Rijiju visits Jivetsal for Buddha relics exposition

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Tuesday visited Jivetsal in Choglamsar to witness the exposition of the relics of Gautama Buddha, describing their presence in Ladakh as a "blessing that transcends time, geography and borders."

"Deeply humbled to bow in sacred veneration of the holy relics of Tathagata Buddha at Jivetsal in Leh. The arrival of the revered Piprahwa relics in Ladakh is a blessing that transcends time, geography and borders, carrying the living presence of the Tathagata and his eternal message of compassion, wisdom and peace," Rijiju said, according to a statement.

During his visit, the minister witnessed a traditional Chod performance, performed by students from Druk Padma Karpo School in Shey.

Rijiju inaugurated the Bakula Rinpoche Memorial Lecture Series at the Central Institute of Buddhist Studies (CIBS), Choglamsar, and interacted with monks, scholars, and students.

The minister also inspected the reconstruction work of Chowkhang Vihara, a site of spiritual significance.

The exposition of relics entered its fourth day on Tuesday, drawing a massive turnout of devotees from across the region. According to the Ladakh Buddhist Association Youth Wing, around 15,000 people from areas ranging from Stakna to Likir visited the site to pray and seek blessings.