HM Amit Shah Inaugurates Exposition of Buddha Relics in Leh | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday inaugurated the exposition of the sacred relics of Lord Buddha in Leh, describing the occasion as a “historic and golden moment” for Ladakh as the relics returned to the region after 75 years on Buddha Purnima.

The ceremony was attended by Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh VK Saxena, the Union Home Secretary, and several other dignitaries.

In his address, Shah said the return of the sacred relics on Buddha Purnima marked a significant spiritual and cultural milestone for Ladakh, noting that the occasion would inspire followers of Buddhism as well as people of other faiths.

He said the day carried deep spiritual significance, drawing parallels with the life of Lord Buddha and calling it an occasion of reflection and inspiration for humanity.

Describing the event as more than a religious observance, the Home Minister said it symbolised a historic reconnection, with the relics returning to what he described as a sacred land deeply associated with Buddhist heritage.

Shah said Ladakh had long served as a centre of Buddhist learning and spiritual tradition, preserving and propagating the teachings of Lord Buddha over centuries. He said the region played a key role in the transmission of Buddhist philosophy across Asia.

He highlighted Ladakh’s association with major Buddhist traditions, including Nyingma, Kagyu, Sakya, and Gelug, and said the teachings rooted in the region emphasised wisdom, discipline, and the integration of knowledge with practice.

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The Home Minister said the presence of the relics reaffirmed India’s civilisational message of peace, coexistence, and compassion, adding that this legacy remained relevant in regions marked by diversity such as Ladakh.

He also referred to the historical spread of Buddhism to Ladakh through ancient trade routes, including the Silk Route, and its development during different periods, including the Kushan era and later centuries, when monasteries and translations of Buddhist texts helped institutionalise the faith in the region.

Shah said that Ladakh’s contribution to Buddhist heritage continues to be recognised globally and noted that, according to Buddhist tradition, viewing the sacred relics is equivalent to having darshan of Lord Buddha himself.

He urged the administration to ensure smooth arrangements for devotees and visitors from all faiths to have access to the relics.

Shah added that Lord Buddha’s teachings, which were relevant 2,500 years ago, remain even more significant in today’s world, and called for wider acceptance of the path of peace, balance, and compassion.