Prelims: Current events of national and international importance
Why in News?
Recently, India announced the public exposition of the Holy Devnimori Relics of Lord Buddha in Sri Lanka as part of cultural and spiritual outreach.
Organised by – The Ministry of Culture.
Aim – To strengthen India–Sri Lanka cultural ties and promote shared Buddhist heritage through spiritual diplomacy.
Relics Origin – The Devnimori Relics originate from an archaeological site in the Aravalli district of Gujarat.
Discovery – The site was excavated in 1957, revealing evidence of early Buddhist presence in western India.
Components –
Relic Casket – A green schist casket inscribed in Brahmi script and Sanskrit, identified as the abode of the Buddha’s bodily relic.
Copper Box – A box placed inside the casket containing organic material with holy ashes.
Sacred Bottle – A gold-coated silver-copper bottle kept within the copper box, along with silk cloth and beads.
Key Highlights – Venue – It is exhibited at Gangaramaya Temple, Colombo, in February 2026.
Current Custody – The relics are presently enshrined at The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara.
Delegation – The Indian delegation to be led by the Governor of Gujarat and the Deputy Chief Minister of Gujarat.
Protocol – The relics will travel with full state honours aboard a special aircraft of the Indian Air Force.
Significance – Diplomacy – Serves as an instrument of soft power and people-centric foreign policy.
Reaffirms shared spiritual, cultural, and civilizational bonds between India and Sri Lanka.
Shared heritage – Continues India’s tradition of sharing Buddhist relics globally.
Progress – In recent years, Lord Buddha’s sacred relics have been exhibited in countries such as Thailand, Mongolia, Vietnam, Russia, and Bhutan, attracting millions of devotees.
