Wednesday 03 / June / 2026
New Delhi: The holy relics, brought from India for a ten-day exposition from May 31 to June 10, were received with deep reverence by thousands of devotees and members of the Sangha.
The exposition was inaugurated in the presence of Governor of Assam Lakshman Prasad Acharya, Ambassador of India to Mongolia Atul Malhari Gotsurve, senior dignitaries of the Government of Mongolia, eminent Buddhist leaders, representatives of the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), the Mahabodhi Society of Sri Lanka, and distinguished guests from across the Buddhist world.
The event underscores the deep civilisational and spiritual bonds between India and Mongolia, rooted in the teachings of Lord Buddha.
Addressing the gathering, Governor of Assam Lakshman Prasad Acharya described the occasion as historic, noting that the sacred relics embody the living light of enlightenment and carry a universal message of peace, compassion, and harmony.
He further observed that the relics of Arhat Sariputra and Arhat Mahamoggallana, preserved for centuries in the sacred stupas of Sanchi, represent one of India’s most treasured civilisational heritages. Their exposition in Mongolia, he said, reflects a profound gesture of trust, reverence, and friendship between the two nations.
Highlighting the enduring India–Mongolia partnership, the Governor recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s description of the two countries as “spiritual neighbours” connected through Buddhism for centuries. He also noted that the event coincides with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the 10th anniversary of the India–Mongolia Strategic Partnership.
Indian Ambassador to Mongolia Atul Malhari Gotsurve emphasised the continued relevance of Lord Buddha’s teachings of peace, harmony, social justice, and rational thought. He described India and Mongolia as strategic partners and “spiritual siblings” working closely to preserve and promote Buddhist heritage through initiatives such as the gifting of sacred Kanjur manuscripts, the Global Buddhist Summit, the Asian Buddhist Summit, digitisation of Buddhist texts, and academic collaboration between Nalanda University and Gandantegchenling Monastery.
The Ambassador noted that the relics of Arhat Sariputra and Arhat Mahamoggallana have previously been taken abroad only once, to Thailand in 2024, making their exposition in Mongolia a particularly significant occasion. He added that the relics, accorded a status akin to that of a Head of State in terms of protocol and security, were transported to Mongolia aboard a special Indian Air Force IL-76 (Gajraj) aircraft.
On the occasion, a special exhibition titled “Vessels of Light: Iconography, Relics and Path of Dhamma – Shakyamuni Buddha’s Journey through Museum Collections of India” was also inaugurated at the monastery premises.
Curated by the National Museum, New Delhi, the exhibition presents a visual narrative of the life, teachings, and artistic representations of Lord Buddha through select artefacts from India’s museum collections, highlighting the country’s rich Buddhist heritage and its continuing relevance in the modern era.
The exposition and exhibition have been jointly organised by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, the National Museum, New Delhi, the Government of Madhya Pradesh, the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), the Mahabodhi Society of Sri Lanka, and the Gandantegchenling Monastery, with support from the Governments of India and Mongolia.
The sacred relics will remain on public display for veneration until June 10, 2026.
The exposition is expected to draw thousands of Buddhist devotees and visitors, further strengthening the centuries-old spiritual bond between India and Mongolia and reaffirming their shared Buddhist heritage.
"Revered across the Buddhist world as symbols of wisdom, compassion and enlightenment, the holy relics carry deep significance for Mongolia. Their exposition further strengthens the centuries-old spiritual bond between India and Mongolia -- nations connected through the shared legacy of Buddhism. For the Indian Air Force, this mission carried not just priceless relics, but faith, heritage and friendship across continents," the Indian Air Force added.
The International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) also confirmed the departure of the Holy Relics of Arahant Sariputta and Arahant Mahamoggallana, the chief disciples of Lord Buddha, for the exposition in Mongolia.
Earlier on May 28, Madhya Pradesh Minister Prahlad Singh Patel said that the sacred relics were taken to Cambodia and Thailand, where lakhs of devotees paid their respects, and now they are being taken to Mongolia.
"Earlier, the sacred relics were also taken to Cambodia and Thailand, where lakhs of people took darshan. Now, the sacred relics are being taken to Mongolia," he said.
Patel said Madhya Pradesh takes special pride in the relics as they are preserved at Sanchi.
He added, "Madhya Pradesh feels deeply honoured and proud because the sacred relics of Sariputta Ji and Maha Moggallana Ji are only available in Sanchi within our country. Therefore, Madhya Pradesh takes great pride in this.
