Journey of Buddha's Relics

Journey of Buddha’s Relics – In a historic and unprecedented event, India is set to exhibit four of the 20 rare relics of Lord Buddha, known as the ‘Kapilvastu Relics,’ at the National Museum in Thailand. The relics, falling under the ‘AA’ (rare) category of antiquities and art treasures, are not usually permitted for exhibition outside of India. However, this special showcase is being organized upon a “special request” by the Thai Government, a move supported by the Ministry of Culture.

Journey of Buddha’s Relics from National Museum to Thailand’s Grand Display

Diplomatic Odyssey of Buddha’s Kapilvastu Relics: A Comprehensive Journey from Discovery to International Display

In an unprecedented and historic venture, a 22-member official delegation, spearheaded by Bihar Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar and Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Virendra Kumar, is set to accompany the revered ‘Kapilvastu Relics’ of Lord Buddha to Thailand. This diverse delegation includes esteemed monks from spiritual hubs like Kushinagar, Aurangabad, and Ladakh, as well as dedicated curators from the National Museum.

The Kapilvastu Relics, discovered in 1898 at a Bihar site believed to be the ancient city of Kapilvastu, hold a profound historical significance. The confirmation of Kapilavastu’s identity was strengthened by an inscribed casket found at the Piprahwa stupa site near Siddharthnagar in Uttar Pradesh. This casket not only housed the relics of Buddha but also those of Sakya, his community, making it a unique and invaluable historical artifact.

Beyond being a showcase of Buddha’s relics, this exhibition marks a groundbreaking moment in history – the first occasion where relics of Lord Buddha and his disciples will be exhibited together. Alongside the revered Buddha relics, the relics of his two disciples, preserved in Madhya Pradesh’s Sanchi, will also make the journey to Thailand for this momentous display.

The delicate nature of these relics, combined with their exclusive ‘AA’ category, makes their international exhibition a rare occurrence. The last such instance transpired in 2022 during an exposition in Mongolia, adding to the rarity and prestige of this event.

Scheduled to arrive in Thailand on February 22, the relics will grace a special pavilion in Bangkok until March 3. The exhibition will then embark on a cultural journey to Chiang Mai, Ubon Ratchathani, and Krabi, before returning to India on March 19. The transportation of these sacred artifacts will be facilitated by a special Indian Air Force plane, underscoring the significance of the relics as esteemed “state guests.”

This monumental event is made possible through collaborative efforts, with support from the Ministry of External Affairs, the Indian Embassy in Thailand, the International Buddhist Confederation, and the government of Madhya Pradesh. Beyond the relic display, the event will feature exhibitions about Buddhist sites in India and insightful talks on relics by esteemed academicians, enriching the experience for visitors and enthusiasts alike.

In essence, this rare exhibition is not merely a cultural event; it stands as a significant cultural and diplomatic milestone. It serves as a bridge between India and Thailand, fostering a deeper connection and understanding while showcasing the shared rich heritage of Buddhism that unites the two nations.

Journey of Serenity: FAQs on Buddha’s Relics Exhibition from National Museum to Thailand”

Who is leading the official delegation accompanying the relics to Thailand?
- The 22-member official delegation is led by Bihar Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar and Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Virendra Kumar.
Who are the other members of the delegation?
- The delegation includes monks from Kushinagar, Aurangabad, and Ladakh, along with curators from the National Museum.
What are the relics being showcased, and why are they significant?
- Known as the ‘Kapilvastu Relics,’ these artifacts were discovered in 1898 at a site in Bihar believed to be the ancient city of Kapilvastu. The relics include those of Buddha and Sakya, his community.
How was Kapilavastu identified?
- The identification of Kapilavastu was confirmed with the help of an inscribed casket found at the stupa site in Piprahwa, near Siddharthnagar in Uttar Pradesh.
Is this exhibition solely about Buddha’s relics?
- No, it marks a significant milestone as it’s the first occasion where relics of Lord Buddha and his disciples will be showcased together. Relics of his two disciples, preserved in Madhya Pradesh’s Sanchi, will also be displayed in Thailand.
When was the last time these relics were exhibited abroad?
- The relics were last exhibited abroad in 2022 during an exposition in Mongolia.
How delicate are these relics, and why is their exhibition abroad rare?
- The relics are classified as ‘AA’ (rare) and are not typically taken outside of India due to their delicate nature. The exhibition in Thailand is an exception.
How will the relics be transported to Thailand?
- The relics will be transported to Thailand on a special Indian Air Force plane, emphasizing their significance as “state guests.”
When and where will the relics be displayed in Thailand?
- The relics will arrive in Thailand on February 22 and will be displayed at a special pavilion in Bangkok until March 3. Subsequently, the exhibition will travel to Chiang Mai, Ubon Ratchathani, and Krabi before returning to India on March 19.
What support does the event have from official bodies and organizations?
- The event is supported by the Ministry of External Affairs, the Indian Embassy in Thailand, the International Buddhist Confederation, and the government of Madhya Pradesh.
What additional events are scheduled during the exhibition?
- Alongside the relic display, exhibitions about Buddhist sites in India and talks on relics by academicians will be held, providing a comprehensive experience for visitors and enthusiasts.
What significance does this exhibition hold for India and Thailand?
- This rare exhibition serves as a cultural and diplomatic milestone, fostering a deeper connection between India and Thailand and showcasing the rich heritage of Buddhism shared by the two nations.