Sarnath Monks Demands Control Of Bodh Gaya Temple, Plans Protest On March 23

Buddhist monks and followers in Sarnath, Varanasi, staged a procession on Tuesday evening demanding that the management of the Bodh Gaya temple be handed over to Buddhist monks. They submitted a memorandum addressed to the President of India to the local police at the Mulgandha Kuti Vihar temple. Led by monk Chandima, the procession of monks and followers carried banners, posters, and the Panchsheel flag.

They marched from Akashvani intersection, passing by the Cambodian Buddhist temple, the ancient Tibetan Buddhist temple, and Sarnath intersection before reaching the Mulgandha Kuti Vihar temple, where they circumambulated the temple and held a gathering. 

READ MORE: 'Earth Missed You': PM Modi Welcomes 'Trailblazer' Sunita Williams, Hails Crew-9's 'Unwavering Determination'

Monk Chandima addressed the gathering, stating that the management of the Bodh Gaya temple is entirely under the control of Hindus. He argued that the 1949 act enacted by the Bihar government for the management and control of the Bodh Gaya temple is unconstitutional and should be repealed, handing over the temple to Buddhists. 

To further this demand, Buddhist followers plan to hold a protest in Bodh Gaya on March 23. Other monks and followers present included Monk R Sumittha Nanda Thero, Monk Dhamma Sheel, Dr Dharma Rashmi, Dr Arun, Dr Vinod, and Dr Brijesh.