Buddhist spiritual leader Dalai Lama arrived in Hyderabad on Monday, amidst tight security, to participate in Kalachakra, the global meet of Buddhist monks slated to be held in the coastal town of Amaravati from January 5 to 16.
The Dalai Lama came by a special flight from New Delhi, accompanied by several Buddhist monks.
"Buddhism was born here 2550 years ago. It is similar to Hinduism in terms of tradition and culture. I feel happy that Kalachakra is being held at Amaravati. It is the place where the Buddha is believed to have taught. As a tiny follower of the Buddha, I am feeling honoured to attend Kalachakra," he told newsmen.
The Dalai Lama later inaugurated the 16th enclosure - the Holy Relic Gallery - at the State Archaeological Museum. The new gallery, containing rare Buddhist possessions, marks the museum's platinum jubilee.
After a halt in Hyderabad, the Dalai Lama will proceed to Nagarjunasagar where he will visit the Nagarjunakonda museum. He will later leave for Amaravati to participate in the 12-day Kalachakra which is likely to attract an estimated 100,000 Buddhists.
The Dalai Lama, who will bestow Kalachakra empowerment for the 30th time in his life to promote peace and tolerance, expressed satisfaction over the arrangements being made by the state government for the mega event.
Police have made tight security arrangements for the Dalai Lama, following intelligence reports about a serious threat to his life.