Thousands venerate Lord Buddha’s Sarira in Ho Chi Minh City
VOV.VN - Tens of thousands of monks, nuns, Buddhist followers, and people from across the country gathered at Thanh Tam Pagoda in Binh Chanh district, Ho Chi Minh City on May 3 morning to venerate the Lord Buddha’s Sarira.
The Sarira of Lord Buddha – a sacred treasure of India – was received by the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha from India and ceremoniously enshrined at Thanh Tam Pagoda as part of the 2025 United Nations Day of Vesak celebration.
Numerous international Buddhist delegations, including those from Myanmar, Thailand, and overseas Vietnamese communities, also arrived on the first day to engage in the veneration.
According to the organizing board, monks, nuns, Buddhists, and visitors can venerate the Sarira of the Lord Buddha at Thanh Tam Pagoda from 6 a.m. on May 3 to noon on May 8.
Nguyen Thi Bach Yen, a resident of District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, and 10 fellow Buddhists arrived at the pagoda at 4 a.m. After venerating the Sarira, she offered her prayers before the Buddha statue: “This is the first time our country has been graced with the presence of Lord Shakyamuni Buddha on the occasion of Vesak – the international celebration of Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and passing. I feel joyful and honored to welcome fellow Buddhists here. I’ve found the Buddha’s teachings truly miraculous, a source of learning, spiritual growth, and goodness, and they bring me happiness,” she shared.
On May 2, a plane carrying the Sarira of Lord Shakyamuni from India landed at Tan Son Nhat Airport, after which the sacred relic was escorted to be enshrined at Thanh Tam Pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City.
The Lord Buddha’s Sarira, housed at the National Museum in New Delhi, is considered a national treasure of India. According to Indian diplomatic protocol, its departure from the country is equivalent to a head-of-state visit.
The organizing board confirmed that no prior registration is required for Buddhists and people wishing to participate in the sacred event.
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Lord Buddha’s Sarira brought to Vietnam for UN Day of Vesak 2025
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