DEVELOPMENTAL PROGRAMME AND PROJECTS

1. MAHABODHI TEMPLE PRECINCTS

LANDSCAPING

2. BUDDHAGAYA AND SURROUNDINGS

3. TOWNSHIP

4. TOURIST FACILITIES

1.  MAHABODHI TEMPLE PRECINCTS

The Mahabodhi Temple constructed in the 7th century A. D. has had repairs and renovations from time to time. Kings and commoners, both from home and abroad, were always vying with each other to donate in cash and kind to the Mahabodhi Temple which always survived on donations from the time it was first built. The Mahabodhi temple must have required constant minor repairs and occasional major renovations. The temple received its last and massive restoration and conservation work after it was excavated. The restoration work was started by Burma on the request of King Mindon Min (1853-1878) to the Government of India asking for permission to renovate the Mahabodhi Temple which the Burmese received. The work started in right earnest for their faith and determination of the Burmese may have been great, but their understanding of the importance of preserving the temple’s original character was not there and inadvertently they caused enormous damage. When this situation came to the notice of the authorities, the expertised hands of the Archaeological Survey of India was sought under the guidance of the Director General of the Archaeological Survey, Sir Alexander Cunningham. The work was completed and the entire structure got back to its old glory and remains present to this day.

CONSERVATION :

At present, the Mahabodhi Temple requires a massive restoration and conservation work. This work is necessary if it is made to survive long enough for the future generations to have a glimpse of the ancient and glorious history. The work needs to be undertaken by expert hands as the originality of the work is to be kept alive without causing any change. The Restoration and Conservation work will be undertaken from February 2002 onwards and the expenditure will be 6 million rupees.

The much awaited conservation work of the Mahabodhi Mahavihara has started from the 13th February 2002 and is being done by the Archaeological Survey of India(A.S.I.). The A.S.I. is one of the best in the world for doing conservation and restoration works. Since the work has to be of very good quality keeping in mind the ancient history and the heritage iot needs the expertise of the Archaeologists to reproduce the same effect that it has at present.

Bamboo scaffoldings have been put up and masons and labourers have started work in the structure at the lower level. Work at the higher level will start shortly. At present the documentation work is also being done.

Day -to -day report alongwith the photographs of the conservation and restoration work will be uploaded shortly so that the donors and well-wishers can know the progress of the work.

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LANDSCAPING:

The entire complex in and around the Mahabodhi Temple needs landscaping work to be undertaken to beautify the area. At present the green area does not attract the visitors as all the greenery are in a very haphazard condition. The green slopes, the green lawns, the green hedges around the pathway, the flower gardens all need to be given a fresh and beautiful look.

LOTUS POND:

The Lotus pond needs to be developed too as at present it simply looks like a pond where nothing but fishes breed. The sanctity of the pond has to be maintained keeping in mind the importance of it being associated with the Buddha where he spent the sixth week in meditation. It needs to be highlighted with the entrance and be made visitor friendly. The pipeline around the pond also requires to be made concealed. The pathway around the pond has to be widened and the area around made green with arrangements for seating. Light and sound can also be set in such a way that it does not distract the meditator nor cause inconvenience to the visitor. Water fountains can be set up around the pond that will attract more visitors in the evening.

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MEDITATION PARK :

The meditation- park is a new addition in the temple complex inaugurated by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. But it requires to be developed further. There is a demand for meditation huts to be constructed. But these huts should depict Buddhist artistic pattern to accommodate an individual meditator. The park also needs to be landscaped and the pond in the park also has to be cleaned and deepened.

The more important and pressing need to save the temple from pollution at the moment is to stop the use of butter/oil lamps. The present site under the Bodhi Tree is not only causing great harm to the tree but is also destroying the temple, because the smoke and smoke particles emanating from the site is a great threat of pollution causing harm to the environment. The butter-oil lamp site needs to be shifted to a new place farther away from the temple with a scientific exhaust system. A glass house chamber can be constructed and a system be introduced where the smoke can be recycled and purified so that the area remains free from pollution and above all the holy Bodhi Tree and the Mahabodhi Temple stay alive for long enough.

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LIGHTING SYSTEM :

The electrical lighting system inside the temple complex needs to be enhanced, but at the same time the lights should be set up in such a way that it does not distract the meditator. At the same time it should highlight the temple adequately and from every angle. Lights that are conducive to the naked eye and aesthetic in beauty should be used keeping pace with the Archaeological Survey of India’s specifications.

