Question

Where was the crystal casket containing the relics of Buddha found?
a) Bhattiprolu Stupa
b) Sanchi Stupa
c) Nagarjunakonda Stupa
d) Amravati Stupa

Answer 1

Hint: The diameter of this stupa, where the crystal casket was discovered, measures around 40 m with an additional basement of 2.4 m wide running all around. This place is in the Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh, India.

Complete Step by Step answer: Buddhist relics or generically termed as ‘Sariras’ are pearl or crystal-like bead-shaped objects that are purportedly found among the cremated ashes of Buddhist spiritual masters. The legendary Mahaparinibbana Sutta talks about the Buddhist relics. These relics are termed as ‘dhatus’ after their cremation.
These buddhist relics are divided into eight portions. Decorated areas, which earlier contained the relics kept carefully in circular gold or silver or metallic containers, were later converted into pilgrimage or stupas. These divided portions were later distributed by Ashoka the great amongst the followers of Buddha and hence now the relics can be found at 26 different places worldwide in almost 84000 stupas, including India, Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, Russia and America etc.

The discovery of the crystal casket relic is considered to be the most important one. Bhattiprolu stupa, in Andhra Pradesh is the place where during excavation, three mounds were unearthed, which progressed the discovery of three inscribed stone relic caskets containing crystal caskets, relics of Buddha and jewels.
Hence, option ‘a’, is the correct answer.

Note: There was a monk who took up the initiative of dividing the relics into aforementioned portions and the reason is known to be, avoidance of bloodshed! That very aspect about which Buddhism always stood strong against.