Sikkim protesters in Bodh Gaya demand reforms in Buddha Temple Act

Protesters from Sikkim joined a 46-day-long demonstration in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, against the Buddha Temple Act of 1949 (BT Act), demanding that Buddhist temples be administered solely by Buddhists. 
 

The protest has drawn participants from various parts of India and other countries, calling for reforms in the Act.

Sonam Gyatso Sherpa from the Sikkim Sherpa Protection Board expressed strong concerns over the current provisions of the Act. “According to the BT Act, two out of four committee members governing Buddhist temples must be Hindus. This is due to a misunderstanding. Buddhist institutions should be under Buddhist control. We urge the central and Bihar governments to address this injustice as soon as possible,” he stated.

The protest has seen significant participation from Bhikshus (monks) and Buddhist supporters who argue that the existing system undermines their religious autonomy. Protesters from Sikkim have joined the movement to highlight similar concerns regarding the treatment of the Buddhist community in their home state.

Sangay Gyatso Bhutia, President and General Secretary of SIBLAC (Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee), also voiced his support. “From this sacred place, we call upon all Buddhist communities and followers to participate in a major rally on April 5. We need to stand together and demand our rights,” he urged.

Hundreds of Buddhist monks and followers have launched an indefinite relay hunger strike since February 12, demanding the transfer of the management of the Mahabodhi Mahavihara Temple to the Buddhist community. The protesters are questioning why Brahmins, whose religious scriptures historically criticized Buddha and Buddhist philosophy, continue to control the administration of this sacred site.

Their dissent is clear—when Hindu scriptures criticized Buddha and Buddhist philosophy, when the Mahabharata referred to Magadha as the “land of sinners,” and when merely looking at Buddha was deemed punishable by death, why are Brahmins now in control of the administration of the Mahabodhi Temple?