Tara Temple Inauguration, Bodh Gaya

The opening ceremony of Tara Temple in Bodh Gaya, October 16, 2019.

Tara Temple from northeast.
Tara Temple is 2.8 km (1.7 mi) northwest of Mahabodhi Temple.

Morning yoga.
Preparing spiritually for the great moment that is the inauguration of Tara Temple in Bodh Gaya.

Annexes are still under construction.
Part of the temple's annexes are still under construction, which is why they are covered with large yellow cloths.

Arch greeting the participants.
At the entrance, an arch greets participants in the inauguration of Tara Temple.

In the inscription we can read: «Hearty Welcome to H. H. Gyalwang Drukpa, H. E. Thuksey Rinpoche and Sangha Members to Tara Devi Temple, Bodhgaya.»
Below the inscription are the eight auspicious signs: the Endless Knot, the Treasure Vase, the Lotus Flower, Two Golden Fish, the Parasol, the Conch Shell, the Dharma Wheel and the Banner of Victory.
See more at Ashtamangala - Wikipedia.

A yellow corridor leads us to the temple.
The color yellow actually was previously associated with the color worn by criminals but was chosen by the Buddhist faith as a symbol of humility and separation from a materialistic society.

Therefore it is said to signify renunciation and being the color of earth, it is also a symbol of the equanimity of the earth.

Tara Temple Gate.
Above the door is a frieze with Garuda flanked by four snow lions.

In some temples, Garuda is considered to be a manifestation of Avalokitesvara, the Bodhisattva Guanyin.
The four lions surmounting the Garuda symbolize the kingship of the Buddha and his roar over the four directions.
Above the gate is a Dharma wheel, flanked by two dragons, and topped by the Wish-Fulfilling Jewel (Cintamani).

Tara Temple seen from the gate.
The gate is located to the east, and the temple is located to the west. Therefore, the temple faces east.

Tara Temple Courtyard.
Between the gate and the temple there is a courtyard flanked by buildings.

Participants sit in the courtyard waiting for the opening ceremony to begin.

The Tara Temple has three floors.
The Tara Temple has three floors and is topped by the Great Statue of Green Tara.

On the ground floor is the main hall which is accessed from the courtyard.
Floors one and two are accessed through a door on the right side of the temple.
The terrace is completely occupied by the Great Statue of Green Tara.

Dharma Wheel and Pair of Deer.
On the first floor, the Dharma Wheel and Pair of Deer stands out.

In the Buddhist Art at early sites, the Dharma Wheel (dharmachakra) was often used as a symbol of Gautama Buddha himself.
The symbol is often paired with the triple jewel (triratna) or trident (trishula) symbolizing the triple gem, umbrellas (chatra), symbols of sovereignty and royal power, gems and garlands. It is also sometimes depicted alongside animals such as lions, or deer.
See more at Dharmachakra - Wikipedia.

Roof corners with makaras and garudas.
The makaras are on the lower level. The garudas are on the upper level.

In Tibetan iconography, Makara is depicted in the Vajrayana as a weapon of strength and tenacity. Makara symbolic representation in the form of a makara head at the corner of temple roofs is as water element which also functions as a "rainwater spout or gargoyle".
In Buddhism, the Garuda are enormous predatory birds with a wingspan of 330 yojanas. The Garuda are enemies to the naga, a race of intelligent serpent- or dragon-like beings, whom they hunt.
See more at Makara, Tibetan Buddhist iconography - Wikipedia and Garuda, Buddhism - Wikipedia.

Detail of the column capitals.
The capital of a traditional Tibetan column is a layered structure.

The composition of a Tibetan capital begins with a small square of wood (Dre) that separates the top of the column shaft from the capital. The capital contains two distinct curvilinear forms. The lower is called the small bow and the upper is the long bow.
The small bow is basically a small bracket with a length about twice the column width that initiates the transition between pillar shaft and capital. It is usually carved or painted with decorations. Above there may be an optional block separating the small bow from the long bow. The long bow is the more ornately carved of the two bracket members.
It is a much longer bracket which at times may be as long as the column is tall. It is usually carved in a cloud type pattern which gives an undulating almost serrated bottom edge. The long bow faces are usually brightly painted in rich greens, blues, yellows and white with a central figure that may be painted in gold.

Inauguration program.
In the inauguration program we can read:

«9:30 AM: Inauguration of temple
10:00 AM: Mandala offering to H. H. Gyalwang Drukpa by H. E. Gyarawa Rinpoche and members
Welcome and introduction speech by H. E. Gyarawa Rinpoche founder of the temple
Felicitation awards to sponsors by H. H. Gyalwang Drukpa and Indian artist by Gyarawa Rinpoche
Speech by H. H. Gyalwang Drukpa
Vote of thanks by Venerable Ngawang Tenzin Gyatso president of Druk Jetavan Trust
11:30 AM: Lunch»

Monks waiting.
The monks wait for the inauguration ceremony to begin in the side corridor.

