Leh: Thousands Unite In Reverence For The Sacred Relics Of Gautama Buddha
The 9th Thiksey Rinpoche, Ngawang Jamyang Chamba Stanzin, accompanied by Kelkhang Rinpoche, also visited Jivetsal and paid homage to the sacred relics of the Tathagata Buddha: Reports
SRINAGAR: Union Minister Kiren Rijiju visited Jivetsal, Choglamsar in Ladakhi capital Leh on Tuesday to witness the ongoing exposition of the holy relics of Gautama Buddha, an event that has transformed the venue into a powerful centre of devotion and cultural pride.
The Minister paid homage to the sacred relics and offered prayers, emphasising the profound spiritual and cultural significance of the exposition, which continues to inspire peace, harmony, and reflection on the Buddha’s timeless teachings.
The 9th Thiksey Rinpoche, Ngawang Jamyang Chamba Stanzin, accompanied by Kelkhang Rinpoche, also visited Jivetsal and paid homage to the sacred relics of the Tathagata Buddha. Their presence added immense spiritual depth to the occasion, a report from Leh said, adding that the spiritual leader offered prayers in a serene and spiritually charged atmosphere, while Kelkhang Rinpoche too paid obeisance, reflecting the deep reverence held by Ladakh’s monastic community.
An official from the National Museum presented a memento to Stanzin, symbolising the cultural collaboration behind this historic exposition. “Devotees and officials witnessed the solemn visit, which further elevated the sanctity of the sacred display, “an official release said. The relics will remain at Jivetsal until May 11, after which they will be taken to Zanskar as part of the continuing exposition.
Public veneration entered its fourth day on Tuesday, drawing an extraordinary turnout of devotees from across the region. According to the Ladakh Buddhist Association Youth Wing, nearly 15,000 people from areas stretching from Stakna to Likir visited Jivetsal to offer prayers and seek blessings.
Devotees began arriving early in the morning, forming long queues that continued throughout the day, reflecting deep faith and devotion. The day’s prayer ceremony was conducted by venerable monks from Shachukul Changthang Monastery, Durbuk Block, under the aegis of the Ladakh Gonpa Association, as part of the 15‑day veneration programme in which monks from 16 major monasteries of Ladakh offer prayers on a rotational basis.
Volunteers from the Ladakh Buddhist Association Youth Wing played a vital role in managing the massive gathering, assisting elderly and physically challenged devotees, and ensuring smooth and dignified access for all.
The Ladakh Buddhist Association has issued a village‑wise schedule to ensure equal participation from all parts of Leh district, with organisers confirming that every area will be covered in a phased manner. As per the schedule, Wednesday’s visitation will include residents from Leh Phudo, Gangles to Skara, along with government employees, Army and paramilitary personnel, and the Ladakh Police, ensuring continued inclusive participation in this rare and spiritually enriching exposition.
The sacred Piprahwa relics of Lord Buddha were transported to Leh last week in a special Indian Air Force aircraft by Drukpa Thuksey Rinpoche and Khenpo Thinlas Chosal of Matho Monastery. Upon arrival, the relics were accorded a ceremonial reception, with residents gathering along the route to pay homage.
These relics, discovered at the archaeological site of Piprahwa in present‑day Uttar Pradesh near the Nepal border, hold immense historical and spiritual significance.
The exposition marks the first time these relics have been brought out from their original place of preservation for display within India, despite having been exhibited internationally in countries such as Thailand, Mongolia, Vietnam, Russia, Singapore, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar. Their renewed global attention in recent years follows the repatriation to India in July 2025 of associated gems and offerings that had remained in private British collections for over a century.
After their exposition at Zanskar for two days, on May 11 and 12, the relics will be brought back to Leh for exposition at the Dharma Centre from May 13 to 14. The relics are scheduled to be flown back to Delhi on May 15, concluding what officials describe as one of the most spiritually significant events ever hosted in the Union Territory. Union Home Minister Amit Shah who participated in the inauguration ceremony in Leh last week described it as a moment of profound good fortune, noting that devotees from around the world would be offering veneration to the sacred relics.
