Arunachal Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein Leads Historic Mission to Sri Lanka for Buddha Relics
In a momentous event of immense spiritual and national importance, Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein arrived in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on Monday as part of a high-level official Indian delegation. The delegation's primary objective is to receive and facilitate the return of the sacred Devnimori relics of Lord Buddha, a mission that underscores the deep civilizational ties between India and Sri Lanka.
A Delegation of Honor and Spiritual Significance
Deputy Chief Minister Mein was accompanied by Madhya Pradesh Governor Mangubhai Chhaganbhai Patel, reflecting the cross-regional representation and unity within the delegation. Upon his arrival, Mein expressed his profound honor at being selected for this sacred task. In a post on the social media platform X, he described the occasion as holding "immense spiritual and national importance" with deep civilizational significance.
Mein extended his heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for nominating him to be part of this historic delegation. He emphasized that this sacred and historic occasion carries profound spiritual, cultural, and civilizational significance not only for the nation but also for millions of Buddhists across the globe. The return of the relics is seen as a reaffirmation of the timeless message of Lord Buddha, which continues to guide humanity on the path of peace and compassion.
The Sacred Devnimori Relics: A Glimpse into Ancient Buddhist Heritage
The Devnimori relics, which are at the heart of this mission, are among the most revered Buddhist antiquities ever discovered in India. These sacred artifacts were excavated in the 1960s from the ancient Buddhist site of Devnimori, located in Gujarat's Aravalli region. Archaeologists made a groundbreaking discovery at this site, unearthing a stupa that dates back to the 3rd-4th century CE.
Within this ancient stupa, they found relic caskets directly associated with Lord Buddha, along with inscriptions and various artifacts linked to early Buddhist worship. These findings provide invaluable insights into the religious practices and cultural milieu of early Buddhism in India, making the relics a priceless part of the nation's spiritual heritage.
Paying Homage at Gangaramaya Temple
Prior to the official proceedings, Deputy Chief Minister Mein visited the historic Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo on Sunday. This temple stands as one of Sri Lanka's most revered Buddhist institutions, with a rich legacy that has been nurtured since the late 19th century under the guidance of Venerable Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Nayaka Thera.
Mein, alongside Governor Patel, paid homage to the relics at the temple, describing its enduring legacy as a testament to the strength and resilience of Buddhist heritage. The visit highlighted the shared spiritual and civilizational heritage between India and Sri Lanka, reinforcing the bonds of faith and history that connect the two nations.
This sacred and historic moment not only reflects the shared spiritual heritage but also reaffirms the timeless teachings of Lord Buddha, which continue to inspire and guide humanity toward peace and compassion. The return of the Devnimori relics is poised to be a landmark event in the annals of Buddhist history and Indo-Sri Lankan relations.
