page_title: Relics of Sariputta and Moggallana
section_title: Excavation of the lost relics
hierarchical_section_title: Relics of Sariputta and Moggallana / Excavation of the lost relics
caption_attribution_description: English: Sanchi Stupa No 3 relics
context_page_description: The relics of Sariputta and Moggallana refers to the cremated remains of the Buddhist disciples Sariputta and Moggallana. Sariputta and Moggallana were the two chief disciples of the Buddha, often stylized as the right hand and left hand disciples of the Buddha respectively. The two disciples were childhood friends who ordained under the Buddha together and are said to have become enlightened as arahants. The Buddha declared them his two chief disciples, after which they assumed leadership roles in the Buddha's ministry. Both of the chief disciples died a few months before the Buddha near the ancient Indian city of Rājagaha and were cremated. According to Buddhist texts, the cremated remains of the disciples were then enshrined in stupas at notable monasteries of the time, with Sariputta's remains being enshrined at Jetavana monastery and Moggallana's remains being enshrined at Veḷuvana monastery. However, as of 1999 no modern archaeological reports had confirmed this, although in 1851 discoveries were made at other sites.
context_section_description: As of 1999, no archaeological reports had confirmed findings of the relics of the chief disciples at the sites mentioned by either Chinese pilgrims or Buddhist texts. However, a 19th century British excavation did result in the discovery of relics attributed to the chief disciples in other locations.
caption: Sketch made by Cunningham of the relic caskets of Sariputta and Maha Moggallana found at Sanchi, Stupa No 3
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