Century-Old Buddhist Relic Unveiled at Odisha's Lalitgiri Amidst Spiritual Celebrations

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In a unique display of cultural heritage, a rare 3rd-century BC Buddhist relic was temporarily removed from the ASI Lalitgiri Museum and showcased to the public at Lalitgiri in Odisha's Jajpur district. The occasion marked the second Guru Padmasambhava ceremony, honoring the revered Buddhist master credited with spreading Vajrayana Buddhism. The event, attended by monks, scholars, and devotees, featured rituals, prayers, and meditation, reflecting on Guru Padmasambhava's teachings of compassion, mindfulness, and enlightenment. The Archaeological Survey of India-identified relic was carefully presented to the public for a limited time, offering devotees a rare opportunity to pay homage to this ancient artifact. This sacred relic played a significant role in reaffirming Lalitgiri's importance on the global Buddhist map, solidifying Odisha's position as a custodian of ancient Buddhist civilization, heritage, and living traditions. The public display was a collaborative effort between the ASI, Department of Tourism, and Department of Odia Language, Literature & Culture, demonstrating a shared commitment to preserving and promoting Odisha's rich Buddhist heritage. The event was carefully coordinated among religious authorities and archaeological custodians to ensure the relic's dignity, security, and preservation were maintained at all times.