Relics of Buddha's chief disciples Sariputra and Mahamoggallana enshrined in Mongolia
On Buddha Purnima, 31 May 2026, the holy relics of Arhat Sariputra and Arhat Mahamoggallana from India were enshrined at Gandantegchenling Monastery, Ulaanbaatar, for a ten-day exposition.
Summary
The holy relics of Arhat Sariputra and Arhat Mahamoggallana, the two chief disciples of Lord Buddha, were ceremonially enshrined at Gandantegchenling Monastery in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, on Buddha Purnima 2026. The exposition runs from 31 May to 10 June 2026 alongside an exhibition titled 'Vessels of Light'. The relics have been preserved for centuries in the stupas of Sanchi. The exposition was announced by PM Narendra Modi during Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh's State Visit to India in October 2025; the Indian Air Force airlifted the relics.
Key facts
- Relics of
- Arhat Sariputra and Arhat Mahamoggallana
- Venue
- Gandantegchenling Monastery, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
- Exposition
- 31 May – 10 June 2026 (ten days)
- Exhibition
- 'Vessels of Light'
- Relics kept in India at
- Stupas of Sanchi
- Announced
- During Mongolian President Khurelsukh's State Visit, October 2025
Practice MCQs 3 questions
In May 2026, the holy relics of which two chief disciples of Lord Buddha were enshrined in Mongolia for an exposition?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Sariputra and Mahamoggallana
The relics of Arhat Sariputra and Arhat Mahamoggallana were enshrined at Gandantegchenling Monastery, Ulaanbaatar.
The Buddhist relics sent to Mongolia in May 2026 are preserved in India in the stupas of which site?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Sanchi
The relics of Sariputra and Mahamoggallana have been preserved for centuries in the sacred stupas of Sanchi.
In which monastery of Ulaanbaatar were the relics of Lord Buddha's chief disciples enshrined on Buddha Purnima 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Gandantegchenling Monastery
The relics were enshrined at the Gandantegchenling Monastery in Ulaanbaatar for an exposition from 31 May to 10 June 2026.