In a profound display of cultural reverence, the sacred Devnimori relics of Lord Buddha have landed in Colombo, Sri Lanka, aboard an Indian Air Force C-130J aircraft. The historic exhibition kicked off at the Gangaramaya Temple, drawing devotees and dignitaries alike.
Leading the delegation were Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghvi, accompanied by senior monks and officials. The relics, transported with full state honors and strict protocols to preserve their sanctity, underscore India’s commitment to safeguarding its spiritual heritage.
The Indian contingent participated in ceremonial, religious, and official events, formally inaugurating an exhibition that highlights India’s Buddhist legacy and contemporary cultural ties with Sri Lanka. This initiative builds on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision expressed during his April 2025 visit to the island nation.
The relics, unearthed from the Devnimori archaeological site near Shamlaji in Gujarat’s Aravalli district, hold immense historical and spiritual significance. Discovered in 1957 by archaeologist Professor S.N. Chaudhary, they are now meticulously preserved in a desiccator, sealed in airtight glass, and housed in a gold-plated silver-copper bottle wrapped in silk on a cotton base.
Public veneration began on February 5, with the relics on display at Gangaramaya Temple until February 11, after which they will return to India. This event marks a milestone in spiritual outreach and cultural diplomacy between the two nations, fostering deeper people-to-people connections rooted in shared Buddhist traditions.
As thousands flock to pay homage, the exhibition not only revives ancient links but also symbolizes the enduring bond of faith and friendship across borders.