Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister Pays Homage to Lord Buddha at Mahabodhi Temple

Bavornsak Uwanno, accompanied by an official delegation, arrived in Bodh Gaya on Thursday as part of his three-day official visit to India. The delegation landed at Gaya International Airport by a scheduled flight of Thai Airways.
Upon arrival, the Deputy Prime Minister was accorded a ceremonial guard of honour by the Gaya Police at the airport portico in the presence of City SP Kota Kiran Kumar. Following the reception, the delegation proceeded to Bodh Gaya under tight security arrangements. After a brief rest at a hotel, the Deputy Prime Minister visited the revered Mahabodhi Temple, one of the holiest Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the world.Inside the sanctum of the temple, he offered special prayers and paid homage to Gautama Buddha. He also visited the sacred Bodhi Tree, where Buddha is believed to have attained enlightenment, and spent a few moments in quiet meditation.The rituals were conducted by senior temple priest Bhikkhu Dr. Deenanand along with other monks, including Bhikkhu Chalinda. Members of the visiting delegation also participated in the prayers and experienced the profound spiritual significance of the historic site. After the visit, a small felicitation ceremony was held at the temple’s reception hall where BTMC member Dr. Arvind Kumar Singh and Bhikkhu Dr. Deenanand presented the Deputy Prime Minister with a commemorative memento. He also signed the visitors’ book, expressing deep respect for the eternal universal symbol of peace, compassion and wisdom. Earlier in the day, the delegation also offered prayers at the Royal Thai Monastery.