Photo Credit: Sanghapali Aruna Lohitakshi

The Southern India Buddhist Vihar re-opened in Perambur in January of 2018 in Perambur, Tamil Nadu after renovations to great celebrations, visits and prayers by monks from 40 different countries.

But the Buddhist initiative itself has a long history. The Southern India Buddhist Association first began in the 1800s under Ayothidasar, a Tamil Buddhist revivalist. It was run and sustained largely by Dalits in the Perambur area. It is said that one “Sakya family” who are related to K.Armstrong, currently Tamil Nadu’s BSP state president, first donated 31,204 sq ft. of land in Perambur, Chennai.

In 1954, Babasaheb visited the Vihara and stayed there for a few days on his trip doing research on Buddhism in the South. In fact, Babasaheb mentions this visit in the series published by the government, Dr.Ambedkar Speeches and Writings, Vol 17, Part III.

Ambedkar’s mention of Perambur Buddhist Center

Much of that land was slowly eroded away through a series of land grabs and what remains of the Buddhist center is now a smaller 4-storey, recently renovated and re-inaugurated vihara on Bunder Garden St.

It is a fixture in the community and members, both Dalit and otherwise, come and pay respects. People walking past bow their heads in respect to the Buddha. Some people lie at the feet of the Buddha and fall asleep reporting feeling incredible peace in the middle of a bustling and loud neighborhood. People chant, some meditate.

Photo Credit: Sanghapali Aruna Lohitakshi

Currently the Vihara has dedicated everyday worship, meditation and chanting services. Since its reopening in January, one family’s Deeksha (conversion) to Buddhism was celebrated and another couple got married overseen by monks and community leaders.

School children bring flowers. When they do they are told about the Anitha Intellectual Center. This Center is in the second floor of the building and features a spacious study area for school-goers and entrance exam attendees.

Anitha Intellectual Center ; Photo Credit : Dalit History Month

A striking feature of the Anitha Intellectual Center is the large fresco on the wall that depicts the back of the Buddha forefronted by a painting of Anitha. The artist who drew this intended to represent that even the All-Compassionate Buddha could not face the injustice done to Anitha.

Other floors in the Vihara provide residential rooms for students and for monks. The final floor is a beautiful terrace from where one can overlook the entire community below and around.

Today in #DalitHistory, we celebrate the Southern India Buddhist Vihar and the Buddhist revivalism it has brought to the Perambur area and to the city of Chennai as a whole!