Buddha’s Sarira now enshrined at Tam Chuc pagoda for veneration

Tens of thousands of Buddhist monks, nuns, followers and people from across the country gather at Tam Chuc pagoda, one of the largest Buddhist worship places in the world, on May 17 to witness the ceremonial procession and enshrinement of the Buddha’s Sarira - a national treasure of India.

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At around 10 A.M., the Sarira is ceremoniously transferred from Quan Su pagoda, the headquarters of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, in Hanoi to Tam Chuc pagoda in Ha Nam province.

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With the consent of the Governments of India and Vietnam, the Sarira has earlier been transported from India to Vietnam by air for veneration at the United Nations Day of Vesak 2025 in Ho Chi Minh City in early May.

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After Vesak 2025 in Ho Chi Minh City, the relic has been brought to Tay Ninh province, Hanoi city and Ha Nam province for veneration.

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This is the fourth time that the Sarira has been taken outside of India. The previous three occasions are in Sri Lanka in 2015, Mongolia in 2022, and Thailand in 2024, according to a senior Buddhist monk.

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Leaders of Ha Nam and venerable monks escort the Buddha’s Sarira into Tam Chuc pagoda on May 17 morning.

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The ceremony takes place in a solemn and emotional atmosphere.

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The Buddha’s Sarira is carried in a procession around Tam Chuc Lake, one of the most prominent scenic spots of this spiritual tourism area, before entering the Tam Quan gate area.

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The road to Tam Chuc pagoda is densely packed with locals, monks and nuns, Buddhists, and pilgrims from all over the country wishing to attend this special spiritual event.

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“We stayed overnight at a relative’s house nearby so we could arrive early this morning. I am a Buddhist and have been on many pilgrimages, but I have never been as moved as this time,” says Nguyen Trang from Ha Nam province.

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"When I heard that the Buddha’s Sarira was being brought here, I was deeply moved. I have been chanting the Buddha’s sutra all my life, hoping to see the relic in person just once. Now that I have the chance, I must go right away, even if it means pushing through crowds or walking a long way. I still feel joyful in my heart," shares Pham Thi Lan from Ha Nam.