Publications
The Demand to Repeal the Bodh Gaya Temple Act, 1949
A recent demand to repeal the Bodh Gaya Temple Act, 1949, highlights longstanding grievances of Indian Buddhist monks and supporters, who argue that the current management perpetuates Brahmanical dominance over the sacred Mahabodhi Temple Complex. The protest calls for an end to state interference and full control transfer to the Indian Buddhist community, raising complex questions about governance, religious practices, and stakeholder inclusion. While a more inclusive model could offer diplomatic opportunities for India, any resolution must carefully balance the interests of local communities, foreign Buddhist organizations, and geopolitical considerations to preserve Bodh Gaya’s spiritual significance without disrupting its harmony.
Buddhist Pilgrimage and Living Religious Heritage in North India
Buddhist pilgrimage, particularly at the Mahabodhi Temple Complex in Bodh Gaya, serves as a living memory that embeds and diffuses the spiritual biography of the Buddha, playing a crucial role in Buddhist practice. The study reveals how these sacred spaces support a moral geography, shaping aspirations for those on the path to nirvana. By integrating insights from new materialism, it demonstrates the convergence of materiality and meaning at this UNESCO World Heritage Site, highlighting how Buddhist rituals intersect with heritage formations at both national and global scales. This research underscores the sensory, performative, and affective dimensions of place in Buddhist pilgrimage.
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