Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v1.c7.s2.t3.10

v1.c7.s2.t3.10

Rediscovered during the colonial period in a decayed state, its restoration commenced first by Francis Buchanan in 1811-12 and finally, in 1881 by J D Beglar under the supervision of Alexander Cunningham. After the initial renovation of the temple, the first International Buddhist Conference was held in Bodhgaya in 1891. This brought this famous sacred site once again on the pilgrim tourist map. In 1956, the 2,500 the anniversary of Buddha was celebrated here under the auspices of the Government of India with participation by a large number of representatives from different Buddhist sects and countries. In 2002, the Mahabodhi Temple complex was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bodhgaya is now fast developing as an internationally recognised Buddhist religious and pilgrim centre with Buddhist chanting in different languages of various countries buzzing the area and temples, monasteries and parks of different Buddhist sects and countries being erected all over the place.