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New Delhi, February 23, 2024: The four Holy Piparahwa Relics of Lord Buddha and his Two Disciples Arahata Sariputra and Arahata Maudgalyayana has reached Bangkok, Thailand.
Holy relics have reached yesterday for a 26-day exposition along with the 22 member delegation, headed by Governor of Bihar Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar and Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment Dr Virendra Kumar accompanying the sacred relics.
The delegation comprise of venerable monks from Kushinagar, Aurangabad, Ladakh, officials from Ministry of Culture, state government of M.P, curators from National Museum, artists and scholars.
The event is being organized with the support of Ministry of External Affairs, Indian Embassy in Thailand, International Buddhist Confederation, National Museum and the state government of Madhya Pradesh.
The holy relics were received with great reverence and ceremoniously at the Bangkok Military Airport by the Sermsak Pongpanit, Minister of Culture, Royal Thai Government, Thai officials and a large number of Monks among other dignitaries.
The Holy Relics were welcomed with auspicious chanting ceremony and warm hospitality performance at Military Airport. Sermsak Pongpanit and Thai officials, along with the Union Minister Dr Virendra Kumar and delegations then conduced the Holy relics from Military Airport to enshrine at the National Museum, Bangkok for safe keeping and later to be enshrined in a grand mandapam prepared in Sanam Luang Pavilion in Bangkok today. People can pay their reverence from Makha Bucha Day onwards.
Union Minister Dr Virendra Kumar addressing the media said India and Thailand have always enjoyed strong, multidimensional and bilateral relations based on our convergent national interests and priorities.
The eternal message of Lord Buddha embodied in the great religion of Buddhism is the most important and unbreakable link between India and Thailand, the Minister said.
He expressed hope that as we embark on a new and more glorious chapter in the bilateral relations between India and Thailand, the arrival of the holy relics will further strengthen the bond of friendship and love between the two countries.
The Thai Culture Minister expressed happiness and gratitude at the Government of India having accepted the request of Thai Government to send Holy Relics to Thailand for exposition.
Earlier, the Holy Relics left India from Delhi with the delegation, after customary ceremonies.
These Relics belong to 20 of the special Relics kept in National Museum of Culture Ministry. Four of these are travelling to Thailand for this momentous occasion. Additionally, the holy relics of two of esteemed disciples of Lord Buddha, Arahata Sariputra and Arahata Maudgalayana, currently residing at Sanchi, are also travelling to Thailand and will be showcased together for the first time. The Relics were carried in IAF aircraft befitting status as State Guest.
The Holy Relics will be escorted back on 19th March from Thailand to their respective homes, concluding a historic and spiritually enriching exposition in Thailand.
