Bodh Gaya blasts: Monks hold special prayer

Buddhist monks from 50 countries held a special prayer inside the Bodh Gaya temple for return of peace after 10 explosions that left two injured. Buddhist monks from Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar and other countries participated in the one-hour prayer this evening, Arvind Singh, member of Bodh Gaya Temple Management Committee (BTMC), told. Head of monasteries of different countries also attended the prayer. Singh, who took part in the prayer, said the temple remained open for monks and would be opened for general public today. The Bodh Gaya temple, rocked by series of explosions early morning yesterday leaving two monks injured, was opened for public on Monday with thousands of people standing in queue. "The visitors are allowed to enter the temple after thorough search by Bihar police and temple management committee security staff," Arvind Singh, member of Bodh Gaya Temple Management Committee (BTMC), said. Thousands of people thronged to the temple immediately after the gate was open at 6pm, he said.