In a significant cultural and religious event, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Tuesday flagged off a procession to transport the holy Devnimori relics of Lord Buddha from Vadodara to Colombo, Sri Lanka. The sacred artifacts, housed at the Department of Archaeology and Ancient History of Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, are set for a public exposition from February 4 to February 10, marking a historic journey for these revered items.
Ceremonial Send-Off with Floral Tributes and Police Honors
Chief Minister Patel arrived at the Department of Archaeology and Ancient Studies on Tuesday afternoon, where he offered floral tributes to the relics amidst sacred chants by Buddhist monks. The ceremony was attended by key dignitaries, including Mayor Pinki Soni, MLAs Yogesh Patel, Keyur Rokadiya, and Chaitanya Desai, as well as MSU Chancellor Shubhangiraje Gaekwad and Vice-Chancellor BM Bhanage. BJP leaders Jayaprakash Soni and Rasik Prajapati, along with Commissioner of Police Narasimha Komar, Municipal Commissioner Arun Mahesh Babu, and District Collector Anil Dhameliya, were also present, underscoring the event's importance.
Patel, alongside MSU office-bearers, carefully brought out the sacred relics from the museum in the presence of Buddhist monks from the Mahabodhi Society, including Sri Ananda, Shri Vichiyata, Shri Ugsen, and Shri Panatika. A guard of honour was then offered by a contingent of the Vadodara city police, ensuring a respectful and secure transition. The relics were safely loaded onto a vehicle that headed for Vadodara airport, from where they will be flown to Delhi and onward to Colombo for the exposition.
Historical Significance and Details of the Buddha Relics
These relics hold immense historical and spiritual value, comprising a box containing the ashes of Lord Buddha, a vessel with a silk cloth, and a stone-like box with a lid. The box is intricately decorated with silver and gold wires and features the text 'Dashbal Shari Nilay' inscribed in Brahmi script and Sanskrit, meaning the place of the remains of Lord Buddha. Discovered during excavations at Devni Mori near Shamlaji, the site was identified in 1957 by Prof. S N Chaudhary of Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda.
This journey marks the first time the sacred eighth-century relics have traveled from the MSU department since their discovery on January 14, 1962. Previously, they were publicly displayed in 2010 during an International Buddhist Conference in Vadodara, hosted by the Gujarat government and attended by the Dalai Lama. The upcoming exposition will take place at the Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo, offering devotees and the public a rare opportunity to view these ancient artifacts.
Broader Implications and Cultural Exchange
The transportation of these Buddha relics from Vadodara to Colombo not only highlights India's rich archaeological heritage but also fosters cultural and religious ties between India and Sri Lanka. Such events promote interfaith harmony and international cooperation, showcasing the shared Buddhist heritage of the region. The careful planning and ceremonial send-off reflect the reverence and importance accorded to these relics, ensuring their preservation and respectful handling throughout the journey.
As the relics embark on this historic voyage, they carry with them centuries of spiritual significance, connecting communities across borders. This event serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of Lord Buddha and the ongoing efforts to preserve and share cultural treasures for future generations.
