theravada buddhism in modern nepal
DESCRIPTION
THERAVADA BUDDHISM IN MODERN NEPALByVen. S. M. SujanoContents; Preface 1. Introduction 2. Background 3. Revival of Theravadin 4. Development of Theravada Buddhism 5. Contribution to Nepalese Society 6. Theravadin in Nepalese Society 7. Conclusion 8. Theravada Records in Nepal 9. Footnotes2THERAVADA BUDDHISM IN MODERN NEPAL [1]Preface History of Theravada Buddhism in Nepal is very vague. There are some evidences that Buddha visited Nepal during his lifetime, preached to his relativeTRANSCRIPT
TTHHEERRAAVVAADDAA BBUUDDDDHHIISSMM
IINN MMOODDEERRNN NNEEPPAALL
By
Ven S M Sujano
2
Contents
Preface
1 Introduction
2 Background
3 Revival of Theravadin
4 Development of Theravada Buddhism
5 Contribution to Nepalese Society
6 Theravadin in Nepalese Society
7 Conclusion
8 Theravada Records in Nepal
9 Footnotes
3
THERAVADA BUDDHISM
IN MODERN NEPAL [1]
Preface
History of Theravada Buddhism in Nepal is very vague There
are some evidences that Buddha visited Nepal during his lifetime
preached to his relatives and friends and ordained some people
Theravada tradition is believed to be the oldest unbroken tradition The
teaching- the Dhamma was divided into two sects- Sthaviravada and
Mahasanghika in the second council held 100 years after the death of
Buddha Sthaviravada later developed as Theravada and Mahasanghika
developed as Mahayana which also includes Vajrayana
More concrete evidences of existence of Buddhism in Nepal
were found from the visit of king Asoka of India and some more from
descriptions of Chinese travellers King Asoka visited Lumbini in
Nepal in 250 BC and erected a stone pillar which is still standing The
inscription in Bramhi script in this pillar reads in English as follows
ldquoKing Piyadasirdquo (another name for king Asoka) beloved of the gods
having anointed 20 years came here himself and worshiped saying
bdquoHere Buddha Sakyamuni was born (Hida Budhe Jatildete Satildekyamuni)‟
4
Chinese travellers Fa Hian (AD 403) and Hiuen Tsang (AD
636) also described the existence of dilapidated stupas monasteries and
palaces (Source Holy places of Buddhism in Nepal amp India ndash Trilok
Chandra Majupuria and Indra Majupuria)
According to historians Buddhism was a dominant religion
until the time of King Jayasthiti Malla who ruled Nepal during
medieval period (around 1382 CE) He imposed caste system in Nepal
according Manudharmasastra a Hindu holy book1 Buddhist culture
and tradition were banned the celibate monks were forced to disrobe
and forced to marry Vajrayana or Newar Buddhism was developed
following the demise of Theravada Buddhism The situation of
Buddhist became worse during the time of Rana government who ruled
Nepal from1846 to the dawn of democracy in 1950 That was the age
when Buddhism was totally forgotten by non-Buddhist of Nepal It was
known and practised by only certain castes-Vajracharyas
(Bajracharyas) Shakyas Tuladhars etc The Rana government banned
all Buddhist religious activities They also banned people converting
from Hindu religion to Buddhism but traditional Buddhists were
allowed to become Hindus
5
Revival of Theravada Buddhism started in the closing years of
19th
century Mr Jagat Man Vaidya (later known as Dharmaditya
Dharmacariya) of Patan Nepal started publishing Buddhist journals
from India where he was studying to promote Buddhism He also
started Buddha Jayanti (Vesak Day) Celebration to commemorate
birth enlightenment and death (parinibbana) of the Buddha This was
first celebrated in modern Nepal in 1926
According to Lalit Bistara in Newari language influences of
Dharmaditya‟s campaign and Tibetan Lamas motivated some Nepalese
to take ordination according to Theravada tradition The first Nepali to
take ordination according to this tradition was Venerable Mahapragna
a Hindu Shrestha by birth in 1928 in India under Venerable U
Chandramani a Burmese monk at Kusinagar Other Nepalese followed
his example and took Ordination under the same Burmese monk in
India But when they return to Nepal they were arrested imprisoned
and then exiled
Towards the later year of Rana regime the attitude of the
government towards Theravada Buddhism and Theravada monks and
nuns softened and the exiled monks were allowed to return to Nepal to
6
practice the religion according to Theravada tradition Until that time
only Vajrayana monks (Bajracharyas) who are really a householders
and Tibetan Lamas were known to Nepalese After the advent of the
democracy in 1950 Theravada tradition thrived and made rapid in road
into Nepalese society Both His Majesty King Tribhuvan the father of
the nation and his son king Mahendra were supportive to Theravada
revival movements Because of the enthusiasm of Theravada monks
and nuns their lay supporters and encouragement from their Majesties
Theravada tradition progressed and became a part of Nepalese religious
life Many more Nepalese men and women took ordinations
Theravada monasteries were opened in different parts of the country
At present there are 96 Theravada Viharas in the country 303
Bhikkhus and Samaneras Sangha members and 135 Anagarikas Some
are resident in Nepal and others are either studying or practising
dhamma in other countries of Asia and Europe and in Australia and
United States of America (Source The Ananda Bhoomi year 33
issues 32 and 33)
Late Venerable Amritananda Mahasthavir deservers special
mention in Theravada revival movement in Nepal He played a
7
prominent role in promotion of Theravada Buddhism in Nepal He
founded Dharmodaya Sabha All Nepal Bhikshu Association (Akhil
Nepal Bhikshu Sangha) travelled widely promoting dhamma and
translated and published many Buddhist texts
Late Venerable Bhikshu Sudharshan added a different
dimension to the movement He started training centre with the aim of
broadening ordination to other ethnic groups Until then Newars ndash
original inhabitants of Kathmandu Valley were the only ones who have
taken ordinations in this tradition Because of his foresight and timely
action many people from other ethnic groups have accepted Theravada
Buddhism and some has taken ordination Ven Nyanapurnika of
Viswasanti Vihar who established Novice Training Centre Ven
Ashowghosa of Sangharama who trained most of the present leading
monks of Nepal and Anagarika Dhammavati of Dharmakirti (Now
Bhikkhuni according to Mahayana) who established Nunnery training
centre are also well known figures in Theravada in Nepal
At present all three traditions Newar Buddhism (Vajrayana)
Tibetan Mahayana Buddhism and Theravada Buddhism have become
acceptable Buddhist traditions in Nepal Theravada Buddhist monks
8
and nuns with their saffron coloured robe along with Tibetan Lamas
and Bajracharyas are familiar features in Nepalese society especially
in Kathmandu valley
Introduction
Theravada Buddhism the doctrine of the elders is the oldest
unbroken traditional Buddhist tradition practised by people since the
time of the Buddha It is found today in Sri Lanka (Ceylon) Myanmar
(Burma) Thailand Cambodia Laos and Chittagong (Bangladesh)[2]
Theravāda Buddhism in modern Nepal was introduced about 80 years
ago Since then it has emerged as a major force in modern Nepal It
plays significant roles in different fields of Nepalese society and
Buddhists have begun to engage in both traditional and modern
activities Even though it re-emerged only few decades ago the origins
of Theravāda Buddhism in Nepal are to be found in the time of Gotama
the Buddha The Buddha the founder of Buddhism was born in
Lumbini within the borders of present-day Nepal Very early in its
history then important Buddhist events occurred on the southern
plains of Nepal There are many references in ancient Pāli literature of
9
Buddhist activities held in and near Kapilavatthu the Buddha‟s
hometown The Buddhist scriptures say that not only was the Buddha
born in what is now Nepal but also visited his home several times after
he had become the Buddha
Although the Buddha was born in Nepal the history of
Buddhism in Nepal is not very clear According to Buddhist literatures
he did visit Nepal gave discourses and ordained some monks and nuns
There are monasteries and stupas spread in different parts of the
country but due to lack of records or clear evidence it is difficult to say
when they were built Historians have identified the Stupa of Yogini in
Gumvihara at Sankhu Kathmandu as the oldest stupa in Kathmandu
Valley It is generally believed that the origin of this vihāra dates to
the time of the early introduction of Buddhism in ancient times around
the first century CE Harishchandra Lal Singha a historian says
ldquoTheravāda was the earliest form of Buddhism prevalent in Nepal as in
many countries of Asia where Buddhism flourishedrdquo However
traditional Theravāda texts do not contain any information about
Theravāda in Nepal The texts of other Buddhist schools nevertheless
10
say that some of the Buddha‟s disciples went to Nepal‟s Kathmandu
Valley
There is evidence that the King Asoka of Magadha visited
Lumbini in Nepal He was a great patron and staunch supporter of
Buddhism during his time It is said that in the 20th
year after his
accession to the throne of the Maurya Dynasty and following the Third
Buddhist Council the King made pilgrimages to historic places of
Buddhist interest and erected stone pillars He is also said to have
visited Nepal Valley Dr D Wright writes that the Emperor King
Ashoka visited Kathmandu Valley at the time of the fourteenth Kirati
King Sthungko of the Kirat dynasty with his spiritual guide Venerable
Upagupta Queen Tissyarakshita and a daughter named Carumati He
sent nine missionary groups to different places A group of four monks
led by Ven Majjima came to Nepal and succeeded in propagating
Buddhism in Nepal It was said that Buddhism was a well-know
religion then and practised by people in their daily life It is believed
that the Buddhism that was practised during King Asoka‟s time was
Theravada Buddhism Unfortunately for some unknown reason
popularity of Buddhism declined and its identity lost for many
11
centuries According to the recorded history of Nepal after the social
reforms carried out by King Jayasthiti Malla (1382-95 CE) Buddhism
went into decline and developed into Newār Buddhism However
Theravada Buddhism was re-introduced once again in Nepal in the
closing years of 19th
century by Nepalese who came in contact with the
Maha Bodhi society of India
Anagarika Dharmapala a Sri Lankan Buddhist founded this
Maha Bodhi Society Nepalese who came in contact with this society
took initial steps for revival of Theravada activities in Nepal Nearly a
century later Theravada once again gained foothold in Nepal
Presently there are number of Theravada Buddhist monasteries in the
country The numbers of Nepalese Buddhist monks and nuns have also
increased Some are resident in Nepal and others are studying and
carrying out dhamma work in Sri Lanka Thailand Myanmar and
other countries Beside dhamma work they are also engaged in various
charitable works like education health social welfare etc for the
upliftment of Nepali community wherever they are
12
Background
As I have mentioned earlier history of Buddhism in Nepal is
very vague There are some evidences that Buddhism was popular
during Buddha‟s time in Nepal There are also evidences that the
Buddha visited Nepal gave discourses to relatives and Buddhists and
ordained Bhikkhus and Bhikkhunis[3]
According to Buddhist scholar‟s
Theravada tradition existed in Nepal since the time of the Lord
Buddha
The evidence was more reliable from the account of King
Asoka The great emperor of ancient India King Asoka visited
Lumbini and erected stone pillar with inscription in Bramhi script
which in English reads bdquo Here the Buddha was born‟
(Hidabhagavamjāteti Lum minigāme) As mentioned before he also
sent Dhamma Missionary (Dhammaduta) to Nepal after third Buddhist
council (Sanghayana) which was held three hundred years after
Buddha‟s parinibbana Buddhist legends has it that one of King
Asoka‟s daughter Carumati married a Nepali called Devapal and
settled in Cabahil Katmandu where she constructed a temple- Cabahil
monastery and became a Bhikkhuni for the rest of her life[4]
Besides
13
these the records of Chinese travelers who visited Buddhist
pilgrimage sites in India and Nepal after King Ashoka‟s visit also gave
some information on existence of Theravada Buddhist monks who
practised and studied along with other Buddhist sects in Nepal[5]
According to historians Buddhism was a dominant religion
until the time of King Jayasthiti Malla who ruled Nepal during
medieval period (around 1382 CE) He imposed caste system in Nepal
according Manudharmasastra a Hindu holy book[6]
Buddhist culture
and tradition were banned the celibate monks were forced to disrobe
and forced to marry Vajrayana or Newar Buddhism was developed
following the demise of Theravada Buddhism The situation of
Buddhist became worse during the time of Rana government In 1846
the mantle of power of Nepal‟s government shifted from the monarchy
to autocratic isolationist Rana government The Shah kings of the
country were kept under tight control of Rana prime ministers[7]
The
country was closed from outside world and kept her eyes closed to
what was happening outside for nearly 104 years That was the age
when Buddhism was totally forgotten by non-Buddhist of Nepal It was
14
known and practised by only certain communities Vajracharyas
(Bajracharyas) Shakyas Tuladhars etc[8]
The Rana government
banned all Buddhist religious activities They also banned people
converting from Hindu religion to Buddhism but traditional Buddhists
were allowed to become Hindus
Theravada Revival Movement
In the early 1920s Dharmāditya Dharmācārya began his
