Melaka temple displays rare Buddha relics from Sri Lanka ahead of Wesak Day celebrations

MELAKA: Locals will have a rare chance to see Buddha relics from Sri Lanka as the sacred artefacts have arrived at the historic city for the first time in conjunction with Wesak Day, which falls on May 22.

Organising chairman of the Seck Kia Eenh (SKE) Temple’s Wesak Day celebration, Daniel Ang Yam Seng said the relics dating back to the period of Arahant Mahinda were specially flown from the Royal Temple of Mihintale, Sri Lanka to the temple at Gajah Berang here and will be placed for public viewing until May 23.

“These are rare antiquities where visitors to the Royal Temple in Sri Lanka are only allowed to see the relics on momentous occasions.

“This is a great opportunity, especially for devotees to get a close-up glimpse of the relics,” he said on Saturday (May 18).

Ang said a delegation and Buddhist monks from the temple in Sri Lanka had accompanied the relics and will be present during the exhibition.

He said these priceless relics are related to Arahant Mahinda who introduced Buddhism to Sri Lanka, more than two millennia ago with the message of tolerance, compassion and modesty.

Ang said Arahant Mahinda was the son of Emperor Asoka, an ardent follower of Buddhism from India.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see the precious bodily relics of the Buddha and the bone relics of the Arahant Mahinda, who was considered the second Lord Buddha in Sri Lanka,” he said.

On Wesak Day celebration, he said various programmes will be held, among others a prayer ceremony, candlelight performance at the temple grounds and procession on May 21.

“Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh is expected to visit SKE on May 22,” he said.

Meanwhile, Kota Laksamana assemblyman Low Chee Leong said he got the golden opportunity to get a close look at the relics when he was invited to SKE on Thursday (May 16).

“I was also given the chance to don the traditional attire that was worn during ancient times. It was a mesmerising experience for me,” he said.

Low added that he will also suggest to the state government to promote the exhibition as part of the religious segment of Visit Melaka Year 2024.