Thailand: Buddhist diplomacy and civilisational connect

“The convergence of the Holy Trinity of Buddhism is taking place in Thailand as sacred relics of Bhagwan Buddha, along with those of his disciples Arahata Saripusolemtta and Arahata Maha Moggallana, arrived from Bharat for a 25-day exposition,” said Indian Ambassador in Thailand Nagesh Singh, while welcoming the sacred relics from Bharat. These relics are touring four cities in Thailand – Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Ubon Ratchathani and Krabi – until March 19, 2024 providing an opportunity for devotees from neighbouring countries to pay their respects.

Travelling Outside Bharat

Typically housed in the National Museum in New Delhi, the holy relics of Bhagwan Buddha rarely leave Bharat for exposition. This occasion marks the first recorded history where the relics of Buddha, along with those of Sariputta and Maha Moggalla from Sanchi, are enshrined together. The delegation accompanying the relics to Thailand was led by the Governor of Bihar, Rajendra Arlekar and the Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Virendra Kumar. This cultural exchange is significant, aligning with the 6th cycle and 72nd birth anniversary of the King Rama X of Thailand.

Upon arrival at Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok on February 22, 2024, prayer was conducted by senior monks from both Bharat and Thailand. Later that day, a welcoming ceremony was held at the National Museum in Bangkok. On February 23, the Royal Thai Government organised an enshrinement ceremony for the relics at the Sanam Luang Royal Palace Ground in Bangkok.

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, Deputy PM Somsak Thepsutin, and Culture Minister Sermsak Pongpanit received the relics from Indian dignitaries, followed by a religious ceremony by senior monks from both countries. The ceremony featured a colourful parade with participants from different parts of Thailand, including a 200-member strong Indian contingent. February 24, known as Magh Purnima in the Buddhist calendar, drew a large turnout of devotees. Alongside this Dhammayatra, the Indian Embassy in Thailand, in collaboration with UP Tourism, has set up a pavilion named ‘Buddhabhoomi Bharat: Journey Along the Footsteps of Bhagwan Buddha.’ The pavilion offers an immersive exhibition of India’s Buddhist heritage, information about Buddhist tourism, discourses on Buddhism, and other cultural events. Inaugurated on February 23, the pavilion will remain open for viewing until March 3.

Syama Prasad Mookerjee Brought Relics

Previously, the exposition of the holy relics of Bhagwan Buddha from India to Thailand occurred in 1995-96, marking the 50th anniversary of King Rama IX’s accession to the throne. The relics of Arahata Sariputta and Arahata Moggallana were brought to India in 1952 by Syama Prasad Mookerjee, the President of Maha Bodhi Society at that time, as part of a Dhammayatra to several countries after being brought back from England following India’s Independence. The decision of the Government of India, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is anticipated to further strengthen the civilisational ties between India and Thailand, Ambassador Nagesh Singh further wrote. The Prime Minister of Thailand, Srettha Thavisin, along with the Governor of Bihar, Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar and Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Virendra Kumar, were present at the ceremony.

Notably, Bihar Governor, Rajendra Arlekar on February 23 said that handing over the sacred relics of Bhagwan Buddha to Prime Minister of Thailand, Srettha Thavisin will be considered an important moment in the spiritual journey of India and Thailand.

He said, “This will be considered an important moment in the spiritual journey of Bharat and Thailand. It is my good fortune that I handed over the holy relics. It’s not just about the two countries but the culture and religion that India and Thailand share,” he said. Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment Virendra Kumar in Thailand also spoke, following the ceremony. “The messages and teachings of Bhagwan Buddha are deeply rooted in the people of Thailand. For the way Shankaracharya ji was respected here, I thank the people and the PM of Thailand,” said the Minister.