campaign for the revival of Theravāda Buddhism teaching that Nepal
was the land of the Buddha‟s birth Meanwhile the Baisākha purnimā
celebration and publicing of ldquoBuddha Dhammardquo magazine by
Dharmāditya Dharmācārya had been inflaming the inner quest for
spirituality in Nepalewse society Furthermore simulteniously Tibeten
Buddhism had been inspiring Newari Society to walk the path that was
once nearly lost One of the well-known monks who came from Tibet
and preached the Dhamma to the Nepalese was Kyangtse Lama
Known in Nepal as Kyanchhe Lama he had come on pilgrimage to
Nepal His sermons and the publication of the Lalitavistara inspired
many to seek Buddhist ordination in the early period of the modern
15
history of Buddhism in Nepal It was the fortunate conjunction of
Nisthananda‟s translation of the Lalitavistara into the mother tongue
producing a Newāri version of the Buddha‟s life story Dharmāditya
Dharmācārya revivalism and the visits of Kyangtse Lama which
ensured that ldquothe Bud of the Dharmardquo planted by the Venerable Lama
should flower so quickly and produce such impressive fruit His
influence on Newāri scholars was significant One of them was
Yogbeer Sing Kansakar who was honoured for his efforts for the
preservation of the Newāri language The Lama also influenced the
first Theravāda monks Venerable Mahapragya and Venerable
Pragyānanda among others
The closing years of 19th
century saw reform movements in
many Buddhist countries with idea of modernizing Buddhist
movement The term bdquoBuddhist modernization‟ is used to refer to these
new reformist activities[9]
The aim of this movement was to bring
back Buddhism to India and Sri Lanka The Maha Bodhi Society was
founded in India under the leadership of Anagarika Dharmapala[10]
16
This organization was the first Buddhist organization established with
the aim of internationalizing Buddhism
The success of The Maha Bodhi Society encouraged Nepalese
who came in contact with this society They were mostly traditional
Buddhists (Newar Buddhists) of Nepal who were merchants and
pilgrims They played an important role in Theravada revival
movement in present day Nepal However it was students of Buddhism
who gave a kick-start to Theravada movements in modern Nepal
Mr Jagatman Vaidya a traditional Buddhist by birth went to
India for further studies He initiated the Theravada Buddhist revival
movement with the help of The Mahabodhi Society[11]
Mr Jagatman
who later became known as Dharmaditya Dharmacariya devoted most
of his time and energy to Buddhist Revivalism in Nepal by publishing
Buddhist journal in Newari Nepali Hindi English etc One of his
great deeds was to celebrate Baisakh day Buddha Jayanti or Swanya
Punhi in Nepal to commemorate Buddha‟s birth enlightenment and
death (Parinibbana) He established bdquoBuddha Dharma Uddhar
Sangharsquo lsquoBuddhopasaka Sangha‟ and other organizations for the
propagation of Buddhism in Nepal[12]
17
The Buddha Jayanti which he has initiated was celebrated for
the first time in the history of modern Nepal in 1926 after a long gap
Now a day this day is widely celebrated in Nepal Every year people
celebrate it with great joy and happiness[13]
He was also responsible
for stopping animal slaughter at Mayadevi temple in Lumbini and
renovation of Kindol Vihar in Kathmandu This Vihara became the
center for Theravada revival movement[14]
He published Buddhist
magazine entitled bdquoBuddha Dharmarsquo in Newari Language
(Nepalabhasa) emphasizing the importance of Buddha Jayanti
celebration and Theravadian views This was the starting point of
Theravada activities and promotion of Theravadian views in Nepal
after many centuries Some Nepalese youths took ordination according
to Theravada tradition in 1928 They were imprisoned for four days
The Government at the time was under the influence of Shaivait
Brahmins who were calling for a ban against Buddhism Later he was
arrested for his conversion from a Hindu to a Buddhist monk Three
new rules suppressing Buddhism had been issued
18
(1) Conversion to Buddhism from Hinduism (Shaivaism) to be
punished by one year in prison
(2) Acting as preceptor at a Buddhist ordination to be punished by
three years‟ imprisonment and
(3) Attempting to ordain into Buddhism to be punished by a six-
month imprisonment
They were exiled to India and all reordained into Theravada
tradition with ven U Kosala in Buddhagaya However certain reasons
they left the tradition The history speaks only on Ven Mahapragya but
rest of other four monks still under discovery The first Nepalese to
take ordination in Theravada tradition was venerable Mahapragna a
Hindu Shrestha by birth in 1926 After few years study in Tibet again
he went to India where he met Ven U Chandramani a Burmese monk
at Kusinagara[15]
He was impressed with Ven Chandramani and took
Theravada ordination from him This was the starting point for
Theravada ordination once again in the history of modern Nepal after
almost 600 years[16]
Since then Theravadin monastic order been settled
in modern Nepal
19
On the other hand Venerable Pragyananda (Karmasheel) who
converted from Gelung of Tibetan tradition to Theravada with Ven U
Chandramani at Kusinagara India was the first yellow-robed monk
who appeared in the street of Kathmandu valley at the end of 1930s[17]
He stayed at Kindol Vihar at the invitation of Dasaratna Shahu (later
Ven Dharmaloka) and gave discourses The attendance at his
discourses increased day by day and it worried then Rana government
and arrested all the members of Vihar They were imprisoned fined
and later released[18]
Fortunately Ven Pragnananda was in different
place and was not arrested He went on pilgrimage to India with some
devotees His four devotees took ordination under guidance of Ven U
Chandramani at Kusinagar They were Samanera Shasana Jyoti
Anagarika Ratna Pali Anagarika Dhamma Pali and Anagarika
Sangha Pali This was the first nun‟s ordination in Theravada
Buddhism in modern Nepal[19]
In the mean time Dasaratna Shahu
who was running Kindol Vihar brought Civar and bowl from Sri Lanka
for monk ceremonies Soon after his release from prison he took
ordination according to Theravada tradition at Kusinagar from Ven U
Chandramani and became Samanera Dhammaloka in 1932[20]
He
20
visited Nepal as a monk but was arrested immediately on his arrival in
Kathmandu and was imprisoned once again for six days and then
released without charging him with any offences Following his release
from prison he went to stay at Kindol Vihar and continued his
religious activities He was finally able to carry out religious activities
freely in Nepal He succeeded to propagate Theravada Buddhism in the
streets of Kathmandu valley[21]
Later he founded Nepal‟s first
Theravada Buddhist temple bdquoAnandakutirsquo at the foothill of Swayambhu
hill and it became the center for Theravada Sangha in modern Nepal
Venerable Amritananda was another well-known Buddhist
scholar and pioneer person for revival of Theravada Buddhism in
modern Nepa[22]
He was ordained under Ven U Chandramani at
Kusinagara in 1936 CE but was imprisoned along with Ven
Mahapragna at Bhojpur in 1937 In 1942 he came back to Nepal from
abroad after completing his study and gave discourses at the request of
Ven Dharmaloka in Swayambhu during vassavasa days (Three months
Buddhist lent) His public discourses impressed lay people and many
people came to listen to him Other Monks Samaneras and Nuns of
21
Nepal who were studying abroad also came back and joined him and
gave public discourses in different places of Kathmandu valley[23]
This
was a great breakthrough during isolationist Rana government Rana
government of the time banned any public assembly because of fear of
political unrest and demand for political reform in Nepal Because of
their religious activities they were arrested on 30th
July 1944 and
brought in front of then Prime Minister Juddha Shamsher Jung Bahadur
Rana for giving verdict on the charges of propagating the dhamma He
made rules to curtail the Buddhist activities Those who didn‟t follow
these rules were asked either to leave the country or return to worldly
life All the respected monks who were active in revival of Theravada
in Nepal refused to obey the order and were exiled once again from
Nepal The exiled monks this time included Ven Pragnananda Ven
Dharmaloka Ven Subhodhananda Ven Pragnarashmi Samanera
Pragnarasa Samanera Ratnajyoti Samanera Agga Dhamma and
Samanera Kumar The nuns were allowed to remain in the Vihar until
the end of the Vassavasa[24]
22
Development of Theravada Buddhism
The exiled monks formed bdquoDharmodaya Sabha‟ - Nepal‟s first
Buddhist organization with the help of other Buddhist organizations
and individuals on 30th
November 1944 in India under the
chairmanship of Ven U Chandramani Ven Amritananda was its
general secretary[25]
Immediately after establishment of bdquoDharmodaya
Sabha‟ Ven Amritananda wrote a protest letter to Nepalese
government and also appealed to other Buddhist organizations on
behalf of Dharmodaya Sabha He visited many places and various
countries to get support against the expulsion of Buddhist monks from
modern Nepal One of the countries he visited and undertook further
studies was Sri Lanka In Sri Lanka he also succeeded in bringing a
goodwill mission to Nepal in 1946 under the leadership of well-known
scholar Ven Narada Mahasthavir of Vajiraramaya Colombo The
members of this mission consisted of Ven Narada Ven Amritananda
Ven Priyadarshi Dr Ratna Surya and Prof Aryapal They were able
to meet the newly appointed Prime Minister Padma Shumsher J Rana
Ven Amritananda and leader of the mission Ven Narada requested his
23
Excellency to give permission for the exiled monks to return to Nepal
Prime Minister Padma Shamsher accepted their request and permitted
the exiled monks to return Ven Dharmaloka was the first one to come
back to Nepal immediately after receiving a letter from Ven
Amritananda and arrived in Kathmandu in June 1946 (Jesth Sukla 6
2003)[26]
Other monks also returned one by one and again started
propagating Theravada Buddhism in modern Nepal Ven Narada
visited Nepal three times and constructed a Sri Lankan Cetiya at
Anandakuti Vihar He brought a branch of Bodhi tree Buddha‟s relic
to Nepal He also established the first Sima (Uposatha) of Nepal for
Bhikkhus at the Vihara During his third visit he met then Prime
Minister Mohana Shamasher J Rana and requested him to declare
Baisakh Purnima or Buddha Day as a public holiday His Excellency
agreed and declared it as a public holiday for the Buddhist government
civil officers[27]
Since then Theravada Buddhism gained ground in
Nepalese society and made progress Theravada monks propagated
Buddhism by performing ceremonies giving Dharmadesana and
publishing Buddhist texts Many Viharas were built in and outside the
Kathmandu valley to propagate dhamma
24
In 1950 democracy replaced autocratic Rana regime under the
leadership of H M King Tribhuvan This heralded rapid development
of Theravada Buddhism Buddhist monks and nuns were able carry out
their duties freely without hindrances throughout the country The
office of bdquoDharmodaya Sabha‟ shifted from Kalimpong to Kathmandu
after the advent of democracy in 19501 In 1951 Bhikkhu Sangha led
by Ven Amritananda formed lsquoAkhil Nepal Bhikkhu Sangharsquo (All
Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha Council) for the further propagation of
Buddhism in Nepal Ven Amritananda played a great role in
propagation of Theravada Buddhism nationwide His close relationship
with their Majesties helped in his activities[28]
He visited many
countries on behalf of All Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha and Dharmodaya
Sabha In the same year Buddhists of Nepal succeeded in bringing the
relics of Ven Sariputta (Ven Sariputra) and Ven Maudhgalyana
(Ven Moggallana) the foremost disciples of the Buddha for the
exhibition in Nepal His Majesty King Tribhuvan chaired the reception
committee and a reception party was held in the Royal Palace[29]
Following year in 1952 Buddha Jayanti was celebrated throughout the
country with the support of HM King Tribhuvan On this occasion
25
HM King declared Baisakh Purnima or Buddha Jayanti day as a
public holiday throughout the kingdom[30]
In 1956 His late Majesty King Mahendra visited Lumbini the
birthplace of the Buddha and erected a Mahendra Pillar in Lumbini
zone In the same year during 2500th
Buddha Jayanti celebration HM
king banned animal slaughter on this auspicious day throughout the
kingdom[31]
Nepalese Buddhists led by All Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha
Council and Dharmodaya Sabha also organized the Fourth World
Fellowship of Buddhist Conference (WFB) in Kathmandu on this
year[32]
His Majesty‟s government cooperated fully and gave every
assistance for the success of the conference Gradually Theravada
Buddhist monasteries were founded Buddhist Education Buddhapuja
meditation public discourses publications of Buddhist texts and mass
ordination etc took place as a part of dhamma activities Burma Sri
Lanka Thailand and other countries helped Nepal in its effort for
Theravada revival Soon after Theravada Buddhist monks established
the first Bhikkhu training center- Sangharama Vihar and ordained
number of novices under the leadership of Ven Ashogosha
Mahasthavir[33]
Following their ordination they were sent to Sri
26
Lanka Burma and Thailand for their higher ordination and education
Many of these monks have returned to Nepal and are actively engaged
in propagation of dhamma Besides ordination of individual novices
mass ordinations for short periods were also held in different temple
After Anandakuti Vihar the Viswasanti Vihara also established
