Mr. Tim Curtis, Director and UNESCO Representative of the South Asia Regional Office, on his second day in Bodhgaya, revisited the Mahabodhi Mahavihara Temple Complex on 9 August 2025. He was accompanied by Ms. Sneha Borate, Programme Officer for Culture, UNESCO Office in New Delhi, and Mr. Virendra Singh, Superintendent Archaeologist, Bodhgaya ASI Museum. The visit formed part of their official UNESCO mission to India from 7–9 August 2025.
During the visit, Mr. Curtis toured all the Seven Weeks’ Sites associated with Lord Buddha’s enlightenment, the Sanctum Sanctorum on the first floor, and the Holy Bodhi Tree. He showed keen interest in the unique archaeological features of the Temple and the conservation measures being undertaken to preserve the sanctity and architectural integrity of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The delegation was briefed on the various sites by Ms. Mahashweta Maharathi, Secretary, BTMC, and Mr. Virendra Singh, Superintendent Archaeologist, Bodhgaya ASI Museum. Venerable Kaundinya, a BTMC monk, also accompanied the group, explaining the religious significance of many of the temple’s carvings.
Mr. Curtis expressed his appreciation in the visitors’ book, writing:
“Thank you for this wonderful visit and explanation of this amazing World Heritage Site. It is truly a living site and let’s all work to keep it that way for future generations.”
Mr. Curtis expressed great appreciation for the efforts of Bodhgaya Temple Management Committee for their excellent endeavour in maintaining the sanctity of this living world heritage site. The visit reaffirmed UNESCO’s continued commitment to supporting and collaborating in the preservation, promotion, and safeguarding of the cultural and spiritual heritage of the Mahabodhi Mahavihara—a site of immense global significance.