MP Tourism: Why were the holy remains of Sanchi Stupa sent to Mongolia? Will this give new strength to India-Mongolia relations? What is going to be special at Gandan Monastery till June 9? Will Buddhist tourism of Madhya Pradesh get global recognition? Why is there so much discussion around the world about the remains of Buddha’s main disciples?
Assam Governor Shri Laxman Prasad Acharya brought the sacred remains of two prominent disciples of Lord Buddha, Arahant Sariputra and Arahant Mahamaudgalyayan, to Mongolia through a special aircraft of the Indian Air Force. On reaching Mongolia, the Education Minister L. He was respectfully welcomed by Khamba Nomun Khan Geshe Lharampa D. Javazandorj, Chief Abbot of Enkh-Amgalan and Gandantegchenling Monastery.
A large number of devotees were present during the reception of the holy relics. People expressed their faith by paying obeisance to these relics with reverence and devotion. The atmosphere on this occasion appeared completely filled with spiritual feelings.
India-Mongolia cultural relations will get a new dimension
During this historic visit, along with Governor Shri Acharya, Additional Chief Secretary of Madhya Pradesh Government, Culture, Religious Trust and Endowment and officer of General Administration Department, Shri Shiv Shekhar Shukla were also present. Apart from this, a high level delegation including Government of India, Government of Madhya Pradesh, International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), senior Buddhist monks from India and Sri Lanka also participated in the program. The presence of abbots of various major monasteries of Mongolia, many Buddhist monks and former President of Mongolia Nambarin Enkhbayar at the ceremony further enhanced the dignity of the event.
Gandan Monastery: The holy relics will be visible till June 9
On the special initiative of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the holy remains of Arahant Sariputra and Arahant Mahamaudgalyayan, the supreme disciples of Lord Buddha preserved in Sanchi Stupa, have been sent to Mongolia for public darshan. These holy relics will be kept for viewing in the famous Gandan Monastery of Mongolia till 9 June 2026. During this period, thousands of devotees and Buddhist followers will get the opportunity to have darshan of these divine relics.
Sanchi Stupa News: Buddhist tourism will get global expansion
This initiative is not only important from the religious and spiritual point of view, but is also a major step towards strengthening the cultural ties between India and Mongolia. This will give new strength to cultural exchange, tourism cooperation and religious relations between the two countries.
Experts believe that this initiative will further strengthen the international identity of India’s Buddhist pilgrimage circuit, especially world-famous places like Sanchi. This will not only increase the number of foreign tourists but will also give a new impetus to cultural tourism.
MP Buddhist Tourism: Madhya Pradesh will get international benefits
This occasion holds special significance for Madhya Pradesh. Sanchi Stupa is already included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and is considered a major center of faith for Buddhist devotees around the world. Through this initiative, the Buddhist tourist destinations of the state will get a new identity on the global platform. Besides, there is a possibility of increase in the movement of foreign tourists, duration of their stay and cultural activities. This step will also create new opportunities for long-term cooperation between monasteries, museums and cultural institutions of India and Mongolia.
Buddha Disciples Relics: Why are Sariputra and Mahamaudgalyayana special?
These sacred relics preserved in the Sanchi Stupa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are associated with the two chief disciples of Lord Buddha, Arahant Sariputra and Arahant Mahamaudgalyayana. In Buddhist tradition, both are respected as ‘Agra Couple’. Sariputra was famous for his unmatched intelligence and knowledge, while Mahamaudgalyayana was known for spiritual powers and supernatural accomplishments.
Both the great men made invaluable contribution in the propagation of Buddhism. His teachings are still considered an important basis of Buddhist philosophy, spiritual practice and spiritual life.