Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Tuesday paid homage to Buddha’s sacred relics and offered prayers, highlighting the spiritual and cultural significance of the exposition. The Minister visited Jivetsal where the relics have been placed for public viewing.
Speaking on the occasion, Rijiju said, “Ladakhis are fortunate to have the opportunity to see the relics of Lord Buddha here in Leh. The new generations need to understand the life of Kushok Bakula Rinpoche. It’s difficult to describe in words how he contributed to the transformation of Ladakh into a modern Ladakh and how he revived Buddhism in Mongolia”.
Hundreds of people from across Ladakh and other places are visiting Leh daily to pay homage to the relics.
His Eminence the 9th Thiksey Rinpoche, Ngawang Jamyang Chamba Stanzin, accompanied by Kelkhang Rinpoche, also visited Jivetsal and paid homage to the sacred relics of the Tathagata Buddha. The visit was also attended by an official from the National Museum, who presented a memento to His Eminence on the occasion.
During the visit, His Eminence offered prayers and received blessings in a serene and spiritually charged atmosphere. Kelkhang Rinpoche also paid obeisance to the holy relics, reflecting the deep cultural and spiritual significance of the ongoing exposition.
Devotees and officials present on the occasion witnessed the solemn visit, which further added to the sanctity of the sacred display.
The sacred relics will remain at Jivetsal until May 11, following which they will be taken to Zanskar as part of the continuing exposition.
Meanwhile, The public veneration of the sacred relics of Gautama Buddha entered its fourth day at Jivetsal, witnessing a massive turnout of devotees from across the region.
According to the Ladakh Buddhist Association Youth Wing, approximately 15,000 people from areas ranging from Stakna to Likir visited Jivetsal to offer prayers and seek blessings. Devotees began arriving early in the morning, forming long queues that continued throughout the day, reflecting deep faith and devotion.
The prayer ceremony for the day was conducted by venerable monks from Shachukul Monastery, Changthang, Durbuk District, under the aegis of the Ladakh Gonpa Association. This marked the continuation of the 15-day veneration programme, during which monks from 16 major monasteries of Ladakh will offer prayers on a rotational basis each day.
Volunteers from the Ladakh Buddhist Association Youth Wing played a key role in managing the large gathering and provided assistance to elderly and physically challenged devotees.
The programme is being coordinated by the Ladakh Buddhist Association, which has issued a village-wise schedule to ensure participation from all parts of Leh district.
As per the schedule, tomorrow’s visitation will include residents from Leh Phudo, Gangles to Skara, along with government employees, personnel from the Army and paramilitary forces, and the Ladakh Police.