The Sacred Remains of Devni Mori: A Glimpse into Ancient Buddhist Heritage

The Devni Mori site in Gujarat, India, holds significant importance in the history of Buddhism, largely due to the remarkable discovery of relics believed to be the mortal remains of the Buddha himself. These findings offer a tangible connection to the early centuries of the Christian era and illuminate the spread of Buddhist influence in Western India.

The Discovery at Devni Mori

Excavations conducted between 1960 and 1963 at Devni Mori, a Buddhist archaeological site near Shamlaji in the Aravalli District of northern Gujarat, unearthed a Mahastupa (large stupa) that concealed a profound secret. Within this stupa, archaeologists discovered a relic casket of immense historical and religious value.

The casket, made of green schist, bore inscriptions on its body and lid, which identified its contents as the bodily relics of “Dashabala,” a name for the Buddha. Inside this stone casket, a copper box further protected the sacred remains. These consisted of Buddha’s ashes, carefully wrapped in silk cloth and placed within a gold bottle. The presence of coins from the Kshatrapa period, particularly those of ruler Vishwasena (292-304 CE), found beneath the reliquary, helped to date the stupa and its contents to the 3rd or 4th century CE.

Significance of the Relics

The Devni Mori relics are considered highly significant for several reasons:

• Authenticity:  The inscriptions on the casket explicitly state that they contain the bodily relics of the Buddha, providing a rare and direct link to the historical figure.

• Historical Context:  Their discovery sheds light on the strong presence of Buddhism in Gujarat during the early centuries CE and its connection to ancient trade routes.

• Artistic and Architectural Insights:  The site also yielded numerous terracotta Buddha sculptures, which are among the earliest examples of Buddhist art in Gujarat. These sculptures show influences from the Greco-Buddhist art of Gandhara, indicating cultural exchange and artistic evolution.

• Rare Find:  With only a few authenticated bodily relics of the Buddha discovered in South Asia, the Devni Mori findings place it among a select group of highly revered Buddhist sites globally.

The Site and Its Legacy

Devni Mori was once a thriving Buddhist monastic complex, comprising a stupa, monasteries (viharas), and a chaitya hall (prayer hall). While parts of the site were later submerged due to the construction of the Meshvo dam, the relics themselves have been preserved. The main relics are currently kept at the Baroda Museum in Gujarat, India, and have even been sent for expositions in other countries, such as Thailand, allowing millions of devotees to pay their respects.

The Devni Mori relics stand as a powerful testament to the enduring legacy of Buddhism and the rich historical tapestry of ancient India, continuing to inspire reverence and study among scholars and devotees alike.

© Satipatthana Magazine