A Buddhist treasure from the mainland will be exhibited in Hong Kong next month, the first time the priceless relic has been shown overseas.

The skull sarira of Sakyamuni Buddha was unearthed in Nanjing in 2010. [File photo]

The skull sarira, a relic of Sakyamuni Buddha, will be displayed from April 25 to 30 at the Third World Buddhist Forum in Hong Kong, said Master Xue Cheng, vice-president of the Buddhist Association of China and a member of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference National Committee (CPPCC).

The sarira, which is housed in the Bao'en Temple, or the Temple of Gratitude, in Nanjing, Jiangsu province, is expected to draw millions of viewers, both Buddhists and non-believers, he said.

The relic is believed to be the only skull sarira of Sakyamuni that has been found in China. Worshiping sarira, or relics, is regarded as an important ritual in Buddhism.

The sarira will be carried to Hong Kong by private jet and will be guarded by masters at all times, he said.

Two other relics from the mainland have been exhibited in Hong Kong.

A sarira of Buddha's tooth from Beijing was transported to Hong Kong in 1999. In 2004, a sarira of Buddha's body from Shanxi province was exhibited.