The sacred relics of Lord Buddha, accompanied by those of his revered disciples Arahata Sariputra and Arahata Maudgalyayana, were transported to Thailand on February 22 via a dedicated Indian Air Force aircraft. The holy artifacts found their resting place in the specially constructed mandapam at Sanam Luang Pavilion in Bangkok, where they were presented for public veneration amidst profound reverence and holy chants. Commencing on February 22, the 26-day exposition of these relics unfolded in Thailand.
The occasion held particular significance as nearly one hundred thousand devotees paid their respects on Makha Bucha Day, commemorating Lord Buddha’s teachings to his disciples. These relics, recently airlifted from India to Thailand, were enshrined for a 26-day public display.
It is pertinent to note that these relics, dating back to the 4th-5th century BCE, were excavated in Piparwha, near Siddharthnagar in the state of Uttar Pradesh. This location is considered part of the ancient Kapilvastu site, discovered by the Archaeological Survey of India in the 1970s.
The formal enshrinement of the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha and his two disciples took place at the specially constructed Mandapam at Sanam Luang Pavilion in Bangkok. Governor of Bihar Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar presided over the handover of Lord Buddha’s relics to Thai Prime Minister (Chairman) Srettha Thavisin, while Union Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment Dr. Virendra Kumar presented the relics of Arahants Sariputra & Maha Maudgalyayana to Thai Deputy Prime Minister Somsak Thepsutin and Thai Culture Minister Sermsak Pongpanit for enshrinement in the mandapam.
Earlier in the day, Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, leading the Lord Buddha’s Exposition delegation in Thailand, visited Wat Pho temple in Bangkok. There, he presented a set of 108 volumes of Mongolian Kangyur (Tri Pitika – Buddhist canon) and 26 books on Buddhism by Prof. Satya Vrat Shastri to Most Ven Dr. Debvajracharya, Deputy Abbot of Wat Pho. The Governor paid homage to the giant statue of Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho, engaging in discussions with Most Ven about the cultural connections between Thailand and India, with the latter describing India as his second home.
Concurrently, an exhibition titled “Buddhabhoomi Bharat”, organised by the States of UP and MP Govt., showcasing spiritual and religious tourist places in India, was inaugurated by Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Union Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar, and Thai Culture Minister Sermsak Pongpanit. Governor Arlekar expressed his gratitude for being part of this grand ceremony in Thailand, emphasising Lord Buddha’s embodiment of compassion and non-violence.
He highlighted India’s commitment to spreading the messages of ‘Karuna’ and ‘Ahimsa’ worldwide, indicating that this exposition of holy relics would further disseminate Lord Buddha’s message of love, peace, and compassion for all living beings. Governor Arlekar expressed hope that this event would elevate bilateral relations between India and Thailand. Thai Culture Minister Pongpanit conveyed gratitude to the Indian government for providing the opportunity to Thailand for the exposition of holy relics, pledging efforts to propagate Lord Buddha’s message. Ashwini Pandey, Director General, Culture and Tourism Ministry, Govt of UP, made a presentation on religious and spiritual tourist places and the state government’s measures to facilitate tourists from around the world during the pilgrimage.
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