Vietnam President Offers Prayers at Bodh Gaya, Seeks Peace for Humanity

To Lam, President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, offered prayers at the sacred Mahabodhi Temple on Tuesday, seeking peace and well-being for humanity. During his visit, he described the occasion as a special moment of fortune, noting that this was his first visit as President, although he has travelled to Bodh Gaya four times earlier. Inside the sanctum sanctorum, President Lam bowed before Lord Buddha and prayed for global harmony. He spent nearly an hour in the temple complex, performing rituals and expressing deep reverence. The visit highlighted the spiritual importance of the site, revered worldwide as the place where Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment. During the tour, the President showed keen interest in the temples history, architecture, and intricate sculptures. He was briefed on the evolution of the monument, including various phases of restoration and conservation. He also inquired about cleanliness measures, particularly the water-based structural cleaning process, and the preservation of the sacred Bodhi Tree.The rituals were conducted by senior monk Bhikkhu Dr. Manoj Thero, along with other monks, following traditional practices. Vietnamese chanting (Sutta recitation) was led by Thich Duc Thien, a prominent Buddhist leader and Padma Shri awardee, reflecting the cultural and religious ties between the two nations. Dr. Mahashweta Maharathi, Secretary of the Bodhgaya Temple Management Committee (BTMC), described the visit as a symbol of strengthening spiritual and cultural relations between India and Vietnam. The Presidents visit is being seen as a significant step in deepening bilateral ties through shared Buddhist heritage.