Did J&K L-G Visit a Buddhist Monastery in Russia's Kalmykia?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Jammu and Kashmir's Lt Governor Manoj Sinha honors sacred relics of Lord Buddha during his weeklong visit to Elista, Kalmykia, enhancing spiritual ties between the regions. His mission is to facilitate the return of these relics after a significant exhibition.
Key Takeaways
- Manoj Sinha pays homage at the Geden Sheddup Choikorling monastery.
- The visit strengthens spiritual ties between India and Russia.
- Kashmir is home to significant Buddhist historical sites.
- Efforts are being made to return sacred relics to India.
- Historical sites highlight the cultural evolution of Buddhism.
Srinagar, Oct 18 (NationPress) The Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, visited the Geden Sheddup Choikorling monastery in Elista, located in Russia's Kalmykia, on Saturday. The L-G's office announced on X, "I paid homage to the sacred relics of Lord Buddha that were brought from India and are enshrined in the main monastery here."
He added, "I pray to Lord Buddha for his blessings and to strengthen our spiritual connections." This visit is part of a weeklong trip to Kalmykia, where Manoj Sinha leads a delegation aimed at bringing back the holy relics of Lord Buddha after a week-long exhibition.
Expressing his gratitude for the mission, L-G Sinha thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for assigning him this esteemed responsibility. Upon his arrival in Elista, the capital of Kalmykia, he expressed his eagerness to pay respects to the holy relics and engage with local leaders such as Batu Sergeyevich Khasikov, the Head of the Republic of Kalmykia, and Shajin Lama, as well as venerable monks and community devotees.
Kashmir is renowned for its rich Buddhist heritage, featuring historical sites like the Harwan Buddhist site, which hosted the 4th Buddhist conference. The region boasts several significant Buddhist locations, including ancient ruins like Harwan and Ushkur, which were vital centers for Buddhist learning. Notable monasteries such as the Alchi Monastery, often linked with Ladakh, and the Shankaracharya Temple, which has historical ties to Buddhism, can also be found here.
Other important sites include the Ambaran Buddhist ruins near Akhnoor and the ancient Parihaspur Monastery. Harwan, an ancient site in Srinagar, is notable for hosting the 4th Buddhist council and a monastery during the Kushan era. Ushkur is another historic Buddhist site close to Baramulla, known for its vihara, where excavations have revealed terracotta Buddha heads dating back to the 7th-8th century CE.
Ambaran, located near Akhnoor in Jammu, features a monastic complex that showcases a millennium of Buddhist cultural development from the 2nd century BCE to the 7th century CE. Parihaspur, situated on the outskirts of Srinagar, is recognized for a large monastery constructed by King Lalitaditya, which is famous for a colossal image of Buddha.
The Alchi Monastery, along the Indus River, is celebrated for its ancient murals and sculptures that reflect a blend of Buddhist and Hindu influences, making it one of the oldest and most beautiful complexes in the region. Jayendra Vihara is a prominent ancient monastery and educational hub near Baramulla, which was visited by scholars like Hiuen Tsang in the 7th century CE.
Point of View
The visit by Lt Governor Manoj Sinha signals a renewed emphasis on cultural diplomacy. By honoring the sacred relics of Lord Buddha in Kalmykia, India showcases its commitment to fostering international spiritual ties and promoting mutual respect among diverse cultures.
NationPress
05/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the Geden Sheddup Choikorling monastery?
The Geden Sheddup Choikorling monastery is significant as it houses sacred relics of Lord Buddha, symbolizing the cultural and spiritual connection between India and the Buddhist community in Russia.
Who is Manoj Sinha?
Manoj Sinha is the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, appointed to oversee the administration and development of the region.
What is the purpose of Manoj Sinha's visit to Kalmykia?
The purpose of Manoj Sinha's visit to Kalmykia is to pay homage to the holy relics of Lord Buddha and to lead a delegation aimed at bringing these relics back to India after an exhibition.
What historical significance does Kashmir hold for Buddhism?
Kashmir is historically significant for Buddhism as it was a center of learning and culture, hosting important sites like the Harwan Buddhist site, where the 4th Buddhist council was held.
What are some notable Buddhist sites in Kashmir?
Notable Buddhist sites in Kashmir include the Harwan site, Ushkur, Ambaran, and the Alchi Monastery, each contributing to the region's rich Buddhist heritage.
