Ancient relics believed to be Lord Buddha's bones traced to US family, returned to India after 127 years
The relics, once taken out of the country during British rule, were recently traced to a family in the United States that was allegedly preparing to sell them through an international auction house.
Speaking at a public hearing at his residence in Jodhpur, Shekhawat said that the relics had appeared in a Sotheby's catalogue earlier this year, triggering swift intervention by the Indian government. 'We stopped the auction and informed them that the Government of India wanted to claim and officially receive the relics,' he said.
The sacred remains were originally discovered in 1898 during British-led excavations at Piprahwa in the Kapilvastu region, present-day Uttar Pradesh. They were found inside a stone casket believed to belong to the Shakya clan—Lord Buddha's own family.
The casket contained a crystal container with ashes said to be of Buddha, along with belongings of his nephew and other kin. British officer William Peppe, who led the excavation, took possession of a large portion of the relics, some of which later made their way overseas.
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Time of India
18 minutes ago
- Time of India
Pedal power could revive Doon, say experts
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Time of India
6 hours ago
- Time of India
Sawan fourth & last Somwar 2025 tomorrow: Check shubh muhurat, yogas, puja vidhi, samagri, mantras, wishes, messages & more
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It's a tradition to decorate and worship Lord Mahadev with special offerings, prayers, and aarti every Monday during Sawan in Kashi. 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Step 6: Fasting and Offering Keep a fast the whole day and break it in the evening with fruits. Offer fresh fruits or sweets to Lord Shiva as bhog. Fourth Sawan Somwar: How to Do Jalabhishek on 4th August Step 1: Bath and Purity Start the day with a proper bath, wear clean clothes and calm your mind. Step 2: Gather Puja Items Ganga water or clean water Bel leaves Milk, curd, ghee, honey, sugar (for full abhishek) Dhatura, bhang, sandalwood, flowers, rice Incense, oil lamp Panchamrit (optional) Step 3: Clean the Shivling First, rinse the Shivling with water. Step 4: Perform Jalabhishek Slowly pour water from a copper or bronze pot over the Shivling while chanting 'Om Namah Shivaya' or 'Om Tryambakam Yajamahe…' Step 5: Offer Other Items Then pour milk, curd, ghee, honey, and sugar one by one. Rinse again with clean water. Offer bel leaves, flowers, dhatura, and other items. Step 6: Apply Sandalwood and Light Lamp Put sandalwood paste on Shivling, light incense and oil lamp. Step 7: Aarti & Prayers Sing Shiva Aarti like 'Om Jai Shiv Omkara…' and share your wishes with the Lord. Step 8: Distribute Prasad Apologise for any mistakes in the puja and distribute the prasad to family or neighbours. Why People Observe Sawan Somwar Fast Unmarried girls are believed to get a good life partner. Married women get blessings for a long and happy marriage. This fast brings good health, mental peace, and children. It removes problems from life with the blessings of Lord Shiva. 4 Auspicious Yogas on 4 August On the final Sawan Somwar, these 4 yogas will make the day even more powerful for spiritual activities: Sarvartha Siddhi Yoga Ravi Yoga Brahma Yoga Indra Yoga What to Do on Sawan Monday After your morning bath, do abhishek with water, milk, curd, honey, etc. In the evening, perform joint aarti of Shiva and Parvati. Chant Shiva mantras throughout the day. Avoid heavy (tamasic) food and help those in need. 