Mahavira Buddhist Center

Vihara Mahavira Graha Semarang

About Mahavira Graha Semarang

Vihara Mahavira Graha Semarang was built in the capital of Central Java, Semarang. Economic crisis in 1998 has caused the freefall of economy, and the bankruptcy of a lot of banks. At that time, government has foreclosed many fixed assets of banks, and in the year of 2000, government has voted to build a temple in the middle of central business district. The abbot of this temple hopes that the construction of this temple will help the development of local Buddhist education and practice.

History

This temple was renovated again in 2001 and in 2003. It helds its first World Buddhist Sangha Executive Committee. 180 Sanghas from 3 major language groups came to attend this and at the same time participated in the ceremony of placing Buddha Statue Governor of Central Java, Minister of Religion & World Sangha Council President Ven. Liao Gong led the opening ceremony of the temple Up till now, Vihara Mahavira Graha Semarang has conducted many Buddhist training classes for local community; some are attended by 50 students from mid-school and universities. There are practice classes every week; on Sunday there are
Youth Buddhist Class and Women Dhamma Study Association, along with other activities

Architecture

This temple faces south to the sea. Each floor has an area of 1500m2. On the first floor, there is a Great Compassion Hall; there is a teak statue of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva with bronze backdrop, surrounded by 33 Liao Dynasty style granite statues of Avalokitesvara, each of which is 2.6 meters tall. In Lotus Sutra, it is described that Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva has many forms during the self-practice and helping other beings. Second floor commemorates the friendship with Thai Buddhism; there are three Chinara – Anjin Buddha statues and 6 bronze statues of 6 disciples. Besides main hall, there is a library which serves as a place to facilitate Buddha training and learning. On 3rd, 4th & 5th floor, there are rooms for guest rooms, meeting rooms and relic-keeping rooms with mountain views, along with museums of Buddhist legacy. On highest level, there is a pillar-less main hall housing Four Bodhisattvas of Bhaisajyaguru; on its four sides there are 12 sandalwood statues of Bodhisattvas & 12 Medicine Protector Warriors statues