Kapilavastu Relics

Kapilavastu Relics

News: Four Holy Relics of Lord Buddha are being taken from India to Mongolia for an 11-day exposition to coincide with Mongolian Buddha Purnima celebrations.
 These relics are to be displayed at the Batsagaan Temple in Gandan Monastery complex in Ulaanbaatar.
 The four relics come from among 22 Buddha relics, currently housed at Delhi’s National Museum. Together, they are known as the ‘Kapilvastu Relics’ since they are from a site in Bihar believed to be the ancient city of Kapilvastu. The site was discovered in 1898.

What are Relics?
 Relics are sacred objects associated with holy individuals. It may include body parts (teeth, hair, bones) or objects which the holy person used or touched.
 Many traditions believe relics have special powers to heal, grant favors, or to keep away demons.

About Sacred Relics of Buddha:
 At the age of 80, according to Buddhist beliefs, Buddha attained salvation in Uttar Pradesh’s Kushinagar district.
 The Mallas of Kushinagar cremated his body with ceremonies befitting a universal king.
 His relics from the funeral pyre were collected and divided into eight shares to be distributed among the Ajathsatrus of Magadha, the Licchavis of Vaishali, the Sakyas of Kapilavastu, Mallas of Kushinagar, Bullies of Allakappa, the Mallas of Pava, the Koliyas of Ramagrama and a Brahmana of Vethadipa.
 The purpose was to erect stupas over the sacred relics.