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As the final Somwar of Sawan arrives, may your prayers reach Bholenath and all your wishes come true. May Shiva's divine energy bring healing to your body, calmness to your mind, and light to your soul. Happy Sawan Monday! Let's bow to Lord Shiva on this holy day and seek his love, guidance, and blessings for a better tomorrow. On the fourth Somwar of Sawan, may Nandi carry your prayers straight to Shiv ji's feet and return with blessings for your family. This sacred Somwar, may you be surrounded by Shiva's protection, Parvati Maa's love, and eternal peace. Wishing you a blessed Sawan Somwar! May your devotion bring you closer to the Almighty and farther from your worries. As the bells ring in the temple today, may your heart echo with joy and your life with Shiva's grace. On this last Sawan Monday, may Mahadev hold your hand and walk with you through every storm in life. Let the chants of 'Om Namah Shivaya' calm your soul and lead you towards light, love, and liberation. May today's Rudrabhishek cleanse your life of negativity and bring divine glow into your path. With folded hands and open heart, offer your love to Bholenath today – he's always listening. May Shiva and Parvati Maa bless your family with unity, joy, and countless moments of peace. Happy Sawan Somwar! On this divine Monday of Sawan, may every drop of water you offer on Shivling bring countless blessings your way. Sawan's fourth Somwar is here – may your prayers bloom like bilva leaves and bear fruit in your life. May the power of Mahadev destroy your fears, doubts, and pain, and gift you peace and courage. With every chant of 'Har Har Mahadev,' may your troubles dissolve and your spirit rise. On this final Monday of Sawan, send your prayers with faith – Shiv Shambhu never leaves a devotee empty-handed. To stay updated on the stories that are going viral, follow Indiatimes Trending.
Hindustan Times
7 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Flag hoisting ceremony at Ram temple in Ayodhya from Nov 23 to 25
Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Tirath Kshetra Trust will organise a three–day mega flag hoisting ceremony at the Ram temple from November 23 to 25 in which sadhus and other eminent guests from across the country will be invited. Flags will also be hoisted in other temples in the Ram Janmabhoomi complex in Ayodhya. The main ceremony of flag hoisting will take place on November 25. The flag will be hoisted on a 42-feet flag pole atop the 161-foot-high spire of the Ram temple. (HT file) The three-day rituals will start from November 23 and the main ceremony of flag hoisting will take place on November 25. The flag will be hoisted on a 42-feet flag pole atop the 161-foot-high spire of the Ram temple. Flags will be hoisted on the spires of all temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, Sun, Ganesh, Hanuman, Mata Bhagwati and Annapurna. In addition to this, flags will also be hoisted atop temples dedicated to Sheshavatar. The Ram Janmabhoomi complex has a Saptarishi Mandap which comprises seven temples dedicated to sages from the Ramayana. These temples house idols of seers and devotees who played significant roles in Lord Rama's life. They include Maharishi Valmiki, Maharishi Vishwamitra, Maharishi Agastya, Maharishi Vashistha, Nishad Raj, Ahilya and Shabari. According to Anil Mishra, a member of the Trust, around 5000 guests will be invited for the ceremony and a list is being prepared. The flag hoisting ceremony will also coincide with the Vivah Panchami. On this day in Ayodhya, the marriage of Lord Ram and Goddess Sita is celebrated which is also known as Ram-Janaki Vivah. On this day, Ram's baraat (wedding procession) travels from Ayodhya to Janakpur (Nepal), where Sita was born, and the marriage is solemnised. The Vivah Panchami is celebrated as the marriage anniversary of Lord Ram and Goddess Sita. On this day in Ayodhya, the Ram-Sita marriage celebration is observed with great pomp, including bhajan-kirtan, Ramayana recitation and the display of Ram-Sita's tableau. Special celebrations will also take place in Janakpur, Nepal. Janakpur, also known as Mithila Nagar, is the main centre of Vivah Panchami where Lord Ram's baraat arrives and the marriage is celebrated. According to Mishra, devotees will be able to visit the entire Ram Janmabhoomi campus after October this year. 'Around 90 percent work of remaining temples spread across the Ram Janmabhoomi is complete,' Mishra said. Out of four entry gates in Ram temple, construction work of two is over. Construction work of the Ram temple is almost complete with Ram Lalla installed on the ground floor and his family on the first floor in Ram Darbar. The second floor will house rare and significant scriptures related to Lord Ram.
