Bodh Gaya (Bihar) [India], April 12 (ANI): Japanese Ambassador to India Keichi Ono, along with a high-level delegation, visited the revered Mahabodhi Temple in Bihar's Bodhgaya on Saturday morning, highlighting the enduring cultural and spiritual bond between India and Japan.

The visit, which began at 8:45 am, included key dignitaries such as Naoya Haraikawa, Commissioner of the Japan Tourism Agency, Ryuta Saito, Second Secretary at the Embassy of Japan, and Masahiro Kawakami, an official from the embassy.

The delegation was warmly received by Bhikkhu Buddha Ratna (Manoj Bhante) and other resident monks of the Mahabodhi Temple. Mahashweta Maharathi, Secretary of the Bodhgaya Temple Management Committee (BTMC), joined by BTMC members Reverend Okonogi, Arvind Singh, and Kiran Lama, extended a cordial welcome. The visit began with an official reception followed by a guided spiritual and historical tour of the temple premises.

The group visited the main shrine and offered prayers beneath the sacred Bodhi Tree, the spot believed to be where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. They were also taken to other significant sites within the temple complex, including Mucalinda Sarovar, Ratna Griha, Chankraman (Jewel Walk), the Ajapala Nigrodha Tree, and the Rajayatna Tree. At each of these locations, the delegation paid respects and engaged with the spiritual atmosphere of the place.

As a gesture of goodwill, mementos were presented to Ambassador Ono and Commissioner Haraikawa by Bhikkhu Buddha Ratna, Maharathi, and BTMC members. The exchange reflected the shared Buddhist heritage and mutual appreciation between the two nations.

In the Visitor's Book, Ambassador Ono wrote that the visit to Mahabodhi Temple and Buddhagaya had been a 'truly memorable experience,' calling it one of the most sacred places for Buddhists, Buddhism, and Japan.

He expressed his hope that the site would continue to act as a bridge of friendship and cultural connection between India and Japan.

Other members of the delegation also expressed deep appreciation for the spiritually enriching visit. (ANI)