We, the undersigned, stand in unwavering solidarity with the Buddhist monks and followers protesting in Bodh Gaya to demand the rightful transfer of the Mahabodhi Mahavihara Temple’s administration to the Buddhist community. This sacred site, where Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment, deserves to be managed by those who uphold its spiritual and historical significance.
Under the Bodhgaya Temple Act of 1949, the temple’s governing body (BTMC) unfairly places non-Buddhists in the majority, including the chairman’s role. This discriminatory structure denies Buddhists the fundamental right to manage their holiest pilgrimage site—an autonomy granted to every other religious community in India. The current administration’s actions have led to repeated attempts to distort Buddhist history and diminish the temple’s sacred identity.
Today, Buddhist monks and leaders have entered the tenth day of a hunger strike to bring attention to this injustice. Their demands are clear and just:
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. 4. Justice to the hunger strike monks-Bhante
Despite international support from Buddhist communities in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Laos, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Cambodia, Korea, Vietnam, Japan, China, Nepal, Mongolia, Bhutan, Taiwan, Singapore, USA, Canada, and Mongolia, the Indian government remains silent. The Bihar administration has not only ignored peaceful protests but has also resorted to intimidation and suppression. We call on you to stand with usto demand justice and the rightful return of the Mahabodhi Temple to the Indian Buddhist community. Together, let’s preserve the enduring legacy of Buddha and Emperor Ashoka, and ensure that Bodh Gaya remains a sanctuary of pure Buddhist worship and pilgrimage for all faith.
News Media Reference https://www.rediff.com/news/interview/why-are-hindus-controlling-the-mahabodhi-temple/20170725.htm https://en.themooknayak.com/india/bodh-gayas-burning-question-if-hindu-scriptures-denounced-buddha-why-do-brahmins-control-his-sacred-site https://www.ucanews.com/story-archive/?post_name=/1992/10/21/buddhist-monks-lead-temple-liberation-rally-in-indian-capital&post_id=42148 https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1056/ https://youtu.be/QJ195fpUb5s?si=78-6qoIssnq2ZFgX
In solidarityBelow undersigned Organization’s Name Buddhist Council of America All India Buddhist Forum Metta Parami monastery Bodhimaggo Mahavihara Dhamma Waves Buddhist seminary Hinayana buddhism trust Sanghakaya foundation Vipassana Educational & Social Trust Indian Buddhist center ( IBC) Great Lakes Buddhist Vihara Midwest Buddhist Center Watpaknam Buddhist Vihara Ambedkarite Buddhist Community of Canada (ABCC) Federation of Ambedkarite and Buddhist Organisations UK Dr Ambedkar Buddhist organisation Birmingham UK Ambedkar Mission Society, Bedford UK Ambedkar Buddhist Association of Texas-ABAT Chetna Association of Canada Ambedkarite International Co-Ordination Society-AICS Ambedkarites International Mission Society-Canada (AIMS) International Bahujan Organization-IBO International Boddhisativa Guru Ravidass Organization Inc-IBGRO Indian Association of Minority Of New Zealand-IAMN Friends For Education International-FFEI Global Bahujan Group-GBG Global NRIs Forum-GNF South Asian Dalit Adivasi Network, Canada-SADAN Ambedkar Times Desh Doaba Ad Dharm Brotherhood USA Bhim International Foundation USA Women Empowerment Sangha Dr Ambedkar Society Germany Europe Ambedkar International Mission, Europe Ambedkar King Study Circle -AKSC Samata Sainik Dal-SSD