The Mahabodhi Temple , the most sacred Buddhist shrine, was formally dedicated to the "humanity at large" at a function held on the shrine premises shortly after 11 am on Thursday.
It was here that Siddhartha, a wandering prince from the neighbouring Himalayan kingdom, attained supreme enlightenment to become Buddha, the enlightened one, about 2,500 years ago.
The temple was dedicated to the "humanity at large" to acknowledge the shrine's new status as a World Heritage Site. Unesco declared the Mahabodhi Temple a world heritage site in June 2002 and the formal celebration was held on Thursday.
Formally dedicating the shrine to the world, Union tourism minister Jagmohan said: "We, the people of India and the Government of India regard the temple as the one belonging to the entire human race and we would like peace and harmony to prevail in the world in the true spirit of Buddhism. We, therefore, dedicate this temple to the world."
The unveiling of the dedication plaque was done amid the chanting of Buddhist mantras from scriptures in both Pali and Tibetan languages. The beating of drums and some classical Tibetan musical instruments accompanied the religious ceremony.
More than 400 delegates from 25 different countries of the world participated in the memorable event.
The prominent participants included Princess Norlam Bhoopa Devi of Cambodia , Mongkhonvialy, culture minister of Laos , Dharmasen Mahasthivar, superior Buddhist monk from Bangladesh , Most Rev. Y Suglsaki, chief of the Diajokiyo sect of Japanese Buddhists, and Pomnyun Sunin, superior priest from Korea .
CM Rabri Devi stayed away from the function.
A controversy erupted on the seating arrangements as Bhadant Dhamma Viriyo, president of the Monks' Association, objected to the mantra-chanting monks being seated on the floor while the laity occupied luxury chairs.
"This arrangement is in total violation of the established Buddhist tradition where the monks are accorded a high pedestal," said Dhamma Viriyo. Near chaos prevailed at the function venue as some chairs meant for foreign dignitaries were grabbed by others.