Buddhist temple gets Muslim patron

Sabi A Shamsi has been appointed by the Thai king

PATNA: A Muslim youth has been appointed the advisor and patron of a Thai temple-cum-community centre at Bodh Gaya, where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment.

Sabi A Shamsi, in his 30s, a resident of Gaya district, has been chosen by Thai king Bhoomibhol Adulyadej as the advisor and patron of the Neranjarawas temple, which will be funded by Buddhists living in Thailand and the US. “Impressed by Shamsi’s selfless service for communal harmony at Bodh Gaya, the king of Thailand selected him for this rare honour,” sources said.

“It is an honour for me to be given the responsibility by the Thailand king,” Shamsi said. He said Neranjarawas temple was committed towards strengthening communal harmony.

Never before has a Muslim been appointed the advisor and patron of a Buddhist temple. The temple-cum-community centre, to be built at a cost of Rs 160 million, includes a school, hospital, community centre and a guesthouse for monks coming to Bodh Gaya from around the world.