Sacred Relics of Buddha's Disciples on Display at New Delhi Museum

The sacred relics of Lord Buddha's prominent disciples, Arahant Sariputta and Arahant Maha Moggallana, are currently being exhibited at the National Museum in New Delhi, as announced by Shakil Siddiqui, Editor-in-Chief at the Mahabodhi Society of Sri Lanka, Sanchi center. Siddiqui shared insights into the lives of these revered figures, highlighting their birth on the same day and their renunciation of worldly desires to dedicate themselves to Gautam Buddha. Known as the Marshal of Dharma, Sariputta was a reservoir of Dharma knowledge, while Maha Moggallana was famed for his psychic powers.

These disciples served Buddha for four decades before returning to their village to pass away. Gautam Buddha subsequently constructed a stupa for their ashes in Vaishali, which Emperor Ashoka relocated to Sanchi after 300 years. In 2024, the sacred relics were sent to Thailand, and they are now set for an exposition in Mongolia from June 1 to 10, marking their second outing from Sanchi.

This exhibition in Mongolia revives memories of a profound 2022 demonstration for the Mongolian people. The event seeks to inspire younger generations to reconnect with values such as compassion and inner peace amidst global societal challenges. The exchange of Buddhist heritage has become a cornerstone of India-Mongolia relations, underscoring the spiritual continuity between the two nations across centuries. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)