Published on 15 Oct 2025
The All India Buddhist Forum has been protesting in Bodh Gaya, demanding the repeal of the Bodh Gaya Temple Act (BTA), 1949.
The Act created an eight-member Bodh Gaya Temple Management Committee (BTMC) with equal representation from Buddhists and Hindus, chaired ex-officio by the district magistrate—typically a Hindu—leading to concerns over Hindu dominance.
The temple, built by Emperor Bodh Gaya Temple Act (BTA in the 3rd century BCE and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2002, had come under Hindu control in 1590 during Akbar’s reign.
Bodh Gaya temple is located near the Niranjana (Phalgu) River and marks the spot where Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree, around 6th century BCE.
The temple has a 50-meter high spire, with intricately carved sandstone, and reflects a mix of Gupta and later architectural styles.
Includes the Vajrasana (Diamond Throne), the exact spot of Buddha's enlightenment, built by Emperor Ashoka.
Bodh Gaya Temple
Temples
Architecture
Culture
Buddhism
Bodh Gaya Temple Act
BTA
Asoka
UNESCO
World Heritage Site
Niranjana river
Phalgu River
Nirvana
Bihar
Vajrasena