Sacred Devnimori Relics of Lord Buddha return to India

The sacred Devnimori Relics of Lord Buddha returned to India on Wednesday after a week-long exhibition at the revered Gangaramaya Temple in Sri Lanka.

Over one million devotees participated in the public veneration, making the exposition a major spiritual and cultural milestone, the Ministry of Culture said.

The holy relics were taken abroad for their first-ever international exposition.

A high-level Indian delegation led by Madhya Pradesh Governor Mangubhai Patel, Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein along with senior Buddhist monks and officials brought back the relics, the ministry said.

Mein described the occasion as of "immense spiritual and national importance" with deep civilizational significance. "Arrived at Colombo, Sri Lanka alongside Hon'ble Governor of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Mangubhai Chhaganbhai Patel ji for the return of the Holy Devnimori relics of Lord Buddha from Sri Lanka," he said in a social media post earlier in the day.

Expressing his sense of privilege in being part of the initiative, the deputy chief minister said, "Deeply honoured to be part of the delegation for bringing back Holy Devnimori relics of Lord Buddha from Sri Lanka."

Highlighting the larger significance of the occasion, he described it as a moment that transcends national boundaries and resonates deeply with followers of Buddhism across the world.

"This sacred and historic occasion holds profound spiritual, cultural and civilizational significance for the nation and for millions of Buddhists across the world," the minister added.

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the people of India for enabling the event.

"Complementing the exposition, special exhibitions titled 'Unearthing the Sacred Piprahwa' and 'Sacred Relic and Cultural Engagement of Contemporary India' were organized, showcasing the shared Buddhist heritage and civilizational links between India and Sri Lanka," the ministry said.

The Devnimori Buddha relics, discovered in North Gujarat, hold immense religious and historical significance for the Buddhist community worldwide. These ancient artifacts trace back to the early centuries of Buddhism and represent a vital piece of India's rich Buddhist heritage.

Their ceremonial movement and display often carry deep diplomatic, spiritual, and cultural importance, strengthening ties between Buddhist communities and nations connected through shared heritage.