Sacred relics from Sanchi Stupa to be sent to Mongolia on PM Modi’s initiative

On a special initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, sacred relics from Sanchi Stupa are being sent to Mongolia. The relics belong to two chief disciples of Gautama Buddha — Sariputra and Maudgalyayana.

About Sanchi Stupa 

• Sanchi is located about 10 km from Vidisha in Madhya Pradesh.
• Sanchi Stupa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site comprising a group of Buddhist monuments including Stupas, Monolithic pillars, Temples, Palaces and Monasteries. Most of these structures date back to the 2nd and 1st centuries BCE.
• Sanchi is regarded as the oldest Buddhist sanctuary still in existence and remained a major Buddhist centre in India until the 12th century CE. It is also identified with the sacred Cetiyagiri mentioned in Sri Lankan Buddhist chronicles.
• The establishment of Sanchi as a sacred Buddhist centre is attributed to the Mauryan emperor Ashoka.
• Ashoka erected the famous monolithic Ashoka Pillar (Ashoka Stambha) at the site, marking its religious significance.
• The original brick stupa built during the Mauryan period was later enlarged under the Sunga dynasty (184–72 BCE). The structure was enhanced with: stone veneering, circumambulatory pathways, staircases, Harmika, Yashti, Chhatra, ornamental balustrades and four elaborately carved toranas (gateways)
• The Satavahana dynasty further ornamented the toranas during the 1st century CE.
• During the Gupta period in the 5th century CE, four shrines were added at the cardinal entry points.

Relics of Sariputra and Maudgalyayana 

• Sariputra and Maudgalyayana were the two chief disciples of Gautama Buddha and are highly revered in Buddhist traditions, especially Theravada Buddhism.
• Their sacred remains enshrined at Sanchi have been venerated for centuries and continue to hold immense spiritual importance among Buddhists worldwide.

Significance of Sending the Relics to Mongolia

• The transfer of the sacred relics symbolizes India’s civilizational and cultural ties with Mongolia.
• It also strengthens Buddhist diplomacy and reinforces India’s role as the land of Buddha and a centre of global Buddhist heritage.