Why in News? 

Buddhist monks have begun a protest at the Mahabodhi Mahavihara (also known as the Bodh Gaya Temple) in Bihar, demanding the repeal of the Bodh Gaya Temple Act (BTA), 1949. 

About Bodh Gaya Temple 

• One of the Four Holy Sites: The temple is deeply connected with the life of Lord Buddha, especially his attainment of Enlightenment. 
• UNESCO World Heritage Site: It has been listed since 2002. 
• Ancient Origins: 
  • One of the 84,000 shrines built by King Asoka in the 3rd century B.C. 
  • The present temple structure, built in the 5th or 6th century A.D., belongs to the Gupta period. 
  • Among the earliest brick-built Buddhist temples. 
• Historical Records: A detailed description of the temple was recorded by Huen Tsang, a Chinese pilgrim.