Description

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Context

All India Buddhist Forum (AIBF) has been demanding repeal of Bodh Gaya Temple Act, 1949 arguing that Buddhists should have full autonomy over Mahabodhi Temple.

Key Highlights

Current Protests by Buddhist Monks

Since February 2025 nearly 100 Buddhist monks under All India Buddhist Forum (AIBF) have been protesting demanding repeal of Bodh Gaya Temple Act (BTA) 1949.

The protest started at Mahabodhi Temple (Bodh Gaya Mahavihara) & later moved to other areas in Bihar.

Buddhist organizations argue that Act favors Hindu control over temple management.

A memorandum was submitted to Bihar government urging changes in governance.

Previous Attempts to Change Act

November 2023 Buddhist monks organized rallies in Gaya & Patna but their demands were ignored.

2012 A writ petition was filed in Supreme Court to repeal Act but it has not been heard.

1990s Bihar government then proposed a new Bodh Gaya Mahavihara Bill to grant full control to Buddhists but Bill was shelved.

Bodh Gaya Temple Act, 1949

Act was passed by Bihar Legislative Assembly to resolve a conflict between Hindu & Buddhist claims over temple control.

It created an eight-member management committee with equal representation of Hindus & Buddhists.

However District Magistrate (DM) of Gaya was made ex-officio chairman & since DMs were usually Hindus this led to a Hindu majority in decision making.

2013 Amendment The rule was modified to allow a chairman from any faith.

Historical Context of Bodh Gaya

Mauryan Emperor Ashoka (3rd century BCE) built a temple at site of Buddha enlightenment.

Chinese traveler Hiuen Tsang visited Bodh Gaya in 629 CE & documented it as a Buddhist site.

13th Century Bakhtiyar Khilji invasion ended Pala rule leading to decline of Buddhism in region.

1590 A Hindu monk established Bodh Gaya Mutt taking over temple administration.

1949 Post-independence Bihar government formalized temple administration under BTA, 1949.

Government & Political Response

Bihar government maintains that BTA balances Hindu & Buddhist interests.

Attempts to repeal or amend Act have failed due to political sensitivities & opposition from Hindu groups.

Bihar government has not made any recent commitments to change Act despite ongoing protests.

Significance of Issue

The temple is one of four most sacred Buddhist sites along with Lumbini, Sarnath & Kushinagar.

It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site attracting global attention.

The issue reflects religious governance disputes & broader Hindu-Buddhist relations in India.

If resolved it could impact Indian Buddhist diplomacy with countries like Sri Lanka, Thailand & Japan.

Bodh Gaya Temple Act (BTA), 1949

Aspect	Details
What is Bodh Gaya Temple Act (BTA), 1949)?	A law enacted by Bihar government to manage administration of Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya. It created an eight member management committee with an equal number of Hindus & Buddhists but made District Magistrate (DM) of Gaya ex-officio chairperson.
Purpose of Act	To resolve a long standing dispute between Hindus & Buddhists over temple control & to establish a structured management committee.
Management Committee Composition	Total 8 members: 4 Buddhists & 4 Hindus. The District Magistrate (DM) is ex officio chairperson (previously always a Hindu creating a de facto Hindu majority).
Why is Act Controversial?	Despite equal representation DM role as chairperson led to Hindu dominance in decision-making. Buddhists demand full autonomy over temple calling it Bodh Gaya Mahavihara.
Demands by Buddhist Organizations	Repeal of Act & granting full control to Buddhists. Change in management structure to eliminate perceived Hindu dominance.
Past Attempts to Change Act	2012 Writ petition filed in Supreme Court (still pending). 1990s Bihar CM Lalu Prasad Yadav drafted Bodh Gaya Mahavihara Bill to transfer full control to Buddhists (not implemented). 2013 Amendment Allowed a non Hindu to serve as DM & chairperson (but no structural change in control).
Recent Protests	February 2025 Buddhist monks under All India Buddhist Forum (AIBF) held protests in Bodh Gaya & Patna. November 2023 Monks protested in Gaya & Patna, but government did not act.
Government Response	No commitment to repealing Act. Government maintains that BTA ensures Hindu Buddhist balance.
Global Significance	The Mahabodhi Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The issue impacts India’s Buddhist diplomacy with Sri Lanka, Thailand, Japan & other Buddhist majority nations.

