In a momentous occasion steeped in spirituality, the holy relics of Lord Buddha, along with those of his esteemed disciples Arahant Sariputta and Arahant Mogallana, have arrived in Chiang Mai, Thailand’s second-largest city, for an exposition. The Indian Embassy in Thailand shared the news, emphasizing the profound significance of these relics in the region.
“Today, Chiang Mai welcomes the sacred relics of Lord Buddha and his revered disciples, Arahant Sariputta and Arahant Mogallana, for exposition,” declared the Indian Embassy in Thailand in an official announcement. The relics were ceremoniously received by the Governor of Chiang Mai, accompanied by the Consul of India and other dignitaries, in a solemn ceremony befitting their revered status.
The arrival of these sacred artifacts has been met with reverence and awe, underscoring the deep spiritual and historical connections between India and Thailand. As the relics find their temporary home in Chiang Mai, they serve as a beacon of peace, wisdom, and enlightenment, inspiring countless individuals on their spiritual journeys and reinforcing the enduring bond between the two nations.
Echoing the sentiments of reverence, External Affairs Minister Jaishankar expressed his profound emotions on witnessing a million Thai devotees paying their respects to the Buddhist Holy Relics, emphasizing the shared heritage and culture that fosters a special bond between India and Thailand.
Meanwhile, Sunday marked the culmination of the exposition in Bangkok, where thousands of devotees gathered at Sanam Luang to pay homage to the sacred relics from India. According to Thai officials, an overwhelming number of 1,45,834 people paid their respects to the relics on Saturday alone, underscoring the deep spiritual reverence among the Thai populace.
The journey of these sacred relics, undertaken to commemorate the auspicious sixth cycle and the 72nd birth year of King Rama X, symbolizes the enduring friendship between the people of India and Thailand. Beginning its exposition in Bangkok, the relics will now travel to Chiang Mai from March 4 to 8, followed by expositions in Ubon Ratchathani from March 9 to 13, and Krabi from March 14 to 18.
As the relics continue their journey across Thailand, they carry with them the blessings of Lord Buddha, fostering spiritual enrichment and cultural exchange, while strengthening the age-old ties between India and Thailand.
