Work on golden coating of Mahabodhi temple's vault begins

Work for gold coating of the "gumbad" (vault) of world heritage Mahabodhi temple started in Gaya on Tuesday with the help of experts from Thailand.

A team, led by former Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand General Pricha, arrived here from Bankok on Monday with 2.90 quintal gold for the purpose, sources in the Mahabodhi Temple Management Committee said.

The 40-member team came with the gold packed in 13 boxes.

More than two dozen commandos from Thailand have also come to provide security for the gold, Management Committee member Arvind Kumar Singh said.

King of Thailand Bhumibol Atulaya had taken a decision to coat the gumbad (vault) with gold last year and got approval of the Bihar government and temple management committee for the purpose.

After acquiring No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Archaeological Survey of India, work for golden coating of the ancient Buddhist temple has started.

The entire work is being videographed.

The ancient temple in Bodh Gaya where Lord Buddha had attained enlightenment is revered world over.