Protests Erupt Over Hindu ‘Control’ at Bodh Gaya’s Sacred Buddhist Site
The Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, revered as the holiest site in Buddhism, has become the epicenter of growing protests. Members of the Buddhist community, including monks, have voiced strong opposition to the alleged Hindu ‘control’ over the temple’s administration and are demanding a significant overhaul in its management structure.
Background of the Mahabodhi Temple and the Protest:
The Mahabodhi Temple holds immense historical and religious significance as the site where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment under the sacred Bodhi tree. However, the current management framework of this UNESCO World Heritage Site operates under the Bodh Gaya Temple Act of 1949, which has become a contentious issue.
According to this act, the temple management committee is composed of nine members: five Hindus and four Buddhists. Additionally, the position of committee chairperson is mandatorily held by a Hindu, a rule that has fueled discontent among the Buddhist community.
The protesters argue that this structure undermines Buddhist traditions and limits their say in the management of their own sacred site. They are demanding the complete transfer of administrative control to the Buddhist community and a repeal of the 1949 act, which they view as outdated and biased.
Key Demands of the Protesters:
- Repeal of the 1949 Bodh Gaya Temple Act:
Protesters assert that the act is inherently flawed, as it places the majority control in the hands of Hindus, despite the temple being a core symbol of Buddhist heritage. They argue that this violates the sanctity and autonomy of Buddhist traditions. - Full Buddhist Participation in Temple Administration:
Dissatisfaction is mounting due to the limited representation of Buddhists in the current committee. Protesters seek equal or majority participation for the Buddhist community to ensure their voices are heard. - Protection and Preservation of Buddhist Traditions:
Protesters emphasize the need for preserving the temple’s Buddhist rituals and heritage. They are demanding that religious activities inside the temple premises strictly adhere to Buddhist customs, with restrictions on non-Buddhist practices.
Nationwide Protests Amplify the Movement:
The protests have spread beyond Bodh Gaya, gaining traction across various parts of India. Demonstrations, hunger strikes, and rallies have been reported in regions like Ladakh, Mumbai, and Mysuru. In Ladakh alone, thousands of people participated in a mass hunger strike, intensifying the movement and drawing nationwide attention to the issue.
Government Response and Ongoing Discontent:
In response to earlier concerns, the Bihar government amended the Bodh Gaya Temple Act in 2013, allowing non-Hindus to serve as the chairperson of the temple committee. However, the Buddhist community has expressed dissatisfaction, arguing that the amendment does not address their core demand for complete administrative control.
The protesters continue to push for further reforms, asserting that the temple’s management should be fully aligned with Buddhist traditions and overseen by the Buddhist community itself.
- Religion World Bureau
