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Key Points

A high-profile Thai Buddhist delegation, led by Somdet Phra Thirayarnmuni, met Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel to strengthen spiritual and cultural ties. The visit included tributes to Ahmedabad plane crash victims and discussions on Gujarat’s Buddhist heritage sites. The delegation expressed interest in Vadnagar and Devni Mori, key locations in India’s Buddhist circuit. CM Patel highlighted plans to transform Devni Mori into a global pilgrimage destination.

Key Points: Thai Buddhist Leader Somdet Phra Meets Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel

  • Thai delegation pays tribute to Ahmedabad plane crash victims
  • Explores Gujarat’s Buddhist sites like Vadnagar and Devni Mori
  • Strengthens India-Thailand cultural and religious ties
  • Plans to develop Devni Mori as a global pilgrimage site
2 min read

Thai Buddhist leader visits Gujarat, pays tribute to plane crash victims

Thai spiritual delegation led by Somdet Phra Thirayarnmuni visits Gujarat, honors plane crash victims, and explores Buddhist heritage sites.

"Their presence in Gujarat carries a message of peace, goodwill, and spiritual unity – CM Bhupendra Patel"

Gandhinagar, June 18

A high-level Thai spiritual and cultural delegation led by revered Buddhist monk Somdet Phra Thirayarnmuni, paid a courtesy visit to Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel in Gandhinagar. The delegation, on a seven-day visit to India, is spending five days in Gujarat, with a focus on deepening spiritual ties, exploring shared Buddhist heritage, and promoting peace and harmony.

During the meeting, the delegation expressed condolences for the victims of the tragic Ahmedabad plane crash, paying tribute to those who lost their lives. CM Patel welcomed the delegation warmly, stating that their presence in Gujarat carries a message of peace, goodwill, and spiritual unity. He noted that the visit will further strengthen India-Thailand relations, particularly in the realm of cultural diplomacy and religious tourism.

The Thai delegation includes two senior monks from the Sangha Supreme Council of Thailand, advisors to the Thai Prime Minister, and actor Gagan Malik, known for his portrayal of Lord Buddha and Ram in Indian television.

The delegation also showed keen interest in Gujarat’s Buddhist heritage, particularly the ancient sites of Vadnagar and Devni Mori, both significant to the Buddhist circuit and historical pilgrimages linked to Chinese traveller Xuanzang (Hiuen Tsang).

Chief Minister Patel recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent announcement in Thailand about sending Lord Buddha’s sacred relics from Devni Mori for exhibition.

He reiterated the state’s commitment to transforming Devni Mori into a global Buddhist pilgrimage site, including plans to recreate the submerged stupa as a symbolic monument.

During the discussion, Tourism Secretary Dr. Rajendra Kumar gave a detailed presentation on Gujarat’s rich Buddhist legacy, including stupas, vihars, and rock-cut caves dating back to the 2nd century BCE.

The delegation showed great enthusiasm in learning about the cultural and archaeological depth of the region. In a symbolic exchange, CM Patel presented a commemorative memento to Somdet Phra Thirayarnmuni, who in turn gifted Buddhist literature and sacred items.

The Buddhist leader also reflected on his spiritual journey, mentioning time spent at Belur Math in Kolkata and his admiration for Swami Vivekananda, whose statue in the CM’s chamber caught his attention during the visit.

The delegation is scheduled to visit Vadodara, the Statue of Unity in Ekta Nagar, and Dwarka before June 21. CM Patel concluded the meeting by expressing confidence that this visit would serve as a bridge between the cultural values of India and Thailand.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya K.
Such a heartwarming gesture by the Thai delegation to remember the Ahmedabad crash victims 🙏 India and Thailand share such deep spiritual bonds through Buddhism. Gujarat's hidden Buddhist heritage deserves more attention - glad they're visiting Vadnagar and Devni Mori!
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Rahul S.
Excellent cultural diplomacy move by Gujarat government! But I hope they don't just focus on tourism revenue and actually preserve these ancient sites properly. The submerged stupa recreation sounds ambitious - hope it's done with archaeological accuracy.
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Ananya M.
The connection between Swami Vivekananda and Buddhism is fascinating! Both teach universal brotherhood. Thailand's monks visiting Belur Math and now Gujarat shows how spirituality transcends borders. More such exchanges please! 😊
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Vikram J.
While I appreciate the cultural exchange, I wish our government would also focus on improving aviation safety after that tragic crash. Spiritual visits are good, but concrete safety measures would be better tribute to victims.
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Sneha P.
Didn't know Gujarat had such rich Buddhist history! The Xuanzang connection is amazing. We should teach more about these cultural links in our schools. Thailand and India are like spiritual cousins 🇮🇳🤝🇹🇭
K
Karan D.
Good to see actor Gagan Malik part of delegation - art and culture can be powerful bridges between nations. His portrayal of Buddha must have given him deep insights into Buddhist philosophy. Hope they enjoy their visit to Statue of Unity!

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