Devnimori relics of Lord Buddha return to India after week-long exposition in Colombo
The Devnimori relics of Lord Buddha returned to India from Colombo on 11 February 2026 after their first-ever international exposition, which drew over one million devotees.
Summary
The sacred Devnimori relics of Lord Buddha returned to India from Colombo, Sri Lanka, on 11 February 2026 after a week-long public exposition at the Gangaramaya Temple, their first-ever international exposition. The Ministry of Culture said over one million devotees took part in the veneration. The exposition was inaugurated by Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, with Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi attending from India. The return delegation was led by Madhya Pradesh Governor Mangubhai Patel and Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein. The relics are enshrined at the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara, and come from the Devnimori site near Shamlaji in Gujarat's Aravalli district. The relic casket, of green schist, carries a Brahmi inscription in Sanskrit reading 'dashabala sharira nilay' (abode of the Buddha's bodily relic).
Key facts
- Return date
- 11 February 2026
- Venue of exposition
- Gangaramaya Temple, Colombo
- Devotees
- Over one million
- Inaugurated by
- President Anura Kumara Dissanayake
- Origin
- Devnimori site near Shamlaji, Aravalli district, Gujarat; kept at MSU Baroda
- Casket
- Green schist, Brahmi script, Sanskrit: 'dashabala sharira nilay'
Practice MCQs 3 questions
At which temple in Colombo were the Devnimori relics of Lord Buddha exhibited before returning to India on 11 February 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Gangaramaya Temple
The week-long exposition was held at the Gangaramaya Temple, Colombo.
The Devnimori archaeological site, source of the Buddha relics, lies near Shamlaji in which district of Gujarat?
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Correct answer: D — Aravalli
The Ministry of Culture says the site is near Shamlaji in Gujarat's Aravalli district; the relics are kept at MSU Baroda.
Consider the following about the Devnimori relic casket: 1. It is made of green schist. 2. Its inscription is in Kharosthi script and Pali language. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. The green schist casket is inscribed in Brahmi script and Sanskrit language, reading 'dashabala sharira nilay'.