Itanagar/New Delhi, Nov 9 (IANS) The Sacred Relics of Shakyamuni Buddha arrived at Thubchog Gatsel Ling (TGL) Monastery (Lower Gompa), Bomdila, Arunachal Pradesh, and were enshrined at the monastery for public darshan, said an official of the Ministry of Culture on Monday.
The Sacred Relics, which arrived on Sunday, will be available for public darshan till November 13, said the official.
The exposition is being organised by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, in collaboration with the National Museum New Delhi, Government of Arunachal Pradesh and the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), New Delhi, the official said in a statement.
The first day of the public exposition on Sunday witnessed an encouraging response, with around 4,000 devotees visiting the monastery to have darshan of the Sacred Relics, it said.
Buddhist monks, dignitaries, senior citizens and persons with disabilities also offered prayers and paid their respects. From Monday to November 13, devotees from Bomdila constituency and neighbouring constituencies are scheduled to visit the monastery to offer prayers and seek blessings, the statement said.
The Sacred Relics were transported from Tawang to Bomdila aboard an Indian Air Force Chinook helicopter, accompanied by Bhikkhu Khemachara, Deputy Secretary General (DSG), IBC and officials from the Ministry of Culture, National Museum, New Delhi, and IBC, it said.
At the Army Helipad, Rupa, the Sacred Relics were received with due protocol by Pasang Dorjee Sona, Minister for Education, Tourism, Rural Works Department (RWD) and Public Libraries, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, it said.
A Guard of Honour was presented at the helipad. Thereafter, the Sacred Relics proceeded towards Bomdila, with a brief ceremonial halt at Upper Gompa before being taken to Thubchog Gatsel Ling Monastery (Lower Gompa) for enshrinement, said the statement.
Following the enshrinement, two special exhibitions were inaugurated at the monastery by Chief Guest Pasang Dorjee Sona, Minister for Education, Tourism and Rural Works Department, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, in the presence of Padma Shri the 12th Guru Trulku Rinpoche, the statement said.
The exhibitions, organised by the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) and the National Museum, New Delhi, showcase the historical, spiritual and cultural heritage associated with Buddhism and the Sacred Relics, it said.
–IANS
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