The special exposition of the sacred Devnimori relics of Lord Buddha at the Gangaramaya Temple in Hunupitiya, Colombo concluded this morning.

The sacred Devnimori relics arrived in Sri Lanka on February 04, accompanied by a high-level Indian delegation led by Shri Acharya Devvrat, the Governor of Gujarat and Shri Harsh Sanghavi, the Deputy Chief Minister of Gujarat, along with senior monks and officials.

The relics, enshrined at the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara were brought to Colombo for the public exposition, following discussions held between President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the latter’s recent visit to Sri Lanka.

The Devnimori Relics originate from the Devnimori archaeological site, located near Shamlaji in the Aravalli district of Gujarat, have never previously been taken outside India.

Following the arrival at the Bandaranaike International Airport on February 04, the sacred were placed on a special platform and transported to the Hunupitiya Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo.

Subsequently, amidst blessings from the Maha Sangha, the sacred relics were placed on a special platform at the temple and opened for public veneration.
Marking the commencement of the veneration of the sacred Devnimori relics of Lord Buddha, the first floral offering was made by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

Accordingly, from February 05, the general public was provided the opportunity to venerate the sacred relics in person at the historic Hunupitiya Gangaramaya Temple.

Authorities also made special security and transportation arrangements in view of the exposition.

According to latest estimates, over one million venerated the sacred Devnimori relics at the Gangaramaya Temple during the past week.

A large gathering, including the ministers, diplomats, and officials also visited the Gangaramaya to venerate the sacred relics.

Meanwhile, a group of Indian officials, including the Governor of Madhya Pradesh, Mangubhai C. Patel, and the Deputy Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Chowna Mein, arrived in Sri Lanka on Sunday (09) to accompany the relics back to India.

Accordingly, the sacred Devnimori relics are expected to be taken back to India this morning following special religious observances.