Hanoi, May 16
Renowned Buddhist scholar and spiritual leader Ling Rinpoche on Friday visited the Buddhist temple Quang Sa Pagoda in Vietnam to pay respects to the holy Buddha Relics sent from India. He was warmly welcomed by monks and devotees, offered prayers and joined a special ceremony highlighting deep spiritual ties across Buddhist traditions.
The sacred relics of Lord Buddha from India were enshrined in the Buddhist temple Quan Su Pagoda in Hanoi earlier this week with ceremonial ritual and prayers conducted by monks from India and Vietnam.
Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy in Vietnam also shared information on relics of Lord Buddha and upcoming projects with the local media.
Terming it as a national treasure of India, the Embassy stated that the visit of Lord Buddha's relics to Vietnam is the result of the cooperation between both governments, the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha and other organisations.
On Thursday evening, Comrade Bui Thị Minh Hoai, Member of the Politburo and Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee, also visited the Quan Su Pagoda to venerate the Buddha’s Sacred Relic on the occasion of the United Nations Day of Vesak 2025.
Earlier, Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha visited the Buddhist temple in Hanoi to venerate and pay respects to the sacred relics. The visit took place in a solemn and reverent atmosphere, reflecting deep respect for the spiritual and cultural values of Buddhism.
Vietnam's Hanoi came to a standstill this week as a large crowd thronged the capital city from across the country and gathered outside the Quan Su Pagoda to pay their obeisance to the Holy Buddhist Relics sent from India.
Around five lakh people had gathered on the streets to welcome the sacred relics as it entered the Vietnamese capital on Tuesday. People were high on emotions, with many weeping and praying while others chanted aloud.
India's sending of the holy relics to Vietnam has been appreciated by Vietnamese President Luong Cuong as a gesture that has further strengthened the strong spiritual and cultural ties between both countries.
The holy relics were brought from India on May 2 by an Indian delegation led by Union Minister of Parliamentary and Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju which also included Andhra Pradesh Minister Kandula Durgesh and senior monks and officials.
The holy relics will remain in Vietnam until May 21 as part of the UN Day of Vesak celebrations. The relics were earlier displayed at Thanh Tam Pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City, and then in Ba Den Mountain in Tay Ninh province and are currently in Hanoi till Friday.
— IANS
Reader Comments
This is such a beautiful example of India's spiritual diplomacy! Our Buddha relics are truly national treasures that connect us with Buddhist nations like Vietnam. Jai Hind! ðŸ™
While I appreciate this cultural exchange, I wish our government would also focus on preserving Buddhist heritage sites within India. Many ancient stupas and monasteries need urgent attention.
The emotional scenes in Vietnam show how deeply Buddhism connects our cultures. India should leverage these spiritual ties to strengthen our Act East policy. More such exchanges please!
As someone who's visited both Bodh Gaya and Vietnam's Buddhist sites, this news warms my heart â¤ï¸. The reverence shown by Vietnamese people reminds me of how pilgrims behave at our own sacred sites.
Interesting to see Vietnam's communist leaders participating in Buddhist ceremonies. Shows how spiritual values transcend political ideologies. India's soft power at work!
The scale of devotion shown by Vietnamese people is incredible! 5 lakh people gathering shows how much they value this spiritual connection with India. We should invite more Vietnamese pilgrims to our Buddhist circuits.
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