Lalitgiri : The sacred precincts of Lalitgiri witnessed a moment of profound spiritual and historical significance with the observance of the 2nd Guru Padmasambhava Ceremony, drawing revered Buddhist monks, eminent scholars, spiritual practitioners, and devotees from across the country and abroad.
The ceremony commemorated Guru Padmasambhava, the revered Buddhist master credited with the propagation of Vajrayana Buddhism, and reflected upon his teachings of compassion, mindfulness, and enlightenment. Sacred rituals, prayers, and meditative observances were conducted in an atmosphere of devotion and solemnity, reinforcing the site’s spiritual sanctity.
Marking the solemn occasion, a rare Buddhist relic dating back to the 3rd Century BC, as identified by the Archaeological Survey of India, was ceremonially brought out of its protected enclosure at the ASI Lalitgiri Museum and placed on public display on 16 January. Ordinarily preserved under stringent conservation protocols, the relic was made accessible for public viewing as part of the religious observance, offering devotees a rare and deeply reverential opportunity to pay homage.
The public display of the sacred relic was undertaken as an initiative of the Archaeological Survey of India, in collaboration with the Department of Tourism and the Department of Odia Language, Literature & Culture, reflecting a shared commitment to preserving, promoting, and respectfully presenting Odisha’s rich Buddhist heritage.
The unveiling of the relic stood as the spiritual highlight of the ceremony. Revered monks, Buddhist scholars, practitioners, and devotees gathered in large numbers to offer prayers and receive blessings, underscoring the enduring spiritual resonance of Lalitgiri as one of the most significant early centres of Buddhism in the Indian subcontinent.
The event was organised with due coordination among religious authorities and archaeological custodians, ensuring that the dignity, security, and preservation of the relic were maintained at all times. The public display of the relic not only deepened the spiritual experience of the devotees but also highlighted Odisha’s rich Buddhist heritage and its continued relevance in contemporary spiritual discourse.
The observance reaffirmed Lalitgiri’s importance on the global Buddhist map and further positioned Odisha as a custodian of ancient Buddhist civilisation, heritage, and living traditions.
