Following his teachings at the Sed-gyued Monastery in Salugara, His Holiness the Dalai Lama embarked on a pilgrimage to the sacred Mahabodhi Temple in Bodhgaya, Bihar, as reported by his official website. Upon arriving at Gaya from Bagdogra, he received a warm welcome at the Main Tibetan Monastery, Gaden Phelgyeling.
The next morning, His Holiness visited the temple hall at Gaden Phelgyeling, where he paid homage to the Buddha statues. This temple, originally built in 1938 by a Ladakhi Lama, Ngawang Samten, and later offered to the Tibetan Government, holds significant historical importance. His Holiness showed deep reverence, especially before the image of his teacher, Ling Rinpoché.
Traveling in an electric golf-cart, His Holiness then made his way to the Mahabodhi Temple, entering from the south side near the remnants of the Ashokan pillar. With ramps facilitating his journey, he respectfully circled the temple, acknowledging those who had gathered to witness his visit. His Holiness’s path led him to the Bodhi tree and the Vajrasana, the site where Buddha attained enlightenment, and he joined devotees celebrating the Kagyu Mönlam.
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Welcomed by members of the Bodhgaya Temple Management Committee, His Holiness entered the inner sanctum of the Mahabodhi Temple. There, he offered his respects before the renowned Buddha statue and participated in recitations with the monks of Namgyal Monastery, including prayers like the ‘Three Continuums’, the ‘Heart Sutra’, and others.
Upon leaving the temple, His Holiness paused to salute the Buddha statue once more. Addressing the media gathered outside, he expressed his honor in visiting this sacred place and the importance of praying for the world, especially amidst the growing climate challenges.
His Holiness‘s visit to the Mahabodhi Temple is not just a pilgrimage but a reaffirmation of his commitment to spreading messages of peace, compassion, and environmental consciousness. His presence and prayers at this significant Buddhist site resonate with followers worldwide, offering hope and spiritual guidance in these challenging times.
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