Archive · 20 Jan 2026
3rd-century BC Buddhist relic displayed in Odisha
A very old Buddhist relic from the 3rd century BC was taken out of a museum in Odisha and shown to the public.
This happened on January 16 during a special ceremony called the Guru Padmasambhava ceremony.
The relic is usually kept safe in a museum, but it was brought out so that people could see it and pay their respects.
This event showed how important Lalitgiri is for Buddhism and how Odisha takes care of its ancient Buddhist history.
The relic was handled carefully to make sure it stayed safe and well-preserved.
A 3rd-century BC Buddhist relic was displayed publicly in Lalitgiri, Odisha, on January 16.
The relic was brought out for the Guru Padmasambhava ceremony, honoring a revered Buddhist master.
The event was organized by the Archaeological Survey of India, Tourism Department, and Odia Language, Literature & Culture Department.
The relic is usually preserved under strict conservation protocols but was made accessible for public viewing during the ceremony.
The display reaffirmed Lalitgiri's importance in global Buddhism and Odisha's role in preserving Buddhist heritage.
- Who
- Monks, scholars, and devotees from across India
- What
- A rare 3rd-century BC Buddhist relic
- When
- January 16
- Where
- Lalitgiri, Odisha
- Why
- To allow public viewing and homage during the Guru Padmasambhava ceremony
- Relic Age
- 3rd century BC
- Location
- Lalitgiri, Odisha
- Event Date
- January 16
- Organizers
- Archaeological Survey of India, Tourism Department, Odia Language, Literature & Culture Department
- Significance
- Propagation of Vajrayana Buddhism
- Ceremony
- Guru Padmasambhava ceremony
- Preservation
- Stringent conservation protocols