India to Send Sacred Devnimori Buddha Relics to Sri Lanka for Historic First International Exposition

COLOMBO / NEW DELHI — In a landmark gesture of spiritual diplomacy and cultural bonding, the Government of India has announced that the holy Devnimori Relics of Lord Buddha will travel to Sri Lanka for their first-ever international exposition.

The announcement follows a special commitment made by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, highlighting the "civilizational connect" and deep-rooted Buddhist ties between the two South Asian neighbors. This historic event marks the first time these specific relics have left Indian soil since their discovery.

The Significance of the Devnimori Relics The relics were unearthed in the early 1960s during excavations at the Devnimori Buddhist archaeological site in Gujarat’s Aravalli district. Archaeologists discovered a massive stupa dating back to the 3rd or 4th century CE. Inside, they found a stone casket containing the sacred remains, accompanied by an inscription that explicitly identifies them as the Dashabala Sharira (the physical remains of the Buddha).

A Milestone in Indo-Lanka Relations While India has previously sent the sacred Piprahwa Relics (from the National Museum) for exposition in Sri Lanka, the Devnimori Relics—currently housed at the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda—carry unique historical weight as a testament to the spread of Buddhism in Western India.

Prime Minister Modi’s decision to facilitate this exposition is seen as a reinforcement of India's "Neighborhood First" policy and its "Buddhist Circuit" initiative. Sri Lankan government officials have expressed profound gratitude for the gesture, noting that the relics will be accorded the highest state honors upon arrival.

The exposition is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of devotees across Sri Lanka. Details regarding the dates, venues, and the high-security transport plan from India to Colombo are expected to be finalized in the coming days. (NewsCenter)