Nepal steps up security at Buddhist shrines

Authorities in Nepal said Monday that security will be increased at all major Buddhist shrines following the bomb blasts Sunday at the Mahabodhi temple in India.

A security alert has gone out in Nepal, which is home to Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha.

Kapilvastu, where the Buddha spent his early life, is also located in Nepal. The Buddha eventually attained enlightenment at Bodh Gaya.

Soon after the Mahabodhi temple in Bihar's Gaya district was targeted by terrorists, injuring two monks, additional security personnel was deployed at Lumbini, a Unesco heritage site.

"We decided to beef up security in major Buddhist pilgrimage spots like Lumbini, Bouddha and Syombhu in Kathmandu. These are preventive measures," Nepal Police spokesperson Nawraj Silwal told IANS.

Bouddha (or Bodhnath) and Syombhu (or Swayambhunath) are stupas venerated by Buddhists.

Police have asked administrators at major Buddhist pilgrimage spots to be on the alert.