The Indian government
and the state of Bihar ensure the safety
and security of Bodh Gaya, the
Buddhists' holiest shrine as
well as pilgrims, particularly from Sri Lanka. The secret site is reopened to the public after the
temple was rocked by serial explosions. There is no damage to the sacred Bodhi tree, the
structure of the shrine and premises or to sacred objects as a result of the
blasts, and no Sri Lankans have been hurt.
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Bodh Gaya, the Buddhists' holiest shrine
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Principal Secretary (Home) Amir Subhani said
that the state government had taken actions to improve security measures at the
Mahabodhi temple and adjoining areas on the basis of all inputs given by the
intelligence agencies. Subhani said that necessary measures have been taken to
beef up security at the temple town and the state government has been in
regular touch with the central government throughout the day with an aim to
work together.
The people of Sri
Lanka share a special bond with the people of Bihar, a state which welcomes
over 150,000 Sri Lankan pilgrims every year who visit India to venerate sacred
sites that are associated with the life of Gautama Buddha. Devotees in large number thronging there and
monks from Buddhist countries hold prayers as usual. Thousands of people thronged the temple
immediately after the gate was opened, Arvind Singh, a member of Bodhgaya
Temple Management Committee (BTMC), said. "The visitors are allowed to
enter the temple after thorough search by Bihar police and temple management
committee security staff," he said.
Earlier, Buddhist monks from 50 countries
held a special prayer inside Bodh Gaya temple for return of peace after 10
explosions that left two injured. The monks from Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar
and other countries participated in the one-hour prayer Arvind Singh said. Head
of monasteries of different countries also attended the prayer. The Bodh Gaya
has Buddhist monasteries of 50 countries. Ten blasts had rocked the Bodhgaya
temple town with the world famous
Mahabodhi temple facing the brunt of the terror attack as four blasts took
place in shrine premises.As many as 13 bombs were planted inside the temple
complex of which ten had exploded injuring two monks, Union Home Minister
Sushilkumar Shinde said.
