Nearly 1 Lakh Visit Exposition of Lord Buddha’s Holy Relics in Russia’s Kalmykia
Moscow [Russia]: Nearly one lakh devotees and visitors from Kalmykia and neighbouring Russian provinces attended the weeklong exposition of the sacred relics of Lord Buddha at the Golden Temple of Buddha Shakyamuni in Elista, Kalmykia, the Embassy of India in Russia said.
In a post on X on Monday, the embassy stated that the holy relics, brought from India, were accompanied by revered Indian monks and the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha.
The Indian delegation received a warm and emotional farewell from the people of Kalmykia, led by the Head of the Republic, Batu Sergeyeivich Khasikov, and Chief Priest His Eminence Shajin Lama.
“Hon’ble Lt. Governor of Jammu & Kashmir Shri Manoj Sinha and venerated Indian monks accompanying the sacred relics of Lord Buddha were given an emotional send-off by the people of Kalmykia, led by the Head of the Republic H.E. Mr. Batu Sergeyeivich Khasikov and the Chief Priest His Eminence Shajin Lama. Nearly 1 lakh people from Kalmykia and neighbouring provinces of Russia visited the weeklong exposition at the Golden Temple of Buddha Shakyamuni in Elista and received the blessings of Lord Buddha. The government and the people of Kalmykia expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Government of India for granting them the honour of hosting the sacred relics,” the post read.
The event witnessed massive public participation, with thousands lining up to receive blessings and view the sacred relics — revered symbols of peace, compassion, and enlightenment.
The exposition is being hailed as a landmark in strengthening cultural and spiritual ties between India and Russia, particularly with Kalmykia, the only Buddhist-majority region in Europe.
Upon returning to India with the relics, Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha said the exposition had deepened the bond between the two nations.
“We have brought back the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha from Kalmykia… India-Russia friendship has a long and great history and is approaching its 80th year. During the visit of President Putin, this initiative of the Indian government and the Ministry of Culture will be seen as a milestone, further strengthening our ties in culture, business, trade, and defence,” he said.
The sacred relics — recognised as a National Treasure of India — were brought to Elista by a high-level delegation led by Keshav Prasad Maurya, Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, along with senior Indian monks.
This historic exposition, the first of its kind in the Russian Republic, stands as a powerful testament to the deep civilisational connection between India and Russia. It also honours the enduring legacy of the 19th Kushok Bakula Rinpoche, the revered Ladakhi monk and diplomat who played a pivotal role in reviving Buddhism in Mongolia and rekindling Buddhist traditions across Kalmykia, Buryatia, and Tuva.
