Gaya: There is proposal to include the Muchlind pond in Bodhgaya in the Buddhist circuit among other ancient monuments linked to the Buddha. The tourism department has sent a proposal in this regard to the Centre.

Muchlind pond is an ancient pond around 1km south of the World Heritage Mahabodhi Mahavihara where Buddha spent six weeks after attaining enlightenment.

The state government has earmarked around Rs 5.14 crore towards beautification and renovation of the pond. During his visit to Bodhgaya on January 28, 2010, chief minister Nitish Kumar had asked then Gaya district magistrate to send a proposal to the state government for renovation and beautification of the pond.

Situated at village Mocharim, the pond is in a very bad shape. According to history, Buddha spent seven weeks around the Bodhi tree after attaining enlightenment. The pond site was dug up during the Pala period. According to available information, when the Buddha was meditating near the original Muchlind pond, there was heavy rain accompanied by thunder. A king cobra then spread out its hood like an umbrella to protect the Buddha from the rain.

As part of the renovation plan, the pond has to be fenced with a boundary wall and ghats built. The road leading to the pond is very narrow. The tourism department floated a tender in 2014 to build the road, which is half complete.

Sukhdev Prasad of Bodhgaya, said the place can prove to be a favourite destination for tourists and devotees visiting Bodhgaya. It would also create employment opportunities, he said.