Vishwa Shanti Bauddha Shikshalaya a Buddhist School under Ven
Nyanapunnika Mahathavir[34]
It teaches both national and Buddhist
curriculum to the novices Now there are nearly 100 Theravada
temples more than four hundred monks and Samaneras and nearly 400
nuns in the country Present Sangha Nayaka is Most Ven
Subodhananda of Gana Mahavihara Kathmandu President of All
Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha is Kumar Kashyapa of Ananda Kuti Vihar
Swayambhu Kathmandu and the head office of All Nepal Bhikkhu
Sangha is in Viswo Santi Vihara New Baneshwor Kathmandu
27
Contribution to Nepalese society
Besides promoting Dhamma Theravada monks and nuns
(Anagarikas) are also involved in other welfare activities like
organising free health camps training centers either in the monasteries
or outside the monasteries They also founded center for old age and
Kindergarten Late Ven Sumangala Mahasthavira[35]
initiated free
clinic at Buddha Vihar a Buddhist home for the elderly at Benepa and
a Buddhist Kindergarten Free Clinics were popular because of lack of
adequate government run clinics in Nepal Many monasteries
organized free clinics Regular clinics like eye and Homeopathic were
run either on weekly or monthly basis Annual campaigns are also run
when it was felt necessary
In 1964 All Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha established a Theravada
education system Pariyatti Sikkha or Nepal Bauddha Pariyatti Siksa
(Buddhist Saturday School) Classes are run in Theravada Buddhist
monasteries Tibetan monasteries other Buddhist centers in public and
private schools There are more than 32 centers throughout the
28
country[36]
Presently its head office is at Viswo Santi Vihara in New
Baneswora Kathmandu
Besides Pariyatti Sikkha Ven Amritananda founded a
Buddhist school - bdquoAnandakuti Vidyapith Boarding School‟ and a
college- bdquoSiddharth Science Campus‟ Both Buddhist monks and lay
people used to teach in these institutions It was started as a Buddhist
school but for some reason it has become a private enterprise Besides
these many monks and nuns are also running other educational
institutions like bdquoNursery school (Siddhartha Shisu Niketan Buddha
Vihar) Primary school (Triple Gem Boarding School) and Higher
Schools There are some Higher Education institutes like Siddharth
University in Banepa International Buddhist University in Lumbini
etc Many Buddhist organizations were founded and they were also
running different classes and research centers like Dharmakirti
Buddhist Research Center Anagarika Dhammavati founded this centre
Later on Anagarika Dhammavati was ordained as Bhikkhuni
according to Taiwanese tradition She is one of the well-known nuns in
the Theravada Buddhism in Nepal[37]
29
The Buddhist temples and organizations bring out number of
publications annually monthly weekly and on special occasions
Dharmodaya Anandabhumi and Dharmakirti are the oldest
Buddhist journals in Nepal and still continued to be published
Ven Amritananda was one of the greatest Buddhist scholars of
Nepal He wrote and translated many books on Buddhism There are
still no other monks or nun in Nepal who can be compared with
him[38]
Late Ven Sudharsan Mahasthavir came close to him Ven
Sudharsan was a pillar of Theravada Buddhism after Ven
Amritananda He was famous for different reason His field of interest
beside dhamma work consisted literature language Archaeology etc
He was a resident monk at Srikirti Vihar Kirtipur and held the post of
professor in History Archaeology and Buddhist philosophy at
Tribhuvan University until his death in July 2002 Some of his books in
Buddhism became course book for BA and MA students in Nepal
He had special interest in archaeology of Lumbini and was an expert on
this subject[39]
30
Revival of Theravada Buddhism in Nepal also had profound
effect in cultural and religious way of life of Nepalese Daily chanting
or Buddhapuja short term ordination observing Sila (Moral code)
caste system celebration of Vesak day celibate life were introduced
In the month of Bhadra or Gunla days (AugustSeptember) Buddhist
hymns are chanted and public discourses are given
Late Ven Sudharshan Mahasthavir formed Sri Kirti Buddhist
center at Sri Kirti Vihar with the aim of introducing Buddhism to other
ethnic groups other than Newars- the original inhabitants of Katmandu
valley This project succeeded in bringing other ethic groups into
Theravada Buddhism As a result of this many ethnic groups who were
originally Buddhists have started organizing Buddhist conferences and
Buddhist activities Another important development is formation of
Gyanmala Bhajan Khala - a Buddhist hymn group This group sings
regularly especially during certain auspicious days at Swayambhu and
other Buddhist sites The songs they sing are based on Buddha‟s
teaching and has been successful in promoting Buddhism in simple
melodious hymns which attracts many people who visits these
religious places
31
Theravadin in Nepalese Society
For centuries Nepalese were aware of only Buddhist priest
(Bajracharya) from Newar Buddhism (Vajrayana) and Tibetan Lamas
They were unaware of Theravadian Buddhist monks and nuns
Bajracharyas are household monks They lead domestic lives and are
not celibate Not all Tibetan monks are celibate It depends on the
school they belong to For example monks from Sakya School of
Tibetan tradition do not have to be celibate Theravada monks wear
distinctive saffron coloured robes They are celibate and lead virtuous
monastic life These monks and nuns have different identity in the eyes
of Nepalese especially the inhabitants of Kathmandu valley Their
simple way of life their full dedication in their work for the benefit of
mankind easily understood Theravada Scriptures translated in different
languages eg in Nepal Bhasa (Newari) Nepali in Hindi and in
English for easy accessibility by different groups helped to gain the
heart of Nepalese people Although many lay people have played
pivotal roles in revival of Theravada Buddhism in Nepal the leadership
32
of monks and nuns were vital in further development and survival of
this tradition
The lay Buddhists of Nepal are pluralistic They participate in
Buddhist ceremonies such as Vesak day daily chanting etc At the
same time they also follow Hindu customs in their daily lives
Buddhism is different from Hinduism and it is not a branch of
Hinduism Hindus believe that Buddha was a reincarnation of Lord
Vishnu Buddha never claimed to be anything other than a human
being ndash although a unique one in the history of mankind
Buddhism in Nepal is unique because of existence of three
different Buddhist traditions - Newar Buddhism (Vajrayana)
Tibetan Buddhism (Mahayana) and Theravada Buddhism
Different Buddhist groups practised different traditions Although the
principle underlying all these traditions is the same they differ in
details Theravada Buddhist tradition is different from Tibetan or
Newar Buddhist traditions but it is developing side-by-side with them
It was not possible for Theravada Buddhism to develop in Nepal
without close co-relation with other traditions but later developed on its
own right These various Buddhist traditions are coexisting in present
33
day Nepal Although they have different cultural traditions and are
developing in their own ways but the followers are the same
Therefore there is no separate identity of Theravadian lay Buddhists
There are number of lay Buddhist organizations such as Dharmodaya
Sabha Dharmakirti Institute Young Buddhist Associations Female
Buddhist Associations more recently Sukhi Hotu Nepal which are
playing important role in promotion of Buddha Dhamma but they are
multi-cultural and multi religious in their daily practices
CONCLUSION
Theravada Buddhism was introduced to Nepal at the time when
public meetings were banned It faced many obstacles at the beginning
Strong dedications of monks and nuns made it possible for its revival in
Nepal after many centuries of neglect Even though the revival
movement of this tradition was started only about 80 years ago it has
already gained strong foot hold in Nepal and gaining popularity day by
day The reason for its popularity lies in many things - the simple and
easily understood way the teachings were given the simple way of life
of monks and nuns lead and various beneficial activities undertaken by
34
Viharas Theravadin Buddhist monks and nuns are well accepted by
people and their contribution in promoting Buddha‟s teachings is
widely recognized Although small in number in comparison to other
Asian countries like Thailand Sri Lanka and Burma both the number
of monks and nuns and monasteries of this tradition are increasing day
by day If this trend continues it will become one of the prominent
religious traditions in Nepal It is only natural that this oldest Buddhist
tradition should gain its place of honour it deserve in a country where
the founder of the religion was born
35
Theravada Records in Nepal
List of Monks Novices and Anagarikas studying abroad
MONKS AND NOVICES
I Thailand
1 Bhikkhu Anil Man Dhammasakiyo (Sugandha)
2 Bhikkhu Vipassi Dhammaramo
3 Bhikkhu Jit Bahadur Gurung
4 Bhikkhu Krishna Thapamagar
5 Bhikkhu Pannamurti
6 Bhikkhu Sujan Sujano
7 Bhikkhu Anil Sumankitti
8 Bhikkhu Santosh Santosho
9 Bhikkhu Khemik Suddhasilo
10 Bhikkhu Suman Rocano
11 Bhikkhu Sanu Maharajano
12 Bhikkhu Santamano Dhwajjoshi
13 Bhikkhu Suman Dhwajjoshi
14 Bhikkhu Bijit Khemasakko
15 Bhikkhu Supreme Shakyavanso
Samaneras
1 Samanera Buddharatna Maharjan
2 Samanera Dhammaratna Maharjan
3 Samanera Bipin Maharjan
4 Samanera Prajwal Shakya
5 Samanera Ukesh Sakya
6 Samanera Gopi Maharjan
7 Samanera Sudip Deshar
8 Samanera Sudat Deshar
9 Samanera Deepi Maharjan
10 Samanera Ramit Shrestha
11 Samanera Anup Deshar
12 Samanera Suman Bajracharya bdquoA‟
13 Samanera Rajendra Deshar
14 Samanera Kapila Maharjan
15 Samanera Arbin Shakya
36
16 Samanera Kabindra Bajracharya
17 Samanera Ujjawal Shakya
18 Samanera Satish Shakya
19 Samanera Bimal Gurung
20 Samanera Surya Gurung
21 Samanera Sameer Maharjan
22 Samanera Anup Shakya
23 Samanera Arjun Magar
24 Samanera Kiran Desahar
25 Samanera Dipesh Shrestha
26 Samanera Tejendra Tamang
27 Samanera Ashim Shakya
28 Samanera Jalap Bajracharya
29 Samanera Arya Dev Bajracharya
30 Samanera Sudarshan Maharjan
31 Samanera Sangharatna
32 Samanera Suman Bajracharya bdquoB‟
33 Samanera Kijan Maharjan
34 Samanera Ramesh Maharjan
35 Samanera Niroj Maharjan
36 Samanera Jen Maharjan
37 Samanera Denish Bajracharya
38 Samanera Pritam Bahadur Shakya
39 Samanera Abhishek Shakya
40 Samanera Bishal Shakya
41 Samanera Sajal Shakya
42 Samanera Suraj Bhakta Shrestha
43 Samanera Dinesh Chaudhary
44 Samanera Shiv Swatantra Tharu
45 Samanera Sambhu Lal Khang
46 Samanera Buddharatna Chaudhary
47 Samanera Mukesh Chaudhary
II Myanmar (Burma)
Bhikkhu Samaneras
1 Bhikkhu Panavimala
2 Bhikkhu Dhyanratna
3 Bhikkhu Adiccho
4 Bhikkhu Vimalbuddhi
5 Bhikkhu Shobhan
6 Samanera Amato
7 Samanera Jutimma
8 Samanera Buddhapiyo
9 Samanera Kavindo
10 Samanera Nagasena
11 Samanera Gyanavudho
III Taiwan(ROC) 1 Bhikkhu Mangala 2 Bhikkhu Vazirbuddhi
IV Australia 1 Bhikkhu Upatissa
V India
1 Bhikkhu Dharmajyoti 2 Bhikkhu Ashokakirti
3 Bhikkhu Narawang Tamang
VI United kingdom 1 Bhikkhu Suman
VII USA 1 Bhikkhu Pragnaloka
VIII Sri Lanka
Bhikkhus
Bhikkhu Nanda
Bhikkhu Vineeta
Bhikkhu Ashoka
Bhikkhu Triratna
Bhikkhu Sagara
Bhikkhu Sankicca
Bhikkhu Vajirasiri
Bhikkhu Sarada
Bhikkhu Veenit
Bhikkhu Ratana
Bhikkhu Tissa
Bhikkhu Vajira
Bhikkhu Pannawimal
Bhikkhu Medhankar
Bhikkhu Pannasara
SARAMANERAS
Saranankara
Piyadassi
Dil Bhadra
Chandima
Samita
Narada bdquoA‟
Piyaratna
Kusala
Lakkhana
Udit
Vibekanada
Pannananda
Mettananda
Chandananda
Yassari
Upali
Subodhi
Mahanama
Kashyapa
Dhammapala
Narada bdquoB‟
Nalaka bdquoA‟
Daywasa
Santa Sobhana
Santa Siddhartha
Santa Maitri
Santa Kosala
Santa Sakya
Suvaca
Sukama Sila
Siddhartha
Nanda bdquoA‟
Rahula
Sudheera
Kosala Dheera
Panna Wansa
Jina Wansa
Mahinda
Nanda bdquoB‟
Seewali
Mahapantha
Assaji
Sarada
Sumana
Ananda
Nalaka bdquoB‟
Aloka
Suwarna
Subodh
Udena
Sangharatna bdquoA‟
Gyanendra
Khema
Soma bdquoA‟
Punna
Panna Ransi
Soma bdquoB‟
Santa bdquoA‟
Kapila Wansa
Asita Wansa
Sumanananda bdquoa‟
Vijitananda
Khemananda
Silananda
Medhananda
Somaratna
Soratha
Pragyananda
Sumangala
Santa Citta
Yasa
Dhamma Kitti
Panna Kitti
Santa Dheera
Vijitananda
Sumanananda bdquob‟
Vajra Bodhi
Dhammika
Santa bdquoB‟
Anuruddha
Sumana bdquoB‟
Jinavamsa
Panna Vansa
Buddha Ratna
Dhamma Ratna
Ariya Ratna
Piyadassi bdquoB‟
Sila Ratna
Sangha Ratna bdquoB‟
List of Anagarikas studying in abroad
I Thailand
1 Anagarika Sirisuta Maharjan
2 Anagarika Ramsobha Shrestha
3 Anagarika Sunita Napit
II Myanmar
1 Anagarika Javanvati
2 Anagarika Vimalajnani
3 Anagarika Ambika
4 Anagarika Buddhapali
5 Anagarika Darshana
6 Anagarika Agrajnani
7 Anagarika Nandavati
bdquob‟
III India 1 Anagarika Rupashila
IV Taiwan
1 Anagarika Pannavati
2 Anagarika Sani
3 Anagarika Nima
V Sri Lanka
1 Anagarika Pannawati
2 Anagarika Mettawati
3 Anagarika Keshawati
4 Anagarika Prasnnawati
5 Anagarika Sukhawati
6 Anagarika Shobhawati
7 Anagarika Subhadra
8 Anagarika
Shraddhagautami
9 Anagarika Upananda
10 Anagarika Shantawati
11 Anagarika Suciwati
Residences of Theravādin Monks in Nepal
01 Abhinava Buddha Vihara Lumbini
1) Bhikkhu Vimalananda Mahathera
2) Samanera Sunanda
02 Anandakut Vihara Swayambhu Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Kumara Kassapa Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Dharmamurti 3) Samanera Kondanya
4) S Prajnaratna 5) S Asoka
6) S Kumarjeeva 7) S Assaji
03 Bauddha Samaskrita Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Bhikkhu Dharmashobhana Mahathera
