Bodh Gaya (Bihar): In a significant cultural moment, Japanese Ambassador to India Keichi Ono paid a heartfelt visit to the sacred Mahabodhi Temple in Bihar’s Bodh Gaya on Saturday morning, calling it a “truly memorable experience.”
Accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Naoya Haraikawa (Commissioner, Japan Tourism Agency), Ryuta Saito (Second Secretary, Embassy of Japan), and Masahiro Kawakami (Embassy official), the ambassador arrived at the historic site at 8:45 AM.
Warm Reception at Sacred Site
The delegation was warmly welcomed by Bhikkhu Buddha Ratna (Manoj Bhante) and other monks of the temple. Mahashweta Maharathi, Secretary of the Bodhgaya Temple Management Committee (BTMC), along with BTMC members Reverend Okonogi, Arvind Singh, and Kiran Lama, hosted the guests with great reverence.
Following the reception, the delegation embarked on a spiritual and historical tour of the temple premises. The tour included visits to:
- The Main Shrine
- The sacred Bodhi Tree, where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment
- Mucalinda Sarovar
- Ratna Griha
- Chankraman (Jewel Walk)
- Ajapala Nigrodha Tree
- Rajayatna Tree
At each site, the delegates offered prayers and absorbed the spiritual energy of the surroundings.
Symbol of Friendship
As a gesture of goodwill, mementos were exchanged between the Japanese delegation and the temple authorities. The exchange symbolized the shared Buddhist heritage and the enduring friendship between India and Japan.
In the Visitor’s Book, Ambassador Ono wrote:
“Visiting the Mahabodhi Temple and Buddhagaya has been a truly memorable experience. This is one of the most sacred places for Buddhists, Buddhism, and Japan. May this place continue to serve as a bridge of friendship and cultural connection between our two nations.”
Other members of the delegation also expressed their deep appreciation for the peaceful and spiritually enriching experience.
A Step Toward Stronger Cultural Ties
This visit further strengthens the cultural and spiritual connection between India and Japan, rooted deeply in Buddhism. With gestures of mutual respect and appreciation, the Mahabodhi Temple continues to stand as a global symbol of peace, enlightenment, and unity.
