2 Buddhist monks engage in scuffle at Mahabodhi temple

Gaya, Oct 14 (IANS) In a shocking incident, a scuffle broke out between two Buddhist monks at the Mahabodhi temple, one of the holiest shrines of Buddhism in Bihar's Bodh Gaya, said police.The incident happened on Sunday during the "Chivardan" programme organised to mark the end of "Varshavas", a three-month meditation by Buddha devotees during the rainy season. During the event, two Buddhist monks engaged in an altercation that turned into a brawl.The event was attended by several Indian as well as foreign devotees. The incident shocked everyone, including the temple's chief monk Chalinda, who was also present on the occasion."An FIR has been registered. Police are investigating the matter. The search is on for the accused monks. The monks are Bihar residents," said Mohan Prasad, Station House Officer (SHO), Bodh Gaya. Lord Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment under the sacred Mahabodhi tree situated at the temple.
--IANS hindi-vin/bg