04 Bodhicharya Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Bodhisena Mahathera
2) Samanera Bodhideepa
05 Buddha Vihara Bhrikuti Mandap-Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Kondanya 2) Bhikkhu Sushil
3) Samanera Anuyoga 3) S Javana
4) S Udena
06 Buddha Vihara Biratnagar
1) Bhikkhu Aloka
07 Buddha Vihara Dharan
1) Bhikkhu Maitri (Tamang)
2) Bhikkhu Chhavikirti
08 Chatubrahma Vihara Matatirtha
1) Bhikkhu Thansettho
2) Bhikkhu Samyakaratna
3) Bhikkhu Bodhananda
9 Charumati Stupa Vihara Chabahil Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Tapassi Dhamma
10 Dharmacakra Ashrama Bagbazar
1) Bhikkhu Milinda
11 Dharmashila Buddha Vihara Pokhara
1) Bhikkhu Subhadda 2) Bhikkhu Saddhananda
12 Dhyanakuti Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Ashwaghosha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Rahul 3) Samanera Gautama
13 Gana Maha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Sanghanayaka Bhikkhu Subodhanand Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sobhita
3) Bhikkhu Samvegakirti
4) Samanera Sugatananda
6) S Chandananda
7) S Somananda
8) S Sumanavamsha
9) S Somavamsha
10) S Sumanasiri
14 IlayabahiTanabaha Patan
1) Bhikkhu Vimalkirti
15 International Bauddha Pariyatti Vihara Butwal
1) Bhikkhu Jatila
2) Bhikkhu Bhaddiya bdquoB‟
3) Samanera Jnanashree 4) S Jotika
16 International Buddhist Society Lumbini
1) Bhikkhu Maitri Mahathera
2) Samanera Mahapanta
3) S Vimala
17 Jana Udaya Vihara Sunakothi-Lalitpura
1) Bhikkhu Dharmagupta
18 Jitavana Vihara Thankot
1) Bhikkhu Dharmavamsha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sugatamuni Mahathera
3) Samanera Sunita
19 Kuti Vihara Koteshwar-KTM
1) Bhikkhu Yeshdhammo
2) Samanera Wayamo
3) S Milindo 4) S Sunanalankara
20 Manimandapa Mahavihara Patan
1) Bhikshu Shilbhadra Mahathera
2) Samanera Paduma 3) S Nayako
21 Muni Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Samanera Tejendra 2) S Jalapa
3) S Asima 4) S Aryaputra
22 Padma Sugandha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Sumedha 2) Samanera Sudatta
23 Pati Vihara Nagadesh-Bhaktapur
1) Bhikkhu Varasambodhi
24 Pranidhi Purna Maha Vihara Balambu
1) Samanera Sukha
25 Pugatabhoomi Jetavana Vihara Bhairahawa
1) Samanera Jagaro 2) S Suvanno
26 Purvaram Vihara Dhulikhel
1) Bhikkhu Gunaghosha Mahathero
27 Sangharama Vihara Kshetrapati Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Saddhatissa
2) Bhikkhu Kolita
3) Bhikkhu Sangharakshita
28 Shakya Singha Vihara Patan
1) Bhikkhu Dharmapala Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sunanda Mahathera
3) Bhikkhu Dharmarakshita
29 Shikhalapura Vihara Dhulikhel
1) Bhikkhu Dhammananda Mahathera
30 Shree Kirti Vihara Kirtipur
1) Bhikkhu Kirtijyoti 2) Bhikkhu Ananda
3) Bhikkhu Prajnakirti
4) Bhikkhu Dharmakirti
5) Samanera Sundara 6) Bhikkhu Pamit
7) S Subhashkirti 8) S Uttarakirti
31 Shreegha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Dharmasagara
2) Bhikkhu Medhankara
32 Sudarshana Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Rastrapala
33Sumangala Vihara Patan
1) Sanghaupanayaka Bhikkhu Buddhaghosha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Shobhan
3) Bhikkhu Prajnaratna
34 Surya Mangala Vihara Kapilvastu
1) Bhikkhu Suryamangala
35 Tokha Buddha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Samanera Shobhana 2) S Jnanodaya
36 Veluvanarama Vihara Thecho-Lalitpura
1) Samanera Uttama 2) S Chandimo
37 Vishwa Shanti Vihara New Baneshwar
1) Bhikshu Jnanapurnik Mahathera
2) Bhikshu Bodhijnana
3) Bhikshu Nigrodha
4) Bhikshu Udayabhadra
Samaneras
1) S Janak 2) S Sujat
3) S Obhaso 4) S Subhaddo
5) S Nandiyo 6) S Mahindo
7) S Pajjoto 8) S Aloka
9) S Buddhadatta 10) S Panita
11) S Kashyapa 12)S Dharmaghosha
13) S Nagita 14) S Vinaya
15) S Suchitta 16) S Sudatto
17) S Nemindo 18) S Rohito
19) S Jayanto 20) S Meghiyo
21) S Indriyo 22) S Suppamedho
23) S Bhanusarana 24) S Saddhadeepa
25) S Kittimo 26) S Janeyyo
27) S Adicca 28) S Kosalla
29) S Nyanuttara 30) S Bhaddaco
31) S Pabhassaro 32) S Uttaro
38 Yampi Maha Vihara Patan
1) Bhikkhu Bhaddiya
39 Non residencial Monks
1) Bhikshu Samyaka Sambodhi Pranputra
2) Bhikshu Dhyanratna
3) Bhikkhu Chandragupta Balambu
Present Anagarikas and resident in NEPAL
01 Amarapura Vihara Bungamati
1) A Charujnani 2) A Sunita
3) A Palitajnani 4) A Pamitajnani
5) A Padumajnani 6) A Rupawati
02 Bauddha Samaskrit Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Anagarika Sanghashila
03 Buddha ViharaDharan
1) A Sumedhavati 2) A Sushilavati
3) A Kanchana 4) A Shasanavati
04 Bauddha Rishi Mahapragya Ashram Anamnagar
1) Anagarika Prajnavati
05 Chatubrahma Vihara Matatirtha
1) Anagarika Anu
06 Dhammavasa Vihara Khusibun
1) A Krishgautami 2) A Suchita
3) A Shilgautami 4) A Kshantigautami
5) A Shyamavati
07 Dharmakirti Vihara Naghal-Kathmandu
1) Anagarika RatnaManjari
2) A Dhammavati
3) A Dhammadinna (Chameli)
4) A Anupama 5) A Sanghavati
6) A Khemavati 7) A Indravati
8) A Jayavati 9) A Danavati
10) A Tyagavati 11) AViryavati
12) A Shubhavati 13) A Ramavati
14) A Surammavati
15) A Hemavati 16) A Suppabhavati
17) A Supriya 18) A Amata
19) A Vannavati 20) A Suvannavati
08 Dharmashila Buddha Vihara Pokhara
1) Anagarika Karmashila
09 Gautami Vihara Lumbini
1) Anagarika Sujata 2) A Khamesi
10 IlayabahiTana Baha Lalitpur
1) A Shilaparami 2)AViryaparami
3) A Vineeta 4) A Shilachari
11 Int‟l Buddhist Meditation Centre Shankhamul
1) A Aggajnani 2) A Nirmalajnani
3) A Shantarakshita
12 Jaya Mangal ViharaTana Bahal-Patan
1) Anagarika Vijita 2) A Nekkhami
3) A Chittavati
13 Jyoti Vihara Chapagaun- Lalitpur
1) AnagarikaVirygautami
2) A Upeskshagautami
14 Kashivarna Buddha Vihara Panuati
1) Anagarika Satyaparami
15 Kindol Vihara Swayambhu
1) A Sumana 2) A Uttara
3) A Sumitra 4) A Molini
5) A Dhammavijaya 6) A Tejavati
7) A Shyamavati
16 Kunsa BahaHyumat
1) Anagarika Patachari 2) AUmavati
17 Mahabodhi Vihara Tansen
1) Anagarika Revati (Dhammadinna)
18 Muni Vihara Bhaktapur
1) A Sugandhavati 2) A Padmavati
19 Narsinharama Thaina-Patan
1) A Jnanashila 2) ASatyashila
3) AShilavati 4) A Yeshavati 5) A Dharani
6) A Jeenvati
7) A Shilpavatisushma
20 Padmachaitya Vihara Butwal
1) A Udayashila 2) A Santiwati
21 Padmakirti Vihara Kamalpokhari
1) A Kamala 2) A Karunavati
3) A Pabbhavati 4) A Dhyanavati
5) A Bhavanavati
22 Prajnanandarama Okubahal-Patan
1) Anagarika Jnanavati
23 Pranidhipurna Mahavihara Balambu
1) A Mudita 2) A Chandrashila bdquoB‟
24 SangharakshitaVihara Patan
1) Anagarika Abhaya 2) A Chandrashila
3) A Shilachari
25 Shanti Sukhavasa Chakupat-Patan
1) A Utpalavarna (Chini)
26 Shree Kirti Vihara Kirtipur
1) Anagarika Mina
27 SunandaramaThaina-Patan
1) A Madhavi 2) AMasukhi
3) A Mashobha 4) A Mashraddha
5) A Masudha
28 Sulakshanakirti Viahara Kirtipur
1) A Anoja 2) A Atula
3) A Anula
29 Sangharama ViharaDhalko-KTM
1) Anagarika Dharmarakshita
30 Vishwashanti Vihara New Baneshwar
1) A Shubha 2) A Khema
3) A Sudhamma
31 Vishwashanti Dharmakirti Vihara Basundhara
1) A Dhajavati (Kusum) 2) A Padmavati
3) A Bhadravati
32 Residing other Anagarikas
1) Anagarika Chandrajnani Patan
2) A Sraddhavati Shankhamul
3) A Amaravati Patan
4) A Dhammachari Patan
5) A Nanda Thasi
Some Prominent Personalities in the Theravada Movement1
Sanghamahanayakas of Nepal
1 Ven Pragyanand Mahasthavir 1930 ndash 1993 AD
2 Ven Sakyananda Mahasthavir 1993 - 1997 AD
3 Ven Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1997 - 2002 AD
4 Ven Subodhananda Mahasthavir 2002 - 2006 AD
5 Ven Buddhaghosa Mahasthavir 2006-
Amritananda Bhikkhu (1918-1990) original name Lal Kaji Sakya from Tansen
west Nepal he ordain as a novice in 1936 from ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara He studies and was ordained a monk in Sri Lanka in 1940 He
return to Nepal in 1942 and preached first publicly in Kathmandu He
formed Dharmodaya Sabha in 1944 and All Nepal Bhikkhu Mahasangha in
1951 and remained its unchallenged leader until his death He was well
known and traveled widely outside of Nepal because of his dynamism and
charisma He was also one of the greatest Buddhist scholars and writers of
Nepal
Aniruddha Bhikkhu (1915-2003) original name Gaja Ratna Tuladhar son of
Dasa Ratna Sahu (Later Ven Dhammaloka) He went to Sri Lanka in 1930
and ordained as samanera and studied there He had served many years in
Lumbini and third Sanghanayaka of Nepal
1 Sarah Levine and David N Gellner Rebuilding Buddhism The Theravada Movement in
Twentieth Century Nepal (UK Harvard University Press 2006) pp 293-296
Ashwaghosh Bhikkhu (1926- present) original name Buddha Ratna Sakya and
became a novice in 1944 and went to Sri Lanka for study where he took
higher ordination in 1949 he is known as bdquothe communist monk‟ and was a
nominee of the Unified Marxist-Leninist party one of Nepal‟s two main
political parites in the 1990s to the Upper House 1993-5 He had
established nepal‟s first Bhikkhu Training Center at Sangharama Dhalko
and became abbot of this vihara Presently he is abbot of Shrigha Vihara in
Kathmandu and of Dyanakuti Vihara Banepa
Buddhaghosh Bhikkhu (1921- present day) original name Sapta Ratna
Vajracharya in Kwa Baha Kathamandu The founder of Pariyatti Education
in Nepal and presently acting Sanghanayaka of Nepal (2006) and abbot of
Sri Sumangala Vihara in Lalitpur
Chandramani Bhikkhu (1876-1972) a Burmese monk who spent his life in
Kusinagara where he worked for the propagation of Buddhism until his
death He initiated with most of the early Nepalese Theravadins Monks and
Nuns He was the first president of Dharmodaya Sabha and father of
Theravadins of Nepal
Dharmachari Anagarika (1898-1978) born Laxmi Nani Tuladhar she
impressed by Ven Pragyananda in Kindol Vihara and took the precepts
from Chandramani in Kusinagara in 1934 and most prominent Nepali nun
She founded the first nunnery in Nepal at Kindol Vihara in 1947
Dhammaloka Bhikkhu (1891-1977) born Das Ratna Tuladhar Asan
kathamandu He traded in Lhasha went to Sri Lanka and taught Buddhism
as a layman Later became a monk in 1932 after his son Aniruddha ordain
in 1930 he established nepal‟s first Theravādin Vihara bdquoAnanda Kuti
Vihar‟ in Kathmandu
Dhammawati Anagarika (1925- present day) born as Ganesh Kumari Sakya in
Uku Baha lalitpur She ordain too precepts from Ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara and renamed as Dhammavati in 1950 She went to Burma for
study and return in 1963 after passed the Dhammacariya Examination She
was able to established Dhammakirti Nunnery Centre in 1965 and leader of
the Theravādin Nuns She has been re-ordained as Bhikkhuni according to
Mahayana tradition
Dharmaditya Dharmacharya (1902-1963) born as Jagat Man Vaidya in Chika
Bahi Lalitpur and the first Newar Buddhist modernist and the first newar
cultural nationalist He went to study in Calcutta where he became a
follower of anagarika Dhammapala the founder of Maha Bodhi Society
He had formed Buddhist revival foundation and published Buddhist
magazines etc
Nyanpurnika Bhikkhu (1936- present day) Born as Hera Lal Sakya in Tansen
He studied with Buddhaghosh in Lalitpur in Burma and in England He is
only monk who passed Dhammacariya examination of Burma He was the
founder of Vishwa Shanti Vihara and Vishwa Shanti Bauddha sikkyalaya
where train novices He is a prominent translator and writer
Kumar Kashyap Bhikkhu (1926- present day) born as Krishna Man Sakya he
was one of those who exiled to India by the Ranas in 1944 He went to
Study in Sri Lanka and hold nepal‟s first bdquoTripitaka acarya‟ Presently he is
president of All Nepal Bhikkhu Association and abbot of Ananda Kuti
Vihara
Mahapragya Bhikkhu (1901-1979) born Prem Bahadur (Nani Kaji ) Shrestha
He ordained into Tibetan tradition but exiled in 1926 and reordained as
novice in Theravada tradition one of the earlier Theravādin monks He
return to householderhood in Kalimpong in 1940s but then returned to
Kathmandu as a Buddhist sage (Bauddha Rishi) in the 1960s where he
taught until his death
Pragyananda Bhikkhu (1900-1993) born as Kul Man Singh Tuladhar in Itum
Baha Kathmandu a trader in Tibet where he met Ven Mahapragya and
impressed by him to ordained He became a Tibetan Gelung Karmasheel in
1928 and two years later a Theravādin under Ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara in 1930 He was nepal‟s first Sanghamahanayaka and well
respected monk
Shakyananda Bhikkhu (1909-1997) born as Chakra Dhan Sakya in Taksar
Bhojpur East Nepal He spent over forty years as a monk in Tansen outside
the Kathmandu and second sanghamahanayaka of Nepal
Subodhanand Bhikkhu (1916-2006) bor as Kul Raj Sakya in Taksar Bhojpur
East Nepal He was one of the monks exiled by the Ranas in 1944 He was
a prolific composer of Hymns in Nepal Bhasa In 2003 as the most senior
monk in Nepal he was the fourth Sanghanayaka of Nepal
Sudarshan Bhikkhu (1934-2002) born as Rudra Raj Sakya in Uku Baha
lalitpur He was famous a bdquothe boy monk‟ For many years he was a lecturer
in the culture Department of Tribhuvan University a prolific writer
preacher and abbot of Sri Kirti Vihara Kirtipur which is became multi-
cultural center and especially for Buddhist meetings and conferences He
was jailed for some months for Nepal Bhasa activities in the Panchayat
period He was a campaigner on Buddhist issues particularly to do with
Lumbini
Sumangal Bhikkhu (1929-1999) born Bhakta Krishna Shilpakar in Lalitpur He
was famous as ldquoDollar bhanterdquo He ordained in 1959 in Burma obtained a
master‟s degree in Buddhism from Rissho University Japan in 1972 and
was among the first monks to mobilize international connections for
Buddhist projects in Nepal He established Buddha Vihara in Bhrikuti
Mandap Kathmandu He helped raise funds from Thailand and Japan for
IBMc (1985) brought the Japanese healing movement Sei Mei Kyo to
