Shri R. N. Ravi, Hon’ble Governor of Tamilnadu along with his wife and Daughter , paid a reverential visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Mahabodhi Mahavihara Temple, in Bodhgaya this evening.
Upon his arrival at the sacred temple complex, Shri R. N. Ravi and his family was accorded a traditional and heartfelt welcome. He was greeted with ceremonial ‘Khada’ scarves by Dr. Mahasweta Maharathi, Secretary of the Bodhgaya Temple Management Committee (BTMC), along with esteemed monks, Bhikkhu Chalinda (Chief Monk) ,Bhikkhu Dr. Deenanand , Bhikkhu Dr. Manoj and BTMC Member Dr. Arvind Kumar Singh.
Accompanied by the monastic dignitaries, Shri R. N. Ravi and family offered prayers at the main shrine, the sanctum sanctorum housing the statue of Lord Buddha. Hon’ble Governor also mediated in the sanctum sanctorum in front of holy Buddha statue. The delegation then proceeded to the ancient and revered Bodhi Tree, under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. In a solemn and spiritually charged atmosphere, the Venerable Monks chanted sacred mantras, invoking blessings and peace for Shri. R. N. Ravi and his family.
Expressing his profound sentiments after the visit, Shri R.N. Ravi wrote in the visitors book, “It is an immense spiritual privilege to visit this holiest of sites, where the message of peace, compassion, and enlightenment was realized. The serenity and divine energy of the Mahabodhi Temple are truly uplifting. I carry with me a sense of deep peace and renewed inspiration, and I sincerely wish to visit this sacred abode again in the near future.”
The visit concluded on a gracious note with Dr. Mahasweta Maharathi and members and Bhikkhus presenting mementos to the Hon’ble Governor on behalf of the BTMC. These included a Holy Bodhi Leaf, an Art Portfolio featuring paintings on Buddhist themes by renowned artist Upendra Maharathi, a Pictorial Documentation of the Mahabodhi Mahavihara Temple Complex, and a book on the Holy Bodhi Tree ( Maintenance and Conservation).