A High Level Delegation from India Arrives in Colombo for the Return of the Holy Devnimori Relics of Lord Buddha
Colombo : A high level delegation under the Ministry of Culture, Govt of India led by the Governor of Madhya Pradesh, Mangubhai Chhaganbhai Patel and Deputy Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Chowna Mein, arrived in Colombo, Sri Lanka today for the ceremonial return of the Holy Devnimori Relics of Lord Buddha to India.
The Devnimori (Devni Mori) relics are among the most significant archaeological and Buddhist discoveries in western India. The Devnimori site, located near Shamlaji in the Aravalli region of Gujarat on the banks of the Meshwo River, dates back to the 2nd – 3rd century BC and was historically associated with ancient trade routes and caravan networks. Archaeological excavations conducted between 1960 and 1963 by experts from Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda revealed a Buddhist monastery complex and a stupa, within which a reliquary containing sacred bodily relics and ashes of Lord Buddha was discovered. A rare Brahmi inscription on the reliquary explicitly refers to the relics as Dashabala Sharira Nilaya, the abode of the body of Lord Buddha, making it one of the clearest historical records of Buddha relics in the Indian subcontinent.
The exposition of the Sacred Relics in Sri Lanka from 4 February to 11 February has been a deeply significant spiritual event, drawing lakhs of devotees for round the clock public darshan. The exposition highlights the shared Buddhist civilisational heritage of India and Sri Lanka, recalling ancient links that date back to the historic mission of Arahat Mahinda Thera from India to Sri Lanka in the 3rd century BC. Such sacred relic expositions reaffirm the common heritage of the Dhamma, the Pali language, and monastic discipline preserved jointly by both nations over centuries, while strengthening people to people ties beyond political boundaries.
Describing the occasion as sacred and historic, the Deputy Chief Minister stated that the return of the Holy Devnimori Relics holds profound spiritual, cultural and civilisational significance for India and for millions of Buddhists across the world. He expressed deep honour at being nominated as part of the delegation and conveyed gratitude to the Prime Minister of India for his visionary initiative of strengthening bonds with neighbouring countries through spiritual and cultural linkages rooted in shared heritage.
In his interaction with the media, he also highlighted the mutual co-existence of Mahayana and Hinayana Buddhism in Arunachal Pradesh, where they flourish with other native indigenous beliefs in harmony and peace. He said that Arunachal Pradesh has a deep spiritual connection with Sri Lanka since past as the monks from Sri Lanka often come to Eastern Arunachal for sharing the teachings and wisdom of Lord Buddha and also cultural troupes from Arunachal come to Sri Lanka to participate in various socio-religious program. He stated that Sri Lanka is a pilgrimage site for the followers of Theraveda Buddhism of our region.
The Deputy Chief Minister further said that the occasion reflects the shared spiritual and civilisational heritage between India and Sri Lanka and reaffirms the timeless message of Lord Buddha, guiding humanity on the path of peace, compassion, harmony and non-violence.
During the visit, the delegation paid homage to the Sacred Relics at the revered Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo. The delegation also toured the historic Gangaramaya Temple, one of Sri Lanka’s most respected Buddhist institutions and a prominent centre of spiritual learning, cultural preservation and social service. The temple’s rich legacy, nurtured since the late 19th century under the guidance of Venerable Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Nayaka Thera, stands as a testament to the enduring strength of Buddhist heritage. Deputy Chief Minister Mein expressed sincere gratitude to the Head Monk of the temple, Venerable Dr Kirinde Assaji Nayaka Thera, for his gracious blessings.
On the sidelines of the visit, the Governor of Madhya Pradesh and the Deputy Chief Minister met the Deputy Minister of Environment of Sri Lanka, Anton Jayakody. During the interaction, he highlighted Arunachal Pradesh’s vast forest cover, rich biodiversity resources and the proactive initiatives undertaken by the Government of Arunachal Pradesh to address climate change and global warming. He also shared insights into the State’s vibrant cultural diversity and its deep rooted harmony with nature. The discussion underscored the shared commitment of India and Sri Lanka towards environmental conservation and sustainable development.
The delegates also met the Governor of Sri Lanka’s North Western Province, Tissa Kumarasiri Warnasuriya. The meeting focused on constitutional provisions and the proactive role of Governors in the development of States and Provinces, highlighting institutional similarities between India and Sri Lanka. They shared perspectives on recent reforms in India under the leadership of Prime Minister, Narendra Modi aimed at making Raj Bhawans, more people centric and accessible, reflecting a shared emphasis on inclusive governance, responsive administration and sustainable development and renaming it as Lok Bhawan.
The exposition of the Sacred Devnimori Relics was coordinated by the International Buddhist Confederation under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, in close cooperation with Sri Lankan authorities and the Maha Sangha. The exposition will conclude on 11 February, followed by send-off puja ceremonies and an official farewell programme, after which the Sacred Relics will be escorted back to India by the Government of India delegation.
The visit of the Indian delegation led by the Governor of Madhya Pradesh and Deputy Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh forms part of India’s continued efforts to deepen spiritual, cultural and people to people ties with Sri Lanka, reinforcing the enduring civilisational bonds between the two Nations.