Bihar to Get a World-Class Buddhist Meditation and Spirituality Center in Bodhgaya

'Buddhist Meditation and Spirituality Center' will be established in Bodhgaya, Bihar. Rs 165.443 crore has been sanctioned for this project. It has been approved under the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme, for which Rs 16.54 crore has been released as the first installment.

Design will be inspired by Kesariya Stupa

The Tourism Ministry's Clearance and Monitoring Committee (CSMC) has given the green signal to this project in a meeting held on 27 March 2025. Under this, the state government will develop a special meditation and spirituality center keeping in mind the sacred atmosphere of Bodhgaya, the design of which will be inspired by ancient Buddhist architecture, especially Kesariya Stupa of Bihar.

Main features of the project

Meditation and Spirituality Center for Buddhist followers and tourists:

⦁ The objective of this center will be to make the followers of Buddhism and tourists experience meditation, sadhana and spiritual peace.

Design inspired by traditional Buddhist architecture:

⦁ The structure of the center will be developed on the basis of ancient Buddhist stupas, which will not only attract tourists but will also increase the religious significance of Bodhgaya.

Meditation center equipped with modern facilities:

⦁ Many facilities will be available including special rooms for meditation, digital exhibitions related to Buddhism.

Contribution in economic and tourism sector:

⦁ This project will boost the local economy and the tourism industry of Bodhgaya will also reach new heights.

Financial management and implementation

The responsibility of implementing this project has been given to Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation Limited (BSTDC). Indian Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) has been appointed as the central nodal agency of this scheme. Rs 16.54 crore has been released as the first installment and further funds will be released as per the guidelines of the scheme.

Tourism will be promoted in Bihar

Bodh Gaya is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhist followers around the world. Establishment of 'Buddhist Meditation and Spirituality Centre' will promote religious tourism in Bihar and will help in developing Bodhgaya as a global spiritual centre