SYLLABUS

GS-1: Indian Culture – Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times. 

Context: The sacred relics of Arhat Sariputra and Arhat Mahamoggallana, the two chief disciples of Lord Buddha, were ceremonially enshrined at the Gandantegchenling Monastery in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, on the occasion of Buddha Purnima (Vesak Day) 2026. 

History of the Sacred Relics

• The relics were originally discovered in Stupas No. 2 and 3 at Sanchi (Madhya Pradesh) during excavations by Alexander Cunningham and F.C. Maisey in 1851. The reliquaries bore inscriptions identifying them as the relics of Sariputra and Mahamoggallana. 

• After their discovery, the relics were taken to the United Kingdom and preserved in museums before being returned to India in 1949 through the efforts of the Mahabodhi Society of India. 

• The relics are presently preserved at the Chethiyagiri Vihara in Sanchi (Madhya Pradesh) and are regarded among the most revered Buddhist relics in the world, often displayed internationally as part of India’s Buddhist cultural diplomacy and civilisational outreach. 

Arhat Sariputra and Arhat Mahamoggallana

• Arhat Sariputra (Sāriputta) and Arhat Mahamoggallana (Mahā Moggallāna) were the two chief disciples of Lord Buddha and are revered across Buddhist traditions as the foremost among his disciples. 

• Both were childhood friends who renounced worldly life in search of truth and later joined the Buddha’s Sangha after being inspired by his teachings. The Buddha subsequently declared them his two principal disciples. 

• Sariputra, often depicted on the Buddha’s right side, was renowned for his profound wisdom, mastery of the Dhamma, and leadership within the Sangha, earning the distinction of being the disciple foremost in wisdom. 

• Mahamoggallana, traditionally depicted on the Buddha’s left side, was celebrated for his deep meditative attainments and spiritual powers and was regarded as the disciple foremost in supernatural and psychic abilities. 

• Together, they played a pivotal role in the propagation, organisation, and preservation of the Buddha’s teachings and are remembered in Buddhist literature as the “chief pair of disciples” of the Buddha.

About Buddha Purnima / Vesak Day 2026

• Buddha Purnima, also known internationally as Vesak, is the most sacred festival in Buddhism, commemorating the birth, enlightenment (Bodhi), and Mahaparinirvana (passing away) of Gautama Buddha, all traditionally believed to have occurred on the full moon day of the month of Vaisakha. 

• Vesak is observed by Buddhist communities across South Asia, Southeast Asia, and East Asia through prayers, meditation, sermons, charitable activities, and visits to monasteries and sacred Buddhist sites. 

• In 1999, the United Nations officially recognised Vesak Day as an international observance, acknowledging Buddhism’s contribution to humanity’s spiritual and cultural heritage. 

• The observance also serves as an occasion to promote the core Buddhist values of compassion, non-violence, mindfulness, tolerance, and peace, which remain relevant in addressing contemporary global challenges.