Mahabodhi Temple Complex

Aspect	Details
About Mahabodhi Temple Complex	One of four most sacred Buddhist sites marking place where Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha) attained Enlightenment (Bodhi).
Other Sacred Sites in Buddhism	1. Lumbini (Nepal) Buddha birthplace. 2. Sarnath (India) Buddha gave his first sermon. 3. Kushinagar (India) Buddha attained parinirvana (final liberation).
Location	Bodh Gaya, Bihar, India on banks of Niranjana River (Phalgu River).
Historical Significance	Built by Mauryan Emperor Ashoka in 3rd century BCE. The current structure dates back to 5^th to 6th centuries CE with later renovations. Restored multiple times including by Sri Lankan, Burmese & British authorities.
UNESCO World Heritage Site	Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002, recognizing its historical, cultural & religious significance.
Architectural Style	Gupta era architectural style with influences of Dravidian & Indo Aryan architecture.
Key Architectural Features	Main Temple Tower (Shikhara): 50 meters (164 ft) high, pyramidal with intricate engravings & arch motifs. Four Smaller Towers: Each has an umbrella-like dome, surrounding central shrine.
Sacred Bodhi Tree	Believed to be a direct descendant of original Bodhi tree under which Buddha attained Enlightenment. The current tree is believed to be planted from a sapling brought from Sri Lanka.
Vajrasana (Diamond Throne)	A stone slab marking exact spot where Buddha meditated & attained Enlightenment. Installed by Emperor Ashoka as a symbol of Buddhist reverence.
Temple Shrine	Houses a yellow sandstone statue of Buddha in bhumisparsha mudra (earth-touching gesture), encased in glass.
Monastic & Pilgrimage Structures	The 8-hectare temple complex includes ancient shrines, stupas & monasteries. Several modern Buddhist temples built by Sri Lankan, Thai, Burmese, Chinese & Japanese devotees.
Religious Importance	Central to Buddhist pilgrimage; attracts monks, scholars & visitors worldwide. Annual celebrations include Buddha Purnima festival & Kalachakra Initiation led by Dalai Lama.
Governance & Controversy	Managed under Bodh Gaya Temple Act (BTA), 1949. Buddhists demand full control claiming it as Bodh Gaya Mahavihara.

Major Buddhist Sites in India

Site Name	Location	Significance	Key Features
Bodh Gaya	Bihar	Buddha attained Enlightenment under Bodhi Tree.	Mahabodhi Temple, Bodhi Tree, Vajrasana (Diamond Throne), Animesh Lochana Stupa.
Sarnath	Uttar Pradesh	Buddha gave his first sermon (Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta).	Dhamek Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, Mulagandha Kuti Vihara, Ashokan Pillar.
Kushinagar	Uttar Pradesh	Buddha attained parinirvana (final liberation).	Mahaparinirvana Temple, Rambhar Stupa (Buddha’s cremation site), Matha Kuar Shrine.
Lumbini (Now in Nepal)	Nepal (formerly part of ancient India)	Buddha’s birthplace.	Maya Devi Temple, Ashokan Pillar, Sacred Garden, Pushkarini Pond.
Rajgir	Bihar	Buddha spent several years teaching; site of First Buddhist Council.	Gridhakuta Hill (Vulture’s Peak), Venuvana Monastery, Saptaparni Cave.
Vaishali	Bihar	Buddha preached his last sermon before attaining Nirvana.	Ashokan Pillar, Relic Stupa, Kutagarshala Vihara.
Nalanda	Bihar	Home to famous Nalanda University, a center of Buddhist learning (5th–12th century CE).	Ruins of Nalanda University, Xuanzang Memorial Hall, Nalanda Museum.
Sanchi	Madhya Pradesh	Houses some of oldest Buddhist stupas, dating to 3rd century BCE.	Great Stupa (Sanchi Stupa), Ashokan Pillar, Toranas (Gateway), Buddhist Viharas.
Ajanta Caves	Maharashtra	Rock-cut Buddhist caves (2nd century BCE – 5th century CE), illustrating Jataka tales.	30 rock-cut caves, murals, Buddhist monasteries, chaityas (prayer halls).
Ellora Caves	Maharashtra	Multi-religious rock-cut caves, including Buddhist, Hindu & Jain sites.	Cave 10 (Vishvakarma), Cave 12 (Tin Thal), Cave 5 (largest Buddhist monastery).
Amaravati	Andhra Pradesh	Seat of Mahayana Buddhism; major Buddhist art & relic site.	Amaravati Stupa, Buddhist sculptures, relics & monasteries.
Nagarjunakonda	Andhra Pradesh	Ancient Buddhist monastic site & learning center.	Stupas, Viharas, monasteries & Buddhist inscriptions.
Ladakh (Hemis, Thiksey, Alchi, Diskit, Lamayuru Monasteries)	Ladakh	Tibetan Buddhist monasteries with rich cultural heritage.	Largest Buddhist monasteries in India, Hemis Festival, murals, stupas.
Tawang Monastery	Arunachal Pradesh	Largest Buddhist monastery in India, second-largest in world.	Founded in 17th century, houses golden Buddha statue, ancient scriptures.
Deekshabhoomi	Maharashtra	Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s mass Buddhist conversion site (1956).	Largest stupa in India, modern Buddhist pilgrimage site.

For more information, please visit IAS GYAN

Sources:

THE HINDU

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.Bodh Gaya Temple Act, 1949 has been a point of contention between Buddhist as well as Hindu communities. Critically analyze provisions of Act & discuss demand for full Buddhist control over Mahabodhi Temple.