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London Buddhist Vihara facts for kids

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London Buddhist Vihara
The main building at London Buddhist Vihara, London
The main building at London Buddhist Vihara, London
Religion
Affiliation Theravada Buddhism
Leadership Anagarika Dharmapala, founder
Location
Location Dharmapala Building, The Avenue, London W4 1UD
Country United Kingdom
Architecture
Architect(s) E. J. May
General contractor R. N. Shaw
Completed c. 1877
Listed Building – Grade II
Official name: London Buddhist Vihara (Former CAV Social Club)
Designated 2 February 1970
Reference no. 1079469


The London Buddhist Vihara is one of the main Theravada Buddhist temples in the United Kingdom. It was the first Buddhist monastery from Sri Lanka to be set up outside Asia.

The Vihara was started in 1926. It is managed by the Anagarika Dharmapala Trust in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The current main monk, called a bhikkhu, is Ven Bogoda Seelawimala Nayaka Thera. He is also the Chief Sangha Nayaka of Great Britain.

History of the London Buddhist Vihara

The London Buddhist Vihara was founded in 1926 by a person named Anagarika Dharmapala.

One of the first people to help the temple was Mary Foster. She paid for 'Foster House' in Ealing. This was the first Sri Lankan Buddhist temple built outside Asia. It was named the London Buddhist Vihara in 1926. Soon after, the Vihara moved to Gloucester Road in London. It stayed there until the Second World War. During the war, the temple building was taken over, and the monks went back to Sri Lanka.

In 1955, the Vihara opened again in Ovington Square, Knightsbridge. This happened because of Sir Cyril de Zoysa. Ven Narada Nayaka Thera became the chief monk in 1958. The Vihara moved to Heathfield Gardens, Chiswick in 1964. Later, Ven Hammalawa Saddhatissa Nayaka Thera became the chief monk. After him, Ven Dr Medagama Vajiragnana Nayaka Thera took over in 1985.

In 1994, the Vihara moved to its current home at The Avenue, Chiswick. Ven Bogoda Seelawimala Nayaka Thera became the Chief Bhikkhu in May 2008.

The London Buddhist Vihara has several monks from Sri Lanka living there. They continue to hold Buddhist religious activities in the area.

Images for kids

  • Srimath Anagarika Dharmapala (1864-1933)

    Founder Anagarika Dharmapala

  • Plans for Bedford Park Club by Norman Shaw 1878

    Plans for Bedford Park Club by Norman Shaw, 1878

  • Sketch of The Club, Bedford Park, 1880

    Sketch of The Club, Bedford Park, 1880

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