Mulagandhakuti Vihara

Meanwhile, the expanding activities of the Society were continued through the ceaseless effort of its founder.

The outstanding achievement of the Society and the last glorious monumental work of Anagarika Dharmapala was the completion of the Mulagandhakuti Vihara at Sarnath, where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after his enlightenment.

The opening ceremony of the Vihara was celebrated on the 11th November, 1931. The then Viceroy and Governor-General of India, Lord Willingdon presented the Bone relics of the Buddha to the Society through the Director- General of Archaeology.

Till today hundreds of people including distinguished persons from all over the world visit Mulagandhakuti Vihara throughout the year. It has been rightly said that the Vihara contributed more than any other agency towards the revival of Buddhism in India.

Perhaps, as he willed, Ven’ble Anagarika Dharmapala breathed his last at this Sacred Place of Isipatana in 1933.

After his demise his two trained and untiring disciples, Brahmachari Devapriya Valisinha and Rev. Bhikshu N. Jinaratana took over the responsibility of carrying out his noble mission and activities of the Maha Bodhi Society.

Activities at Sarnath Center

  • Maha Bodhi Mulagandha Kuty Vihara:- Religious Services, Development, Maintenance, Pooja and Daily Dhammachakka Sajjhayana.

  • Maha Bodhi Mulagandha Kuty Vihara Library and Reading room:- Free service to readers and students with a vast collection of books.

  • Maha Bodhi Inter College: – A complete institution with building and other modern facilities for general higher education with government assistance.

  • Maha Bodhi Primary School: – A complete body with trained staff to educate children. Maha Bodhi Junior Girls High School- An institution for girls’ education with trained staff which provides service to the girls of the area.

  • Maha Bodhi Birla Dharmashala:- A notable service by the society for pilgrims & maintained by donations.

  • Maha Bodhi Sangharama-A hostel for resident monks with free food and other facilities.

  • Dhammapala Museum: – A specially designed place where Anagarika Dhammapala’s personal belonging including robes, wheel-chair, arm-chair, walking-sticks, alms bowl, books, personal notes and other important documents are exhibited.

  • Maha Bodhi Information and Publications Division:- Printing and publishing of books and literatue on Buddhism, Conducting Seminars and discussions, Providing information on Buddhism and places of Buddhist worship.

  • Maitri Temple: Visitors from India and abroad visit the Maitri Temple which is located at same building of Center’s office and Musuem.

Annual Events at the Center

  • Buddha Purnima-Vaisakh Day,

Celebration of Buddha’s Birth, Enlightenment and Maha Parinirvana.

  • Dhammachakka day, Commemoration of the day of Buddha’s first sermon (Dhammachakka).

  • 15th August, The Independence Day of India’s celebration with the collaboration of the Maha Bodhi Schools and College, Staff and Students.

  • Dharmapala Day, 17th September, Maha Bodhi Society Founder’s Day celebration.

  • Mulagandha Kuty Vihara Annual Function and Kathina Cheevara Ceremony in the month of November on Full Moon day.

  • Maha Bodhi Schools and College Annual Function, Prize Distribution and Cultural Programme of the students, function held on the day after the temple annual function.

  • January 1-World’s Peace Blessings Day.

  • January 26- Indian Republic Day celebration with the collaboration of the Maha Bodhi Schools and College staff and Students.