Nepal and in 1993 opened an old people‟s home in Banepa
Glimpse of Theravādin activities in Nepal
Samanera ordination at Muni Vihara
Ordination Ceremony at Vishwa Shanti Vihara
Collecting Alms
Chanting Paritta in devotee‟s home
Giving Holy Thread to Devotees
Buddhist Art in Nepal
Main Buddha Image at Sri Kirti Vihara
Four holy places
Some of the Theravada Buddhist Viharas (Monasteries) in Nepal
Vihars In Kathmandu Valley Telephone No
1 Amarapura Buddha Vihar Bungamati 5551068
2 Anandakuti Vihar Swayambhu 4271420
3 Anandabhuwan Vihar Bhuikhyo 4270429
4 Ganamaha vihar Ganabaha 4253454
5 Gautam Buddha Vihar Panga co 4330576
6 Caturbrahma Vihar Matatirtha 4310558
7 Carumati Vihar Cabahil 4469897
8 Baudhajana Vihar Sunakothi co 5570209
9 Jitapur Gandhakuti Vihar khona Co 5542846
10 Jitawan Vihar Thankot 4311912
11 Jyoti udaya vihar Capagaun Co 5571459
12 Dhammavasa Vihar Khusibun 4358688
13 Dharmakirti Vihar Srigha Naghal 4259466
14 Dharmacakra vihar Bagbajar 4261976
15 Nagar Mandap Sri Kirti Vihar Kirtipur 4330836
16 Nagadesh Buddha Vihar Nagadesh Co 6635397
17 Nirvanmurti Anagarikaram Kindol 4285811
18 Padmasugandha Vihar Manjeshwori 4266255
19 Pranidhi Purna Mahavihar Balambu 43105924312455
20 Pati Vihar Thimi Co 6637601
21 Pippali Theravad Buddha Vihar Shiphal 4475066
22 Punya Udaya Vihar Jala Harisiddhi Co 5527456
23 Buddhabhoomi Mahavihar Tokha 4362514
24 Buddha Vihar Bhrikuti mandapa 4226702
25 Buddharatna Vihar Putalisadak 4244277
26 Bauddha samakrit Vihar Bhaktapur 6610842
27 Manimandap Vihar Patko Bhaktapur 5526517
28 Muni Vihar Bhaktapur 6616464
29 Yampi Mahavihar Ibahi Lalitpur 5539644
30 Yashodhara Baudha Bidyalaya Thaina Lalitpur 5521435
31 Biswo Shanti Vihar Baneshwor 4482384
32 Biswo Shanti Dharmakirti vihar Basundhara 4354251
33 Beluvanarama Vihar Theco Co 5570062
34 Sakyasingha Vihar Thaina Lalitpur 5524760
35 Santi Sukhawas Cakupat co 5523613
36 Siddhimangal Buddha Vihar Thasi 5581495
37 Sumangala Vihara Lagankhel 5531715
38 Sulakshan kirti Vihar Chobhar 4331718
39 Suwanrna Chatrapur Vihar Lubhu 5580430
40 Sangharama Vihar Dhalko Visnumati 4255960
41 Srigha Vihar Nagal 4259110
Vihars out side the Kathamandu Velley Telephone No
1 Ananda Vihar Tansen Co 075-520225520216
2 Citravan Vihar Narayangadha Co 056-521478
3 Taksar Vihar Tansen Co 075-520024
4 Dharmashila Buddha Vihar Phokhara 061-520517
5 Dyankuti Banepa Banepa 011-661244
6 Padma Chaitya Vihar Butawal 071-546470
7 Purwarama Vihar Dhulikhel 011-661979
8 Pragya Mahavihar Hetauda Co 057-520264520136
9 Buddha Vihar Dharan 025-520354
10 Buddha Vihar Biratnagar Co 021-522146530604
11 Beni Buddha Vihar Myagdi Co 069-520354
12 Bodhicharya vihar Banepa 011-661789
13 Lokachakra Buddha Vihar Dhan gadhi 091-622174
14 Sakyamuni Vihar Bhojpur Co 029-420260
15 Sugatapur Vihar Trisuli Co 010-560153
16 Sugandha Vihar Ridi Gulmi Co 079-529435
17 Swoyambhu Chetya Buddha Vihar Urlabari Co 021-540080
18 Swoyambhu Chetya Mahavihar Dharan Co 025-520190
19 Gyanodaya Buddha Vihar Baglung Co 068-520921520336
Footnotes
[1] This paper was written as a part of my MA thesis research on bdquoThe
Revival of Theravada Buddhism and its contribution to Nepalese Society‟ of
Mahachulalongkorn University Bangkok Thailand and would like to thank Mr
Dharma Sakya for every suggestion editing and help for the completion of this
article
[2] Nyanatiloka Buddhist Dictionary 3
rd ed The Free Distribution
version the Corporate Body of the Buddha education foundation Taiwan p
179
[3] Triratna Manandhar bdquoPresent of Buddhism in Nepal‟ (Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK Vol 8 May 2005) p 15
[4] helliphelliphelliphellip The New Encyclopedia of Britannica Vol24 (USA
Library of Congress Catalog 1993) p 781 Dhanabajra Vajracharya Cabahilko
Abhilekha (Inscription of Cabahil) The Charumati Voice (Kath Charumati
Buddhist Mission 2001) pp 17-20 Bhikkhu Sudarsan Mahasthavira Nepal
Upatyaka ma Ashokaki Chori Charumati (Charumati A daughter of
Ashoka in Nepal Valley) (The Charumati Vocie (Kath Charumati Buddhist
Mission 2001) p 20
[5] Beal Samuel Si Yu Ri Buddhist Records of the Western World
(New Delhi Motilal Banarsidass Publishers 1994) pp 80-81 Bhuwan Lal
Pradhan Nepalama Buddhadharma (Kath Nepal Rajkiya Pragyapratisthana
1988) pp 102 ndash 103
[6] NB Thapa A Short History of Nepal (Kath Ratna Pustak
bhandhar Nd) pp 30-33 Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ The
Nation Thailand‟s English Newspaper (Sunday special) Oct 18 1987
[7] Opcit NB Thapa p116
[8] David N Gellner Monk Householder and Tantric Priest Newar
Buddhism and its Hierarchy of Ritual (Cambridge University Press 1996) pp
41ff
[9] Bechert Heinz amp Jens-Uwe Hartmann ldquoObservation on the reform
of Buddhism in Nepalrdquo Journal of Nepal Research Centre vol VIII Kath
Kantipur Printing Press1988p 6
[10] Ria Kloppenborg Theravada Buddhism in Nepal‟ Kailash A
Journal of Himalayan Studies Vol 5 no 41977 p 302
[11] BP Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada Gukathan Wagu Kha (Kath
Hisi Press Nepal BS 20421985) pp44ff
[12] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p47ff
[13] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 51-53 Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal (BKK A Thesis of MA Mahamakut Graduate School
2001) p 97
[14] Bhikshu Sudarshan Mahasthavir bdquoRole of Theravada in the
Preservation of Newar Buddhism‟ wwwircnepalorgpapers
[15] Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 69-72
[16] Opcit Observation on the reform of Buddhism in Nepal p10ff
[17] Opcit Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ RV
Vandya Sanghanayaka Venerable Pragnananda Mahasthavir (Kath Nepal
Co-operative Press 1978) pp 11ff
[18] Bhkkhu Dharmaloka Mahasthavir A Pilgrimage in China (kath
published by Bhikkhu Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1999) p 13-15 Opcit Lacoul
Nepalay Sthavirvada p 74-75
[19] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka p 15
[20] Opcit Bhikkhu dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp16ff
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p100
[21] Ibit Bhikkhu Dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp 27-29
[22] See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A Homage
(Kath Anandakuti Vihar Trust 1992) Kuladharma Ratna Tuladhar Buddhism
in Nepal (Kath Dharmodaya Sabha 1986) pp15 Opcit Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 100
[23] Opcit K R Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal 16 RV Vandya
Sanghanayaka ven Pragnananda p 32 ff
[24] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka Pragnananda pp 34-35
Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthavirvada p 86
[25] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 18 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 101
[26] Bhikkhu Amritananda Mahasthavir A Short History of Theravada
Buddhism in Modern Nepal (Kath Anandakuti Vihar trust 1986) pp 8-9
Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir (Kath Anandakuti
Vihar Trust 1992) p 25
[27] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 19 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[28] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[29] Opcit Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir
p 26
[30] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit KR
Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 20
[31] Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha in Nepal
(BKK A Thesis of MA Buddhist Study Mahachulalongkorn University 2547)
p 23 [32]
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit Ratna
Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir p 26
[33] Amrit R Sthapit bdquowho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Aswaghosha‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 4 no 1 May 2001
p8
[34] helliphelliphelliphelliphellip bdquoWho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Nyanapurninka Mahasthavir‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 7
no 1 May 2004 p13 Viswo Shanti Vihar The Shanti Sandesh (Kath Viswo
Shanti Vihar 1998)
[35] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sumangala Mahasthavir
A monk who modernized Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the
LNBDS UK vol 2 no 1 May 1999 p10
[36] Opcit Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha
in Nepal pp 52ff
[37] Rina Tuladhara Dharmakirti 25 Years of Dharmakirti Buddhist
Study Circle A Glimpse (Kath Dharmakirti Vihar 1996) Mallika Sakya
bdquoWho is Who in Nepalese Buddhism Dhammavati Guruma‟ Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 5 no 1 May 2002 p10
[38] Opcit See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A
Homage Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 108
[39] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sudarshan Mahasthavir A
Gem of the Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol
6 no 1 May 2003 p13
2
Contents
Preface
1 Introduction
2 Background
3 Revival of Theravadin
4 Development of Theravada Buddhism
5 Contribution to Nepalese Society
6 Theravadin in Nepalese Society
7 Conclusion
8 Theravada Records in Nepal
9 Footnotes
3
THERAVADA BUDDHISM
IN MODERN NEPAL [1]
Preface
History of Theravada Buddhism in Nepal is very vague There
are some evidences that Buddha visited Nepal during his lifetime
preached to his relatives and friends and ordained some people
Theravada tradition is believed to be the oldest unbroken tradition The
teaching- the Dhamma was divided into two sects- Sthaviravada and
Mahasanghika in the second council held 100 years after the death of
Buddha Sthaviravada later developed as Theravada and Mahasanghika
developed as Mahayana which also includes Vajrayana
More concrete evidences of existence of Buddhism in Nepal
were found from the visit of king Asoka of India and some more from
descriptions of Chinese travellers King Asoka visited Lumbini in
Nepal in 250 BC and erected a stone pillar which is still standing The
inscription in Bramhi script in this pillar reads in English as follows
ldquoKing Piyadasirdquo (another name for king Asoka) beloved of the gods
having anointed 20 years came here himself and worshiped saying
bdquoHere Buddha Sakyamuni was born (Hida Budhe Jatildete Satildekyamuni)‟
4
Chinese travellers Fa Hian (AD 403) and Hiuen Tsang (AD
636) also described the existence of dilapidated stupas monasteries and
palaces (Source Holy places of Buddhism in Nepal amp India ndash Trilok
Chandra Majupuria and Indra Majupuria)
According to historians Buddhism was a dominant religion
until the time of King Jayasthiti Malla who ruled Nepal during
medieval period (around 1382 CE) He imposed caste system in Nepal
according Manudharmasastra a Hindu holy book1 Buddhist culture
and tradition were banned the celibate monks were forced to disrobe
and forced to marry Vajrayana or Newar Buddhism was developed
following the demise of Theravada Buddhism The situation of
Buddhist became worse during the time of Rana government who ruled
Nepal from1846 to the dawn of democracy in 1950 That was the age
when Buddhism was totally forgotten by non-Buddhist of Nepal It was
known and practised by only certain castes-Vajracharyas
(Bajracharyas) Shakyas Tuladhars etc The Rana government banned
all Buddhist religious activities They also banned people converting
from Hindu religion to Buddhism but traditional Buddhists were
allowed to become Hindus
5
Revival of Theravada Buddhism started in the closing years of
19th
century Mr Jagat Man Vaidya (later known as Dharmaditya
Dharmacariya) of Patan Nepal started publishing Buddhist journals
from India where he was studying to promote Buddhism He also
started Buddha Jayanti (Vesak Day) Celebration to commemorate
birth enlightenment and death (parinibbana) of the Buddha This was
first celebrated in modern Nepal in 1926
According to Lalit Bistara in Newari language influences of
Dharmaditya‟s campaign and Tibetan Lamas motivated some Nepalese
to take ordination according to Theravada tradition The first Nepali to
take ordination according to this tradition was Venerable Mahapragna
a Hindu Shrestha by birth in 1928 in India under Venerable U
Chandramani a Burmese monk at Kusinagar Other Nepalese followed
his example and took Ordination under the same Burmese monk in
India But when they return to Nepal they were arrested imprisoned
and then exiled
Towards the later year of Rana regime the attitude of the
government towards Theravada Buddhism and Theravada monks and
nuns softened and the exiled monks were allowed to return to Nepal to
6
practice the religion according to Theravada tradition Until that time
only Vajrayana monks (Bajracharyas) who are really a householders
and Tibetan Lamas were known to Nepalese After the advent of the
democracy in 1950 Theravada tradition thrived and made rapid in road
into Nepalese society Both His Majesty King Tribhuvan the father of
the nation and his son king Mahendra were supportive to Theravada
revival movements Because of the enthusiasm of Theravada monks
and nuns their lay supporters and encouragement from their Majesties
Theravada tradition progressed and became a part of Nepalese religious
life Many more Nepalese men and women took ordinations
Theravada monasteries were opened in different parts of the country
At present there are 96 Theravada Viharas in the country 303
Bhikkhus and Samaneras Sangha members and 135 Anagarikas Some
are resident in Nepal and others are either studying or practising
dhamma in other countries of Asia and Europe and in Australia and
United States of America (Source The Ananda Bhoomi year 33
issues 32 and 33)
Late Venerable Amritananda Mahasthavir deservers special
mention in Theravada revival movement in Nepal He played a
7
