Buddhist Monks vs. Hindu
The Core Issue
Buddhist monks are protesting in Bodh Gaya over who controls the Mahabodhi Temple, the sacred site where Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment. The Bodh Gaya Temple Act of 1949 created a management committee with four Buddhists, four Hindus, and a Hindu-leaning district magistrate as chair—tilting power toward Hindus. Buddhists want this law scrapped and demand full control, arguing their holiest site shouldn’t be run by another faith.
Why It’s Heated
Since February 2025, monks under the All India Buddhist Forum (AIBF) have staged hunger strikes and rallies, decrying what they call Hindu overreach. They say Hindu rituals creep into a Buddhist space, clashing with its heritage. Hindus, tied to the Bodh Gaya Math, counter that they’ve maintained the site for centuries—especially when Buddhism faded in India post-13th century—and see Buddha as part of their tradition, justifying shared management.
The Stakes
This isn’t petty squabbling—it’s a fight for religious autonomy. Buddhists ask why they alone can’t govern their sacred ground, unlike Hindus with temples or Sikhs with gurdwaras. Protests have spread to Mumbai, Delhi, and beyond, with a Supreme Court case lingering since 2012. As of April 8, 2025, no end’s in sight.
The Bottom Line
At its heart, Bodh Gaya’s clash is about identity and power. Buddhists demand sole stewardship of their spiritual epicenter. Hindus defend a history of coexistence. Until the law or the courts shift, this UNESCO site remains a battleground of faith.