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Buddhagaya is important because the Buddha attained Enlightenment here. It is here that the Bodhi tree exists under which the Buddha attained Enlightenment. It is Buddhagaya that is home to the world renowned and international heritage — the great Mahabodhi Temple. Therefore, Buddhagaya has received help, recognition, donations from time to time since the days ancient from the kings and commoners alike both from home and abroad.

But, also equally important are those sites through which traversed Prince Siddhartha prior to his Enlightenment. These sites are also venerated by the pilgrims and are held in high esteem by the devotees of the Buddha.

These include sites like the Pragbodhi at the Dungeshwari Hills where Prince Siddhartha meditated for six years before attaining Enlightenment. The next is Sujata Kuti where Prince Siddhartha, before coming over to Uruvela, took rest and had his first morsel of food (kheer/sweet rice cooked in milk) from the village girl Sujata. After this he came over to Uruvela and attained Enlightenment. The other site that is of later development is the Taridih excavated site that was once a monastery. The last but not the least important site that has remained neglected for long is the Barabar caves. This site was constructed by King Asoka in the 3rd Century B.C. and is located on the borders of Jehanabad and Gaya districts.

All these sites are necessary to be developed, so that the tourists and pilgrims can reach these places apart from Buddhagaya and enjoy a prolonged stay here and witness the heritage of the past.

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PRAGBODHI CAVES (DUNGESHWARI HILLS)

The hill is situated about 3 miles to the north-east of Buddhagaya on the eastern bank of the river Phalgu. The hill had been identified by Cunningham with the Pragbodhi mountain of the Buddhist tradition, where the Buddha is said to have lived for six years before he proceeded to Uruvela, i.e., modern Buddhagaya. The identification is based on the fact, that, half way up the western slope of the hill, facing the river Phalgu, is a natural fissure or cavern, shaped like a crescent, 37’x5½’, with a small entrance 3’ 2’’ wide and 4’ 10’’ high, where the Buddha is said to have lived. Both Fa Hian and Hiuen Tsang visited and described the cave of the Pragbodhi mountain and their accounts, according to Cunningham, would perhaps refer to this cave. The height of the cave at the other end i.e. southern end is hardly 2’ 7’’, while the width is 1’ 7’’. At the back or east side of the cavern there is a ledge of rock, which probably served as a pedestal for the shadow of Buddha also figures on the rock.

The place is important as Prince Siddhartha prior to his Enlightenment meditated here for six years in search of peace and happiness. His search met with little success as his emaciated body made his search futile. The Buddha gives a vivid description of the severe austerities he practised in the six years before his Enlightenment. The Bodhisattva stayed in a cave on the mountain called Pragbodhi (Prior to Enlightenment) before finally deciding to go to Uruvela (Buddhagaya) and therefore the place deserves to be given its due importance.

At present there is a small temple that is maintained by the Tibetan monks and just above the temple there is a cave which sheltered the Bodhisattva during his stay there. Below that the pilgrims can see the foundations of a large monastic complex and on the top of the mountain the ruins of several ancient stupas. The peaceful environment around Pragbodhi, its wild beauty and the powerful presence that can be felt in the cave made it worth visiting. Therefore, the centre needs infrastructural developments, like water supply, roads, telecommunication, electricity and a health care centre.

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BRIDGE TO CONNECT PRAGBODHI :

Although the Pragbodhi is only few kilometers away from Buddhagaya but it takes more than 1½ hours to reach this place via Gaya Town. At present the road leading to Pragbodhi directly from Bodhgaya does not have a bridge on River Mohane. A bridge is proposed on the river Mohane. It would directly connect Buddhagaya to Pragbodhi for the comfort of the pilgrims. It would also help the local population to come to the Block headquarters Buddhagaya for their everyday needs and necessities. The travel time could be reduced considerably and this would help the tourists and pilgrims to visit Pragbodhi more often as one would like during their course of stay here at Buddhagaya.

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SUJATA-KUTI :

The Excavation Branch of the Archaeological Survey of India undertook excavation at the ancient site of Bakraur(Sujata-Kuti), near Buddhagaya, located on the right bank of the river Niranjana. The site, that is situated just north of the village, is traditionally known by various names like, Sujata Kuti, Sujatagarh and Sujata Quila, named after the maiden Sujata, the daughter of the chief of the village. It was she who offered milk-rice to the Buddha after he had undergone severe austerities for six years to gain Enlightenment.

