Bodhi Vihar, Bodhi Campus - Suriyur, Trichy

BODHI VIHAR

Bodhi Campus - Suriyur, Trichy

Bodhi Vihar is a Buddhist Vihar (Buddhist temple) located in a three acre land at (Bodhi campus) Suriyur, near bypass road, Trichy, Tamil Nadu. The airport, railway station and bus stand are all just 10 kilometers away from this place. The campus is a calm place, perfectly suited for meditation, and the location can be easily reached by road. The Vihar is easily visible from the bypass road which connects Pudukkottai road and Thanjavur road.

Buddha Vihar/ Meditation centre, Suriyur was inaugurated on 5, May 2023 by Dhammamitra Gauthama Prabhu from the Triratna Bouddha Maha Sangam (TBM), Chennai and Suriyur panchayat president Mr. Shanmugam. The inauguration ceremony was attended by many VIPs like ex-minister Mr.Nallusamy, scholars, local village people, social activists, followers of Dr.Ambedkar and Thanthai Periyar, and atheists.

Highlights of Bodhi Vihar

The Meditation Center

The Meditation center is having 700 square feet hall with a beautiful statue of Gauthama Buddha, stage over which the statue is placed has enough space for providing teachings by Bhikkhus/Bhikkhunis and Dhammacharis. A smoothening floormat is placed in front of the statue for Panchanga pranama (Buddhist prostration), and meditation cushions are available for upasakas and visitors. Complete noble silence shall be realized with pleasant Buddhist music played for relaxing the mind. We insist all visitors to follow Panchaseel (Five precepts) wholeheartedly. The vihar prohibits plastics, and waste disposal is effectively managed by the people.

Trichy Deeksha Bhoomi

The Vihar structure consists of red color tiled roof with white color dome at the west end. This dome is a replica of Nagpur Deeksha Bhoomi, so we also call this place with as ‘Trichy Deeksha Bhoomi’. Nearly 400 square feet corridor with tile flooring is allocated for meditation. In the front, A toranai with Sanchi Stupa model structure is erected. Sanchi stupa is an iconic old architecture, commissioned by the Great emperor Ashoka (300 BCE), it actually documents the history of Buddhism in India.

Universal Symbol of Buddhism

At the entrance of the Buddha Vihar, Buddhist flag is hoisted, this is a universal symbol of Buddhism. The flag was accepted in 19th century and the six color represents - Blue (radiate from hair) – compassion and peace, yellow (skin) – middle path, red (flesh) – blessings, white (bone and teeth) – purity, Orange (palm and heel) - wisdom, all combined color – harmony.

Breeze and Greener Outlook

The vihar has as a front office with CCTV coverage, and rest room facilities are available. The trees in the campus gives an excellent breeze and greener outlook. Enough space is available for car parking inside and outside the vihar making the visitors feel secured while parking their vehicles. In the compound wall, inspiring Buddha quotes are written, which attracts many roadside passersby. There is a display board placed road facing which displays upcoming events.

Vesak Pournami

Monthly pournami (full moonday) function, Vesak pournami celebrations are being conducted with dhamma talk and meditation. Every Sunday morning meditation sessions are conducted, Buddha and His Dhamma book reading, and spiritual work are routinely undertaken. We have formed Pournami committee which includes all Buddhist women and men for planning and organizing all the Bodhi vihar functions. Bodhi vihar was created and maintained by ‘Bodhi trust, Trichy’ with the ideology of MMT.

Bodhi Vihar History

In the year 2016, nearly 46 members embraced Buddhism, most of whom where from Trichy city and represented MMT. ‘MMT - Mass movement for transformation’ is a well-recognized registered social organization which creates awareness about subaltern Indian history, causes of inequality, role of religion, social oppression of one section of people over the other and Buddhism in India etc. Many people got inspired and embraced Buddhism, after that they started meeting regularly in one of the member house or in Sakya hall (Arokya hospital) every month during Pournami day.

Bodhi Vihar