Myanmar's military ruler General Then Shwe prayed at the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya on Thursday morning.

Gen Shwe arrived on Wednesday evening along with a delegation of 70 officials.

This was his first visit to the temple, where Buddha attained enlightenment 2,500 years ago under a tree.

Sources in the Gaya district administration said that the general expressed his desire to do something for the temple town.

Later he left for Kolkata.

Gen Shwe is on a six-day visit to India.