MBSI Headquarters
Headquarters
Anagarika Dharmapala, with his keen foresight, set up the Society's headquarters at Calcutta and chose this place as the main centre of his activities.
At that time, the people of Bengal, particularly the Buddhists, had the sense of kinship with the Buddhists of Sri Lanka through Buddhism. This common belief was strengthened by ancient cultural links and by a shared reverence for the Buddha's message.
When Anagarika came to Calcutta towards the end of 1891, a limited number of original Buddhists from Chittagong, then the eastern border of India, were available here to give him their preliminary support.
Later on, as his contact grew, eminent educationists, scholars and social reformers were associated with the Society. As the years passed, more and more people came forward to extend their co-operation to the Society.
Maha Bodhi Society of India, 4A, Bankim Chatterjee Street, Kolkata, West Bengal
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Legacy
History
The Maha Bodhi Society started its office in Calcutta in 1892 first at 20/1, Gangadhar Babu Lane, Bowbazar and then shifted to 2, Creek Row.
In May 1892 the Society launched its monthly journal, "The Maha Bodhi" and the "United Buddhist World", later named as "The Maha Bodhi", from Calcutta for the propagation of Buddha's teachings in India and abroad.
Sacred Vihara
Sri Dharmarajika Chetiya Vihara
- In 1914 Anagarika Dharmapala purchased a plot of land at College Square and at this plot the foundation stone of the Sri Dharmarajika Vihara was laid on the 16th December, 1918.
- In 1916, the Government of India agreed to offer the Maha Bodhi Society a sacred Holy Relic of the Buddha which had been discovered during the excavations of Bhattiprolu stupa in Madras Presidency.
- The construction of the Vihara was completed in 1920. The main donor to the Vihara fund was Mrs. T. R. Foster, who contributed a total amount of Rs.63,606, and the ruler of Baroda contributed Rs.5,685.
- So, Anagarika Dharmapala's long cherished desire for building a suitable Vihara was at last fulfilled. Dharmarajika Vihara was opened on the 20th November 1920 at an impressive ceremony.
- As planned for the occasion, many distinguished guests, monks and Buddhist devotees gathered for the ceremony, and the sacred relic was enshrined in the specially prepared stupa.
- The opening of a permanent vihara at such a central place in Calcutta was a great step forward for the Society in fulfilling its mission for the regeneration of Buddha's teachings.
Activities at Headquarters, Kolkata
Anagarika Dharmapala Institute of Cultural and International Guest House
The five storied building of the Anagarika Dharmapala Institute of Culture and International Guest House was laid by His Excellency, J. R. Jayawardhana, the then President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka in November 1978 and was declared open in 1981.
The completion of this Institute and Guest House is a milestone in the history of the Society and is one of the memorable achievements in the long dedicated career of the Ven. N. Jinaratana Nayake Maha Thera.
May the light of Dhamma spread across the world.
May all beings be happy and free from suffering.
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