The sacred Devnimori relics of Lord Buddha (Buddhist relics discovered in Gujarat) are set to make history with their first-ever international exposition.
The revered relics will be displayed at Gangaramaya Temple, Colombo, marking a landmark moment in India–Sri Lanka cultural and spiritual relations.
New Delhi, India — In a landmark cultural and spiritual milestone, the Holy Devnimori Relics of Lord Buddha will travel from India to Sri Lanka for their first-ever international exposition, beginning February 4. The historic exhibition will be held at the renowned Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo and will continue until February 11, offering devotees a rare opportunity for public veneration.
The sacred relics, currently housed at Maharaja Sayajirao University (MS University), Vadodara, are among India’s most precious Buddhist treasures. Their journey to Sri Lanka marks a significant step in strengthening the deep-rooted civilisational and religious ties between the two nations.
High-Level Indian Delegation To Lead The Exposition
The Indian delegation accompanying the relics will be led by Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, reflecting the high importance attached to the event by both the state and central governments.
The delegation will also include:
Officials from the National Museum
Scholars and representatives from MS University, Vadodara
Members of the International Buddhist Confederation
Their presence underlines India’s commitment to preserving and sharing its Buddhist heritage with the global community.
“A Rare Blessing For Sri Lanka”
Reacting to the announcement, Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to India, Mahishini Colonne, described the exposition as a deeply spiritual and historic moment for her country.
“A rare blessing for Sri Lanka. The sacred Devnimori Relics of Lord Buddha are on exposition at Gangaramaya Temple—the first ever international exposition of the relics,” she said in a post on X, thanking the Government of India for making the event possible.
Her remarks echoed widespread sentiment among Buddhist communities in Sri Lanka, where devotion to Lord Buddha remains central to national identity and culture.
PM Modi’s Announcement Paved The Way
The exposition follows a formal announcement by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, after which the High Commission of India in Colombo confirmed the relics’ travel to Sri Lanka.
“Pursuant to PM @narendramodi’s announcement, the Holy Devnimori relics of Lord Buddha are travelling to Sri Lanka for their first-ever international exposition,” the High Commission said.
According to the official statement, the relics will be open for public veneration from February 5, allowing thousands of devotees and monks to pay homage at Gangaramaya Temple.
Historical And Cultural Significance Of Devnimori Relics
The Devnimori relics hold exceptional archaeological and religious importance. They are associated with the Western Satraps period and include rare Buddhist artifacts and sculptures that shed light on the spread of Buddhism across western India.
Scholars consider the Devnimori site in Gujarat one of the most important Buddhist locations in the region, making the international exposition a milestone in showcasing India’s lesser-known but profound Buddhist legacy.
A Long Tradition Of India–Sri Lanka Buddhist Cooperation
The Devnimori exposition builds on decades of cultural and religious cooperation between India and Sri Lanka. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), bilateral cultural engagement has included several major initiatives, such as:
Establishment of the Indian Gallery at the International Buddhist Museum in Kandy
Restoration of the Thirukeeteswaram Temple in Mannar
Exposition of the sacred Kapilavastu Relics in Sri Lanka in 2012, marking the 2600th year of Lord Buddha’s enlightenment (Sambuddhatva Jayanthi)
These initiatives have consistently reinforced the shared Buddhist heritage of the two nations.
Colombo–Kushinagar Spiritual Corridor
In October 2021, the inaugural Colombo–Kushinagar flight was launched on the auspicious Vap Poya Day, further strengthening religious tourism links. During the same period, sacred Kapilavastu Buddha relics from Rajaguru Sri Subhuthi Maha Vihara of Waskaduwa were brought to India and displayed in cities such as Kushinagar and Sarnath.
Additionally, India gifted a statue of Lord Buddha to the Dharmayathanaya Temple, symbolizing spiritual goodwill.
Expanding Cultural And Academic Ties
In early 2025, India published the Pali grammar text ‘Namamala’ and a Sinhala translation of the Jataka Tales, contributing to Buddhist scholarship in Sri Lanka. The Centre for Contemporary Indian Studies (CCIS) has also been established at the University of Colombo, while long-term ICCR Hindi chairs now operate at Kelaniya and Sabaragamuwa universities.
These initiatives demonstrate how cultural diplomacy continues to complement religious exchanges.
A Symbol Of Shared Civilisation
The exposition of the Devnimori relics is more than a religious event—it is a symbol of shared civilizational heritage, mutual respect, and people-to-people connection between India and Sri Lanka.
As devotees gather at Gangaramaya Temple in the coming days, the sacred relics will stand as a powerful reminder of Buddhism’s unifying message and the enduring spiritual bond between the two neighbors.
