ASI team expresses satisfaction with cleaning work at Mahabodhi temple

Gaya: A team of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) on Tuesday conducted an inspection of the ongoing hydraulic cleaning operation of the Mahabodhi Mahavihara, the seat of Buddha’s enlightenment and subsequent elevation to divinity. The ASI, it may be recalled, has been entrusted with the conservation and maintenance of the nearly 1,500-year-old monument, a world heritage site officially notified by Unesco, the world cultural body.

The inspection team was led by Hari Om, superintending archaeologist of ASI. It included Bhanu Pratap, an engineer by training currently working with the ASI. Bodh Gaya Temple Management Committee (BTMC) secretary Mahashweta Maharathi and Arvind Singh, a member of the BTMC, were also present during the inspection.

The team, according to sources, besides offering some suggestions, expressed satisfaction with the overall mechanism of the cleaning process and appreciated the precautions being taken during the exercise to prevent any damage to the shrine structure.

It also praised the removal of dust and biological growth from the shrine structure, which has helped make it smooth, clean and aesthetically restored, thereby enhancing its visual appeal.

BTMC secretary Mahashweta Maharathi said the exercise would be completed well within the timeline and the shrine would get a renewed look by the next Buddha Purnima.

“The ASI officials expressed satisfaction with the quality of the cleaning work and the erection of bamboo scaffoldings. It was observed that the black spots on the shrine structure façade, caused by the accumulation of dust and biological growth, have been effectively removed. The temple walls now appear clean, smooth, and aesthetically restored, enhancing the visual appeal of the shrine,” Maharathi said.

She added, “It was further noted that approximately 70% of the bamboo scaffolding has been dismantled, indicating significant progress towards completion of the work.”

“The cleaning activity began on Feb 17 this year under supervision of ASI, ensuring adherence to established conservation norms and preservation of the shrine heritage value. The entire process of dismantling of the bamboo scaffolding is expected to be completed by March end,” she said.

Mahavihara caretaker monk Bhikkhu Deenanand, who was also present during the inspection, said, “The Mahavihara holds supreme spiritual importance for the Buddhists across the world as it is the place where prince Siddhartha attained enlightenment while practising meditation under the banyan (peepal) tree. Apart from Buddhist devotees, the visual appeal of the Mahavihara would be of great attraction for large number of tourists visiting Bodh Gaya.”