The stupa, which was constructed to perpetuate the memory of the maiden Sujata, is 11m from the ground level. Unfortunately, through the years because of inefficient has been severely destroyed to collect baked bricks, caskets and reliquaries. Several plaques of the Buddha in bhumisparsha-mudra, made probably of plaster and surprisingly light in weight were found near the damaged top of the stupa.

The stupa was built in three stages. The pradakshina-path made up of baked bricks, was narrow in the earliest stage. It was surrounded by a wall enclosure of baked bricks. Subsequently, the diameter as well as the height of the stupa was increased, thus covering the original pradakshina-path. At that stage a 5 m. wide pradakshina-path, of thick lime plaster was added. Moulded bricks were used on the surface of the stupa. In the third stage of construction a wall enclosure of baked brick covered by lime plaster, railings and gateways, probably in all the cardinal directions, were provided. All around the wall enclosure, and in the front of the gateway, a pradakshina-path of lime plaster was also added. On the side of the gateway a baked brick platform, possibly intended for congregation was found. The purpose of the two brick structures at the back of the gateway could not be determined.

Encased in lime plaster, the maximum diameter of the stupa in the last stage was about 65.50 m. Mud-mortar of varying thickness was used as a binding medium in the construction of the stupa. The railings and pillars were made of stone.

It has not been possible to date the different stages of the stupa with certainty. The last phase of the stupa, however, can be assigned to a date between eighth and tenth century A.D., on the basis of terracotta sealing and plaques. It is quite likely that the religious zeal of the Pala Kings were responsible for the enclosure wall, railing and the gateway. The earliest occupation of the site may be placed in the second-first century B.C. on the basis of fragments of dark grey polished ware found in a partially exposed monastery-like structure towards the north-east of the stupa.

The important finds of the excavation include a fragmentary ear-ornament of gold; small terracotta plaques; beads of agate and terracotta; a punch-marked coin; head, torso and multiple Buddha in stone; a few ornamental pieces; and a terracotta sealing.

The Sujata-kuti needs to be excavated and the entire area should be developed and preserved. Parks and gardens have to be developed by landscaping the entire area. The historical importance of the place emanates from the fact that it dates back to 2nd century B.C. where the Buddha was offered milk rice prior to his attainment of Enlightenment by Sujata. The devout Buddhists also visit this place where the Bodhisattva himself came. The mound which in all probability is a stupa needs to be excavated (a work which was abandoned prematurely after doing half the work).

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BARABAR CAVES :

The chief architectural remains, before the Gupta period, other than stupas and their surrounding gateways and railings, are artificial caves, excavated for religious purposes. Early specimens show a slavish imitation of carpentry that proves conclusively that the art of building in stone was still not fully developed. Two caves of Barabar Hill, 61.5 km. north of Buddhagaya, are in the form of a plain rectangular outer hall, at one end of which there is an inner chamber with a curved wall and overhanging caves. The caves were evidently substituted for a standardized religious meeting place consisting of a round thatched hut standing in a courtyard, and their designer could not transcend the pattern to which he had been used. Similar dependence on wooden models is evident in many other features of design until the Gupta period.

The caves of the Barabar and Nagarjuni Hills are unadorned, with the exception of one at Nagarjuni, near Barabar, which has a comparatively simple carved entrance, added during or soon after the Mauryan period. The inner walls of all the caves are finely polished, no doubt by workmen of the school that was responsible for the polish of the Asokan columns.

The Barabar caves, a fine specimen of workmanship needs to be added in the scheme of things for tourist development and if connected within the surroundings of Buddhagaya it sure will evoke much interest in the visitors.

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TARIDIH (Buddhagaya):

This site is just adjacent to the Mahabodhi Temple lying on the western end besides the Mosque. The site is one of the most ancient and dates back before the time of the Buddha-starting from the neolithic period down to the Pala period. Excavations reveal seven cultural phases from the neolithic period, (25th cent. - 17th cent. B.C.) Chalcolithic (17th cent. - 11th cent. B.C.), iron age (10th cent. - 7th cent. B.C.), the Buddha -Asokan period (6th cent. B.C. - 1st cent. B.C.), Kushana period (1st cent. - 3rd cent. A.D.), Gupta period (4th cent. - 8th cent. A. D.), Late Gupta and Pala period (9th cent. - 12th cent. A.D.)

