Colombo, Feb 2 (NationPress) Emphasizing India's dedication to promoting Buddhist diplomacy, spiritual outreach, and a shared cultural heritage, the Devnimori relics of Lord Buddha are set to embark on their inaugural international exhibition in Sri Lanka, as announced by the High Commission of India in Colombo on Monday.

This significant event follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi's declaration and aligns with India's ongoing efforts to amplify cultural and spiritual connections across borders.

The revered relics will be displayed at Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo from February 4 to 11, with public veneration commencing on February 5. The exhibition is anticipated to draw numerous devotees, Buddhist monks, and international pilgrims, providing them a unique opportunity to pay tribute to these sacred relics.

The High Commission remarked, "From Vietnam to Mongolia and Thailand to Russia, India continues to spread its Buddhist heritage. Witness how the arrival of the Holy Devnimori Relics in Sri Lanka ties the world together through Lord Buddha's teachings," sharing a video of PM Modi's recent address highlighting the waves of faith and devotion that have emerged wherever the relics have traveled in recent months.

Mahishini Colonne, the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to India, called this development a "rare blessing" for the island.

"A rare blessing for Sri Lanka. The sacred Devnimori Relics of Lord Buddha on display at Gangaramaya Temple in Sri Lanka - the first international exhibition of the relics. Grateful to the Government of India and all who made this possible," the Lankan High Commissioner noted on X.

Earlier this month, while inaugurating the Grand International Exposition of Sacred Piprahwa Relics associated with Bhagwan Buddha at the Rai Pithora Cultural Complex in Delhi, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the initiatives undertaken by his government to enhance sites linked to Lord Buddha's heritage in India and globally, highlighting efforts to connect the younger generation with Buddhist traditions and values.

During the address, PM Modi spoke of India's profound spiritual connections with Buddhism and its role in disseminating this legacy worldwide.

Reflecting on his international travels, he remarked, "Wherever I went, I aimed to connect individuals with Buddha's legacy by bringing a piece of it back with me. For instance, I carried saplings of the Bodhi tree to China, Japan, Korea, and Mongolia. The presence of a Bodhi tree in Hiroshima, a city devastated by the atomic bomb, conveys a powerful message of hope to humanity."

He stated that the shared heritage of Lord Buddha underscores that India's relationship with the world transcends formal ties.

"This demonstrates that India's connection with the world is not merely about politics, diplomacy, or economics. It runs much deeper, intertwined with hearts, sentiments, faith, and spirituality," he added.

PM Modi emphasized that India is not only the custodian of Lord Buddha's sacred relics but also a "living bearer" of his heritage.

"Relics associated with Lord Buddha found at Piprahwa, Vaishali, Devni Mori, and Nagarjunakonda are a living testament to his message. India has preserved and nurtured these relics in every respect—scientific and spiritual," he stated.

Highlighting India's contributions to preserving Buddhist heritage beyond its borders, the Prime Minister mentioned, "India has consistently endeavored to support the development of sites worldwide tied to Buddha's heritage. For example, after a devastating earthquake in Nepal damaged ancient stupas, India assisted in their restoration. We also helped conserve over 100 pagodas in Myanmar's Bagan after an earthquake. Such instances abound."

PM Modi noted that in Thailand, where these sacred relics were placed at various locations, over 40 lakh devotees visited for darshan in less than a month. In Vietnam, public interest was so immense that the exhibition had to be extended, with nearly 1.75 crore people paying homage across nine cities.

He also shared that in Mongolia, thousands waited for hours outside the Gandan Monastery, eager to touch the Indian representatives simply because they hailed from the land of Buddha. In Russia's Kalmykia region, more than 1.5 lakh devotees viewed the sacred relics in just one week, equivalent to more than half of the local population. He emphasized that these events united both ordinary citizens and leaders in equal reverence.

During his address, PM Modi remarked that witnessing the Jaya Sri Mahabodhi in Sri Lanka's Anuradhapura was a profound experience, connecting him to the traditions established by Emperor Ashoka, Bhikkhu Mahinda, and Sanghamitra. His visits to Wat Pho in Thailand and the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple in Singapore further enriched his understanding of the teachings of Lord Buddha.