prominent role in promotion of Theravada Buddhism in Nepal He
founded Dharmodaya Sabha All Nepal Bhikshu Association (Akhil
Nepal Bhikshu Sangha) travelled widely promoting dhamma and
translated and published many Buddhist texts
Late Venerable Bhikshu Sudharshan added a different
dimension to the movement He started training centre with the aim of
broadening ordination to other ethnic groups Until then Newars ndash
original inhabitants of Kathmandu Valley were the only ones who have
taken ordinations in this tradition Because of his foresight and timely
action many people from other ethnic groups have accepted Theravada
Buddhism and some has taken ordination Ven Nyanapurnika of
Viswasanti Vihar who established Novice Training Centre Ven
Ashowghosa of Sangharama who trained most of the present leading
monks of Nepal and Anagarika Dhammavati of Dharmakirti (Now
Bhikkhuni according to Mahayana) who established Nunnery training
centre are also well known figures in Theravada in Nepal
At present all three traditions Newar Buddhism (Vajrayana)
Tibetan Mahayana Buddhism and Theravada Buddhism have become
acceptable Buddhist traditions in Nepal Theravada Buddhist monks
8
and nuns with their saffron coloured robe along with Tibetan Lamas
and Bajracharyas are familiar features in Nepalese society especially
in Kathmandu valley
Introduction
Theravada Buddhism the doctrine of the elders is the oldest
unbroken traditional Buddhist tradition practised by people since the
time of the Buddha It is found today in Sri Lanka (Ceylon) Myanmar
(Burma) Thailand Cambodia Laos and Chittagong (Bangladesh)[2]
Theravāda Buddhism in modern Nepal was introduced about 80 years
ago Since then it has emerged as a major force in modern Nepal It
plays significant roles in different fields of Nepalese society and
Buddhists have begun to engage in both traditional and modern
activities Even though it re-emerged only few decades ago the origins
of Theravāda Buddhism in Nepal are to be found in the time of Gotama
the Buddha The Buddha the founder of Buddhism was born in
Lumbini within the borders of present-day Nepal Very early in its
history then important Buddhist events occurred on the southern
plains of Nepal There are many references in ancient Pāli literature of
9
Buddhist activities held in and near Kapilavatthu the Buddha‟s
hometown The Buddhist scriptures say that not only was the Buddha
born in what is now Nepal but also visited his home several times after
he had become the Buddha
Although the Buddha was born in Nepal the history of
Buddhism in Nepal is not very clear According to Buddhist literatures
he did visit Nepal gave discourses and ordained some monks and nuns
There are monasteries and stupas spread in different parts of the
country but due to lack of records or clear evidence it is difficult to say
when they were built Historians have identified the Stupa of Yogini in
Gumvihara at Sankhu Kathmandu as the oldest stupa in Kathmandu
Valley It is generally believed that the origin of this vihāra dates to
the time of the early introduction of Buddhism in ancient times around
the first century CE Harishchandra Lal Singha a historian says
ldquoTheravāda was the earliest form of Buddhism prevalent in Nepal as in
many countries of Asia where Buddhism flourishedrdquo However
traditional Theravāda texts do not contain any information about
Theravāda in Nepal The texts of other Buddhist schools nevertheless
10
say that some of the Buddha‟s disciples went to Nepal‟s Kathmandu
Valley
There is evidence that the King Asoka of Magadha visited
Lumbini in Nepal He was a great patron and staunch supporter of
Buddhism during his time It is said that in the 20th
year after his
accession to the throne of the Maurya Dynasty and following the Third
Buddhist Council the King made pilgrimages to historic places of
Buddhist interest and erected stone pillars He is also said to have
visited Nepal Valley Dr D Wright writes that the Emperor King
Ashoka visited Kathmandu Valley at the time of the fourteenth Kirati
King Sthungko of the Kirat dynasty with his spiritual guide Venerable
Upagupta Queen Tissyarakshita and a daughter named Carumati He
sent nine missionary groups to different places A group of four monks
led by Ven Majjima came to Nepal and succeeded in propagating
Buddhism in Nepal It was said that Buddhism was a well-know
religion then and practised by people in their daily life It is believed
that the Buddhism that was practised during King Asoka‟s time was
Theravada Buddhism Unfortunately for some unknown reason
popularity of Buddhism declined and its identity lost for many
11
centuries According to the recorded history of Nepal after the social
reforms carried out by King Jayasthiti Malla (1382-95 CE) Buddhism
went into decline and developed into Newār Buddhism However
Theravada Buddhism was re-introduced once again in Nepal in the
closing years of 19th
century by Nepalese who came in contact with the
Maha Bodhi society of India
Anagarika Dharmapala a Sri Lankan Buddhist founded this
Maha Bodhi Society Nepalese who came in contact with this society
took initial steps for revival of Theravada activities in Nepal Nearly a
century later Theravada once again gained foothold in Nepal
Presently there are number of Theravada Buddhist monasteries in the
country The numbers of Nepalese Buddhist monks and nuns have also
increased Some are resident in Nepal and others are studying and
carrying out dhamma work in Sri Lanka Thailand Myanmar and
other countries Beside dhamma work they are also engaged in various
charitable works like education health social welfare etc for the
upliftment of Nepali community wherever they are
12
Background
As I have mentioned earlier history of Buddhism in Nepal is
very vague There are some evidences that Buddhism was popular
during Buddha‟s time in Nepal There are also evidences that the
Buddha visited Nepal gave discourses to relatives and Buddhists and
ordained Bhikkhus and Bhikkhunis[3]
According to Buddhist scholar‟s
Theravada tradition existed in Nepal since the time of the Lord
Buddha
The evidence was more reliable from the account of King
Asoka The great emperor of ancient India King Asoka visited
Lumbini and erected stone pillar with inscription in Bramhi script
which in English reads bdquo Here the Buddha was born‟
(Hidabhagavamjāteti Lum minigāme) As mentioned before he also
sent Dhamma Missionary (Dhammaduta) to Nepal after third Buddhist
council (Sanghayana) which was held three hundred years after
Buddha‟s parinibbana Buddhist legends has it that one of King
Asoka‟s daughter Carumati married a Nepali called Devapal and
settled in Cabahil Katmandu where she constructed a temple- Cabahil
monastery and became a Bhikkhuni for the rest of her life[4]
Besides
13
these the records of Chinese travelers who visited Buddhist
pilgrimage sites in India and Nepal after King Ashoka‟s visit also gave
some information on existence of Theravada Buddhist monks who
practised and studied along with other Buddhist sects in Nepal[5]
According to historians Buddhism was a dominant religion
until the time of King Jayasthiti Malla who ruled Nepal during
medieval period (around 1382 CE) He imposed caste system in Nepal
according Manudharmasastra a Hindu holy book[6]
Buddhist culture
and tradition were banned the celibate monks were forced to disrobe
and forced to marry Vajrayana or Newar Buddhism was developed
following the demise of Theravada Buddhism The situation of
Buddhist became worse during the time of Rana government In 1846
the mantle of power of Nepal‟s government shifted from the monarchy
to autocratic isolationist Rana government The Shah kings of the
country were kept under tight control of Rana prime ministers[7]
The
country was closed from outside world and kept her eyes closed to
what was happening outside for nearly 104 years That was the age
when Buddhism was totally forgotten by non-Buddhist of Nepal It was
14
known and practised by only certain communities Vajracharyas
(Bajracharyas) Shakyas Tuladhars etc[8]
The Rana government
banned all Buddhist religious activities They also banned people
converting from Hindu religion to Buddhism but traditional Buddhists
were allowed to become Hindus
Theravada Revival Movement
In the early 1920s Dharmāditya Dharmācārya began his
campaign for the revival of Theravāda Buddhism teaching that Nepal
was the land of the Buddha‟s birth Meanwhile the Baisākha purnimā
celebration and publicing of ldquoBuddha Dhammardquo magazine by
Dharmāditya Dharmācārya had been inflaming the inner quest for
spirituality in Nepalewse society Furthermore simulteniously Tibeten
Buddhism had been inspiring Newari Society to walk the path that was
once nearly lost One of the well-known monks who came from Tibet
and preached the Dhamma to the Nepalese was Kyangtse Lama
Known in Nepal as Kyanchhe Lama he had come on pilgrimage to
Nepal His sermons and the publication of the Lalitavistara inspired
many to seek Buddhist ordination in the early period of the modern
15
history of Buddhism in Nepal It was the fortunate conjunction of
Nisthananda‟s translation of the Lalitavistara into the mother tongue
producing a Newāri version of the Buddha‟s life story Dharmāditya
Dharmācārya revivalism and the visits of Kyangtse Lama which
ensured that ldquothe Bud of the Dharmardquo planted by the Venerable Lama
should flower so quickly and produce such impressive fruit His
influence on Newāri scholars was significant One of them was
Yogbeer Sing Kansakar who was honoured for his efforts for the
preservation of the Newāri language The Lama also influenced the
first Theravāda monks Venerable Mahapragya and Venerable
Pragyānanda among others
The closing years of 19th
century saw reform movements in
many Buddhist countries with idea of modernizing Buddhist
movement The term bdquoBuddhist modernization‟ is used to refer to these
new reformist activities[9]
The aim of this movement was to bring
back Buddhism to India and Sri Lanka The Maha Bodhi Society was
founded in India under the leadership of Anagarika Dharmapala[10]
16
This organization was the first Buddhist organization established with
the aim of internationalizing Buddhism
The success of The Maha Bodhi Society encouraged Nepalese
who came in contact with this society They were mostly traditional
Buddhists (Newar Buddhists) of Nepal who were merchants and
pilgrims They played an important role in Theravada revival
movement in present day Nepal However it was students of Buddhism
who gave a kick-start to Theravada movements in modern Nepal
Mr Jagatman Vaidya a traditional Buddhist by birth went to
India for further studies He initiated the Theravada Buddhist revival
movement with the help of The Mahabodhi Society[11]
Mr Jagatman
who later became known as Dharmaditya Dharmacariya devoted most
of his time and energy to Buddhist Revivalism in Nepal by publishing
Buddhist journal in Newari Nepali Hindi English etc One of his
great deeds was to celebrate Baisakh day Buddha Jayanti or Swanya
Punhi in Nepal to commemorate Buddha‟s birth enlightenment and
death (Parinibbana) He established bdquoBuddha Dharma Uddhar
Sangharsquo lsquoBuddhopasaka Sangha‟ and other organizations for the
propagation of Buddhism in Nepal[12]
17
The Buddha Jayanti which he has initiated was celebrated for
the first time in the history of modern Nepal in 1926 after a long gap
Now a day this day is widely celebrated in Nepal Every year people
celebrate it with great joy and happiness[13]
He was also responsible
for stopping animal slaughter at Mayadevi temple in Lumbini and
renovation of Kindol Vihar in Kathmandu This Vihara became the
center for Theravada revival movement[14]
He published Buddhist
magazine entitled bdquoBuddha Dharmarsquo in Newari Language
(Nepalabhasa) emphasizing the importance of Buddha Jayanti
celebration and Theravadian views This was the starting point of
Theravada activities and promotion of Theravadian views in Nepal
after many centuries Some Nepalese youths took ordination according
to Theravada tradition in 1928 They were imprisoned for four days
The Government at the time was under the influence of Shaivait
Brahmins who were calling for a ban against Buddhism Later he was
arrested for his conversion from a Hindu to a Buddhist monk Three
new rules suppressing Buddhism had been issued
18
(1) Conversion to Buddhism from Hinduism (Shaivaism) to be
punished by one year in prison
(2) Acting as preceptor at a Buddhist ordination to be punished by
three years‟ imprisonment and
(3) Attempting to ordain into Buddhism to be punished by a six-
month imprisonment
They were exiled to India and all reordained into Theravada
tradition with ven U Kosala in Buddhagaya However certain reasons
they left the tradition The history speaks only on Ven Mahapragya but
rest of other four monks still under discovery The first Nepalese to
take ordination in Theravada tradition was venerable Mahapragna a
Hindu Shrestha by birth in 1926 After few years study in Tibet again
he went to India where he met Ven U Chandramani a Burmese monk
at Kusinagara[15]
He was impressed with Ven Chandramani and took
Theravada ordination from him This was the starting point for
Theravada ordination once again in the history of modern Nepal after
almost 600 years[16]
Since then Theravadin monastic order been settled
in modern Nepal
19
On the other hand Venerable Pragyananda (Karmasheel) who
converted from Gelung of Tibetan tradition to Theravada with Ven U
Chandramani at Kusinagara India was the first yellow-robed monk
who appeared in the street of Kathmandu valley at the end of 1930s[17]
He stayed at Kindol Vihar at the invitation of Dasaratna Shahu (later
Ven Dharmaloka) and gave discourses The attendance at his
