India Strengthens Cultural and Spiritual Bonds with Russia, Presents Holy Kanjur to the Ketchenersky Khurul, a prominent Buddhist temple in Kalmykia

Ministry of Culture India Strengthens Cultural and Spiritual Bonds with Russia, Presents Holy Kanjur to the Ketchenersky Khurul, a prominent Buddhist temple in Kalmykia Posted On: 13 OCT 2025 9:30PM by PIB Delhi In a landmark event underscoring the deep-rooted cultural and spiritual ties between India and Russia, a high-level Indian delegation, led by Shri Keshav Prasad Maurya, Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, today presented the sacred 108-volume ‘Mongolian Kanjur’ to the Ketchenersky Khurul, a prominent Buddhist temple in Kalmykia. This significant presentation was a key highlight of the Indian delegation's visit, which also coincided with the first-ever exposition of Lord Buddha’s Holy Relics in the Russian Republic of Kalmykia, held from October 11 to 18, 2025. During the ceremony at the historic Ketchenersky Khurul, Shri Maurya presented the holy text ‘Kunjur’ to the Temple Priest and Head of the Ketchenersky Khurul. The Kanjur, a foundational canon of Mongolian Buddhism, was provided by the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) and the Manuscripts Division (NMM) of India's Ministry of Culture. Speaking on the occasion, Shri Keshav Prasad Maurya said, "This offering of the Holy Kanjur is not merely a gift of scriptures, but the sharing of a timeless spiritual heritage. It represents India's commitment to preserving and promoting the universal values of peace, compassion, and wisdom taught by Lord Buddha. The Ketchenersky Khurul's enduring mission to preserve culture makes it a worthy custodian of this sacred treasure." The Mongolian Kanjur, considered the most authoritative Buddhist scripture in Mongolia, comprises the direct discourses and teachings (sutras) of Lord Buddha, translated from Tibetan into classical Mongolian. The term “Kanjur” reverentially means “Translated Words,” referring to the spoken words of the Buddha. Engagement with Future Generations Earlier in the day, the Indian delegation visited the Kalmyk State University, where Shri Maurya interacted with students and faculty. He encouraged the young scholars to incorporate the noble principles of Buddha Dhamma into their lives. The delegation learned about the university's diverse academic structure, which includes 10 faculties and the Institute of Kalmyk Philology and Oriental Studies, catering to approximately 8,000 students. After the interaction Shri Maurya presented the holy text ‘Kunjur’ to the Head of the Kalmyk State University. The sacred relics of Lord Buddha are enshrined for public veneration at the Geden Sheddup Choikorling Monastery, also known as the "Golden Abode of Shakyamuni Buddha," in Elista. The week-long exposition is a historic first for the region, attracting thousands of devotees. The event was organized by the BTI Division of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), the National Museum, and the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA). The visit further enriched by a cultural evening in Elista, showcasing the rich and vibrant traditions of the Kalmyk people, symbolizing the shared cultural appreciation between the two nations. This series of events marks a significant chapter in India-Russia cultural diplomacy, reinforcing the spiritual connectivity that has historically linked the two civilizations and fostering greater people-to-people contact. *** Sunil Kumar Tiwari pibculture[at]gmail[dot]com (Release ID: 2178734)