The sacred Piprahwa relics of Lord Buddha that arrived in Bhutan last week are on public display at Tashichhodzong. With the conclusion of the Kalachakra empowerment yesterday, thousands of devotees have been queuing to receive blessings from the sacred bone relics.
An increasing number of people are queuing to receive blessings from the sacred relics enshrined at the Grand Kuenray of Tashichhodzong.
The relics, believed to be bone fragments of Lord Shakyamuni, were excavated in Piprahwa, identified as ancient Kapilavastu, where Prince Siddhartha spent his early life.
Hochum from Punakha said, “I came to offer prayers and receive blessings with immense joy. At this age, it would be difficult for us to go to India for that purpose. We are lucky.”
Kaka from Haa said, “We have to spend tens of thousands of ngultrum if we go on our own to India to receive blessings from such relics. Moreover, we would like to thank His Majesty The King, His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo and His Holiness the Je Khenpo as many religious masters and lamas have gathered. We are lucky.”
Sangay Dolma from Zhemgang said, “I was attending the three-day Kalachakra initiation and empowerment at Changlimithang. I heard that the relics are here on display. So, I came here to pay my respects to the holy relics. We are very grateful to His Majesty The King.”
Rinzin Namgyel, the Chief Chemist of Antiquities Division, Department of Culture and Dzongkha Development said, “As the first-day of the display coincided with the Kalachakra empowerment, only around 5,000 came to witness the relics. On the 14th and 15th, the number increased. Over, 12,000 came on the second day and over 17,000 came yesterday.”
The exposition will remain open for public veneration till Monday.
Meanwhile, as part of the Global Peace Prayer Festival, Tshechu is being performed at Tendrelthang, especially arranged for the international audience.
As thousands continue to offer prayers and pay their respects, the arrival of relics not only enriches the sacred observances, but also reaffirms the strong cultural and spiritual ties between Bhutan and India.
Kelzang Chhophyel
