America's largest Buddha statue in New Jersey
New Jersey Governor John Cozine will open the largest Samadhi Buddha
Statue in USA which is 30 feet tall at New Jersey Buddhist Vihara on
September 26.
Ambassadors from Sri Lanka, India, South Korea, Nepal, Laos, China,
Japan, Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand and Bangladesh will light lamps
around the Samadhi statue. An overnight Pirith chanting by Bhikkus
followed by a dane by devotees of the Vihara to 50 monks will also be
held.
Chief Incumbent of the Viharaya Ven. Hunhampola Siriratana Nayake
Thera initiated the project. The statue is similar to the one in the
Mahamevuna Uyana in Anuradhapura. This received the generous support of
Americans and Sri Lankans in the United States.
The building of the Buddha statue has cost about Rs. two million.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa supported it by granting Rs. one million
from the President's Fund.
Ven. Imbulvitiye Medhananda Thera, who was specially brought from Sri
Lanka built the statue. The statue will improve cultural relations
between America and Sri Lanka.
Chief Incumbent Ven. Siriratana Nayaka Thera received the support and
guidance of the Chief Incumbent of the New York Buddhist Vihara, Ven.
Kurunegoda Piyatissa Maha Nayake Thera and Chief Incumbent, Staten
Island Buddhist Vihara, Ven. Heenbunne Kondanna Nayaka Thera.
Building of the Samadhi Buddha statue in New Jersey is also
considered as mark of gratitude towards the services of Col. Olcott who
was born in New Jersey.
The statue was originally scheduled to be opened by President Mahinda
Rajapaksa during his visit to the United States. The President cancelled
his visit. |