Shyam Bhandari | Team TrickyScribe: On the sacred occasion of the 2569th Buddha Purnima — a day that marks the birth, enlightenment, and Mahaparinirvana (final liberation) of Lord Buddha — the revered Mahabodhi Temple in Bodhgaya became the epicenter of spiritual fervor and global homage. In a show of reverence and solidarity with the Buddhist faith, senior leaders from the Bihar government paid a ceremonial visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan paid his tributes besides Bihar’s Deputy Chief Minister Shri Samrat Choudhary and his other cabinet colleagues. The dignitaries were received graciously by Venerable Dr. Bhikkhu Manoj, spiritual custodian and member of the Bodhgaya Temple Management Committee (BTMC); Dr. Mahashweta Marathi, BTMC Secretary; and Dr. Arvind Singh, BTMC Member.
Upon arrival, the leaders offered floral tributes and incense within the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. The atmosphere was solemn and serene as chants of sacred Buddhist sutras filled the air, led by Venerable Dr. Bhikkhu Manoj. The temple resonated with spiritual vibrations, marking a profound moment of shared silence and inner reflection.
Honoring Legacy with Tokens of Gratitude
Dignitaries’ participation was not just ceremonial but symbolic of the state government’s support in preserving and promoting Bihar’s rich spiritual heritage. As a gesture of gratitude, mementos were presented to the visiting leaders by Dr. Mahashweta Marathi and Dr. Arvind Singh. These tokens marked the significance of their visit and reaffirmed their continued commitment to safeguarding the legacy of Lord Buddha in his land of enlightenment.
The Mahabodhi Temple, globally recognized for its historical and spiritual significance, witnessed a footfall of thousands of devotees from India and abroad throughout the day. Visitors engaged in prayers, meditation, and rituals, immersing themselves in the powerful sanctity of the site where Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment beneath the sacred Bodhi Tree over two millennia ago.
Twilight Tribute: 2,569 Butterlamps Illuminate the Mahabodhi Temple
As dusk settled over Bodhgaya, the temple complex came alive with the golden glow of 2,569 butterlamps — one for each year since the Buddha’s birth. The ceremonial lighting of lamps, held near the Butterlamp House within the temple grounds, was the centerpiece of the evening celebrations. Devotees and monks from across the globe gathered to witness this spiritual spectacle that illuminated not just the temple, but hearts.
Monks (Bhikkhus), Lamas, Nuns, lay followers (Upasakas and Upasikas) participated in the lighting ritual with deep devotion and reverence. A significant presence of Thai devotees was observed this year, led by Upasika Thosporn Wachiraganphen — the principal sponsor of the celebrations. Her contribution, both spiritual and logistical, was central to the grandeur of the event.
Upasika Thosporn, along with her fellow Thai pilgrims, offered butterlamps in a moving display of cross-cultural reverence. Their gestures reflected the international appeal of Bodhgaya as a beacon of the Buddha’s teachings, bringing together followers across continents, traditions, and languages.
A Tapestry of Global Chants and Devotion
Butterlamp ceremony was more than just a visual marvel — it was an auditory tapestry of global Buddhist traditions. Chants from Theravāda, Mahāyāna, Japanese, and Vietnamese schools of Buddhism created a meditative and universal atmosphere, transcending borders and linguistic barriers. The harmonic convergence of voices reminded everyone present of the Buddha’s central message — unity, compassion, and the pursuit of inner peace.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Mahashweta Marathi emphasized the spiritual depth of offering butterlamps on Buddha Purnima. “These lights symbolize the wisdom of the Buddha,” she said, “which continues to dispel the darkness of ignorance around the world.” She extended her heartfelt gratitude to all who participated, particularly thanking Upasika Thosporn Wachiraganphen for her generous support and unwavering devotion.
Light of Wisdom, Legacy of Peace
The glowing butterlamps cast a symbolic light that extended far beyond the temple walls — a light that embodied the Buddha’s timeless teachings of peace, mindfulness, and compassion. In an age often marred by division and distraction, this ancient ritual offered a moment of shared humanity and spiritual clarity.
For the people of Bihar, the global Buddhist community, and the thousands who witnessed the ceremonies in person or through digital platforms, Buddha Purnima 2025 in Bodhgaya was not just a day of rituals — it was a reaffirmation of values. Values rooted in simplicity, wisdom, and the eternal journey towards enlightenment.
As the final butterlamp flickered under the Bodhi Tree and chants faded into the night, Bodhgaya stood still — aglow in silence, sanctity, and the spirit of the Buddha.
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