PM Modi Says Lord Buddha’s Teachings Transcend Time At Piprahwa Relics Exhibition

On Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Grand International Exposition of Sacred Piprahwa Relics at the Rai Pithora Cultural Complex in the capital.

Emphasising universal values, he said the wisdom and path shown by Lord Buddha remain relevant beyond time and generations.

Discovered in 1898, the Piprahwa relics hold immense significance in the archaeological study of early Buddhism. Evidence from the site links Piprahwa to ancient Kapilavastu, believed to be where Gautam Buddha spent his early life before renouncing worldly pursuits.

Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Modi said, “The heritage of India has returned to the country after a wait of 125 years. From today, Indians will be able to have darshan and seek blessings of these pure relics of Lord Buddha.”

“The beginning of 2026 itself is filled with this joyous festival, which is very inspiring. And it is also my fortune that my first public event of 2026 is starting at the feet of Lord Buddha. I pray that with the blessings of Lord Buddha, 2026 brings peace and prosperity across the world,” PM Modi said.

Highlighting the importance of Qila Rai Pithora, the Prime Minister described the site as a testament to India’s glorious history.

He said, “Almost a thousand years ago, rulers of that era established a fortified and well-protected city within the walls of this historic fort. Today, in the same historic precinct, we are connecting with a spiritual and sacred chapter of our history.”

Lessons from Colonial History

“I examined this historical exhibition in detail. We are all blessed to have the sacred relics of Lord Buddha among us. Their journey from India and their return to India, both these phases in themselves carry a profound lesson — slavery is not only political and economic; it also erodes our heritage,” PM Modi added.

During that period, he added, colonial authorities took the relics abroad and kept them outside the country for nearly 125 years. While people internationally viewed them as mere antiques, India regarded them as an integral part of its civilisation and spiritual soul.

Prime Minister Modi thanked the Godrej Group, “With their cooperation, these sacred relics associated with Lord Buddha have now returned to his birthplace, his land of contemplation, his land of great enlightenment, and his land of Mahaparinirvana.”

“The wisdom of Lord Buddha and the path shown by him are not confined to any era but are for all humanity and timeless,” PM Modi said.

“We have repeatedly experienced this sentiment over the past few months. Over the last few months, wherever the sacred relics of Lord Buddha travelled, they sparked waves of faith and reverence,” he added, citing examples of Thailand, Mongolia, Russia and Vietnam.

Sharing a personal reflection, PM Modi said Lord Buddha holds a deep place in his life. Born in a region linked to Buddhist learning and representing Sarnath in Parliament, he added that he has visited major Buddhist pilgrimage sites worldwide both as a pilgrim and as Prime Minister.

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