Niraj Kumar led India's effort to bring Holy Relics of Buddha to Thailand, fostering cultural exchange and spiritual reverence in a historic event.
He has translated the mysterious and cryptic Kalachakra Tantra from Sanskrit into English and has also contributed a new detailed commentary. This text is the last major text of Buddhism written in India , and as per Kumar, is the capsule of Nalanda tradition.
Hailing from Nalanda , Kumar was entrusted by his government to organize the yatra of Holy Relics of Lord Buddha and two his disciples, Sariputta and Mahamogallana.
He came to Thailand as the leader of the Advanced Team on 21 December and visited different venues alongwith his 4 member team. The dates , venues and duration of exposition were finalized between two governments thereupon.
Further, under the leadership of Governor of province of Bihari, Kumar and his team brought the Holy Relics to Bangkok on 22 February by a special Indian Airforce Hercules aircraft.
The Holy Relics have been temporarily enshrined by the Thai Prime Minister at Sanam Luang Pavilion, opposite Grand Palace on 23rd February.
The Holy Relics will be open for veneration by public in Bangkok till 3rd March. The Holy Relics will arrive in Chiangmai thereupon.After visit to Chiang Mai, Ubon Ratchathani, and Krabi, the Holy relics will return to India in 19th March by special Airforce aircraft.
This is for the first time that the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha and two of his disciples are together for veneration.
Kumar’s role in facilitating this historic event for spiritual benefit of Thai people is highly appreciated.