Bihar temple rocked by eight explosions, two injured

After an initial explosion, seven successive explosions took place injuring a Buddhist monk and a pilgrim.

BODHGAYA: A Buddhist monk and a pilgrim were injured when as many as eight explosions rocked the Mahabodhi temple in the Bodhgaya district in the Indian state of Bihar early on Sunday morning, NDTV reported.

According to the report, the first blast took place inside the temple complex shortly after 5 am. That initial explosion was followed by seven successive explosions.

Another bomb was also reportedly found near the site and defused.

The bombs were of low intensity and did not damage the temple.

The injured were rushed the hospital.

The temple was largely empty with only a few pilgrims and the cleaning staff present at the time of the blasts.

"We were doing our daily rituals in the temple when we heard a big explosion," an eyewitness said.

The temple premises have been cordoned off. Reports say security has been beefed up in and around other religious sites of the district.

Mahabodhi hosts Buddhist temples and attract a large number of pilgrims, especially from Japan, Thailand and Myanmar.