation was performed by the Chief Monk of the Mahabodhi Temple, Bhikkhu Chalinda; Caretaker Monk, Bhikkhu Deenanand; and Member-Secretary, Dr. Mahashweta Maharathi, BTMC.
The Hon’ble Commissioner, Magadh Division, Dr. Safeena A.N., IAS, Member Secretary of BTAB, formally welcomed the august gathering and read out the proceedings of the Minutes of the previous BTAB Meeting held in 2024.
Mr. Shashank Shubankar, the District Magistrate, Gaya-cum-Chairman of the Bodhgaya Temple Management Committee, Presented the Present Status and Developments in Mahabodhi Mahavihara Temple Complex Bodhgaya, He also presented a comprehensive report outlining the recent developments, conservation initiatives, and ongoing projects pertaining to the Mahabodhi Temple Complex and throw light on the proposed Mahabodhi Corridor project.
Apart from Her Excellency the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka, the meeting was attended by the Consul Generals of Thailand, Laos, Mongolia, Bhutan, Mr. Prashant Agrawal, Additional Secretary (South), Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi and Vice-chancellor, Prof. Wangchuk Dorjee Negi, Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies, Sarnath, representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Secretary and the Director of the Karmik & Adhyatmik, Government of Arunachal Pradesh.
Esteemed representatives from the Maha Bodhi Society of India, Director, Tourism, Government of Bihar, Director, Director, Directorate of Museum/Archaeology, Government of Bihar, Patna, Additional Director General (Archaeology), Government of India, New Delhi, Mr. T.J. Alone, Superintending Archaeologist for Patna. Circle, Shri Hari Om, Chairperson, Nagar Parishad, Bodhgaya, Smt. Lalita Devi, Executive Officer, Nagar Parishad, Bodhgaya, Inspector, Security in-charge, Mahabodhi Temple, Bodhgaya, Commandant, BSAF were present at the meeting.
Shri Sushil Kumar, IPS, Senior Superintendent of Police, Gaya, Shri Kota Kiran Kumar, IPS, City SP, Gaya also attended the Meeting.
Chief Monk, Bhikkhu Chalinda, Caretaker Monk, Bhikkhu Deenanand, Dr. Arvind Kumar Singh and Mr. Kiran Lama, Members BTMC were Special Invitees.
Members present contributed valuable insights toward the preservation and holistic development of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Mementos on behalf of the BTAB were presented to the Hon'ble Members and the meeting concluded with a renewed collective commitment to safeguarding the sanctity, heritage, and global spiritual significance of Bodhgaya — the land of Enlightenment. A Group Photography was done followed by Lunch within the premises.

20/02/2026

The International Fleet Review (IFR) & MILAN-26, a biennial multilateral maritime event hosted by the Indian Navy since 1995 at Visakhapatnam, is being organised this year in February 2026.
On Friday, 20th February 2026, a special Cultural Tour to Bodhgaya was arranged, during which a distinguished delegation comprising approximately 327 naval officers and personnel from the foreign navies of 74 countries visited the sacred city for a day and paid homage at the revered Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
On arrival, the delegates were accorded a warm and traditional welcome by Dr. Mahashweta Maharathi, Member Secretary, BTMC and Venerables Bhikkhu Chalinda, Chief Monk and Bhikkhu Dr. Dinanand, Caretaker of the Mahabodhi Temple , all the Resident monks of Mahabodhi Mahavihara and Dr. Arvind Kumar Singh, Member-BTMC with ceremonial khada offerings.
The delegation was guided through the temple complex and the sacred Bodhi Tree, where they were briefed about the life of Lord Buddha, the significance of Enlightenment, and the global relevance of Buddhist teachings in promoting peace, compassion, and coexistence — values that resonate deeply with international maritime cooperation and friendship.
The visit concluded with expressions of admiration and gratitude from the visiting delegates, who described the experience as spiritually enriching and memorable, strengthening cultural bonds between India and the international maritime community.