Buddhist monks offer prayers for world peace on Tripitaka festival

Bodhgaya (Bihar), Dec.3 (ANI): Buddhist Monks from 54 countries gathered at the Mahabodhi Mahavihara temple located in Bihar's Bodhgaya district to offer prayers for world peace on the occasion of the Tripitaka festival.

As a part of the festivities, the monks would recite the holy Buddhist scripture called 'Tripitaka'.

"Monks from approximately 54 countries have come to offer prayers here. Tripitaka, the Buddhist scripture, includes over 18,000 discourses and around 84,000 stories of Gautam Buddha. We recite these scriptures here and apply these teachings in our daily lives," said Bhante Ashokvansh, a monk.

"We also propagate these teachings to others so that it provides peace and happiness to all," he added.

The Bihar Governor, Devanand Konwar, has inaugurated the festival by offering prayers in the temple.

Monks from various countries also gathered under the holy Bodhi tree for special prayers. The Bodhi tree is a 'peepul' under which the Buddha achieved enlightenment.

Situated on the banks of Niranjana River, Bodhgaya is a highly revered site for Buddhists.

The festival would continue for ten days till December 12. (ANI)