Where Buddha's Sacred Relics are enshrined

The King of Magadha, Ajasaththa on hearing about the demise of the Buddha became uncontrollably distraught that he fainted several times. On regaining consciousness he said, "the Buddha was a member of the Kshatriya clan and so am I. Therefore, I should be entitled to receive a part of His Body Relics".

Other royal clans, including Shakyas of Kapilavasthu, Liccavis of Vishala, Koliyas of Ramagrama all rushed to Kushinara to claim their share of Buddha's Relics.

The Malla royal clan of Kushinara said that the Buddha came to their city to attain Parinibbana. "Therefore, we are the ones who are entitled to His Relics". The royal clans then began to prepare for war in order to obtain the Relics of the Buddha.

A pandit named Drona Brahmin then reached the highest point in the city, and preached the Dhamma to the kings. He said, "It is not proper for you to fight for the Buddha's Relics". After that all parties agreed to divide the Relics into eight portions. Thereafter the Buddha's Relics were taken to all parts of India. Here is a list of the Sacred Relics:

1. Lalata Relic (frontal bone)

2. Aku Relic (clavicle)

3. Data Relic (tooth)

4. Greevasthi Relic (collar bone)

5. Kesha Relic (hair)

6. Nakha Relic (nails)

7. Urna Roma Relic (hair between

the eyebrows)

8. Bhinna Relic (pieces of

bones)

9. Paribhogika Relic

(used belongings)

10. Patee Relic (girdle)

11. Jalasatika Relic (bathing cloth)

12. Pathra Relic (bowl)

Where some of these Sacred Relics are enshrined in our country.

Lalata Relic (Frontal bone)

King Kavanthissa is said to have built a stupa on the right bank at Seruvila and enshrined the Lalata Relic.

Aku Relic (clavicle)

The Aku Relic (clavicle) was enshrined in Anuradhapura by King Devanampiyatissa, the first Buddhist King who reigned in Anuradhapura. According to religious history, the Sumana Samanera had brought this Relic to Anuradhapura from India. King Devanampiyatissa built Thupaarama and enshrined the Relic there in the third century BC.

Data Relic (Tooth Relic Canine)

The first Tooth Relic was brought to Sri Lanka during the reign of Giri Abaya in the second century BC.

The King built the Somavathi Stupa and enshrined the Right Tooth Relic here.

The second Right Tooth Relic which was brought to Sri Lanka from India by Princess Hemamala hidden in her hair. She was accompanied by Prince Dantha. They presented the Relic to King Kithsirimevan. The King then got a special golden casket made and placed the Sacred Relic in the 'Damsak' building, constructed during the reign of King Devanampiyatissa. With great devotion he held poojas in honour of the Sacred Relic. Even after King Kithsirimevan this practise was observed. It is this same Sacred Tooth Relic that is now enshrined at the Sri Dalada Maligawa.

Kesha Relic (hair)

According to the historical documentarons on Buddha's Relics, on the seventh year after He attained Buddhahood, two brothers who were traders had met the Buddha and offered alms. Afterwards the Buddha had preached to the two brothers, Thapassu and Bhalluka who then became Buddhists. Thereafter, they requested the Buddha for some relic for them to worship. The Buddha gave them some hair from His head.

The two brothers in their trading travels had visited Sri Lanka and seeing a beautiful hillock at Thiriyaya had built a stupa to enshrine the Hair Relic of the Buddha.

Nakha Relic (nails)

There are at least two places where the Nail Relics are believed to be enshrined in Sri Lanka. One is a small stupa that is rather neglected in Anuradhapura and the other is a major place of worship - the Deegavapi Stupa in Ampara. It is a place built by King Saddhatissa in the second century BC.

Urna Roma Relic

(It was a relic special to the Buddha. A hair that grew on His forehead like a spot).

When Arahath Mahinda came to Sri Lanka, he is said to have brought the Urna Roma Relic placed in a special jem stone. On his arrival at Mihinthale, he is said to have enshrined it. Later on King Mahadaliyamana had built the stupa known today as Ambulu Dagoba or Mihinthala Maha Seya where the Relic was eventually enshrined.

Bhinna Relic

(These Relics were small pieces of the Buddha's remains collected after the cremation)

Bhinna Relics are enshrined in large number of places in the Buddhist World including Sri Lanka and these are believed to be capable of appearing in certain places of worship miraculously. So that holy people could enshrine them and worship them.

- Asha Senevirathne