Bai Dinh Pagoda selected as new place of worship to host Buddha’s Sarira
VOV.VN - Lord Buddha’s Sarira, one of India’s most revered spiritual treasures, is now open for public veneration at Bai Dinh Pagoda in northern Ninh Binh province from 8 a.m. on May 21 to 10 a.m. on May 22.
Bai Dinh is the fifth spiritual site in Vietnam selected to host the sacred relic during its journey across the country.
Before arriving in Ninh Binh, the Sarira was displayed at four significant religious locations, namely Thanh Tam Pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City, Ba Den Mountain in Tay Ninh province, Quan Su Pagoda in Hanoi, and Tam Chuc Pagoda in Ha Nam province, from May 2 to 20.
Each stop has attracted large numbers of Buddhist devotees and local residents, reflecting the deep spiritual resonance the relic holds.
Situated approximately 15 kilometers from the centre of Ninh Binh province and 95 kilometres south of Hanoi, Bai Dinh Pagoda is renowned for holding several regional records. It is recognised as the largest pagoda in Vietnam, home to the biggest gold-plated copper Buddha statue in Asia, and features the longest lobby in Asia.
Over the years, the pogoda has become a major pilgrimage destination for both domestic and international Buddhists, especially during spring festivals, Vesak Day, and global Buddhist events.
Due to overwhelming public interest, the Vietnamese Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs proposed extending the Sarira’s stay in the country. Responding to the request, the Government of India has agreed to prolong the relic’s display in Vietnam until June 2.
The Indian Embassy in Vietnam confirmed the extension and requested the Vietnamese authorities to provide a detailed schedule for the Sarira’s itinerary beyond May 21.
This ongoing exhibition underscores the deep spiritual and cultural ties between Vietnam and India, and offers a rare opportunity for the Vietnamese public to pay respects to a highly sacred Buddhist relic.
As scheduled, the Buddha's relic will continue to be enshrined at pagodas in Bac Giang, Quang Ninh, Hung Yen and Da Nang from May 22 to June 2.
India extends display of Lord Buddha’s Sarira in Vietnam
VOV.VN - The Government of India has agreed to extend the display of Lord Buddha’s Sarira, a sacred treasure of India, in Vietnam till June 2, following a request from the government of Vietnam, announced the Embassy of India in Vietnam.
