Myanmar president offers prayers at Mahabodhi Mahavihara in Bodh Gaya

Gaya: Myanmar President Gen Min Aung Hlaing arrived at Gaya International Airport on Saturday on a five-day visit to India. He was accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising cabinet ministers, senior govt officials and business leaders from Myanmar. The President was received at the airport by governor Syed Ata Hasnain and state agriculture minister Vijay Kumar Sinha.

Gen Hlaing arrived at the Mahavihara around 10am, where he was accorded a traditional welcome by Buddhist monks. Mahavihara caretaker monk Bhikkhu Dinanand and Bhikkhu Manoj welcomed the President and members of the delegation by presenting ‘khadas’ (pious scarf in Buddhism).

The President performed rituals and offered prayers in sanctum sanctorum of the Mahavihara where he offered rice pudding (kheer) and a civara (robe) to the statue of Buddha as a mark of reverence. He then visited the first floor of the shrine and offered prayers before the statue of Lord Buddha. Gen Hliang also meditated for some time under the Bodhi (peepal) tree before undertaking a circumambulation of the shrine structure. Mahavihara authorities briefed him about the history, religious significance and heritage of the holy shrine.

After visiting the Mahavihara, the president visited the Sujata Temple at Bakraur village, around 2km towards east from the Mahavihara and the Burmese Vihar in Bodh Gaya. Security personnel were deployed along the route connecting Gaya airport, Mahavihara and the Sujata Temple.

According to a press release issued by the MEA on Thursday, the Myanmar president will hold discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday on further strengthening the historic and civilisational ties between the two countries. He will also participate in business and industry interactions and site visits in Mumbai on Tuesday.

In view of the high-profile visit, DM Shashank Shubhankar and SSP Sushil Kumar had issued a joint order declaring the areas around Gaya airport, Domuhan, Mahabodhi Mahavihara, Sujata temple ‘temporary red zone’ and ‘no drone fly zone’. Traffic restrictions were also issued on the route from airport up to the Mahavihara.