The sacred Devnimori Relics of Lord Buddha arrived in Sri Lanka today, marking a historic and spiritually significant moment for Buddhists across the island. The relics were brought from India aboard a special Indian Air Force aircraft and accompanied by the Governor of Gujarat, Shri Acharya Devvrat, and the Deputy Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Harsh Sanghavi.
The relics were ceremonially received at the Bandaranaike International Airport by the Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, and the Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government, A.H.M.H. Abayarathna. The Acting High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, senior officials, and a group of Maha Sangha also participated in the reception.
Among those present was the Chief Incumbent of Gangaramaya Temple, Ven. Dr. Kirinde Assaji Thera, along with several other senior monks. A special religious ceremony was held at the airport to mark the arrival of the relics, with traditional Buddhist rites and chanting.
The Devnimori Relics are among the most revered archaeological and spiritual treasures linked to the Buddha. Discovered at Devnimori in the Indian state of Gujarat, these relics are believed to date back to the Mauryan period, around the 3rd century BCE, during the reign of Emperor Ashoka. They are associated with a Buddhist stupa complex and are regarded as authentic corporeal relics of the Buddha, preserved for centuries as objects of veneration.
Their arrival in Sri Lanka symbolizes the deep historical, cultural, and religious ties between Sri Lanka and India, particularly in the shared heritage of Theravada Buddhism. The exposition of the Devnimori Relics is expected to attract thousands of devotees from across the country, offering the public a rare opportunity to pay homage.
The Holy Relics will be placed for public veneration at the Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo from 4 to 11 February, with special security and religious observances arranged throughout the period.
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