Dear respected friends and fellow practitioners,
Let me share some of my reflections on the profound link between the Buddha’s sacred relics and their custodians — a relationship that spans not only centuries but lifetimes, deeply interwoven with karma, historical developments, political challenges, and the living promise of spiritual protection.
1. Karmic Connection of Custodians
You see, the Buddha’s relics are not merely physical remains; they are profound symbols of the Dhamma itself. From the time of the Buddha’s passing, there were eight original shares of relics distributed among different groups, as recorded in the Mahāparinibbāna Sutta (DN 16.5.3-4). These distributions were not without conflict — even back then, there were disputes over who should rightfully hold the relics, leading to the construction of stupas to enshrine and preserve them. This demonstrates how relics have always attracted karmic ties — drawing custodians across lifetimes to protect them, sometimes facing challenges as part of their own past karma.
2. Historical Custodial Lineage
From King Ajātasattu, who initially guarded the relics, to Emperor Ashoka, who redistributed them with the intention of spreading the Dhamma throughout his vast empire (Ashokavadana, translated by John Strong), we see a lineage of custodians who carried this karmic duty. Later, King Kanishka of the Kushan Empire also gathered and redistributed relics (as seen in Chinese Buddhist records like the A-yü-wang jing).
After the reign of His Majesty King Kanishka, Her Majesty Queen Victoria also became involved in the preservation of relics and ancient stupas. Due to her past karma, Her Majesty was drawn to these sacred duties. Even though there have been debates over whether these relics rightfully belong to India or to some regions of the old Indian subcontinent (now bearing modern city names), those arguments focus narrowly on history and geographic ties.
In reality, the true nature of these relics goes much deeper and can only be fully understood by those with a Buddhist perspective. Perhaps the British royal family members of today are not Buddhist in this life, yet it is possible that some among them were devout Buddhists in their past lives. They may have worshipped and made adhiṭṭhāna—a determined vow or resolution—towards safeguarding these relics and ensuring their protection in a future life. Hence, the relics naturally gravitate towards those with such adhiṭṭhāna, those with a deep karmic bond to them. This explains why Her Majesty Queen Victoria maintained certain ancient stupas in old India.
This is the cause and effect at work. If you doubt it, you can investigate the historical records of Queen Victoria’s orders concerning the restoration of old stupas in the Indian regions. I, too, have had dreams that revealed these connections, and I once asked England about these mysterious experiences. Now, I understand the relationship between past and present lives and the devotion that binds people to these relics. This process is unstoppable.
This lineage continues even today — with modern custodians like myself, committed to upholding both the physical preservation and the Dhamma’s integrity.
No matter how high the security, no matter how sophisticated the technology, the relics themselves move from place to place guided by their own nature. No human force can prevent this.
3. Political Dimensions
We must acknowledge that relics often attract political interest. From the earliest days of distribution, there was tension among kingdoms and groups about who should possess them — again, documented in the Mahāparinibbāna Sutta (DN 16.5.3-5). It is an unfortunate reality that we, as custodians, must navigate with wisdom and compassion.
4. Spiritual Protection Aspect
According to Buddhist tradition, relics are surrounded by protective energies — a reflection of the Buddha’s own extraordinary power and his commitment to safeguarding the Dhamma. We find echoes of this idea in AN 4.191 (Paccaya Sutta), which describes the protective forces generated by righteous conduct and deep reverence. Before his final passing, the Buddha entrusted the sangha to continue his teachings and protect the Dhamma — and by extension, the relics that embody his presence.
5. A Respectful Advisory Regarding the Sacred Relics and Their Custodians
While I acknowledge that from time to time there are international (external) affairs where matters related to the Buddhist Sasana—such as conferences, assemblies, or official meetings—are discussed, including decisions about heritage preservation, I feel compelled to address a deeply important issue regarding the Buddha’s sacred relics and their custodians.
According to the ancient Buddhist traditions, these sacred relics are not merely archaeological or historical objects but are deeply enshrined in the spiritual fabric of the universe. They are under the protection and guardianship of many divine beings, who fulfill their roles with utmost responsibility and commitment:
6. The Four Great Kings (Cātummahārājika Devas):
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Dhataraṭṭha — Guardian of the East, protector of the Dhamma’s spread in that direction.
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Virūḷhaka — Guardian of the South, upholder of the monastic order’s stability.
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Virūpakkha — Guardian of the West, custodian of the Dhamma’s transmission across regions.
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Vessavaṇa (Kuvera) — Guardian of the North, overseer of the wealth of wisdom and the protection of relics.
7. Lokapālas (World Protectors):
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Indra (Sakka) — King of the Devas, ensures the balance of righteousness and supports the Dhamma.
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Yama — Oversees karmic justice and moral discipline.
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Varuṇa — Associated with order and cosmic law.
