The Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bhutan, Mr. Tshering Tobgay, accompanied by his wife and official entourage, paid a visit to the sacred Mahabodhi Temple, Bodhgaya, on the afternoon of Thursday, 4th September 2025.
On arrival, the Hon’ble Prime Minister was warmly welcomed by Mr. Sashank Subhankar, District Magistrate of Gaya and Chairman of the Bodhgaya Temple Management Committee (BTMC); the Senior Superintendent of Police, Gaya; the Chief Monk, Bhikkhu Chalinda, and the Caretaker Monk, Bhikkhu Dinanand. Extending a cordial reception were Dr. Mahashweta Maharathi, Secretary, BTMC; along with BTMC Members Dr. Arvind Singh, Mr. Kiran Lama, and Mr. Mithun Manjhi.
During the visit, Dr. Maharathi briefed the Hon’ble Prime Minister on the historical and spiritual significance of the Mahabodhi Mahavihara, the sacred site where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. Inside the shrine, the Mahabodhi Temple monks performed a special chanting of mantras, invoking blessings upon the Hon’ble Prime Minister and his entourage. The delegation 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.
To commemorate the occasion, the Hon’ble Prime Minister was presented with a replica of the Mahabodhi Temple, a Holy Bodhi leaf, and BTMC publications as tokens of reverence and goodwill. Expressing his heartfelt gratitude for the warm hospitality, the Hon’ble Prime Minister shared that 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.