Protests Over Bodh Gaya Temple Act

Context

Bodh Gaya, located in Bihar, is one of the holiest sites for Buddhists worldwide, as it marks the location where Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree. Despite its profound significance to Buddhism, the management of the Mahabodhi Temple Complex has been a contentious issue for decades. Recently, Buddhist monks have intensified their protests against the Bodh Gaya Temple Act of 1949, demanding exclusive control over the temple’s administration.

Historical Background of Bodh Gaya

• This is Across the Earth as Bodh Gaya, which has been the place of the enlightenment of Buddha, is revered and has been a place of pilgrimage for Buddhist followers for over 2,500 years.
• Decline of Buddhism: In India, Buddhism started declining after the Muslim invasions of the 12th century. The temple was taken over by Hindu monks, and in 1590 Shaivite Ghamandi Giri built a monastery on the site.
• Colonial Era: It was under British rule that Hindu custodianship continued. During the last years of the 19th century, a Buddhist revivalist called Anagarika Dharmapala began a series of legal battles to get back the site for Buddhists.
• Post-Independence: In 1949, Bihar government enacted the Bodh Gaya Temple Act to solve the tussle between the Hindu and Buddhist ecclesiastical heads over the temple’s jurisdiction. The Act constituted a joint management committee with equal representation for both Hindus and Buddhists.

The Bodh Gaya Temple Act, 1949

The Bodh Gaya Temple Act created an eight-member BodhGaya Temple Management Committee (BTMC) consisting of:

• Four Hindus,
• Four Buddhists,
• The District Magistrate (DM) of Gaya as the ex-officio chairperson.

This structure has been criticized for diminishing Buddhist control over their sacred site. Historically, the DM was required to be Hindu until this clause was removed in 2013. However, Buddhists argue that this management system reflects a colonial-era compromise rather than genuine religious autonomy.

Reasons for Protests

Buddhist monks and organizations have raised several concerns regarding the current management system:

• Lack of Religious Autonomy: Protesters argue that non-Buddhist members should not have authority over a Buddhist religious site. They demand exclusive control by Buddhists to preserve its sanctity.
• Violation of Buddhist Practices: Hindu rituals performed within the temple premises contradict Buddhist teachings. For instance:
  • Placement of Shiva Lingam symbols,
  • Idolizing Buddha as an incarnation rather than an educator,
  • Hindu-style worship practices.
• Historical Grievances: The protesters view Hindu involvement in temple management as a continuation of historical injustices that began with Buddhism’s decline in India.

Current Protests

The protests have gained momentum recently:

• Monks have staged peaceful sit-ins near Domuhan, demanding repeal of the Bodh Gaya Temple Act and exclusive authority over temple management.
• Hunger strikes have been organized by groups like Mahabodhi Mukti Andolan to highlight their demands.
• Support from organizations like Bhim Army has broadened the movement’s scope, linking it to larger issues of caste and religious justice.

Despite these efforts, some Buddhist members of the BTMC have distanced themselves from the protests, alleging personal ambitions among key organizers.

Impact on Constitutional Rights

Protesters argue that the Bodh Gaya Temple Act violates several constitutional provisions:

• Article 25: Freedom of religion,
• Article 26: Right to manage religious affairs,
• Article 29 and 30: Protection of minority rights and culture.

They emphasize that other religions manage their own sacred sites without external interference, and Buddhists should be granted similar rights.

Government Response and Challenges

The Bihar government has historically resisted granting full control to Buddhists:

• In the 1990s, then-Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav drafted a bill transferring temple management entirely to Buddhists. However, this bill was never passed and remains dormant.
• Amendments made in 2013 removed explicit religious requirements for committee members but failed to address broader concerns about autonomy.

The government’s reluctance stems from fears of disrupting communal harmony in a region where Hindus form a significant portion of the population.

Conclusion

The ongoing protests by Buddhist monks highlight long-standing grievances about religious autonomy at one of Buddhism’s most sacred sites. While repealing or amending the Bodh Gaya Temple Act may resolve these issues, it requires careful balancing between constitutional rights and communal sensitivities. As Bodh Gaya continues to attract international pilgrims and attention, ensuring its spiritual sanctity remains critical for both Buddhists and policymakers alike.

Source: The Hindu

UPSC Prelims Practice Question

Q. With reference to the Mahabodhi Temple at Bodh Gaya, consider the following statements:

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