Indian Embassy has clarified that the location of plantation of the sacred sapling of Bodhi tree had already been agreed by the two sides and conveyed to the Indian side through a formal note from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nepal on 13 November 2014.

“Our attention has been drawn to the news reports regarding plantation of sacred sapling of Bodhi tree brought from Bodh Gaya in the premises of the Mayadevi temple complex in Lumbini The solemn tree plantation ceremony on Wednesday, 10 December, 2014 was attended by senior members of the Lumbini Development Trust including the Member Secretary of the Trust as well as monks from several countries,” said a press release issued by Indian Embassy.

“Gift of sacred sapling of Bodhi tree is a symbol of the ancient civilizational bonds between India and Nepal.”