discourses increased day by day and it worried then Rana government
and arrested all the members of Vihar They were imprisoned fined
and later released[18]
Fortunately Ven Pragnananda was in different
place and was not arrested He went on pilgrimage to India with some
devotees His four devotees took ordination under guidance of Ven U
Chandramani at Kusinagar They were Samanera Shasana Jyoti
Anagarika Ratna Pali Anagarika Dhamma Pali and Anagarika
Sangha Pali This was the first nun‟s ordination in Theravada
Buddhism in modern Nepal[19]
In the mean time Dasaratna Shahu
who was running Kindol Vihar brought Civar and bowl from Sri Lanka
for monk ceremonies Soon after his release from prison he took
ordination according to Theravada tradition at Kusinagar from Ven U
Chandramani and became Samanera Dhammaloka in 1932[20]
He
20
visited Nepal as a monk but was arrested immediately on his arrival in
Kathmandu and was imprisoned once again for six days and then
released without charging him with any offences Following his release
from prison he went to stay at Kindol Vihar and continued his
religious activities He was finally able to carry out religious activities
freely in Nepal He succeeded to propagate Theravada Buddhism in the
streets of Kathmandu valley[21]
Later he founded Nepal‟s first
Theravada Buddhist temple bdquoAnandakutirsquo at the foothill of Swayambhu
hill and it became the center for Theravada Sangha in modern Nepal
Venerable Amritananda was another well-known Buddhist
scholar and pioneer person for revival of Theravada Buddhism in
modern Nepa[22]
He was ordained under Ven U Chandramani at
Kusinagara in 1936 CE but was imprisoned along with Ven
Mahapragna at Bhojpur in 1937 In 1942 he came back to Nepal from
abroad after completing his study and gave discourses at the request of
Ven Dharmaloka in Swayambhu during vassavasa days (Three months
Buddhist lent) His public discourses impressed lay people and many
people came to listen to him Other Monks Samaneras and Nuns of
21
Nepal who were studying abroad also came back and joined him and
gave public discourses in different places of Kathmandu valley[23]
This
was a great breakthrough during isolationist Rana government Rana
government of the time banned any public assembly because of fear of
political unrest and demand for political reform in Nepal Because of
their religious activities they were arrested on 30th
July 1944 and
brought in front of then Prime Minister Juddha Shamsher Jung Bahadur
Rana for giving verdict on the charges of propagating the dhamma He
made rules to curtail the Buddhist activities Those who didn‟t follow
these rules were asked either to leave the country or return to worldly
life All the respected monks who were active in revival of Theravada
in Nepal refused to obey the order and were exiled once again from
Nepal The exiled monks this time included Ven Pragnananda Ven
Dharmaloka Ven Subhodhananda Ven Pragnarashmi Samanera
Pragnarasa Samanera Ratnajyoti Samanera Agga Dhamma and
Samanera Kumar The nuns were allowed to remain in the Vihar until
the end of the Vassavasa[24]
22
Development of Theravada Buddhism
The exiled monks formed bdquoDharmodaya Sabha‟ - Nepal‟s first
Buddhist organization with the help of other Buddhist organizations
and individuals on 30th
November 1944 in India under the
chairmanship of Ven U Chandramani Ven Amritananda was its
general secretary[25]
Immediately after establishment of bdquoDharmodaya
Sabha‟ Ven Amritananda wrote a protest letter to Nepalese
government and also appealed to other Buddhist organizations on
behalf of Dharmodaya Sabha He visited many places and various
countries to get support against the expulsion of Buddhist monks from
modern Nepal One of the countries he visited and undertook further
studies was Sri Lanka In Sri Lanka he also succeeded in bringing a
goodwill mission to Nepal in 1946 under the leadership of well-known
scholar Ven Narada Mahasthavir of Vajiraramaya Colombo The
members of this mission consisted of Ven Narada Ven Amritananda
Ven Priyadarshi Dr Ratna Surya and Prof Aryapal They were able
to meet the newly appointed Prime Minister Padma Shumsher J Rana
Ven Amritananda and leader of the mission Ven Narada requested his
23
Excellency to give permission for the exiled monks to return to Nepal
Prime Minister Padma Shamsher accepted their request and permitted
the exiled monks to return Ven Dharmaloka was the first one to come
back to Nepal immediately after receiving a letter from Ven
Amritananda and arrived in Kathmandu in June 1946 (Jesth Sukla 6
2003)[26]
Other monks also returned one by one and again started
propagating Theravada Buddhism in modern Nepal Ven Narada
visited Nepal three times and constructed a Sri Lankan Cetiya at
Anandakuti Vihar He brought a branch of Bodhi tree Buddha‟s relic
to Nepal He also established the first Sima (Uposatha) of Nepal for
Bhikkhus at the Vihara During his third visit he met then Prime
Minister Mohana Shamasher J Rana and requested him to declare
Baisakh Purnima or Buddha Day as a public holiday His Excellency
agreed and declared it as a public holiday for the Buddhist government
civil officers[27]
Since then Theravada Buddhism gained ground in
Nepalese society and made progress Theravada monks propagated
Buddhism by performing ceremonies giving Dharmadesana and
publishing Buddhist texts Many Viharas were built in and outside the
Kathmandu valley to propagate dhamma
24
In 1950 democracy replaced autocratic Rana regime under the
leadership of H M King Tribhuvan This heralded rapid development
of Theravada Buddhism Buddhist monks and nuns were able carry out
their duties freely without hindrances throughout the country The
office of bdquoDharmodaya Sabha‟ shifted from Kalimpong to Kathmandu
after the advent of democracy in 19501 In 1951 Bhikkhu Sangha led
by Ven Amritananda formed lsquoAkhil Nepal Bhikkhu Sangharsquo (All
Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha Council) for the further propagation of
Buddhism in Nepal Ven Amritananda played a great role in
propagation of Theravada Buddhism nationwide His close relationship
with their Majesties helped in his activities[28]
He visited many
countries on behalf of All Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha and Dharmodaya
Sabha In the same year Buddhists of Nepal succeeded in bringing the
relics of Ven Sariputta (Ven Sariputra) and Ven Maudhgalyana
(Ven Moggallana) the foremost disciples of the Buddha for the
exhibition in Nepal His Majesty King Tribhuvan chaired the reception
committee and a reception party was held in the Royal Palace[29]
Following year in 1952 Buddha Jayanti was celebrated throughout the
country with the support of HM King Tribhuvan On this occasion
25
HM King declared Baisakh Purnima or Buddha Jayanti day as a
public holiday throughout the kingdom[30]
In 1956 His late Majesty King Mahendra visited Lumbini the
birthplace of the Buddha and erected a Mahendra Pillar in Lumbini
zone In the same year during 2500th
Buddha Jayanti celebration HM
king banned animal slaughter on this auspicious day throughout the
kingdom[31]
Nepalese Buddhists led by All Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha
Council and Dharmodaya Sabha also organized the Fourth World
Fellowship of Buddhist Conference (WFB) in Kathmandu on this
year[32]
His Majesty‟s government cooperated fully and gave every
assistance for the success of the conference Gradually Theravada
Buddhist monasteries were founded Buddhist Education Buddhapuja
meditation public discourses publications of Buddhist texts and mass
ordination etc took place as a part of dhamma activities Burma Sri
Lanka Thailand and other countries helped Nepal in its effort for
Theravada revival Soon after Theravada Buddhist monks established
the first Bhikkhu training center- Sangharama Vihar and ordained
number of novices under the leadership of Ven Ashogosha
Mahasthavir[33]
Following their ordination they were sent to Sri
26
Lanka Burma and Thailand for their higher ordination and education
Many of these monks have returned to Nepal and are actively engaged
in propagation of dhamma Besides ordination of individual novices
mass ordinations for short periods were also held in different temple
After Anandakuti Vihar the Viswasanti Vihara also established
Vishwa Shanti Bauddha Shikshalaya a Buddhist School under Ven
Nyanapunnika Mahathavir[34]
It teaches both national and Buddhist
curriculum to the novices Now there are nearly 100 Theravada
temples more than four hundred monks and Samaneras and nearly 400
nuns in the country Present Sangha Nayaka is Most Ven
Subodhananda of Gana Mahavihara Kathmandu President of All
Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha is Kumar Kashyapa of Ananda Kuti Vihar
Swayambhu Kathmandu and the head office of All Nepal Bhikkhu
Sangha is in Viswo Santi Vihara New Baneshwor Kathmandu
27
Contribution to Nepalese society
Besides promoting Dhamma Theravada monks and nuns
(Anagarikas) are also involved in other welfare activities like
organising free health camps training centers either in the monasteries
or outside the monasteries They also founded center for old age and
Kindergarten Late Ven Sumangala Mahasthavira[35]
initiated free
clinic at Buddha Vihar a Buddhist home for the elderly at Benepa and
a Buddhist Kindergarten Free Clinics were popular because of lack of
adequate government run clinics in Nepal Many monasteries
organized free clinics Regular clinics like eye and Homeopathic were
run either on weekly or monthly basis Annual campaigns are also run
when it was felt necessary
In 1964 All Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha established a Theravada
education system Pariyatti Sikkha or Nepal Bauddha Pariyatti Siksa
(Buddhist Saturday School) Classes are run in Theravada Buddhist
monasteries Tibetan monasteries other Buddhist centers in public and
private schools There are more than 32 centers throughout the
28
country[36]
Presently its head office is at Viswo Santi Vihara in New
Baneswora Kathmandu
Besides Pariyatti Sikkha Ven Amritananda founded a
Buddhist school - bdquoAnandakuti Vidyapith Boarding School‟ and a
college- bdquoSiddharth Science Campus‟ Both Buddhist monks and lay
people used to teach in these institutions It was started as a Buddhist
school but for some reason it has become a private enterprise Besides
these many monks and nuns are also running other educational
institutions like bdquoNursery school (Siddhartha Shisu Niketan Buddha
Vihar) Primary school (Triple Gem Boarding School) and Higher
Schools There are some Higher Education institutes like Siddharth
University in Banepa International Buddhist University in Lumbini
etc Many Buddhist organizations were founded and they were also
running different classes and research centers like Dharmakirti
Buddhist Research Center Anagarika Dhammavati founded this centre
Later on Anagarika Dhammavati was ordained as Bhikkhuni
according to Taiwanese tradition She is one of the well-known nuns in
the Theravada Buddhism in Nepal[37]
29
The Buddhist temples and organizations bring out number of
publications annually monthly weekly and on special occasions
Dharmodaya Anandabhumi and Dharmakirti are the oldest
Buddhist journals in Nepal and still continued to be published
Ven Amritananda was one of the greatest Buddhist scholars of
Nepal He wrote and translated many books on Buddhism There are
still no other monks or nun in Nepal who can be compared with
him[38]
Late Ven Sudharsan Mahasthavir came close to him Ven
Sudharsan was a pillar of Theravada Buddhism after Ven
Amritananda He was famous for different reason His field of interest
beside dhamma work consisted literature language Archaeology etc
He was a resident monk at Srikirti Vihar Kirtipur and held the post of
professor in History Archaeology and Buddhist philosophy at
Tribhuvan University until his death in July 2002 Some of his books in
Buddhism became course book for BA and MA students in Nepal
He had special interest in archaeology of Lumbini and was an expert on
this subject[39]
30
Revival of Theravada Buddhism in Nepal also had profound
effect in cultural and religious way of life of Nepalese Daily chanting
or Buddhapuja short term ordination observing Sila (Moral code)
caste system celebration of Vesak day celibate life were introduced
In the month of Bhadra or Gunla days (AugustSeptember) Buddhist
hymns are chanted and public discourses are given
Late Ven Sudharshan Mahasthavir formed Sri Kirti Buddhist
center at Sri Kirti Vihar with the aim of introducing Buddhism to other
ethnic groups other than Newars- the original inhabitants of Katmandu
valley This project succeeded in bringing other ethic groups into
Theravada Buddhism As a result of this many ethnic groups who were
originally Buddhists have started organizing Buddhist conferences and
Buddhist activities Another important development is formation of
Gyanmala Bhajan Khala - a Buddhist hymn group This group sings
regularly especially during certain auspicious days at Swayambhu and
other Buddhist sites The songs they sing are based on Buddha‟s
teaching and has been successful in promoting Buddhism in simple
melodious hymns which attracts many people who visits these
religious places
31
Theravadin in Nepalese Society
For centuries Nepalese were aware of only Buddhist priest
(Bajracharya) from Newar Buddhism (Vajrayana) and Tibetan Lamas
They were unaware of Theravadian Buddhist monks and nuns
Bajracharyas are household monks They lead domestic lives and are
not celibate Not all Tibetan monks are celibate It depends on the
school they belong to For example monks from Sakya School of
Tibetan tradition do not have to be celibate Theravada monks wear
