Epic exhibit: Ven Amugoda Seelalankara Thero (left), who is responsible for bringing in the ancient relics, and Ang with one of the rare items.
MELAKA: Sacred relics related to Buddha from a Sri Lankan temple are on public display for the first time in conjunction with Wesak Day at the Seck Kia Eenh (SKE) temple in Gajah Berang.
The temple’s Wesak Day celebration organising chairman, Daniel Ang Yam Seng, said these relics were specially flown from the Royal Temple of Mihintale, Sri Lanka.
“The relics are available for public viewing until May 23,” he said.
Wesak Day, which falls on May 22, commemorates Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and death.
Ang said the relics are linked to Arahant Mahinda, who introduced Buddhism to Sri Lanka and was the son of Emperor Ashoka.
“These are rare antiquities where visitors to the Royal Temple in Sri Lanka are only allowed to view on momentous occasions.
“This is an opportunity for devotees to get a glimpse of the relics,” he said.
Ang said that monks from the temple in Sri Lanka had accompanied the relics on the journey here.
On the Wesak Day celebration, he said various programmes would be held including a prayer ceremony, a candlelight performance and a procession.
“Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh is expected to visit the SKE on May 22,” he said.
