A deeply solemn and inspiring ceremony was held today at the Sacred Mahabodhi Mahavihara to commemorate the 12th anniversary of the Golden Spire Project, a landmark initiative that has contributed immensely to the preservation and beautification of the holy Temple—the seat of Lord Buddha’s Enlightenment.
The event witnessed the gracious presence of over three hundred participants, including representatives from international Buddhist Sanghas, a large delegation of the Golden Spire Committee, and several eminent dignitaries. Among those present were His Holiness Venerable Somdet, Deputy Sangharaja of Thailand; a former Director of the Supreme Court of Thailand; senior officials including a Minister and the Consulate General of Thailand in Kolkata, Ms. Siriporn Tanyathep ;the Chief Monk of the Mahabodhi Mahavihara; Ven. Bhikkhu Chalinda, Ven. Dr. Deenanand, Bhikkhu Dr. Manoj, Dr. Arvind Singh , Member of BTMC and the head Monks of various monasteries representing different Buddhist countries.
In her address, the Secretary of the Bodhgaya Temple Management Committee , Dr. Mahashweta Maharathi (BTMC) warmly welcomed the Golden Spire Committee of Thailand and highlighted the significance of their longstanding contribution. She recalled the inception of the project in 2014, undertaken to cover the existing copper spire of the sacred Temple with gold sheets—an effort carried out with devotion, precision, and expert guidance from Thailand including the Archaeological Survey of India.
The Secretary further acknowledged the continued dedication of the Golden Spire team in maintaining the spire, cleaning weather-affected portions, and executing the fourth phase of restoration work this year. Special gratitude was extended to the engineers, craftsmen, and volunteers whose meticulous scaffolding efforts enabled the successful cleaning of the southern façade and upper stupa.
She also conveyed heartfelt appreciation to Mettadham Temple, Bodhgaya, for their cooperation and support in facilitating the successful completion of this sacred work.
The ceremony concluded with prayers for peace and well-being and an expression of deep gratitude to the entire Golden Spire Project team. The Secretary noted that their benevolent acts of devotion to the Mahabodhi Mahavihara will continue to bring boundless merit and blessings to all involved.