Global Petition Gains Momentum as Buddhist Monks Demand Control of Mahabodhi Temple

Bodh Gaya — A global petition initiated by SSD International Ambedkarite Buddhist NRI is gaining widespread support as it calls for the transfer of the Mahabodhi Mahavihara Temple’s administration to the Buddhist community. The petition, titled "In Solidarity: Demand Buddhist Control Over the Mahabodhi Temple," has become a rallying cry for Buddhists worldwide, who are demanding justice for one of their holiest sites.

The Mahabodhi Temple, where Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment over 2,500 years ago, is currently governed under the Bodhgaya Temple Act of 1949. This act mandates a nine-member Bodhgaya Temple Management Committee (BTMC), with only four members being Buddhists.

The remaining five, including the chairman (a government-appointed District Magistrate), are non-Buddhists. This unequal representation has long been a point of contention, as it denies Buddhists the autonomy to manage their most sacred pilgrimage site.

The Petition’s Core Demands

The petition, addressed to the Indian government and global Buddhist communities, outlines three key demands:

1. Full transfer of Mahabodhi Temple management to Buddhists.

2. Repeal of the Bodhgaya Temple Act of 1949.

3. An end to state interference in Buddhist religious affairs.

The petition highlights the historical and spiritual significance of the Mahabodhi Temple, emphasizing that it is a site of pure Buddhist worship and pilgrimage. It also condemns the repeated attempts to distort Buddhist history and diminish the temple’s sacred identity under the current administration.

The struggle for control of the Mahabodhi Temple is not new. For decades, Buddhists have protested against the 1949 Act, which they argue is unconstitutional and violates international cultural laws. The temple, originally built by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE, has been a symbol of Buddhist heritage and identity. However, its management has been dominated by non-Buddhists, leading to allegations of neglect, commercialization, and attempts to Hinduize the site.

In recent years, there have been numerous reports of mismanagement, including the misuse of donations and the mistreatment of pilgrims. The current hunger strike, led by Buddhist monks and supported by over 500 organizations worldwide, is the latest effort to draw attention to these issues. Protesters have accused the Bihar government of ignoring their demands and resorting to intimidation tactics, such as creating loud noises to disrupt peaceful assemblies and blocking visibility of the protest site.

Global Solidarity

The petition has garnered support from Buddhist communities in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Korea, Japan, the USA, Canada, and Mongolia. International Buddhist leaders have condemned the Indian government’s silence and called for immediate action to address the grievances of the Buddhist community.

The petition is available for signing on various platforms, and supporters are encouraged to share it widely.