Sacred Buddha Relics Return To India Today After Historic Exposition In Thailand

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After a month-long journey in Thailand, the sacred relics of Buddha, along with those of his revered disciples Arahant Sariputta and Maha Moggallana, are set to return to India amid full state honours. Thailand's culture ministry reported that over four million devotees paid homage to the sacred relics sent from India.

The recent exposition of the relics in Thailand garnered an overwhelming response, with scenes of winding queues of devotees waiting with offerings becoming a familiar sight in every city the procession visited. Organised by India's Culture Ministry, in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), the journey spanned various cities of Thailand, starting from New Delhi on February 22 and culminating on March 19, 2024.

The relics that were displayed across Thailand as part of an exhibition titled 'Shared Heritage, Shared Values' embarked from New Delhi on February 22 and traversed Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Ubon Ratchathani, and Krabi. It was a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, and the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), which aimed to foster a sense of shared spirituality and cultural connection, IBC said in a statement.

Thailand King Vajiralongkorn and his queen performed the inauguration of the prayers with full grandeur at Bangkok's central exhibition park. The exposition also marked the commemoration of the king's 72nd birthday (July 28) celebrations.

The relics were accompanied by an official delegation from India, led by Bihar Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar and Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Virendra Kumar. Monks from India were present at each of the four locations. Besides, there were academicians from different Indian universities who spoke on Buddhism and the relevance of the relics.

Glimpses from Wat Mahathat Wachiramongkol in Krabi, Thailand where @tashi_gyalson, Chairman - LAHDC & the delegation from @MinOfCultureGoI paid respects to the holy relics of Lord Buddha & his two disciples and offered ‘sanghadaan’ to venerable monks.

Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) Chairman Tashi Gyalson and monks from various Theravada and Mahayana traditions of Buddhism are accompanying the relics on its return, which will be received by Minister of State for External Affairs Meenakshi Lekhi at the Palam air base Tuesday.

The inauguration of the prayers was marked by grandeur as His Majesty Vajiralongkorn, the King of Thailand, and his Queen performed the rituals at the central exhibition park of each city. The relics arrived in Bangkok on February 22, accompanied by an official delegation led by Bihar Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar and Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Virendra Kumar.

Throughout the exposition, monks from India, along with academicians from various Indian universities, graced each location. The historic journey not only strengthens the spiritual bond but also serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring legacy of Buddhism in Asia & significance of India's soft power.

Location: India

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