America's largest Buddha statue in New Jersey

Sept 14, 2009
Source: dailynews.lk

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.