By Tejaswini
Bodh Gaya: Thousands of Buddhist monks, nuns and lay devotees from across the Himalayan region and neighbouring countries have gathered in Bodh Gaya to take part in the 10-day Nyingma Monlam Chenmo, one of the most significant annual prayer congregations of the Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism.
The prayers began on Monday morning at the Mahabodhi Mahavihara, a Unesco world heritage site revered as the place where Prince Siddhartha is believed to have attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. Devotees offered prayers for world peace as the 37th edition of the gathering formally commenced.
Organisers said more than 10,000 participants have arrived for the event, including followers from Bhutan, Nepal and Tibet, as well as from Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh and India’s north-eastern states. The Nyingma tradition is the oldest of the four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism — alongside Gelug, Kagyu and Sakya — and traces its spiritual lineage to Guru Padmasambhava, who introduced Vajrayana Buddhism to Tibet in the eighth century.
Over 10 days, devotees will engage in daily prayer sessions, ritual offerings and meditation, while also listening to teachings delivered by senior spiritual leaders. Special ceremonies and blessings are being held beneath the sacred Bodhi (peepal) tree within the temple complex.
Over more than three decades, the annual Nyingma Monlam Chenmo at Bodh Gaya has evolved into a global spiritual gathering focused on peace, environmental harmony, interfaith unity and collective wellbeing. Practitioners believe that the synchronised chanting, meditation and ritual practices generate positive spiritual energy, reinforcing Buddhism’s core values of compassion, non-violence and wisdom.
The event is being led by eminent Rinpoches and Tulkus positioned at the four cardinal directions of the temple complex. On the eastern side, the prayers are guided by Tulku Sangngak Rinpoche, Gonpo Tulku Rinpoche, Khandelwal Kunsang Chodon and Lama Sonam. The southern ceremonies are overseen by Khabar Minling Khenchen, Khabar Garab Rinpoche, Khabje Tulshik Rinpoche and Tulku Panam. On the western side, leadership rests with Khabje Musang Rinpoche and Khabje Gangkhang Rinpoche, while the northern direction is presided over by Khabje Kathok Situ Rinpoche, Dungsey Jigme Rinpoche, Namgay Dawa Rinpoche, Gongjang Rinpoche, Lachung Rinpoche and Ghepa Rinpoche.
The Bodh Gaya Temple Management Committee said it was extending full cooperation to ensure the smooth conduct of the international gathering while preserving the sanctity and heritage of the ancient shrine.
The Mahabodhi temple complex has been adorned with colourful prayer banners, elaborately crafted ritual tormas representing the twelve forms of the Buddha, and large sacred scrolls depicting Lord Buddha and Guru Padmasambhava, lending a vivid ceremonial atmosphere to one of Buddhism’s most important annual congregations.
