Prime Minister of Bhutan, Tshering Tobgay, accompanied by his wife and official entourage, visited the sacred Mahabodhi Temple in Bodhgaya in Bihar yesterday. The Bhutanese Prime Minister offered prayers at the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mahabodhi Temple, Bodhgaya, revered as the place where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment.
On his arrival, the Prime Minister was warmly welcomed by the District Magistrate of Gaya and Chairman of the Bodhgaya Temple Management Committee (BTMC), Shashank Subhankar and other officials. Dr. Mahashweta Maharathi, Secretary of BTMC, along with BTMC members, also extended a cordial reception to the visiting dignitary.
Dr. Maharathi briefed the Prime Minister on the historical and spiritual significance of the Mahabodhi Mahavihara. Inside the shrine, monks of the Mahabodhi Temple performed a special chanting of mantras, invoking blessings for the Prime Minister and his delegation. The entourage also visited the upper floor of the Mahabodhi Temple, offered prayers, and later spent time in silent meditation beneath the Holy Bodhi Tree, deeply imbibing the spiritual essence of Bodhgaya.
On this occasion, the Prime Minister was presented with a replica of the Mahabodhi Temple, a sacred Bodhi leaf, and BTMC publications as tokens of reverence and goodwill.
Expressing heartfelt gratitude for the warm hospitality, the Bhutanese Prime Minister said he felt truly blessed to have connected with such a revered spiritual heritage site.
This significant visit reflects the enduring bonds of cultural exchange, friendship, and mutual respect between Bhutan and India, while further strengthening appreciation for Bodhgaya’s timeless spiritual legacy.
According to the MEA, during his four-day visit, he will attend programmes in Gaya and Ayodhya before he arrives in New Delhi. The Ministry of External Affairs added that during his visit to the national capital, he will meet External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar.
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