TNM (With ANI Inputs)
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ANI Photo | Sacred relics of Buddha’s chief disciples on temporary display in New Delhi
Shakil Siddiqui, Editor-in-Chief at the Mahabodhi Society of Sri Lanka, Sanchi centre, announced on Thursday that the sacred relics of Lord Buddha’s chief disciples, Arahant Sariputta and Arahant Maha Moggallana, have been temporarily exhibited at the National Museum in New Delhi.
Addressing reporters, Siddiqui detailed the history of the esteemed disciples, stating that both were born on the same day and renounced material desires. They left their homes and were taken under the tutelage of Gautam Buddha, who later recognised them as his chief disciples after observing their abilities.
He explained, “Sariputta was known as the Marshal of Dharma, as he had all the knowledge regarding Dharma, whereas Maha Moggallana possessed psychic powers. They both served Buddha for 40 years and then went back to their village, where they passed away.”
Siddiqui added that after their deaths, Gautam Buddha constructed a stupa to house their ashes in Vaishali. These ashes were moved to Sanchi by Emperor Ashoka three centuries later.
In 2024, the relics were sent to Thailand, and currently, for the second time, they are scheduled to be taken to Mongolia for ten days for an exposition from June 1 to 10.
He stated, “After this, Gautam Buddha constructed a stupa for their ashes in Vaishali. After 300 years, Emperor Ashoka took those ashes and placed them in Sanchi. In 2024, the relics were taken out to Thailand after years, and this is the second time it is being taken out from Sanchi. This will now be taken to Mongolia for 10 days.”
The upcoming exposition in Mongolia is expected to revive memories of the significant and emotionally impactful display of Buddha’s relics held there in 2022, which left a lasting impression on the Mongolian people.
The arrival of these sacred relics aims to inspire younger generations to reconnect with the values of compassion, humility, discipline and inner peace amid global challenges such as anxiety, material excess and cultural dislocation. Siddiqui highlighted that India and Mongolia possess the potential to foster a meaningful global dialogue centred on these values.
Sharing the sacred Buddhist heritage has become a key element in India-Mongolia relations. As Mongolian devotees gather with folded hands, prayer flags and hearts filled with devotion, the relics symbolise not only the enduring presence of the Dhamma but also the spiritual continuity linking India and Mongolia across centuries.
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TNM (With ANI Inputs)
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TNM (With ANI Inputs)
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TNM (With ANI Inputs)
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Home » Nation and Beyond » Sacred relics of Buddha’s chief disciples on temporary display in New Delhi
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This story is written by TNM Bureau with inputs from ANI. The News Mill is a Guwahati-based digital media with focus on content from across Northeast India and beyond. We can be reached through [email protected]
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