Bodh Gaya/Patna; Myanmar President Gen. Min Aung Hlaing arrived at Gaya International Airport on Saturday morning at around 9 am as part of his five-day visit to India.
He was accompanied by a high-level delegation that included cabinet ministers, senior government officials and business representatives from Myanmar.
Bihar Governor Lt. Gen. (Retd) Syed Ata Hasnain and state Agriculture Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha received the president at the airport.
Prayers at Mahabodhi Temple
The president reached the Mahabodhi Temple complex at around 10.15 am, where he was welcomed by Buddhist monks.
During his visit, Gen. Hlaing offered prayers inside the sanctum sanctorum and presented rice pudding (kheer) and a civara (monastic robe) before the statue of Lord Buddha.
Meditation Under the Bodhi Tree
In addition to offering prayers, the Myanmar president visited the upper level of the shrine and paid respects before another statue of Lord Buddha.
He also spent time meditating beneath the Bodhi Tree, regarded as the site where Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment, and later performed a circumambulation of the temple complex.
Temple authorities briefed the president on the history, religious significance and heritage of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visit to Sujata Temple and Burmese Vihar
Following his visit to the Mahabodhi Temple, the president travelled to the Sujata Temple in Bakraur village.
He also visited the Burmese Vihar in Bodh Gaya as part of his itinerary covering prominent Buddhist sites associated with the life and teachings of the Buddha.
Security Arrangements
Authorities deployed security personnel along the route connecting Gaya International Airport, the Mahabodhi Temple and the Sujata Temple.
Enhanced security measures remained in place throughout the visit to facilitate the movement of the visiting delegation and ensure public safety.
