Mahabodhi Nikethanaya, a lodging facility for Buddhist pilgrims from Sri Lanka, was inaugurated here on Saturday at the Sri Lanka Mahabodhi Centre in Egmore.
The event was part of the celebrations of the 2,600th Sri Sambuddhatva Jayanthi by the Sri Lanka Deputy High Commission.
Sri Sambuddhatva Jayanthi commemorates Buddha's enlightenment.
Speaking at the inauguration of the facility, Banagala Upathissa Thero, president, Society of Sri Lanka Mahabodhi, said the facility would be of help to a large number of Buddhist pilgrims who visit India.
Over two lakh Buddhist pilgrims visit India every year, he added.
“The Sri Lanka Mahabodhi Centre in Chennai is a monument of friendship between Sri Lanka and India,” he said.
He stressed the need for creating more such 21st century monuments in India like the stupas, viharas and ashrams built by Emperor Ashoka many centuries ago. Chennai is a gateway for many of the Buddhist pilgrims coming to States such as Uttar Pradesh.
Cultural events
Various cultural events by school children from Sri Lanka were organised by the Sri Lanka Deputy High Commission in association with the Sri Lanka Mahabodhi Society on Saturday.
The Deputy High Commissioner for Sri Lanka in Southern India, Vadivel Krishnamoorthy, participated.
