Absorbed by the sacred relics of the Buddha and the Arahants

How long can one gaze at small, seed-sized, stone-like objects? At Wat Pathum Wanaram’s ‘Thatsananuttariya’ exhibition, visitors often spend more than 10 minutes, sometimes up to an hour, absorbed by the profound cultural and historical background of each sacred piece, especially the revered centerpiece.

Thai Buddhists and those who study Buddhism might already know about the relics of the Gautama Buddha.

The relics of the Gautama Buddha//Photo by Veena Thoopkrajae

This exhibition powerfully demonstrates the sacred relics’ importance, connecting their ancient journey to the present day. Ultimately, it aims to inspire enthusiasts to delve deeper into their rich history and relevant stories.

Tucked inside the quiet Sala Burapajarn at Bangkok’s Wat Pathum Wanaram, this remarkable exhibition invites visitors to encounter something rarely accessible: the tangible remnants of enlightenment.

Sala Burapajarn at Wat Pathum Wanaram//Photo by Veena Thoopkrajae

The “Thatsananuttariya” Exhibition (นิทรรศการทัสสนานุตตริยะ), now extended through October 31, showcases relics of the Lord Buddha, his enlightened disciples, and revered Thai monks — a spiritual assembly spanning over two millennia.

The word “Thatsananuttariya” refers to “the supreme vision” — not just physical sight, but the deep, transformative seeing described by the revered Buddhist scholar Phra Payutto: the insight into Dhamma, Nibbāna, and the sacred presence of awakened beings.

This exhibition brings that teaching to life, quietly but powerfully.

Important people in the journey of Buddha’s relics in Thailand//Photo by Veena Thoopkrajae

A space that speaks softly but strongly

Although modest in size, the exhibition is dense with spiritual and historical resonance. Inside the illuminated display case, relics are respectfully arranged — some set in finely cut crystal bowls, others on simple wooden pedestals.

Each relic is labeled by name and origin, guiding the viewer through three key eras:

Relics from the Time of the Buddha – These include Śarīra of Gautama Buddha himself, alongside those of his prominent arahant disciples such as Moggallana and Sariputta.

The relic of Moggallana, one of Buddha’s top disciples//Photo by Veena Thoopkrajae

Relics from the Mauryan Period – These are attributable to King Ashoka’s massive 3rd-century BCE campaign to collect and redistribute relics across 84,000 stupas throughout his empire.

Thai Monastic Lineages – This collection features relics from revered Thai forest monks, particularly from the lineage of Luang Pu Mun, totaling 28 sacred pieces.

The relic of Phra Anna Kondanna (Kaundinya Monk), Buddha’s first disciple//Photo by Veena Thoopkrajae

Notable examples include relics from Phra Bodhinanathera (Luang Por Chah), Luang Poo Waen Suchino, and Somdet Phra Sangharaja Chao Krommaluang Vajirañāṇasaṃvara, the 19th Supreme Patriarch of Thailand.

The relic of Phra Bodhinanathera (Luang Por Chah)//Photo by Veena Thoopkrajae

The relic of the 19th Supreme Patriarch of Thailand//Photo by Veena Thoopkrajae

These objects do not speak — but they emanate. In a Buddhist worldview, relics are not just memorials, but living embodiments of awakened energy.

The relic of Luang Poo Waen Suchino//Photo by Veena Thoopkrajae

To most Buddhists, these sacred fragments represent the enduring presence of the Buddha, ensuring his Dharma teachings continue to guide. Their presence inspires rather than merely impresses.

The journey of the relics

The exhibition also educates. A display board maps out the relics’ path from India to Thailand, recounting critical historical milestones — from the Buddha’s cremation as recorded in the Mahāparinibbāṇa Sutta, to their safeguarding under King Ajātasattu, their global dispersion by Ashoka, and their rediscovery in modern times.

Among the most notable artifacts are the Piprahwa relics, discovered in 1898 in what is now Uttar Pradesh, India. King Rama V received these relics as a gift and later enshrined them in Phu Khao Thong (Golden Mount) at Wat Saket.

The exhibition highlights key historical figures involved in the relics’ journey, including British archaeologist William Claxton Peppe and Thai noble Chao Phraya Yomaraj.

From ancient stupas to present-day Bangkok, these relics have moved through time and empires — crossing cultures, borders, and belief systems. Their journey mirrors the movement of the Dhamma itself.

Visitors are welcome to pray inside the exhibition.//Photo by Veena Thoopkrajae

Not just for devotees

Whether you’re a practicing Buddhist or a curious observer, the exhibition offers more than a display; it provides perspective. It condenses centuries of Buddhist history into a single room, where physical fragments illuminate an intangible yet powerful teaching: the path to liberation is real, and those who walked it left behind traces.

The “Thatsananuttariya” exhibition is open Wednesday through Sunday from 8am to 6pm, and admission is free. It’s a rare chance to stand in the presence of what the tradition calls anuttarā dassanā — “unsurpassed seeing.” Buddhists may also purchase flowers, provided at the exhibition, to pay respects to the sacred relics. Visitors are welcome to pray, but please note that meditation is not permitted within the exhibition space.