Current Affairs Question - 22 November 2019

Explanation :

• The Maha bodhi Temple Complex in Bodh Gaya is located in the central part of the state of Bihar, in the northeastern part of India. It is the part of the great Ganges plains.
• The complex is one of the four holy sites related to the life of the Lord Buddha.
• The complex is also known by the name BodhimandaVihara that means 'Position of Awakening'.
• The first temple was constructed by King Ashoka in the 3rd century B.C. while the present temple complex is estimated to be erected somewhere between the 6th or 5th century B.C.
• The present Maha bodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya comprises the 50 m high grand Temple, the Vajrasana, sacred Bodhi Tree and other six sacred sites of Buddha's enlightenment, surrounded by numerous ancient Votive stupas.
• It was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2002.

Explanation :

• The Union Cabinet, on 21st November, 2019, approved the establishment of the National Institute for Sowa-Rigpa (NISR) in Lehas an autonomous organization under the Ministry of AYUSH.
• The Sowa-Rigpa is a traditional Tibetan system of medicine which is practiced in the Himalayan belt of India and is popular in the states of Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and West Bengal’s Darjeeling along with the Union Territory of Ladakh.
• Yuthog Yonten Gonpo is believed to be the father of Sowa Rigpa. He had composed rGyud-bZhi (four tantra) the fundamental text book of this medicine. rGyud-bZhi is based on indigenous medicine of Tibet enriched with Ayurveda, Chinese and Greek Medicine.
• The setting up of the NISR would provide an impetus for the revival of Sowa-Rigpa in the Indian Sub-continent.
• The Institute will also provide opportunities for students of Sowa-Rigpa not only in India but also from other countries.