Bodh Gaya to Become Spiritual Capital

Bodh Gaya – the religious site that sits in the Gaya district in the Indian state of Bihar – is to become the spiritual capital.

Yesterday Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed delegates from 90 countries at the International Buddhist Conclave.

Describing it as the “land of enlightenment”, he spoke of the government’s plans to develop it into the spiritual capital for it to serve as a civilisational bond between India and the Buddhist world.

“I recognise how Buddhists all over the world revere Bodh Gaya as a place of pilgrimage. My government would like to develop Bodh Gaya as the spiritual capital,” he said.

It was Mr Modi’s first visit to Bodh Gaya since becoming Prime Minister. He said the government would provide all support to people of Buddhist nations visiting Bodh Gaya.

“We are meeting in Bodh Gaya, a land that has distinctive place in history of mankind,” he continued. “I have the honour of visting Bodh Gaya after Pandit Nehru and Atal ji.”

Bodh Gaya is a place of pilgrimage associated with the Mahabodhi Temple Complex. 

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