Mahabodhi Temple located in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, is the site where Prince Siddhartha attained enlightenment, becoming the Buddha in 589 BCE.
The temple is considered one of Buddhism’s holiest sites.
The current structure dates back to the Gupta period (6th century CE) and was restored in the 1880s.
Origin of the Dispute
Though the temple is central to Buddhism, it is currently managed by a Hindu priest and a Hindu-dominated committee under the Bodh Gaya Temple Act (BGTA), 1949.
Mahanth Ghamandi Giri, a Shaivite monk, established Bodh Gaya Math in the 16th century, and his descendants continue to manage the temple.
Buddhists claim the temple should be under Buddhist control, not Hindu.
Legal and Political Struggles
Sri Lankan monk Anagarika Dharmapala led early efforts in the 19th century to reclaim the temple for Buddhists.
His campaign led to the passage of BGTA in 1949, which provides for:
A 9-member temple management committee (5 nominated by the state government: 4 Hindus and 4 Buddhists + 1 DM of Gaya as Chair).
The Chair (DM) is usually Hindu, and a Hindu is nominated as Committee Head even if in minority.
Why BGTA is Controversial
Though Buddhists are included, the management is still dominated by Hindus.
Buddhists claim this undermines their religious rights.
BGTA does not allow full control to Buddhists despite the site's Buddhist origins.
Conflict with Places of Worship Act, 1991
This Act preserves the religious status of places as it existed on 15 August 1947.
It complicates legal challenges by Buddhists to reclaim sole control of the temple.
The matter is currently pending in the Supreme Court, since a 2012 petition.
Recent Protests and Demands
Ongoing protests are being led by All India Buddhist Forum (AIBF).
In February 2024, monks and activists were removed by force after they performed “non-Hindu” rituals inside the temple.
Buddhists demand full control of the temple, citing that it should be “made home to non-Hindu rituals”.
