Kapilavastu Relics exposition begins today

The Sacred Corporeal Relics of Gautama Buddha that were handed over to the Sakyas of Kapilavastu, according to what is recorded in the Mahaparinibbana Sutta, will be brought to Sri Lanka today for the second time since its discovery in 1898.

The first exposition of the Sacred Relics of Kapilavastu outside India was in Sri Lanka in 1978.

The Sacred Kapilavastu Relics will be brought to Sri Lanka in a special Indian Air Force aircraft by a delegation from India led by Indian Minister of Culture, Kumari Selja and the Director General of the National Museum of India.

The Sacred Relics will be received at a State ceremony presided over by President Mahinda Rajapaksa, with the participation of the Ven. Maha Sangha and other dignitaries. The public will venerate the Sacred Relics from tomorrow till September 4 at temples in seven provinces.

The sacred event is yet another manifestation of the close fraternal ties between India and Sri Lanka since time immemorial, especially from the days of Emperor Asoka.

The exposition dates and venues: Manelwatta Maha Viharaya, Bollegala, Kelaniya - August 19, 20, 21; Rajamaha Viharaya, Pelmadulla - August 22, 23; Jayanthi Viharaya, Anuradhapura – August 24,25,26; Agrabodhi Viharaya, Kantale – August 27, 28; Naranvita Sri Sambuddha Jayanthi Temple, Gampola – August 29, 30; Sri Sumangala Pirivena, Wariyapola - August 31, September 1 and Matara Kotikagoda Rajamaha Viharaya, Matara – September 2 to 4 and 5.