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Kubera (also Vessavaṇa) — Supports the stability and guardianship of relics and shrines.
8. Notable Yakkha Protectors:
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Āḷavaka, Sātāgira, Hemavata, Punnaka, Suciloma, Khara — each with specific responsibilities to guard the relics, prevent desecration, and ensure rightful veneration.
9. Nāga Kings as Custodians:
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Mucalinda, Nandopananda, Erakapatta, Apalāla — protectors of relics in water bodies, underground chambers, and ancient stupas.
10. Temple Guardian Deities:
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Vajrapāṇi — enforcer of spiritual protection.
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Jambhala — protector of prosperity and spiritual resources.
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Mahākāla — guardian of time and protector against desecration.
11. Dhamma Protectors:
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Uppalavanna, Sumana (Sri Pada), Kataragama deviyo — supporting the safeguarding of the Buddha’s teachings and relics.
12. Local Area Guardians:
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Rukkha devas (tree spirits), Bhummā devas (earth spirits), Ākāsa devas (sky spirits) — custodians of specific relic sites.
13. Specific Site Guardians:
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Saman (Sri Pada), Vibhīsana (Sri Lanka), Ganesh (at some temples) — protectors tied to sacred sites across different regions.
Each of these beings, across realms and traditions, holds a solemn duty to safeguard the relics, prevent desecration, and uphold the dignity and sanctity of these symbols of the Buddha’s enlightenment and teachings.
14. Important Reminder
Yet, I must also remind — with the utmost respect — that those who seek to harm, delay, deny, or misuse these relics, especially with political or authoritarian force, should be mindful of the karmic consequences of such actions. As the guardians of these sacred treasures, we have a duty — rooted in the Buddha’s own instructions — to ensure that any attempt to defile, exploit, or obstruct their preservation will meet with the appropriate response.
This is not a threat, but a solemn reminder of cause and effect — kamma vipāka — that even the Buddha himself emphasized throughout his teachings.
15. Declaration of Custodianship and Protection of the Buddha’s Relics
As the custodian of the sacred relics of the Buddha, I stand in unwavering commitment to uphold and protect the sanctity of these relics from any form of violation or desecration.
With deep reverence and in the name of the Buddha, I hereby declare that any act of wrongdoing, harm, or violation against these sacred relics shall be subject to the rightful and immediate intervention of the deva—the celestial custodians of the relics—who hold the responsibility and power to act without delay.
I solemnly charge all custodians—Yakkhas, devas, and all beings who have sworn to protect these relics in accordance with the Buddha’s teachings—to remain ever-vigilant and to fulfill their promises without hesitation or delay.
May this declaration stand as a reminder of our collective duty, rooted in the Dhamma, to honor, safeguard, and venerate these relics, ensuring their sanctity endures for the benefit of all sentient beings.
May the Buddha’s blessings guide and protect all who carry out this noble duty.
A Humble Appeal to All:
From my own direct experience and deep understanding, I respectfully advise all readers to avoid any attempt to subject these relics to testing, analysis, or any form of disturbance without my concerns and approval(as i am the one of the custodian). Such actions may disrupt the spiritual balance maintained by these guardians and could lead to unforeseen consequences that may not be immediately apparent.
A Final Word:
Let us remember that relics are not just physical remnants; they embody the Dhamma, and their protection is entrusted to both the seen and the unseen—monks, nuns, lay devotees, and divine guardians alike. Therefore, I ask you to treat them with the utmost reverence, avoiding any wrong action that may compromise their sacredness or bring about karmic repercussions.
May all beings act wisely and with compassion.
Peace-Building Role
As a researcher in Peace Studies and Buddhist Studies, I humbly accept the responsibility to remind all of us that the Buddha’s message is one of peace and non-violence. As he taught in the Dhammapada (verse 5):
“Hatred never ends through hatred. By non-hate alone does it end. This is an ancient truth.”
The relics themselves are powerful reminders of this truth — living symbols of the Buddha’s teachings that call us to embody peace and compassion in our actions.
Dear friends, let us together honor the relics, cherish their symbolism, and protect their sanctity — not for power or prestige, but as an expression of our shared commitment to peace, compassion, and the Dhamma’s living flame.
May the Buddha’s teachings continue to illuminate our hearts, guide our actions, and inspire us to build a more peaceful world.
"Note: As the author of this article, I am an ordinary young monk writing about traditional Buddhist teachings regarding custodian Devas, Yakkhas, and Vijjadharas. This writing is based on scriptural sources and traditional accounts. I make no claims of personal supernatural abilities or direct experience with these beings. This article is purely for educational purposes and sharing traditional Buddhist knowledge.
I wish to clearly state that this work does not involve any claims of jhāna, magga, or superhuman states. It is simply an academic exploration of these findings."
Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu!
Sao Dhammasami
Siridantamahāpālaka