The Mahabodhi Temple in Bodhgaya, Bihar, is one of the most revered sites in Buddhism. It marks the spot where Prince Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment under a Bodhi tree over 2,500 years ago, becoming the Buddha. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the temple attracts millions of pilgrims annually. Yet, despite its spiritual significance, the temple’s administration remains a contentious issue, sparking protests, hunger strikes, and international outcry.
The Paradox of Bodhgaya: A Sacred Site in Conflict
The Bodhgaya Temple Act (BTA) of 1949 is at the heart of the dispute, which mandates an eight-member management committee—four Hindus and four Buddhists—with the district magistrate (DM) as the chairperson. Buddhists argue this structure denies them complete control over their holiest site, while Hindu groups claim historical custodianship. The conflict has reached a boiling point, with monks, politicians, and global supporters demanding change.
A History of Shifting Control: From Ashoka to the British
The Mahabodhi Temple’s turbulent past stretches back centuries. Built by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE, it flourished as a Buddhist center until the 13th century, when Turkic invader Bakhtiyar Khilji’s raids led to its decline. By 1590, a Hindu monk, Ghamandi Giri, took residence, establishing the Bodh Gaya Math—a Shaivite monastery that has managed the temple ever since.
British colonial rulers attempted to mediate the dispute in the 19th century. Sri Lankan monk Anagarika Dharmapala, shocked to find Hindu rituals dominating the site, launched a global campaign for Buddhist control. His efforts led to negotiations, but a compromise was never reached. Instead, post-independence India’s Bihar government passed the 1949 Act, formalizing shared governance—a solution that satisfied neither side.
Why Buddhists Are Protesting Now
The current movement, led by the All India Buddhist Forum (AIBF), began in February 2025, with monks staging an indefinite hunger strike. Their demands are precise:
- Complete Buddhist control over the temple’s administration.
- Repeal of the 1949 Act, which they call “anti-constitutional.”
- An end to Hindu rituals, they say, distorts Buddhist traditions.
Protesters argue that while other religious sites in India—like the Ram Mandir or Jama Masjid—are managed by their communities, Buddhists remain sidelined. “If we went to a Hindu temple and demanded a say, would they allow it?” asked Bhante Pragyasheel, a monk protesting in Bodhgaya.
The movement has gained global traction, with a petition by the SSD International Ambedkarite Buddhist NRI amassing thousands of signatures from supporters in Sri Lanka, Japan, the U.S., and beyond.
Hindu Counterarguments: Historical Custodianship
Swami Vivekanand Giri, head of the Bodh Gaya Math, dismisses the protests as “politically motivated.” He argues that Hindu monks preserved the temple when Buddhists abandoned it after Khilji’s invasion. “We never barred Buddhists from worshiping here,” he told Al Jazeera. “Buddha is Vishnu’s ninth avatar—we see Buddhists as brothers.”
The Hindu side also points to legal precedent. The Places of Worship Act of 1991 freezes religious site control as of 1947, complicating Buddhist claims. Additionally, the Bihar government amended the BTA in 2013 to allow a non-Hindu DM to be the chair—a change protesters say hasn’t translated into absolute autonomy.
Political and Diplomatic Stakes
The issue has drawn political heavyweights. Sikkim’s Minister Sonam Lama recently urged the central government to intervene, calling the 1949 Act “unjust.” Meanwhile, Dalit leader Chandrashekhar Azad raised the issue in Parliament, framing it as a fight for minority rights.
Internationally, India’s Buddhist diplomacy is at risk. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has promoted India as Buddhism’s homeland, courting nations like Sri Lanka and Japan. Yet, critics argue that denying Buddhists control of their holiest site undermines this narrative. “If India truly respects Buddhism, it must correct this historical wrong,” said Bhikkhu Sanghasena, a Ladakh-based monk.
What Comes Next? Legal Battles and Possible Solutions
The Supreme Court has not heard a 2012 petition challenging the BTA’s constitutionality. Activists hope renewed protests will force action. Potential solutions include:
- Repealing the 1949 Act and creating a Buddhist-majority trust.
- Acknowledging Hindu contributions while ensuring Buddhist-led governance.
- UNESCO mediation, given the temple’s World Heritage status.
For now, the hunger strikes continue. “We won’t stop until justice is served,” said Akash Lama of the AIBF. With tensions rising, Bodhgaya’s sacred peace hangs in the balance.
Conclusion: A Test for India’s Secular Promise
The Mahabodhi Temple dispute is more than a religious quarrel—it’s a litmus test for India’s commitment to pluralism. As Buddhist monk Bhante Surai Sasai said, “If we can’t control our holiest site, what does that say about religious freedom in the world’s largest democracy?”.
The world is watching.
