Leh/Jammu, May 5 (PTI) 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 Chöd 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.
He paid his tributes to Kushok Bakula Rinpoche, calling him a guiding light of peace, compassion and nation-building.
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. Devotees began arriving early in the morning, forming long queues that continued throughout the day.
The day’s prayer was conducted by monks from Shachukul Changthang Monastery under the aegis of the Ladakh Gonpa Association, as part of a 15-day veneration programme involving 16 major monasteries of Ladakh on a rotational basis.
Volunteers from the Ladakh Buddhist Association Youth Wing assisted in managing the large gathering and provided support to elderly and physically challenged devotees.
The Ladakh Buddhist Association has issued a village-wise schedule to facilitate participation from all parts of Leh district.
According to the schedule, Wednesday’s visitation will include residents from Leh Phudo, Gangles to Skara, government employees, personnel from the army and paramilitary forces, and the Ladakh Police. PTI AB VN VN
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