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Gujarat Leads Sacred Buddha Relics Exposition in Sri Lanka for Cultural Diplomacy

A Gujarat-led Indian delegation is showcasing the sacred Devnimori Relics of Lord Buddha at the Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo, Sri Lanka, from February 4 to 10. The relics, excavated in 1957 from Gujarat's Aravalli district, include a casket containing holy ashes and other artifacts. The delegation, led by Governor Acharya Devvrat and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, will participate in ceremonial and religious events during the exposition. This initiative underscores Gujarat's historical Buddhist significance and reinforces India's spiritual and cultural connections with Sri Lanka.

Key Points: Gujarat Showcases Sacred Devnimori Buddha Relics in Sri Lanka

  • Sacred relics on public display in Colombo
  • Delegation led by Governor and Deputy CM
  • Relics excavated from Gujarat's Devnimori site
  • Initiative strengthens India-Sri Lanka cultural ties
  • Highlights Gujarat's Buddhist heritage
2 min read

Gujarat delegation to showcase sacred Devnimori relics in Sri Lanka

Gujarat delegation, led by Governor and Deputy CM, presents Devnimori Buddha relics in Colombo, strengthening India-Sri Lanka cultural ties.

"The Relics will travel aboard a special Indian Air Force aircraft with full state honours, reflecting the reverence accorded to India's cultural and spiritual heritage. - Government officials"

Vadodara/Gandhinagar, Feb 3 Gujarat will take centre stage in India's cultural diplomacy as senior officials from the state lead the Indian delegation for the exposition of the sacred Devnimori Relics of Lord Buddha in Sri Lanka.

The Relics, currently housed at The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda in Vadodara, will be on public display at the Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo from February 4 to 10, returning to India on February 11, government officials said on Monday.

The delegation will be led by the Governor Acharya Devvrat and the Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, accompanied by senior monks and officials.

The Relics will travel aboard a special Indian Air Force aircraft with full state honours, reflecting the reverence accorded to India's cultural and spiritual heritage.

The delegation will participate in ceremonial, religious, and official events in Colombo, including the inauguration of the exposition and exhibitions showcasing India's Buddhist legacy.

The Devnimori Relics originate from the Devnimori archaeological site in Gujarat's Aravalli district, near Shamlaji.

Excavated in 1957 by archaeologist S.N. Chowdhry, the site revealed significant Buddhist structures and relics dating to the early centuries of the Common Era.

The Relics include a green schist casket inscribed in Brahmi and Sanskrit, reading "dashabala sharira nilay" -- the abode of the Buddha's bodily relic.

Inside, a copper box contains holy ashes, silk cloth, beads, and a gold-coated silver-copper bottle.

The items are preserved in an air-tight glass desiccator with a cotton base to prevent deterioration.

The exposition at Colombo's Gangaramaya Temple, one of Sri Lanka's most prominent Buddhist institutions, is expected to draw devotees from across the country.

The initiative highlights Gujarat's historical and cultural significance in Buddhism and its contemporary role in supporting India's civilisational diplomacy.

By sharing the Devnimori Relics, India reinforces its longstanding spiritual and cultural ties with Sri Lanka, while Gujarat's leadership in the delegation emphasises the state's unique contribution to preserving Buddhist heritage and fostering people-to-people connections between the two nations.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Many people don't know about Gujarat's rich Buddhist history. Devnimori near Shamlaji is such an important site. Glad it's getting international recognition. This is true soft power diplomacy.
A
Aman W
While I appreciate the cultural exchange, I hope the security for these priceless relics is absolutely top-notch. Traveling on an IAF aircraft is good, but the display period needs extreme vigilance. Just a concerned thought.
S
Sarah B
The scientific preservation is impressive! The air-tight glass desiccator with cotton base shows how seriously we take conserving history. Kudos to MSU Baroda for their stewardship. Hope more such relics get the spotlight.
K
Karthik V
This is the kind of news that warms the heart. In a region often marked by political tension, sharing spiritual heritage reminds us of our deeper, shared humanity. May it bring peace and goodwill.
N
Nisha Z
As a history student, I'm thrilled! S.N. Chowdhry's 1957 excavation brought this to light. We need to promote more such archaeological sites within India too. Can we have a permanent exhibition in Gujarat itself?

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