Four Holy Pipa Rahwa Relics of Buddha and his two followers will be escorted back to India from Thailand, concluding a historic-spiritually enriching exposition
Some of the holy relics of Lord Buddha along with those of his disciples Arahata Sariputra and Arahata Maudgalayana have to return to India, after being displayed at many locations in Thailand as part of a 26-day exposition.
Devotees pay their respects and witness a vibrant procession with the sacred relics of Buddha and his two followers which were later enshrined at Wat Maha Wanaram during a solemn ceremony, in Ubon Ratchathani on Sunday. Celebrating heritage: Buddha’s relics journey home to India after 26-day exposition in Thailand.
These relics, revered by the Buddhist followers around the world, were transported in a special Indian Air Force aircraft, befitting the status as a ‘State Guest’ on February 22.
A senior official said that, Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture Meenakshi Lekhi will receive the relics in a humble ceremony marking their return home.
The four Holy Pipa Rahwa Relics of Lord Buddha and his two followers are preserved in India. While the relics of Lord Buddha is in the custody of the National Museum, the relics of his respected disciples were sent to Delhi by Madhya Pradesh for their eventual journey to Thailand for the exposition.
On the 23rd of February, the relics were enshrined for public veneration at the specially built mandapam at Sanam Luang pavilion in Bangkok.
According to the Union Culture Ministry, the holy relics of Lord Buddha and his disciples was the first time which were showcased together.
As per the agenda, from March 4-8, these holy relics were displayed at Chiang Mai, Ho Kum Luang and Royal Rujapruek. From March 9-13 it was displayed at Ubon Ratchathani and Wat Maha Wanaram. And from March 14-18 it was displayed at Aoluek Krabi and Wat Maha That.
The holy relics will be escorted to their respective homes, concluding a historic and spiritually enriching exposition in Thailand.
The officials said that, during the exposition, Millions of individuals paid respects to the holy relics and they will finally return to India with amid full state honors.
They also said that, the exposition in Thailand drew extraordinary response. Early hours of the day sections of winding queues of followers waiting with offerings became a familiar sight in parts of Thailand.
