On December 5, 2024, a profoundly significant Buddhist relic arrived in Thailand: the sacred Buddha’s Tooth Relic from Lingguang Temple in Beijing. This event honors His Majesty the King’s 72nd birthday, celebrated earlier this year on July 28, and the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and China in 2025.
The relic’s arrival was marked by a grand ceremony at Sanam Luang, where devotees from across the nation gathered to pay homage. Floral offerings, commemorative postcards, and prayer guides were provided to worshippers as they sought blessings and spiritual fulfillment.
This marks the second time Thailand has had the honor of hosting this sacred relic, which is steeped in rich history and revered by Buddhists worldwide. For those unfamiliar with its origins and significance, Nai Nu, Ticy City’s storyteller, is here to unravel its extraordinary story.
The Buddha’s Tooth Relic: A Timeless Treasure
The Buddha’s Tooth Relic, also known as Phra Dattha Thatu, is believed to be a physical remnant of the Buddha himself. Considered an unfragmented relic, its compact and immaculate structure is said to align with descriptions of the Buddha’s physical attributes in Buddhist scriptures.
According to tradition, the Buddha’s teeth were flawless, and his relics are among the most sacred in the Buddhist world. There are said to be four Buddha’s Tooth Relics, each enshrined in a different realm or location:
- Upper right tooth: Enshrined by the god Indra at Phra Chulamanee Pagoda in the Tavatimsa heaven.
- Lower right tooth: Preserved in Kalinga and later Sri Lanka, now housed at the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.
- Upper left tooth: Initially safeguarded in Gandhara before its journey to Chang’an (modern-day Xi’an) by the Chinese monk Fa-Hien. It now resides at Lingguang Temple in Beijing.
- Lower left tooth: Believed to be kept in the Naga realm.
This visit to Thailand follows its first historic journey in 2002, when it was enshrined at Phutthamonthon in Nakhon Pathom to celebrate King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s 75th birthday. The current visit coincides with the 72nd birthday of King Maha Vajiralongkorn and the golden jubilee of Thai-Chinese diplomatic ties.
Lingguang Temple: Home of the Relic
Lingguang Temple, or the “Temple of Divine Light,” dates back to the Tang dynasty (766–779 AD). The Buddha’s Tooth Relic was first enshrined in the Zhao Xian Pagoda in 1071. After the pagoda’s destruction in 1900, the relic was rediscovered in a hidden chamber, safeguarded in a sandalwood box inscribed by the Song dynasty monk Shan Hui.
The relic, measuring about an inch in length, is believed to display different hues depending on the viewer’s karma. It is now housed in a reconstructed octagonal pagoda, completed in 1964, and is displayed to the public only once a year, attracting worshippers from around the globe.
The Monk Who Made History
The Buddha’s Tooth Relic’s journey to China is credited to the monk Fa-Hien, who embarked on an epic pilgrimage to India in the 5th century. Driven by a quest to retrieve Buddhist scriptures and relics, Fa-Hien transported the sacred tooth from Gandhara to Chang’an. His travels, documented in A Record of Buddhistic Kingdoms, provide a vivid account of Buddhist culture and traditions during his era.
Fa-Hien’s efforts preserved not only this revered relic but also countless Buddhist teachings, securing his place as one of the most influential figures in Buddhist history.
A Rare Opportunity for Devotees
From December 5, 2024, to February 14, 2025, the Buddha’s Tooth Relic will remain enshrined at Sanam Luang, offering Thai and international devotees 72 days to pay their respects—a once-in-a-lifetime chance without the need to journey to China.
This sacred event celebrates the enduring bond between Thailand and China while allowing worshippers to connect with one of Buddhism’s most revered artifacts.
