Demand for Buddhist Control Over Bodh Gaya’s Mahabodhi Mahavihara Intensifies

Gaya, Bihar, January 31, 2025

The All India Buddhist Forum, along with various Buddhist organizations, held a press conference at Dr. Ambedkar Bhavan, Karol Bagh, demanding the repeal of the Bodh Gaya Temple Act, 1949 and full control of the Mahabodhi Mahavihara to be handed over to the Buddhist community. It is a long standing demand.

Speaking at the event, Aakash Lama, General Secretary of All India Buddhist Forum, highlighted that Bodh Gaya, the most sacred pilgrimage site for Buddhists worldwide, remains under the control of non-Buddhist administrators, which he termed as a historical injustice. He strongly condemned the existing management for promoting superstition and commercializing the holy site, contradicting the rational and scientific teachings of Lord Buddha.

“Buddhists from across the world visit Mahabodhi Mahavihara, yet its management remains in the hands of non-Buddhists. The Bodh Gaya Temple Act of 1949 has denied Buddhists their rightful authority over their own sacred site. It is time for justice. We demand the *complete repeal of this act and full control of the temple be given to the Buddhist community,” said Aakash Lama.

Since 26 November 2023 and 17 September 2024, the All India Buddhist Forum has organised peaceful protests, including a nationwide signature campaign and * more than 500 memorandums to the Chief Minister of Bihar, Prime Minister of India, President of India, Minority Minister of India, Home minister of India , Governor of Bihar, National Minority Commission of India . To escalate the movement, *an indefinite hunger strike will begin on February 12, 2025 (Magha Purnima).

Supporting this demand, Dr. Harbans Virdee, International Coordinator of the Federation of Ambedkarites & Buddhist Organisations (UK) and Chief Advisor of the All India Buddhist Forum, stated:

“The struggle for Buddhist control over Mahabodhi Mahavihara has been ongoing for over a century. Anagarika Dharmapala fought for this cause in the 19th century, yet even today, the temple’s administration remains unjustly controlled. The Indian government must respect Buddhist rights and return Mahabodhi Mahavihara to its rightful caretakers.”

*Bhikkhu Ratnadeepa, General Secretary of the Arunachal Pradesh Bhikkhu Sangha and Chief Advisor All India Buddhist Forum, also strongly demanded Buddhist management of Mahabodhi Mahavihara, emphasizing, “Mahabodhi Mahavihara is a global symbol of Buddhist heritage. Its sanctity and spiritual significance can only be preserved under Buddhist leadership. We call upon the Indian government to recognize this and transfer its management to the Buddhist community of India.” Bhadant Prajnasheel Mahathero, Chief Advisor of All India Buddhist Forum unitedly demand Bihar Government and Government of India Repeal BodhGaya Temple Act 1949 and must be handled Mahabodhi Mahavihara to Buddhist community of India. Mr Chandrabodhi Patil, National President, Buddhist Society of India and Dr Vilash Kharat Prajnasheel urged the issue seriously and Repeal BodhGaya Temple Act 1949 and must be handled Mahabodhi Mahavihara to Buddhist community of India.

Historical Injustice Must End

The Bodh Gaya Temple Act, 1949, passed by the Bihar government, allows non-Buddhists to control the nine-member Mahabodhi Temple Management Committee, with a non-Buddhist as its chairperson. This, according to Buddhist leaders, is a violation of religious freedom and an insult to Buddhist heritage.

Newly appointed advisors of the All India Buddhist Forum, including Dr. Professor Vilas Kharat, Dr. H.L. Birdee, Chandra Bodhi Patil, and Dr. Rahul Bali, reiterated their commitment to intensifying the movement. The forum also announced the formation of its Delhi Executive Committee, led by senior Buddhist monks and activists.

Call for Nationwide Support

Aakash Lama urged all Buddhist followers, Ambedkarite organizations, and rationalist groups to unite and actively participate in the *February 12 indefinite hunger strike. He said, “This is not just about a temple; this is about Buddhist identity, dignity, and justice. We appeal to all those who believe in Buddha’s teachings to stand with us in this historic movement.”

The All India Buddhist Forum has called on the Indian government to act immediately to rectify this historical wrong and hand over the full management of Mahabodhi Mahavihara to the Buddhist community.

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