Global Buddhist Event: Buddha Samyak Darshan Museum Opens in Bihar

Patna, Jul 28 (PTI) Buddhist monks from 15 countries are set to attend the inauguration of the Buddha Samyak Darshan Museum-cum-Memorial Stupa in Vaishali district on Tuesday, as announced by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.

The museum's first floor houses the sacred relic of Lord Buddha.

In a post on X on Monday, Kumar stated, "I am delighted to announce the inauguration of the Buddha Samyak Darshan Museum-cum-Memorial Stupa in Vaishali on Tuesday. Buddhist followers and monks from around 15 nations will join us for this significant event in Bihar."

"This is a proud moment for everyone in Bihar. This magnificent stupa, constructed on 72 acres with pink stones from Rajasthan, is designed with an environmental focus, offering a pleasant experience for tourists."

The Chief Minister will officially open the Buddha Samyak Darshan Museum-cum-Memorial Stupa on Tuesday.

"The focal point of the memorial is the installation of Lord Buddha's sacred relic on the stupa's first floor. These relics were sourced from six locations, with the ones found at Vaishali's Mud Stupa being deemed most authentic, as noted by the Chinese traveler Xuanzang in his writings," the Chief Minister elaborated.

Xuanzang, also known as Hiuen Tsang, was a Chinese Buddhist monk and scholar who visited India during the reign of King Harsha Vardhan in the 7th century AD.

Vaishali is steeped in history and mythology, known as the birthplace of the world's first republic and a crucial site for women's empowerment, being the first to include women in the Buddhist Sangha.

"This stupa stands as a grand emblem of Bihar's rich cultural heritage and its global Buddhist significance. The Buddha Samyak Darshan Museum-cum-Memorial Stupa will not only elevate Vaishali on the global Buddhist map but will also boost tourism, culture, and employment," the Chief Minister wrote.