PM Modi visits Gandan monastery in Mongolia, gifts Bodhi sapling as 'token of friendship'

Ulan Bator: Prime Minster Narendra Modi today handed over a Bodhi tree sapling at the Gandan Tegchilen monastery here, saying it was a token of friendship from the Indian people. [caption id=“attachment_2248480” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi visiting the Gandan Monastery, in Mongolia on May 17, 2015. PIB[/caption] Modi, the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Mongolia, went to the Tibetan-style Buddhist monastery soon after his arrival here. Modi handed over the Bodhi tree sapling to Hamba Lama (Chief Abbott) of the Gandan Tegchilen monastery. “I could not have started my visit in a better way. It began with a visit to the historic Gandan Monastery, where I handed over a sapling of the Mahabodhi Tree. This is a token of friendship from the people of India,” he said in his press statements after signing of bilateral agreements. The Hamba Lama D Choijamts held the Prime Minister’s hand and took him around the Vajra Tara temple inside the monastery premises where the Indian leader paid obeisance. Modi was also taken to the sacred library at the temple which has exhibits of old sacred books. He also visited the Janraisag Monastery which houses a 26 metre tall statue of Janraisag Buddha. The Prime Minister did a parikrama at the Janraisag monastery. Gandan is the largest and most significant monastery in Mongolia. Built in the mid 19th century, it is the only monastery where Buddhist services continued to function even during the Communist period. Later at a community reception at Buyant Ukhaa Stadium, the Prime Minister highlighted the role of spiritualism and yoga in promoting a healthy society. He said praised Sri Sri Ravi Shankar for promoting spiritualism in the world by giving it a modern touch. “I was seeing the Surya Namaskar. I saw people from all age groups were doing it and spreading the message of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” Modi said. He said the programmes at the community reception here showed the inclination of Mongolians towards spiritualism. He said today the people are living in stress and the society is facing a lot turmoil. “The world needs peace and yoga is a medium to achieve it,” he said. “Had I not come here and met you all, perhaps this trip would be incomplete,” Modi said. The Prime Minister said the Mongolian people have won his heart by their hospitality throughout the day. PTI