Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his visit to Bangkok, announced that India will send the sacred relics of Lord Buddha, discovered in Gujarat’s Aravalli region in the 1960s, to Thailand.
This decision aligns with India’s efforts to foster stronger cultural and spiritual ties with Thailand, a nation deeply influenced by Buddhist traditions.
A Historic Gesture
PM Modi made this special announcement while addressing his Thai counterpart, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, emphasizing the significance of these sacred relics.
He recalled that last year, India had sent relics of Lord Buddha to Thailand, which drew over 4 million devotees who had the opportunity for darshan.
The upcoming exposition of the newly announced relics will further deepen religious tourism and strengthen the spiritual bond between the two countries.
Rare & Sacred Relics
The relics, originally discovered at Devni Mori in Gujarat, date back to the 3rd-4th century AD.
According to Gujarat Tourism, an inscribed casket found at the excavation site contained bodily relics of Buddha.
The inscription confirmed their authenticity, making them invaluable to the global Buddhist community.
Typically housed in the National Museum in New Delhi, such relics rarely leave India, making this announcement a momentous occasion.
Previous Expositions Of Buddha’s Relics
Earlier this year, PM Modi highlighted that India sent relics of Lord Buddha, along with those of his disciples Arahata Sariputta and Arahata Maha Moggallana, to Thailand, displaying them across four cities from February 22 to March 18.
For the first time in recorded history, authorities enshrined these relics together after retrieving them from Sanchi.
Such initiatives reinforce India’s role as the birthplace of Buddhism and its commitment to global Buddhist heritage.
Cultural Exchanges & Maha Kumbh 2024
PM Modi underlined the deep-rooted cultural ties between India and Thailand, citing the participation of over 600 Buddhist devotees from Thailand in the Maha Kumbh held earlier this year.
He emphasized that events like Maha Kumbh not only celebrate spiritual traditions but also serve as a platform for global unity and world peace.
Participation In BIMSTEC Summit
Apart from cultural engagements, PM Modi’s visit to Thailand is also focused on regional cooperation.
He is attending the sixth BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) Summit, scheduled for Friday.
This summit aims to enhance economic integration, connectivity, and security collaboration among India and its neighboring countries.
PM Modi’s announcement reflects India’s dedication to preserving and sharing its Buddhist heritage with the world.
The sending of Lord Buddha’s relics to Thailand is expected to boost religious tourism and deepen diplomatic relations between the two nations.
This move reaffirms India’s historical and cultural commitment to strengthening its spiritual ties with Southeast Asia.
Also Read: PM Modi Shares Highlights From Bangkok: A Vibrant Welcome, Community Connect, & The Ramayan!
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