PM Modi Inaugurates Grand Exposition Of Sacred Piprahwa Relics Linked To Lord Buddha In Delhi

On a winter morning in New Delhi, a chapter of India’s ancient spiritual history was placed back in the public eye as sacred relics linked to Lord Buddha were unveiled for viewing. The occasion marked the opening of a rare international exposition that brings together artefacts separated for more than a century, reconnecting archaeology, faith, and living tradition at one site.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (Jan 3) inaugurated the Grand International Exposition of Sacred Piprahwa Relics related to Lord Buddha, titled The Light and the Lotus: Relics of the Awakened One, at the Rai Pithora Cultural Complex in the national capital. The exhibition allows the public to view the Piprahwa relics, considered among the earliest and most historically significant remains associated with Lord Buddha.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said the exposition marked the return of India’s heritage after more than 125 years. He said the relics, which were once taken abroad and later sought to be auctioned internationally, were not merely historical objects but an inseparable part of India’s society and spiritual legacy. He added that the government intervened to stop their auction, recognising their civilisational importance.

Mr Modi said that from Saturday, people across the country would be able to have darshan of the sacred relics and receive the blessings associated with them. He emphasised that India is not only the custodian of these relics but also a living carrier of the Buddhist tradition. According to him, the teachings and wisdom of Lord Buddha belong to all of humanity, and India’s responsibility extends beyond preservation to sharing this heritage with the world.

Reuniting A Dispersed Buddhist Legacy

The Piprahwa relics were discovered in 1898 at a site in present-day Uttar Pradesh and hold a central place in the study of early Buddhism. Archaeological evidence links the Piprahwa site to ancient Kapilavastu, widely identified as the place where Lord Buddha spent his early life before renunciation. The relics are regarded as among the earliest deposits directly connected to Lord Buddha.

The exposition brings together, for the first time, relics preserved in the collections of the National Museum in New Delhi and the Indian Museum in Kolkata. These relics were repatriated after more than a century, allowing them to be displayed together in a single public exhibition.

Union Minister of Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said the event marked the reunification of the Piprahwa gem relics after 127 years. He described the occasion as a moment of pride for the country and said the Ministry of Culture is working in line with the Prime Minister’s vision of development alongside heritage preservation. He added that the ministry is engaged in conserving archaeological sites, digitising manuscripts, and strengthening cultural traditions across India.

Buddhist Heritage And Global Outreach

Speaking about India’s role in preserving Buddhist heritage, the Prime Minister stated that the country has consistently contributed to the development of Buddhist sites in India and abroad. He noted that many Buddhist sites are being modernised, with new facilities created to improve access for pilgrims and visitors.

Mr Modi also highlighted the government’s efforts to promote Pali, the language in which many of Lord Buddha’s teachings were originally recorded. He said Pali has been accorded classical language status to enable wider dissemination and deeper engagement with Buddhist texts and philosophy.

The exposition reflects India’s continuing civilisational link with Buddhism and underscores the government’s focus on safeguarding spiritual and cultural heritage. Officials said the recent repatriation of the relics was achieved through sustained government efforts, institutional cooperation, and public-private partnerships.

The exhibition is anticipated to draw scholars, practitioners, and visitors interested in Buddhism, archaeology, and India’s spiritual heritage. By bringing the Piprahwa relics back into public view, the exposition aims to strengthen awareness of India’s role as the birthplace of Buddhism and as a steward of its enduring legacy.