Ambassador of Japan to India visits Bodh Gaya

Gaya: Ambassador of Japan to India, Keiichi ONO, on Friday visited world heritage site Mahabodhi Mahavihara at Bodh Gaya. He said the place would continue to serve as a bridge of friendship and cultural connection between India and Japan.In the visitors' register he wrote, "A very memorable visit. The place is very important for Buddhists and Japan. Impressed by monks and dedication and devotion of other people. Hoping this place and the temple will continue to be a bridge between Japan and India."Japanese ambassador was accompanied by Naoya Haraikawa, commissioner of the Japan tourism agency; Ryuta Saito second secretary and Masahiro Kawakami an official from embassy of Japan.They were given a guided tour of the Mahavihara, which included a visit to the main shrine and the sacred Bodhi Tree. They also visited other important spots on the premises, including Muchalinda Sarovar, Ratna Griha, Chankraman (jewel walk), Ajapala Nigrodha and Rajayatna trees, and offered prayers.Later, Bodh Gaya temple management committee (BTMC) member secretary Mahashweta Maharathi, members Kiran Lama and Arvind Singh presented mementos to the ambassador.