State PCS - Uttar Pradesh (UP PCS)

• 04 Jun 2025

Homage to Sacred Buddha Relics

Why in News? 

A veneration ceremony was held at the National Museum (New Delhi), where devotees gathered to pay their final respects to the sacred relics of the Buddha before they returned to Sarnath for re-enshrinement at the Mulagandha Kuti Vihar Temple, Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh. 

• The ceremony was organized by the National Museum and the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) with support from the Ministry of Culture. 

Key Points 

• About the Relics:  
  • These relics are enshrined in the Mulagandha Kuti Vihar Temple located in Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh.  
    • It is run by the Mahabodhi Society, which was founded by Anagarika Dharmapala.  
  • The remains were excavated by H. Longhurst at Nagarjunakonda (Andhra Pradesh) during 1927–1931.  
  • These relics were handed over to the Mahabodhi Society on 27th December 1932 by Rai Bahadur Dayaram Sahni on behalf of the Viceroy of India. 
• Spiritual Significance of Sarnath: 
  • Sarnath is regarded as one of the most revered pilgrimage destinations in Buddhism, especially in the 21st century. 
  • It was at Sarnath that Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment, thereby setting the Dharmachakra (Wheel of Dharma) in motion. 
  • Sarnath is also considered the birthplace of the Sangha—the community of the Buddha's disciples and followers. 
  • Emperor Ashoka is believed to have constructed the Dhameka Stupa at Sarnath in 249 BCE, commemorating the Buddha's first sermon. 
  • In the 12th century CE, the wife of King Govinda Chandra commissioned the Dharma-Chakra-Jina Vihar monastery at Sarnath, further enriching its spiritual heritage.

International Buddhist Confederation (IBC)   

• It is the largest religious Buddhist organization.   
• The aim of the association is to build the role of Buddhism on the global stage, to help preserve Buddhism's heritage, share knowledge and promote its values, and to represent Buddhism through meaningful participation in global dialogue.   
• In November 2011 the 'Global Buddhist Congregation' (GBC) was hosted in New Delhi, where the attendees unanimously adopted a resolution to form an international umbrella body—the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC).  
• Headquarters: Delhi