Bodh Gaya’s Burning Question — If Hindu Scriptures Denounced Buddha, Why Do Brahmins Control His Sacred Site?

Bodh Gaya – Hundreds of Buddhist monks and followers have launched an indefinite relay hunger strike since February 12, demanding the transfer of the management of the Mahabodhi Mahavihara Temple to the Buddhist community. The protesters are questioning why Brahmins, whose religious scriptures historically criticized Buddha and Buddhist philosophy, continue to control the administration of this sacred site.

Their dissent is clear—when Hindu scriptures criticized Buddha and Buddhist philosophy, when the Mahabharata referred to Magadha as the “land of sinners,” and when merely looking at Buddha was deemed punishable by death, why are Brahmins now in control of the administration of the Mahabodhi Temple?

The protest, taking place near the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, has drawn hundreds of monks and nuns who are sitting under the open sky in a peaceful demonstration. Their primary demand is an end to state interference in Buddhist religious affairs and the complete transfer of the temple’s administration to the Buddhist community. Supporters from various parts of the country, including Tripura, Ladakh, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra, are arriving to participate in this mass movement and express solidarity.

The protesters argue that the Mahabodhi Mahavihara, a site of immense spiritual significance, is being "Brahminized" by Vedic Brahmins, which they see as an insult to the teachings of Lord Buddha. On the ninth day of the protest, February 20, the demonstrators accused Brahminical elements and state authorities of continuous harassment. They alleged that monks were being intimidated, loud noises were deliberately created to disrupt their peaceful assembly, and government officials refused to engage in dialogue.

Dr. Vilas Kharat, a key figure in the movement, elaborated on the issue, stating, "The Mahabodhi Mahavihara was originally established by Emperor Ashoka, who spent 100,000 gold coins to build this great monastery. Today, it is under the control of Brahmin mahants (priests), which is why this movement has begun."

He further criticized the Bodhgaya Temple Act of 1949, calling it unconstitutional and against international cultural laws. "This is a purely Buddhist site, yet the Bodhgaya Temple Management Committee (BTMC) is dominated by non-Buddhists. Brahmin members of the BTMC ring bells and burn incense in the main temple, and Buddha’s statues are being falsely linked to the Pandavas," he said.

Kharat also highlighted historical injustices, citing examples like Pushyamitra Shunga, a Brahmin king who allegedly offered rewards for the heads of Buddhist monks and nuns, and Shashanka, another Brahmin ruler who destroyed the Bodhi tree. "These acts were aimed at erasing the identity of our culture. This is not an ordinary struggle; it is a fight to preserve the identity and pride of our country," he asserted. He further explained how attempts have been made over the years to Hinduize the site, linking it to Shiva and the Pandavas.

Kharat emphasized, "India’s identity is rooted in Buddha and Ashoka. If you remove Buddha and Ashoka, what remains of Magadha’s identity? The national emblem, the Ashoka Pillar with its lions and the Dharma Chakra, symbolizes our heritage. Yet, it is tragic that out of the 84,000 stupas built by Ashoka, one stupa with an elephant (representing Buddha) has gone missing. This elephant was found in 1890 in the mahant’s residence, along with hundreds of Buddha statues. Why is Buddha’s legacy in the hands of such people?"

The 1949 Bodhgaya Temple Act Under Fire

The protestors have been demanding to repeal the BT Act. The Bodhgaya Temple Act of 1949 established a nine-member Bodhgaya Temple Management Committee (BTMC) to oversee the temple’s administration. However, only four members are Buddhists, while the remaining five, including the chairman (District Magistrate), are Hindus. Protesters argue that this unjust arrangement denies Buddhists the right to manage their holiest site, where Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment.

On the tenth day of the hunger strike, the health of several monks has become critical. Doctors have confirmed that their condition is worsening daily. Dr. Vilas Kharat stated, "This is a fast unto death, and we are prepared to sacrifice our lives to protect this heritage." He accused the administration and police of attempting to suppress the movement, comparing it to the government’s efforts to hide slums during the G20 Summit in Delhi. " Just as green curtains were used to conceal slums during the G20, similar tactics are being employed here. A large van was parked outside the protest site to block the view of the movement from international visitors," he alleged.

Kharat also criticized the BTMC for prioritizing profit over the sanctity of the site. "Has the BTMC opened a donation office to collect international currency but shows no concern for the mistreatment or difficulties faced by pilgrims visiting the temple?" he said.

Political Ramifications and Buddhist Discontent

With elections approaching in Bihar, the Buddhist community has made it clear that if their demands are not met, they will vote against the Nitish Kumar government. Kharat stated, "We have been sitting here for days. Doesn’t the government know about this? The Chief Minister should have come here the next day. We heard that he loves Buddhism, but the government has made no effort to engage in dialogue. Our fast will continue until our demands are met. If sacrificing our lives can save the identity of our nation, we are ready for it."

The protest has garnered support from several Buddhist organizations across India, including the Buddhist Society of India, as well as international Buddhist associations from Sri Lanka, Thailand, Japan, and Mongolia. However, the government has yet to take any concrete steps to address the issue.

Akash Lama, another prominent voice in the movement, said, "Every religious community has full control over its sacred sites, but Buddhists are denied this right. The government is profiting from the Mahabodhi Temple while ignoring the demands of the Buddhist community."