Buddhist monks offer special world peace prayers in Bodh Gaya

Buddhist monks performed a special prayer called 'Mahakala Puja' for world peace and tranquility at Bodhgaya, Bihar.

Buddhists believe that Mahakala, the king of 'Dharma (cosmic law and order) protectors', has enormous strength and power to help Buddhist practitioners chase away any obstacles on their path.

"We are offering prayers so that whole world can live peacefully and tension free," said a monk, Bodh Bhikshu.

On this occasion, the followers of Buddhism also performed folk dances dressed in traditional attires. Several foreign followers were also present at the event.

These prayers are offered to Mahakala before each Tibetan New Year begins. The five-day prayers are practiced in order to clear obstacles to peace and progress. It is generally practiced to let go of negativity and to purify body, speech and mind for the new year ahead.

The Mahabodhi Temple complex in Bodh Gaya, the holiest of Buddhist shrines, is visited by Buddhist pilgrims from Sri Lanka, China, Japan and the entire of south East Asia.

The ancient temple is believed to have been built nearly 1500 years ago. Emperor Ashok the great visited this holy place in 260 BC and built a small temple there in honour of Buddha.

In the year 2002 the UNESCO had declared Mahabodhi Temple as a World Heritage Site.