wo Chief Disciples of Buddha: Sariputra and Maudgalyayana
Context:
During a recent meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Mongolian President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa, it was announced that the holy relics of Sariputra and Maudgalyayana, the two great disciples of Lord Buddha, will be sent from India to Mongolia next year.
This gesture aims to strengthen the "spiritual sibling" ties between the two nations that are rooted in their shared Buddhist heritage
Who were Sariputra and Maudgalyayana?
Sariputra and Maudgalyayana were the two "chief disciples" of Sakyamuni Buddha (often referred to as his left and right-hand men.)
Although others joined the Sangha earlier, these two were given the highest status among the disciples due to their exceptional abilities
Key Disciples and their Attributes
Sariputra (also known as Upatissa):
Born in Nāla village near Rājagaha (Rajgir), in the Magadha region; a Brahmin by birth.
His understanding of the Dharma was so deep that the Buddha often asked him to preach on his behalf.
This earned him the titles "Second Buddha" and "Second Sakyamuni"
He was inspired to join Buddhism after hearing a verse on cause and effect from Asvajit, (one of Buddha's first five monks.)
Maudgalyayana:
Maudgalyayana was known as the "number one in supernatural abilities (Iddhis)" acquired through intense meditation.
Despite his abilities, his powers were unable to overcome "fixed karma". This was demonstrated when he tried to save 500 members of the Sakya clan by placing them in his bowl, only to find they had turned to blood, as their fate was sealed by karma.
After Sariputra's enlightenment, he shared the teachings with Maudgalyayana, who then also attained the first stage of enlightenment called Sotāpanna stage.
Both soon visited the Buddha and were ordained, quickly becoming arahants (fully enlightened monks).
In art and literature:
Frequently depicted standing beside the Buddha in stupas and sculptures — Sariputra on the right, Maudgalyāyana on the left.
Appear in several canonical texts (Suttas) across the Pāli Tipiṭaka, including the Majjhima Nikāya and Saṁyutta Nikāya.