Sacred Buddha Relic from Sarnath Sparks Catharsis in Vietnam

Spread love

Sacred Buddha Relic from Sarnath Revered in Vietnam During UN Vesak Day Celebrations

By TRH News Desk

NEW DELHI, May 26, 2025 – The sacred Buddha relic from Sarnath has captivated millions of devotees across Vietnam as part of a historic 20-day exposition coinciding with the United Nations Day of Vesak 2025.

“The Holy Buddha Relic from Sarnath solemnly welcomed by thousands of devotees at Truc Lam Yen Tu Monastery in Vietnam. The spiritual connect between India and Vietnam is deep and ancient,” said Union Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju on Monday in a post on X, as the Sarnath relic now completes three weeks in Vietnam.

Organized by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), the relic’s journey through four Vietnamese cities – Ho Chi Minh City, Tay Ninh, Hanoi, and Ha Nam –drew unprecedented crowds. Following a special appeal from Vietnamese Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the relic’s stay was extended until June 2, highlighting its profound significance to Vietnamese Buddhists.

Modi had announced the exposition on the sidelines of BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok this year. Similarly, Buddha relic found in Saurashtra in Gujarat will soon be taken to Sri Lanka, as announced by Prime Minister during his visit to Colombo last month.

The relic, enshrined at Mulagandha Kuti Vihara in Sarnath and excavated from Nagarjuna Konda, Andhra Pradesh, arrived in Ho Chi Minh City on May 2 aboard an Indian Air Force aircraft.

Vietnam News reported, “The Holy Relics – precious corporeal remains of Gautama Buddha –will journey from the sacred soil of India to the land of the rising dragon, Việt Nam, in a profound gesture of peace, unity, and shared spiritual heritage.” The outlet emphasized the event as a historic first, offering Vietnamese devotees a rare opportunity for darshan (sacred viewing) and strengthening Indo-Vietnamese ties.

The relic’s arrival at Vietnam Buddhist University in Ho Chi Minh City was marked by a solemn ceremony, followed by a grand procession to Thanh Tam Pagoda, where it was displayed for public veneration from May 2 to 8.

Prokerala described the scene: “Thousands of people in Bac Giang gathered in a solemn procession to escort the sacred Holy Sarnath Relics of the Buddha to Phuc Son Pagoda, Vietnam – an expression of deep reverence for the compassionate father, Shakyamuni Buddha.”

The procession, adorned with Buddhist flags, lotus flowers, and traditional dragon motifs, saw devotees kneeling and chanting as the relic, encased in a transparent glass container, passed through the streets.

The exposition continued at Ba Den Mountain in Tay Ninh Province (May 9–13), a significant spiritual site. Vietnam News highlighted the relic’s journey to the mountain via ropeway, noting, “This sacred gathering has affirmed Ba Den Mountain’s status as a new spiritual meeting place of Buddhist heritage.”

The outlet reported that the event underscored Vietnam’s commitment to fostering international Buddhist ties. Prof. Dr. Phra Brahmapundit, President of the International Council for the Day of Vesak, described the site as “heaven in the Pali Canon” for its embodiment of peace, added the outlet.

In Hanoi, from May 14 to 18, the relic was enshrined at Quan Su Pagoda, the headquarters of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha. The Himalayan Times reported that “around 5 million people” visited the relic in Hanoi, with thousands lining the streets adorned with banners and lotus flowers.

“The rhythmic chants of Buddhist hymns, combined with incense offerings, created a deeply sacred atmosphere,” the outlet noted. The International Buddhist Confederation in a post on X said: “As the Holy Sarnath Relics of the Buddha entered the Vietnamese capital of Hanoi on 13 May 2025, around 5 lakh people had gathered on the streets to welcome the sacred relics. Emotions were high with many weeping and praying while others chanted aloud.”

The relic’s journey concluded at Tam Chuc Pagoda in Ha Nam Province and Bai Dinh Pagoda in Ninh Binh Province, with millions more paying homage.

Local media reported that the Vietnamese government’s request to extend the relic’s stay reflected its deep cultural and religious significance, with Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính emphasizing its role in strengthening spiritual bonds.

Abhijit Halder, Director General of the IBC, told Vietnamese outlets, “For the Vietnamese Buddhist community, this relic is not merely a sacred object – it represents the living presence of the Buddha.”

The event also featured cultural exhibitions showcasing Buddhist artifacts from India and Vietnam, highlighting shared heritage from the 2nd and 3rd centuries CE. Vietnam News noted, “Through the symbolism of relics, the wisdom of Dharma, and the power of civilisational diplomacy, India and Vietnam are demonstrating how ancient values can illuminate modern paths.”

The exposition, coinciding with the UN Vesak Day theme of “Buddhist Approach to Unity and Inclusivity for Human Dignity,” has been hailed as a milestone in Indo-Vietnamese relations, fostering peace and spiritual unity across borders.

Follow The Raisina Hills on WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn