The ten-day 37th Nyingma Monlam Chenmo for World Peace commenced today at the sacred premises of the Mahabodhi Mahavihara, witnessing a massive congregation of devotees, lamas, high priests, Rinpoches, monks, and nuns from across the globe. This annual spiritual gathering, regarded as one of the largest peace prayer assemblies in the Buddhist world, attracts nearly ten thousand monastics and devotees every year, transforming the Mahabodhi Temple complex into a vibrant center of prayer, meditation, and collective aspiration for global harmony.
All four corners of the temple complex resonated with sacred chants as venerable monks and nuns assembled in large numbers to participate in prayers dedicated to world peace, compassion, and the welfare of all sentient beings.
The ceremony is being led by eminent spiritual masters, with high-ranking Rinpoches and Tulkus heading the puja at each cardinal direction of the temple complex. On the eastern side, the ceremony is being guided by Tulku Sangngak Rinpoche, Gonpo Tulku Rinpoche, Khandelwal Kunsang Chodon, and Lama Sonam. The southern side is headed by Khabar Minling Khenchen, Khabar Garab Rinpoche, Khabje Tulshik Rinpoche, and Tulku Panam. The western side is led by Khabje Musang Rinpoche and Khabje Gangkhang Rinpoche. On the northern side, the ceremony is being presided over by Khabje Kathok Situ Rinpoche, Dungsey Jigme Rinpoche, Namgay Dawa Rinpoche, Gongjang Rinpoche, Lachung Rinpoche, and Ghepa Rinpoche.
Upon their arrival, the revered Rinpoches were ceremonially received with traditional khadas by the Secretary, Bodhgaya Temple Management Committee (BTMC), Dr. Mahashweta Maharathi, at the sanctum sanctorum of the Mahabodhi Temple. The spiritual leaders offered sacred bowls before the Buddha amidst solemn chanting and ritual offerings, formally marking the commencement of the sacred proceedings.
The entire Mahabodhi Temple complex has been beautifully adorned with colorful prayer banners, intricately prepared ritual Tormas depicting the twelve forms of the Buddha in different colors, and large sacred scrolls portraying Lord Buddha and Guru Padmasambhava. The votive stupa complex has also been artistically decorated with fresh floral arrangements, lending the sacred site a grand ceremonial and festive appearance.
The Nyingma tradition, the oldest school of Tibetan Buddhism, traces its spiritual lineage directly to Guru Padmasambhava, who introduced Vajrayana Buddhism to Tibet in the 8th century. The Nyingma Monlam Chenmo at Bodhgaya holds exceptional historical and spiritual significance as it is performed at Buddhabhumi — the sacred seat of the Buddha’s Enlightenment. Conducting these sacred rituals at the Mahabodhi Mahavihara symbolizes the unbroken continuity of Buddhist teachings from the time of the Buddha to present-day living traditions.
Over the past three and a half decades, the annual Nyingma Monlam Chenmo at Bodhgaya has evolved into a powerful global spiritual movement dedicated to peace, environmental harmony, interfaith unity, and collective well-being. The synchronized chanting, ritual offerings, and meditation practices are believed to generate positive spiritual energy for the world, reinforcing the universal Buddhist message of compassion, non-violence, and wisdom.
The Bodhgaya Temple Management Committee has extended full cooperation and support to ensure the smooth conduct of this international spiritual congregation while maintaining the sanctity and heritage of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The ten-day ceremony will continue with daily prayers, teachings, ritual offerings, and meditation sessions, drawing thousands of pilgrims and visitors seeking spiritual blessings at the holy seat of Enlightenment.