Describing Bodh Gaya as the "landof enlightenment", Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said his government would develop the site as the spiritual capital for it to serve as a civilisational bond between India and the Buddhist world.
He also inaugurated an exhibition "Chetiya Carika: The Pilgrimage and Quest for Truth". His visit coincided with the Global Hindu Buddhist Initiative, whose delegates were present at Bodh Gaya.
Talking of the two-day Hindu Buddhist Conference on Conflict Avoidance and Environmental Consciousness that concluded in Delhi, Modi said, the themes of this conference in a way was inspired by values and ideals given by these two greats.
He said both Gautama Buddha and Lord Krishna taught the world so much, as Krishna gave his message before the start of the great war in Mahabharata and Buddha repeatedly emphasized on rising above warfare.
He said he as Prime Minister felt good to visit the holy place after Jawaharlal Nehru and Atal Bihari Vajpayee, noting that it was special to be here on Janmashtami, the birthday of Lord Krishna.
On the issue of environment, Modi said, the conference seems to have agreed that the philosophic underpinning of Dharma, which stresses the protection of natural heritage, is critical for sustainable development.
Describing Buddha as a "crown jewel" of India, which accepts all ways of worship, he said he revered Buddha as a reformer of not only Hinduism but also the world, who gave a new world view and vision which is critical for survival of all.
Narendra Modi feels 'very blessed' at Mahabodhi Temple