Here stands a sanctuary of peace. It stands amidst the vibrant and frenetic city of Kuala Lumpur. This is the Buddhist Maha Vihara.
The Buddhist Maha Vihara’s story began long ago. It started in 1894 when the Sasana Abhiwurdhi Wardhana Society was founded. This society also called SAWS is the oldest registered Buddhist society in the Klang Valley.
Early Sinhala immigrants established the Buddhist Maha Vihara. They sought a place to practice their traditions. They wanted to adhere to their religious values. The Sinhala community was proud to preserve early Buddhist teachings. They had the Pali Tipitaka which was lost in India.
The inaugural meeting in February 1894 was pivotal. The goal was to get government help to acquire land. They would develop a Buddhist temple there. The British Resident was petitioned for land. They requested a two acre piece of State land. It was to erect a Buddhist temple.
Interestingly the formation of SAWS resolved social issues. It also created a temperance society. It was known as the Amaddya Pana Samagama. SAWS and its subsidiary are pioneering registered societies in the country. The foundation stone for the temple shrine room was laid on August 25 1894.
The appointment of the temple abbot would be from British Ceylon. The temple administration would be under Sinhalese hands. A living quarters was then built. It would house the first resident monk Ven. Patthalagedera Dhammananda Thera. His student Godagama Sobhita Thera arrived in 1895. This marked the foundation of the temple.
Throughout its history, the Buddhist Maha Vihara has received diverse support. Chinese and Indian donors contributed to the Main Shrine room. Yap Kwan Seng, the Chinese Kapitan of Kuala Lumpur, was a major donor.
In 1927 a large gathering protested the film “Light of Asia”. It took place at the Vihara. In the 1960s mass gatherings campaigned for Wesak to be a national holiday.
Monks from the Vihara assisted Chinese New Villagers during the Emergency period of 1948-1960. They provided calm and education to those affected by the communist insurgency.
Since the 1940s, the Vihara has offered free Dhamma publications. By 2012 it was available in 26 languages. The Buddhist Institute Sunday Dhamma School founded in 1929 is the oldest in the country.
The Vihara’s Wesak procession is the oldest and largest in Malaysia. The month-long celebrations attract about 100000 people.
In 2004 the Vihara served as a relief aid center for the South Asian Tsunami. More than 40 containers of aid were dispatched to affected countries.
Today, the Buddhist Maha Vihara is a leading international center. It stands for learning the practice and dissemination of the Buddha Dhamma. The late Chief Venerable Dr Kirinde Sri Dhammananda made significant contributions. His work is etched in Malaysian and world Buddhist history.
Managed by the Sinhala Buddhist community the Buddhist Maha Vihara continues to flourish. It provides a calming sanctuary. The temple offers special events and talks.
The Buddhist Maha Vihara stands as a beacon. It shines for those seeking peace and wisdom in Kuala Lumpur.