Tourism minister seeks report on Mahabodhi temple

Minister for Tourism K. Chiranjeevi Monday sought an immediate report from the Bihar government on the damage caused to the Mahabodhi temple in Bodh Gaya following Sunday's serial blasts at the complex.

Regretting the injuries caused to pilgrims and damage to property in the attack, Chiranjeevi condemned the terror strike at the international symbol of peace, unity and human upliftment.

He urged all sections of society to be tolerant and work towards building a humanistic society on the path shown by the Buddha.

The 1,500-year-old Mahabodhi temple is estimated to have been built between 5th and 6th century AD. It is the holiest pilgrimage centre for Buddhists and is visited by millions of pilgrims annually from all over the world, especially from Sri Lanka, China, Japan and the Southeast Asia region.

Two Buddhist monks were injured in the serial bombings Sunday between 5.30 a.m. and 6 a.m.

The temple was built at the spot where the Buddha attained enlightenment over 2,500 years ago and was declared a Unesco World Heritage Site in 2002.