Mahabodhi Temple

• 05 Jul 2025

Source: TOI 

The Supreme Court declined to entertain a petition under Article 32 challenging the Bodh Gaya Temple Act, 1949, which sought exclusive control of the Mahabodhi Temple by the Buddhist community. 

• The Bodh Gaya Temple Act, 1949 was enacted to ensure the better management of the Mahabodhi Temple, one of Buddhism’s holiest sites. 

Mahabodhi Temple 

• About: It marks the site where Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment under the Mahabodhi Tree. The original temple was built by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BC, while the present structure dates to the 5th–6th centuries. 
• Architectural Features: It includes the 50 m high grand temple (Vajrasana), the sacred Bodhi Tree, and six other sacred sites of Buddha's enlightenment, surrounded by ancient Votive stupas. 
  • It is among the earliest brick temples from the Gupta period, and the Vajrasana (Diamond Throne) was originally installed by Emperor Ashoka to mark Buddha’s meditation spot. 
• Sacred Sites: Bodhi Tree (direct descendant of the tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment), Animesh Lochan Chaitya (Site of Buddha's meditation after attaining enlightenment), etc. 
• Recognition: It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2002. 

Read More: Corridor Projects for Vishnupad and Mahabodhi Temples