Context: India has undertaken a spiritual outreach and cultural diplomacy through the exposition of the sacred Devnimori Relics of Lord Buddha in Sri Lanka.

About Devnimori Relics of Lord Buddha

• Devnimori Relics were found at an excavation at the Devnimori archaeological site, located near Shyamlaji in the Aravalli district of Gujarat.
• The relic casket found in Devnimori Stupa is made of green schist.
• Inscription: Inscribed in the Brahmi and the Sanskrit language. The inscription reads ‘dashabala sharira nilay’, meaning the abode of Buddha’s bodily relic. ‘Dasabahala’ was one of the names by which Buddha is known.
• The relic casket has a copper box containing organic matter with holy ashes, with silk cloth and beads.
•  Consists of three parts: Body, Lid and a Knob with a rounded top.
• Current location of Devnimori Holy Relics: Currently, Devnimori Holy Relics are placed at Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara.

About Devnimori Site

• Devnimori is an archaeological site near the Shyamlaji in Northern Gujarat. It is Gujarat’s oldest known Buddhist Stupa and Vihara complex.
• Note: Devnimori is currently submerged under Shyam Sarovar.
• Original name of Devimori at Pasantikapali.
• Devnomori is the only brick stupa vihara complex known to us to this day from Gujarat.
• Located on the banks of the Meshwo River along an important ancient trade route connecting Gujarat & Rajasthan.
• Site is dated to the Western Kshatrapa dynasty.
• The inscription notes that the stupa had been built by two monks, Agnivarman & Sudarshan at Devnimori.

Significance of Devnimori Relics

• Testimony to the flourishing of Buddhism in Western India during the early centuries of the Common Era.
• Living symbol of timeless teachings of Lord Buddha –  peace, compassion & harmony.
• Represent priceless archaeological treasure.

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