THE ASIAN INDEPENDENT UK-
By: Param Ghodeswar
The Mahabodhi Vihara in Bodh Gaya, India, stands as one of the most sacred sites for Buddhists worldwide. It marks the place where Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree, making it a revered pilgrimage site for millions. However, the control of this significant monument has long been a contentious issue. Despite its immense religious importance to Buddhists, the temple remains under the administrative control of individuals who do not follow the Buddha’s teachings — primarily Brahmins. The struggle for Mahabodhi is not a Buddhists vs Hindus, but purely a contention between Buddhists and Brahmins.
This situation reflects not a spiritual reverence for the Buddha, but a calculated strategy by Brahmins to maintain dominance and financial control. The reason is simple — the Mahabodhi Vihara generates millions of dollars annually from donations, particularly from Buddhist-majority countries like Thailand, Sri Lanka, Japan, Myanmar and many others. For the Brahminical establishment, relinquishing control would mean losing this vast source of wealth and influence.
Every year, the Mahabodhi Temple Trust collects massive funds from international Buddhist followers and donors. These contributions are meant for the upkeep of the sacred site and the promotion of Buddhist teachings. However, the control of the temple by a governing body that includes non-Buddhist administrators ensures that the allocation and management of these funds remain opaque. The funds are often misused or diverted for purposes unrelated to Buddhism. Instead of supporting Buddhist education, cultural preservation, or the welfare of pilgrims, much of the money benefits the interests of the controlling Brahmins and their temples.
Brahminical Disdain for the Buddha
It is essential to recognize that historically, the Brahminical system has shown no reverence for the Buddha or his teachings. The Buddha’s rejection of the caste system and his emphasis on equality were direct challenges to Brahminical dominance. Unlike the Vedic rituals that were monopolized by Brahmin priests, the Buddha promoted a path of self-liberation that required no intermediaries. In response, Brahmins actively sought to diminish Buddhism’s influence. Ancient texts like the Manusmriti condemned Buddhists, labelling them as heretics. Over time, many Buddhist sites were destroyed, or appropriated. The Mahabodhi Temple itself fell into ruin for centuries before being revived by Buddhist efforts.
Yet, once the temple regained prominence and international attention, it became a lucrative asset. The Brahminical establishment, despite its historical opposition to Buddhism, saw the potential for financial and symbolic power in controlling the site. While they do not venerate the Buddha, they recognize the global devotion he commands — and the financial rewards it brings.
Resistance to Buddhist Control
Buddhist organizations are calling for the Mahabodhi Temple to be governed by Buddhists, as is the norm for sacred religious sites across the world. However, these demands have been met with staunch resistance. The fear among Brahmins is not just the loss of monetary control but also the symbolic blow to their longstanding dominance. Returning the temple to Buddhist stewardship would signify a rejection of Brahminical authority over a site that was never theirs to claim. Brahmins also fear that relinquishing control could set a precedent for other Buddhist sites which were appropriated as Hindu temples.
The call for Buddhist control over the Mahabodhi Vihara is not merely about administrative management — it is a demand for justice and respect for religious heritage. It is a stand against the exploitation of sacred spaces for financial gain. True reverence for the Buddha would mean allowing his followers to manage the site that represents his enlightenment and teachings.
As the global Buddhist community continues to raise its voice, the fight for Mahabodhi serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring struggle against religious and economic exploitation. Reclaiming the temple is not just a religious act; it is a step toward restoring dignity, promoting equality, and challenging the forces that profit from oppression.
