Grand Consecration of Yanotara Buddhist Temple Marks Spiritual Milestone in Bodhgaya

A grand inauguration ceremony was held on Wednesday for the Yanotara Buddhist Temple at Katorwa Road in Bodh Gaya, marking the addition of a new spiritual landmark in the sacred town of Bodhgaya. Constructed by the Shakya Phuntsok Phodrang Foundation, the temple was formally consecrated through a traditional Tibetan ritual known as Tashi Puja. In Tibetan, “Tashi” signifies auspiciousness, and the ritual symbolizes purification of the body and mind while invoking blessings for health, prosperity, and well-being. The ceremony began with the ceremonial offering of khadas (traditional silk scarves) to welcome distinguished guests.
Following the inauguration, dignitaries lit ceremonial lamps at the altar and participated in the chanting of sacred scriptures. His Eminence Avikrita Rinpoche blessed the gathering and expressed hope that the temple would emerge as a center for meditation, compassion, and global peace.
The event witnessed the presence of several prominent spiritual leaders and officials, including Luding Khen Rinpoche, the spiritual head of the Shakya tradition; Luding Shabdrung Rinpoche, head of the Ngor lineage; representatives of the Shakya Phuntsok Phodrang; Dr. Mahashweta Maharathi, Secretary of the Bodhgaya Temple Management Committee; Lalita Devi, Chairperson of the Municipal Council; Executive Officer Rajeev Kumar Gupta; Bhikkhu Chalinda of the Mahabodhi Temple; Nawng Tenzing of the International Buddhist Council; and Bhikkhu Nippon of the Royal Thai Monastery.
A large number of devotees attended the ceremony, reflecting Bodh Gaya’s enduring role as a global center of Buddhist faith and culture.