Relics of Buddha & his disciples reach Thailand for 26-day exhibition

The four sacred Piparahwa Relics of Lord Buddha arrived in Bangkok, Thailand on 22 February 2024 with a 22-member delegation for a 26-day exhibition. On this occasion, the relics of two disciples of Buddha – Arhat Sariputra and Arhat Maudgalyayana also reached Bangkok with this delegation.

The delegation was led by Rajendra Arlekar and Virendra Kumar:

• This delegation was led by Bihar Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar and Union Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Dr Virendra Kumar.
• This delegation includes respected monks of Kushinagar and Aurangabad, officials of Ladakh and MP governments, curators of the National Museum.

Participants in organizing the event:

• This programme is being organized in collaboration with the following organizations:
  • Indian Ministry of External Affairs
  • Indian Embassy in Thailand
  • International Buddhist Confederation
  • National Museum Government of India
  • Madhya Pradesh Government.
• The Holy Relics were received with reverence at Bangkok Military Airport by a large number of monks, including the Govt. of Thailand. 
• The Holy Relics were taken to the National Museum in Bangkok for safekeeping by Union Minister Virendra Kumar and Thai officials. After this, they were installed in a grand pavilion prepared at Sanam Luang Pavilion in Bangkok on 23 February. At the same time, devotees can pay their respects on Makha Bucha day.

Signing of an exhibition agreement for Holy Relics:

• On February 22, the Department of Religious Affairs and the National Museum of Thailand signed an exhibition agreement for sacred Relics in the National Museum of Thailand.
• It was signed by Chiapon Suk-Iam of Thailand and Ashish Goyal, Additional Director General at the National Museum under the Ministry of Culture.
• The signing of this exhibition agreement is another advancement in the 75 years of diplomatic relations between India and Thailand.
• These relics are among the 20 special relics kept in the National Museum of the Union Ministry of Culture. Four of these have been flown to Thailand for this important occasion.
• Also, the Holy Relics of two disciples of Lord Buddha – Sariputra and Maudgalyayana, which are currently kept in Sanchi, were also taken to Thailand. These will be displayed together for the first time. These remains have been taken in an Indian Air Force aircraft, giving them the status of state guests.
• The exhibition program includes visits to several locations throughout Thailand. These holy relics will be taken back to their respective places from Thailand on March 19.

About Thailand:

• Capital: Bangkok
• Currency: Baht
• Prime Minister: Srettha Thavisin