NEW DELHI: Biharโs Chief Minister, Nitish Kumar, visited Bodh Gaya immediately upon returning from Delhi today, where he participated in a recent meeting of the Indian coalition. The Chief Ministerโs primary agenda during his Bodh Gaya visit was a meeting with the spiritual leader, Dalai Lama, at the Tibetan Buddhist Monastery. Following this meeting, restrictions were promptly imposed on tourists intending to visit the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya.
The Chief Ministerโs visit was conducted under tight security measures, reflecting the occasionโs significance. The immediate restriction on tourist entry into the Mahabodhi Temple area was implemented after the possibility of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar visiting the sacred site arose.
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Accompanying the Chief Minister on this visit was Biharโs Agriculture Minister, Kumar Sarvjeet. The security arrangements extended from the airport to the Mahabodhi Temple, with barricades securing both sides of the roads. Substantial deployment of security personnel was observed near the Mahabodhi Temple and the Tibetan Buddhist Monastery. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar reached the Tibetan Buddhist Monastery directly from the airport.
Dalai Lama arrived in Bodh Gaya last week and is scheduled to stay until the first week of January. During this period, many domestic and international pilgrims gathered to attend the Dalai Lamaโs teachings at the Kalachakra Grounds, scheduled from December 29 to December 31. Additionally, a special prayer ceremony is planned for January 1 to commemorate the 14th birthday of the revered Buddhist guru.
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The departure date of the Dalai Lama from Gaya is yet to be confirmed. Currently, Bodh Gaya is hosting a three-day international Sangha Forum organized under the guidance of the Dalai Lama. The event was inaugurated on Wednesday, featuring the Dalai Lama sharing insights on Bodhichitta, one of Buddhaโs teachings, with his followers.