Participants waiting.
Participants wait for the festivities to begin and take the opportunity to take photos of the new buildings that have just been built.

Entrance of high dignitaries.
High dignitaries enter through a side door and head to the main hall of the temple.

Everyone stands up before the high dignitaries.

Entering the main hall of the temple.
After the speeches, a large number of participants enter the main hall of the temple to watch the ceremonies taking place inside.

Many are left out.
The number of participants who came to participate in the inauguration is so large that many stay outside the main hall of the temple.

Decorated door to the main hall.
The door to the main hall was suitably decorated for the inauguration.

Plaque commemorating the inauguration.
During the ceremonies, a plaque commemorating the moment of inauguration was unveiled.

Tibetan dresil ceremonial rice.
Dresil is a sweet dish in Tibetan cuisine made with rice that is cooked in unsalted butter and mixed with raisins, droma (a tuber found in Tibet), dates and nuts.

Shoes are left at the entrance to the main hall.

We are offered a small red bag.

Inside the bag is a green mala.
The mala (rosary) has 74+1 beads and a medallion. On the front side of the medallion Green Tara is represented. On the back of the medallion is written «Tara Temple Bodhgaya».

A japamala, simply mala (meaning 'garland') is a loop of prayer beads commonly used in Indian religions such as Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism, and Buddhism for counting recitations when performing japa (reciting a mantra or other sacred sound) or for counting some other spiritual practice (sadhana) such as prostrating before a holy icon. They are similar to other forms of prayer beads used in various world religions (such as misbahahs in Islam) and in Christianity the "rosary".
The main body of a mala is usually 108 beads of roughly the same size and material as each other though smaller versions, often factors of 108 such as 54 or 27, exist.
A distinctive 109th "guru bead", not used for counting, is very common.
See more at Japamala - Wikipedia.

High dignitaries exit the main hall.
Once the ceremonies inside are over, the high dignitaries leave the main hall.

Main Hall.
We can finally enter the main hall.

The main hall is spacious and well lit from all sides.
The large Buddha statue dominates the interior.

Offering khata scarves.
Standing in line, in front of the statue of Buddha, each one offers the Buddha a khata scarf.

A khata is a traditional ceremonial scarf in Tibetan Buddhism.
It is a symbol of honour and respect. It is offered in monasteries and temples. It holds religious and cultural significance.
The khata symbolizes purity and compassion and is worn or presented with incense at many ceremonial occasions, including births, weddings, funerals, graduations and the arrival or departure of guests. When given as a farewell gesture it symbolizes a safe journey. When given to arriving guests it symbolizes welcome.
Tibetan khatas are usually white, symbolising the pure heart of the giver, though it is quite common to find yellow-gold khata as well.
See more at Khata - Wikipedia.

Golden Shakyamuni Buddha with Alms Bowl on Lotus Throne.
Shakyamuni Buddha sits, legs crossed, upon the Lotus Throne holding an Alms Bowl. The alms bowl (patra) in his hand signifies care and compassion for all beings.

Shakyamuni Buddha portrays Bhumisparsha mudra with the right hand.
The bhumisparsha or "earth witness" mudra of Shakyamuni Buddha is one of the most common iconic images of Buddhism. Other names include "Buddha calling the earth to witness", and "earth-touching".
It depicts the story from Buddhist legend of the moment when Buddha attained complete enlightenment, with Buddha sitting in meditation with his left hand, palm upright, in his lap, and his right hand touching the earth. In the legend, Buddha was challenged by the evil one, Mara, who argue for a witness to attest his right to achieve it. In response to Mara, Buddha touched the ground, and Phra Mae Thorani, the earth goddess, appeared to be the witnesses for the Buddha's enlightenment.
See more at Mudra, Buddhist Iconography - Wikipedia.

Golden statue of Tara.
Welcoming participants is a beautiful golden statue of Tara.

With her right hand, Tara makes varadamudra, the gesture of charity or gift-giving, while her left hand holds a lotus.
Tara is most often shown with the blue lotus or night lotus (utpala), which releases its fragrance with the appearance of the moon and therefore Tara is also associated with the moon and night.
The varadamudra is a mudra, a symbolic gesture featured in the iconography of Indian religions. It indicates a gesture by the hand and symbolises dispensing of boons. It is represented by the palm held outward, with the fingers outstretched and pointing downwards. Sometimes, the thumb and the index finger meet, forming a circle.
See more at Varadamudra - Wikipedia.