Sarnath, Nov 16: The Sarnath Centre of Maha Bodhi Society of India has commemorated the 93rd Anniversary of the Mulagandha Kuti Vihara on the holy occasion of Karthik Purnima, 15th November 2024, at the sacred site of Rishipattan – Sarnath. The celebrations featured a Dhamma Sabha held in the historic Mulagandha Kuti Vihara.
Distinguished Attendees
The event was honored by the presence of the Honorable Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Shri Keshav Prasad Maurya, as the Chief Guest. His Holiness Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche, President of the Thupten Mindolling Nyingmapa Society, Padma Sambhava Maha Vihara, Jeerang, Odisha, attended as the Special Guest. Other distinguished attendees included Shri Anil Kumar Maurya (MLA, Ghorawal, Sonebhadra, U.P.), Ven. Dr. Ramesh Chand Negi (Chief Editor, Dictionary Department, CIHTS, Sarnath), and other esteemed guests.
Program Highlights
The program commenced with Ven. R. Sumiththananda Thero, the Chief Priest and Monk-in-Charge of the Mulagandha Kuti Vihara, extending a ceremonial welcome to the dignitaries by presenting Khata (scarf). Ven. P. Seewalee Thero, Chief Monk and General Secretary of the Maha Bodhi Society of India, delivered the Welcome Address, emphasizing the importance of the event.
The Dhamma Sabha was presided over by Dr. Mahindra Singh, President of the Maha Bodhi Society of India. Dr. Sandip Kumar Singh, Executive Member of the Maha Bodhi Society of India and Treasurer of the Mahabodhi Vidya Parishad, concluded the proceedings with a heartfelt Vote of Thanks.
Special Honors and Contributions
A significant highlight of the occasion was the conferring of Honorary Membership of the Maha Bodhi Society of India upon His Holiness Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche. In a gesture of goodwill, His Holiness presented an architectural outline sketch of the Mulagandha Kuti Vihara to the Society. His Holiness’s foundation had also contributed significantly to the preservation of the site by undertaking its renovation and installing a statue of Emperor Ashoka in 2023.
Event Host and Significance
The program was seamlessly conducted by Mr. Praveen Kumar Srivastava, Deputy Principal and Senior Lecturer of Mahabodhi Inter College, who ensured the event proceeded with grace and structure.
The celebration underscored the Maha Bodhi Society of India’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding and promoting Buddhism’s profound spiritual and cultural heritage while fostering unity and harmony among the global Buddhist community.