The excavated site is in the state of neglect. Their preservation is not being paid attention to. Being exposed to the nature’s fury and man made misery without protection and care these open structures are in a process of decaying. We must try and protect the valuable historical heritage. The A.S.I. has to ensure that the excavated site is well protected.

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NIRANJANA RIVER EMBANKMENT :

The Niranjana river is important for its sanctity. Erosion of the river banks is causing danger to Buddhagaya and to the Temple which is an international heritage and a national treasure. Few years back breach on the banks of this River made flood water enter the Temple and damaged the Mahabodhi Temple. The embankment can also be developed into a park on both sides of the river bank where tourists can enjoy the river front.

ROADSIDE PLANTATION :

The entire stretch of roads should have roadside plantation that will beautify and also give shade to the roads. This will make the town more green and beautiful.

MAYA SAROVAR :

The lake opposite the Thai Temple should be developed and boating can be introduced. The land surrounding the lake should be developed into a park and a small playground for the children. A musical water fountain can also be installed. Fast food outlets can also set-up there.

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3.   TOWNSHIP

Buddhagaya today is no more the ancient and obscure village called Uruvela nor it is what it was 10 years ago. Buddhagaya today is a vibrant town growing day by day. Buildings are being built haphazardly without conforming to the master plan.

MASTER PLAN :

Master plan of the entire Buddhagaya township which should also include Sujata-kuti in its ambit should be prepared taking into account the present status of the area as well, for it is of international importance. Buddhagaya needs to be beautiful is the popular belief. The master plan should include all required infrastructure that needs to be developed to make Buddhagaya a town of international importance. Buddhagaya has to be made clean. At present only concrete structures are to be seen all around. There is no space for green area anywhere.

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DRAINAGE :

Buddhagaya today lacks a drainage system. The master plan prepared in the year 1956 suggested a drainage system but nothing could be done so far. Proper drainage for rain water as well as domestic waste independent of sewerage should be evolved.

BYE-PASS ROAD :

There is an urgent need for a bye-pass road that will divert heavy vehicular traffic from the Block office Via the Japanese Temple to Tikabigha-Urail (ancient village). This would make the town free from heavy vehicular movement near the Temple that remains congested for most of the time causing great harm to the temple with the vibration, dust and smoke pollution. The present main road runs parallel with the Temple complex and the noise and dust causes disturbance to the meditators which has to be stopped.

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MARKET COMPLEX :

Buddhagaya is a town of international importance. The area around the temple complex is full of way - side shops. These encroachments block the smooth movement of the pilgrims and obstruct the view of the ‘Mahabodhi’ from outside. The shopkeepers also disturb the pilgrims. The encroachments need to be removed. New area should be developed as a modern shopping complex so that these encroachments do not come up again. This can be kept in mind while preparing the master plan for Buddhagaya township.

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4.   TOURIST  FACILITIES

Buddhagaya is a very important place and it needs to be developed in a way that conforms to international standards. With the all-round development of Buddhagaya it will attract more pilgrims and tourists, because of the better infrastructure facilities which is at par with the best. With the globalization of Buddhism, Buddhagaya will become more important in the history of the World Cultural sphere. We need to preserve and present it to the world community. In the words of Shri Jagmohan, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism and Culture, "I believe this is the time to build on domestic tourism by putting systems and infrastructure in place and project India as a unique destination for physical invigoration, mental rejuvenation and spiritual elevation". What better place can it be than Buddhagaya to project it as a spiritual destination in India.

BEAUTIFICATION OF BUDDHAGAYA :

Buddhagaya should be made more beautiful is the popular belief. Other than the Mahabodhi Temple and the different monasteries there is nothing to hold back the visitors for long. Theme parks, heritage parks, lakes, musical water fountains and recreational facilities will have to be given emphasis. Making Buddhagaya clean and green should be our objective. Use of plastic bags should be stopped immediately and use of paper bags be encouraged. Garbage and composte recycling plants be set-up to produce renewable energy. A Buddhist Art Gallery can also be set up.

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Buddhagaya is a town of International tourist potential where thousands of foreigners visit every year. One of their complaints pertains to the process of Foreign Exchange. The Banks here have a limit on exchange of foreign currency. The main bottle-neck is a constraint for big groups. There is a limit to the amount an individual can exchange. This restriction needs to be lifted or the limit increased. Also the cheques/drafts in foreign currency are cleared with delay. The cheques/drafts deposited here takes more than one and half month for collection. The Foreign Tourists have to wait for a long time during the banking process. ATM counters can also be set up at least at two or three places for easy encashments.

AUDITORIUM :

Buddhagaya lacks modern amenities where its citizens and visitors can meet on occasions. Buddhagaya needs a multi-purpose auditorium where seminars, plays, symposiums and cultural theatres can take place. The auditorium can also have an annexe where an art gallery can be housed. This auditorium has to be of international standard with good lighting and sound equipments and the auditorium could also be rented out.

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CIRCUIT TOUR :

Conducted local circuit tours connecting the places of tourist and pilgrimage importance around Buddhagaya should be started. One such circuit could be connecting Buddhagaya with Sujata-Kuti to Dungeshwari and Barabar caves. The other tour could be by connecting Buddhagaya with Rajgir, Nalanda and Pawapuri. All such tours can be introduced through AC and non-AC buses run by the I.T.D.C., B.S.T.D.C. or Private operators.

HOTEL :

Boarding & Lodging facilities should be developed and set-up keeping in mind the low-budget travellers also so that it will encourage domestic tourists as more emphasis should be given to develop this section. Hotels available here are primarily aimed at the high budgeted travellers. The need is for the lower income group or middle income group travellers. Something like the Yatri Niwas should be set up. Even the government run tourist lodges are priced excessively high.

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HOSPITAL:

At present the Hospital facilities are inadequate to serve the need of the general masses and the visitors. The existing hospital is more like dispensary or a first-aid centre with a couple of indoor bed facilities. The hospital needs to have a superior structure with clean environs and modern equipment to cater to the needs of the visitors who more often are also foreigners. The hospital needs to have facilities for Pathology laboratory, X-ray units, oxygen and other emergency facilities.

RAIL COMMUNICATION :

Visitors coming to Buddhagaya face immense problem getting reservations in trains. It is therefore suggested that foreigners be given preference in the Tourist Quota against their Passports in acquiring railway reservation. A train be introduced from Guwahati in the north-east to New Delhi Via Gaya. This would benefit the Hindus, Buddhists and Jains living in the seven north-eastern states, Sikkim, West Bengal, Bhutan and Nepal who come in large numbers to visit Buddhagaya, Gaya, Rajgir, Nalanda, Parasnath, Varanasi, Sarnath, Allahabad etc.

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REGULAR BUS SERVICE :

Communication facility to and from the Gaya railway station to Buddhagaya is not available as only private vehicles ply and they charge exorbitant rates. Therefore, bus services should be introduced through the road transport department especially keeping in mind the train timings.

GUIDES :

The tourism department should introduce trained guides with knowledge of different foreign languages to guide the foreign tourists who come independent of the conducted tours.

MOBILE TELECOM FACILITIES :

Mobile Telephone system should be introduced at the earliest. At present this facility is not available at Buddhagaya. There is heavy demand for the Mobile service.

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BUS-STAND :

There is a Bus-Stand for the Tourist Buses coming with the tourists. But there is no Bus-Stand for the local buses plying between inter-state or inter-district rounds. At the moment buses park at the road side. This causes heavy congestion in the road traffic and hamper pedestrian movement.

ELECTRICITY SYSTEM  :

Electricity system should be modernized. At the moment Buddhagaya can be termed a town of electrical wires. One can see overhead electrical wires criss-crossing the entire town. The wires run parallel to the road on both sides obstructing the growth of road - side plantations and trees and also affecting the scenic beauty of the town. Therefore, the electricity system should involve underground electricity wires thus making the town free from overhead electrical wires.

WATER-HEAD TANK :

Although the town has introduced door-to-door water supply system yet it is in-sufficient as it does not meet the demand. Therefore, another overhead tank for supply of drinking water should be constructed. This will ensure the availability of hygienic drinking water to the tourists and the people in general.

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TOURIST FACILITIES :

The tourists coming to Buddhagaya need a single window facility under one roof where they can be provided with all the services that are related with their travel related issues and if this can be done it would enable the visitors to easily arrange all their travel related formalities :

1. Forex Bank

2. Railway Reservation Counter

3. Air Reservation Counter

4. Foreigners Registration Office

5. Travel Agents counter

6. Tourist Information Centre

7. Hotel Reservation Counter

8. Taxi on Call

9. Internet Cafe

10. STD/ISD Public Call Office

11. Restaurant

1. Renovation of Platform around Pipal Tree near Lotus Tank (Muchlinda Sarovar)

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