distinctive saffron coloured robes They are celibate and lead virtuous
monastic life These monks and nuns have different identity in the eyes
of Nepalese especially the inhabitants of Kathmandu valley Their
simple way of life their full dedication in their work for the benefit of
mankind easily understood Theravada Scriptures translated in different
languages eg in Nepal Bhasa (Newari) Nepali in Hindi and in
English for easy accessibility by different groups helped to gain the
heart of Nepalese people Although many lay people have played
pivotal roles in revival of Theravada Buddhism in Nepal the leadership
32
of monks and nuns were vital in further development and survival of
this tradition
The lay Buddhists of Nepal are pluralistic They participate in
Buddhist ceremonies such as Vesak day daily chanting etc At the
same time they also follow Hindu customs in their daily lives
Buddhism is different from Hinduism and it is not a branch of
Hinduism Hindus believe that Buddha was a reincarnation of Lord
Vishnu Buddha never claimed to be anything other than a human
being ndash although a unique one in the history of mankind
Buddhism in Nepal is unique because of existence of three
different Buddhist traditions - Newar Buddhism (Vajrayana)
Tibetan Buddhism (Mahayana) and Theravada Buddhism
Different Buddhist groups practised different traditions Although the
principle underlying all these traditions is the same they differ in
details Theravada Buddhist tradition is different from Tibetan or
Newar Buddhist traditions but it is developing side-by-side with them
It was not possible for Theravada Buddhism to develop in Nepal
without close co-relation with other traditions but later developed on its
own right These various Buddhist traditions are coexisting in present
33
day Nepal Although they have different cultural traditions and are
developing in their own ways but the followers are the same
Therefore there is no separate identity of Theravadian lay Buddhists
There are number of lay Buddhist organizations such as Dharmodaya
Sabha Dharmakirti Institute Young Buddhist Associations Female
Buddhist Associations more recently Sukhi Hotu Nepal which are
playing important role in promotion of Buddha Dhamma but they are
multi-cultural and multi religious in their daily practices
CONCLUSION
Theravada Buddhism was introduced to Nepal at the time when
public meetings were banned It faced many obstacles at the beginning
Strong dedications of monks and nuns made it possible for its revival in
Nepal after many centuries of neglect Even though the revival
movement of this tradition was started only about 80 years ago it has
already gained strong foot hold in Nepal and gaining popularity day by
day The reason for its popularity lies in many things - the simple and
easily understood way the teachings were given the simple way of life
of monks and nuns lead and various beneficial activities undertaken by
34
Viharas Theravadin Buddhist monks and nuns are well accepted by
people and their contribution in promoting Buddha‟s teachings is
widely recognized Although small in number in comparison to other
Asian countries like Thailand Sri Lanka and Burma both the number
of monks and nuns and monasteries of this tradition are increasing day
by day If this trend continues it will become one of the prominent
religious traditions in Nepal It is only natural that this oldest Buddhist
tradition should gain its place of honour it deserve in a country where
the founder of the religion was born
35
Theravada Records in Nepal
List of Monks Novices and Anagarikas studying abroad
MONKS AND NOVICES
I Thailand
1 Bhikkhu Anil Man Dhammasakiyo (Sugandha)
2 Bhikkhu Vipassi Dhammaramo
3 Bhikkhu Jit Bahadur Gurung
4 Bhikkhu Krishna Thapamagar
5 Bhikkhu Pannamurti
6 Bhikkhu Sujan Sujano
7 Bhikkhu Anil Sumankitti
8 Bhikkhu Santosh Santosho
9 Bhikkhu Khemik Suddhasilo
10 Bhikkhu Suman Rocano
11 Bhikkhu Sanu Maharajano
12 Bhikkhu Santamano Dhwajjoshi
13 Bhikkhu Suman Dhwajjoshi
14 Bhikkhu Bijit Khemasakko
15 Bhikkhu Supreme Shakyavanso
Samaneras
1 Samanera Buddharatna Maharjan
2 Samanera Dhammaratna Maharjan
3 Samanera Bipin Maharjan
4 Samanera Prajwal Shakya
5 Samanera Ukesh Sakya
6 Samanera Gopi Maharjan
7 Samanera Sudip Deshar
8 Samanera Sudat Deshar
9 Samanera Deepi Maharjan
10 Samanera Ramit Shrestha
11 Samanera Anup Deshar
12 Samanera Suman Bajracharya bdquoA‟
13 Samanera Rajendra Deshar
14 Samanera Kapila Maharjan
15 Samanera Arbin Shakya
36
16 Samanera Kabindra Bajracharya
17 Samanera Ujjawal Shakya
18 Samanera Satish Shakya
19 Samanera Bimal Gurung
20 Samanera Surya Gurung
21 Samanera Sameer Maharjan
22 Samanera Anup Shakya
23 Samanera Arjun Magar
24 Samanera Kiran Desahar
25 Samanera Dipesh Shrestha
26 Samanera Tejendra Tamang
27 Samanera Ashim Shakya
28 Samanera Jalap Bajracharya
29 Samanera Arya Dev Bajracharya
30 Samanera Sudarshan Maharjan
31 Samanera Sangharatna
32 Samanera Suman Bajracharya bdquoB‟
33 Samanera Kijan Maharjan
34 Samanera Ramesh Maharjan
35 Samanera Niroj Maharjan
36 Samanera Jen Maharjan
37 Samanera Denish Bajracharya
38 Samanera Pritam Bahadur Shakya
39 Samanera Abhishek Shakya
40 Samanera Bishal Shakya
41 Samanera Sajal Shakya
42 Samanera Suraj Bhakta Shrestha
43 Samanera Dinesh Chaudhary
44 Samanera Shiv Swatantra Tharu
45 Samanera Sambhu Lal Khang
46 Samanera Buddharatna Chaudhary
47 Samanera Mukesh Chaudhary
II Myanmar (Burma)
Bhikkhu Samaneras
1 Bhikkhu Panavimala
2 Bhikkhu Dhyanratna
3 Bhikkhu Adiccho
4 Bhikkhu Vimalbuddhi
5 Bhikkhu Shobhan
6 Samanera Amato
7 Samanera Jutimma
8 Samanera Buddhapiyo
9 Samanera Kavindo
10 Samanera Nagasena
11 Samanera Gyanavudho
III Taiwan(ROC) 1 Bhikkhu Mangala 2 Bhikkhu Vazirbuddhi
IV Australia 1 Bhikkhu Upatissa
V India
1 Bhikkhu Dharmajyoti 2 Bhikkhu Ashokakirti
3 Bhikkhu Narawang Tamang
VI United kingdom 1 Bhikkhu Suman
VII USA 1 Bhikkhu Pragnaloka
VIII Sri Lanka
Bhikkhus
Bhikkhu Nanda
Bhikkhu Vineeta
Bhikkhu Ashoka
Bhikkhu Triratna
Bhikkhu Sagara
Bhikkhu Sankicca
Bhikkhu Vajirasiri
Bhikkhu Sarada
Bhikkhu Veenit
Bhikkhu Ratana
Bhikkhu Tissa
Bhikkhu Vajira
Bhikkhu Pannawimal
Bhikkhu Medhankar
Bhikkhu Pannasara
SARAMANERAS
Saranankara
Piyadassi
Dil Bhadra
Chandima
Samita
Narada bdquoA‟
Piyaratna
Kusala
Lakkhana
Udit
Vibekanada
Pannananda
Mettananda
Chandananda
Yassari
Upali
Subodhi
Mahanama
Kashyapa
Dhammapala
Narada bdquoB‟
Nalaka bdquoA‟
Daywasa
Santa Sobhana
Santa Siddhartha
Santa Maitri
Santa Kosala
Santa Sakya
Suvaca
Sukama Sila
Siddhartha
Nanda bdquoA‟
Rahula
Sudheera
Kosala Dheera
Panna Wansa
Jina Wansa
Mahinda
Nanda bdquoB‟
Seewali
Mahapantha
Assaji
Sarada
Sumana
Ananda
Nalaka bdquoB‟
Aloka
Suwarna
Subodh
Udena
Sangharatna bdquoA‟
Gyanendra
Khema
Soma bdquoA‟
Punna
Panna Ransi
Soma bdquoB‟
Santa bdquoA‟
Kapila Wansa
Asita Wansa
Sumanananda bdquoa‟
Vijitananda
Khemananda
Silananda
Medhananda
Somaratna
Soratha
Pragyananda
Sumangala
Santa Citta
Yasa
Dhamma Kitti
Panna Kitti
Santa Dheera
Vijitananda
Sumanananda bdquob‟
Vajra Bodhi
Dhammika
Santa bdquoB‟
Anuruddha
Sumana bdquoB‟
Jinavamsa
Panna Vansa
Buddha Ratna
Dhamma Ratna
Ariya Ratna
Piyadassi bdquoB‟
Sila Ratna
Sangha Ratna bdquoB‟
List of Anagarikas studying in abroad
I Thailand
1 Anagarika Sirisuta Maharjan
2 Anagarika Ramsobha Shrestha
3 Anagarika Sunita Napit
II Myanmar
1 Anagarika Javanvati
2 Anagarika Vimalajnani
3 Anagarika Ambika
4 Anagarika Buddhapali
5 Anagarika Darshana
6 Anagarika Agrajnani
7 Anagarika Nandavati
bdquob‟
III India 1 Anagarika Rupashila
IV Taiwan
1 Anagarika Pannavati
2 Anagarika Sani
3 Anagarika Nima
V Sri Lanka
1 Anagarika Pannawati
2 Anagarika Mettawati
3 Anagarika Keshawati
4 Anagarika Prasnnawati
5 Anagarika Sukhawati
6 Anagarika Shobhawati
7 Anagarika Subhadra
8 Anagarika
Shraddhagautami
9 Anagarika Upananda
10 Anagarika Shantawati
11 Anagarika Suciwati
Residences of Theravādin Monks in Nepal
01 Abhinava Buddha Vihara Lumbini
1) Bhikkhu Vimalananda Mahathera
2) Samanera Sunanda
02 Anandakut Vihara Swayambhu Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Kumara Kassapa Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Dharmamurti 3) Samanera Kondanya
4) S Prajnaratna 5) S Asoka
6) S Kumarjeeva 7) S Assaji
03 Bauddha Samaskrita Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Bhikkhu Dharmashobhana Mahathera
04 Bodhicharya Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Bodhisena Mahathera
2) Samanera Bodhideepa
05 Buddha Vihara Bhrikuti Mandap-Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Kondanya 2) Bhikkhu Sushil
3) Samanera Anuyoga 3) S Javana
4) S Udena
06 Buddha Vihara Biratnagar
1) Bhikkhu Aloka
07 Buddha Vihara Dharan
1) Bhikkhu Maitri (Tamang)
2) Bhikkhu Chhavikirti
08 Chatubrahma Vihara Matatirtha
1) Bhikkhu Thansettho
2) Bhikkhu Samyakaratna
3) Bhikkhu Bodhananda
9 Charumati Stupa Vihara Chabahil Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Tapassi Dhamma
10 Dharmacakra Ashrama Bagbazar
1) Bhikkhu Milinda
11 Dharmashila Buddha Vihara Pokhara
1) Bhikkhu Subhadda 2) Bhikkhu Saddhananda
12 Dhyanakuti Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Ashwaghosha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Rahul 3) Samanera Gautama
13 Gana Maha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Sanghanayaka Bhikkhu Subodhanand Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sobhita
3) Bhikkhu Samvegakirti
4) Samanera Sugatananda
6) S Chandananda
7) S Somananda
8) S Sumanavamsha
9) S Somavamsha
10) S Sumanasiri
14 IlayabahiTanabaha Patan
1) Bhikkhu Vimalkirti
15 International Bauddha Pariyatti Vihara Butwal
1) Bhikkhu Jatila
2) Bhikkhu Bhaddiya bdquoB‟
3) Samanera Jnanashree 4) S Jotika
16 International Buddhist Society Lumbini
1) Bhikkhu Maitri Mahathera
2) Samanera Mahapanta
3) S Vimala
17 Jana Udaya Vihara Sunakothi-Lalitpura
1) Bhikkhu Dharmagupta
18 Jitavana Vihara Thankot
1) Bhikkhu Dharmavamsha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sugatamuni Mahathera
3) Samanera Sunita
19 Kuti Vihara Koteshwar-KTM
1) Bhikkhu Yeshdhammo
2) Samanera Wayamo
3) S Milindo 4) S Sunanalankara
20 Manimandapa Mahavihara Patan
1) Bhikshu Shilbhadra Mahathera
2) Samanera Paduma 3) S Nayako
21 Muni Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Samanera Tejendra 2) S Jalapa
3) S Asima 4) S Aryaputra
22 Padma Sugandha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Sumedha 2) Samanera Sudatta
23 Pati Vihara Nagadesh-Bhaktapur
1) Bhikkhu Varasambodhi
24 Pranidhi Purna Maha Vihara Balambu
1) Samanera Sukha
25 Pugatabhoomi Jetavana Vihara Bhairahawa
1) Samanera Jagaro 2) S Suvanno
26 Purvaram Vihara Dhulikhel
1) Bhikkhu Gunaghosha Mahathero
27 Sangharama Vihara Kshetrapati Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Saddhatissa
2) Bhikkhu Kolita
3) Bhikkhu Sangharakshita
28 Shakya Singha Vihara Patan
1) Bhikkhu Dharmapala Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sunanda Mahathera
3) Bhikkhu Dharmarakshita
29 Shikhalapura Vihara Dhulikhel
1) Bhikkhu Dhammananda Mahathera
30 Shree Kirti Vihara Kirtipur
1) Bhikkhu Kirtijyoti 2) Bhikkhu Ananda
3) Bhikkhu Prajnakirti
4) Bhikkhu Dharmakirti
5) Samanera Sundara 6) Bhikkhu Pamit
7) S Subhashkirti 8) S Uttarakirti
31 Shreegha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Dharmasagara
2) Bhikkhu Medhankara
32 Sudarshana Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Rastrapala
33Sumangala Vihara Patan
1) Sanghaupanayaka Bhikkhu Buddhaghosha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Shobhan
3) Bhikkhu Prajnaratna
34 Surya Mangala Vihara Kapilvastu
1) Bhikkhu Suryamangala
35 Tokha Buddha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Samanera Shobhana 2) S Jnanodaya
36 Veluvanarama Vihara Thecho-Lalitpura
1) Samanera Uttama 2) S Chandimo
37 Vishwa Shanti Vihara New Baneshwar
1) Bhikshu Jnanapurnik Mahathera
2) Bhikshu Bodhijnana
3) Bhikshu Nigrodha
4) Bhikshu Udayabhadra
Samaneras
1) S Janak 2) S Sujat
3) S Obhaso 4) S Subhaddo
5) S Nandiyo 6) S Mahindo
7) S Pajjoto 8) S Aloka
9) S Buddhadatta 10) S Panita
11) S Kashyapa 12)S Dharmaghosha
13) S Nagita 14) S Vinaya
15) S Suchitta 16) S Sudatto
17) S Nemindo 18) S Rohito
19) S Jayanto 20) S Meghiyo
21) S Indriyo 22) S Suppamedho
23) S Bhanusarana 24) S Saddhadeepa
25) S Kittimo 26) S Janeyyo
27) S Adicca 28) S Kosalla
29) S Nyanuttara 30) S Bhaddaco
31) S Pabhassaro 32) S Uttaro
38 Yampi Maha Vihara Patan
1) Bhikkhu Bhaddiya
39 Non residencial Monks
1) Bhikshu Samyaka Sambodhi Pranputra
2) Bhikshu Dhyanratna
3) Bhikkhu Chandragupta Balambu
Present Anagarikas and resident in NEPAL
01 Amarapura Vihara Bungamati
1) A Charujnani 2) A Sunita
3) A Palitajnani 4) A Pamitajnani
5) A Padumajnani 6) A Rupawati
02 Bauddha Samaskrit Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Anagarika Sanghashila
03 Buddha ViharaDharan
1) A Sumedhavati 2) A Sushilavati
3) A Kanchana 4) A Shasanavati
04 Bauddha Rishi Mahapragya Ashram Anamnagar
1) Anagarika Prajnavati
05 Chatubrahma Vihara Matatirtha
1) Anagarika Anu
06 Dhammavasa Vihara Khusibun
1) A Krishgautami 2) A Suchita
3) A Shilgautami 4) A Kshantigautami
5) A Shyamavati
07 Dharmakirti Vihara Naghal-Kathmandu
1) Anagarika RatnaManjari
2) A Dhammavati
3) A Dhammadinna (Chameli)
4) A Anupama 5) A Sanghavati
6) A Khemavati 7) A Indravati
8) A Jayavati 9) A Danavati
10) A Tyagavati 11) AViryavati
12) A Shubhavati 13) A Ramavati
14) A Surammavati
15) A Hemavati 16) A Suppabhavati
17) A Supriya 18) A Amata
19) A Vannavati 20) A Suvannavati
08 Dharmashila Buddha Vihara Pokhara
1) Anagarika Karmashila
09 Gautami Vihara Lumbini
1) Anagarika Sujata 2) A Khamesi
10 IlayabahiTana Baha Lalitpur
1) A Shilaparami 2)AViryaparami
3) A Vineeta 4) A Shilachari
11 Int‟l Buddhist Meditation Centre Shankhamul
1) A Aggajnani 2) A Nirmalajnani
3) A Shantarakshita
12 Jaya Mangal ViharaTana Bahal-Patan
1) Anagarika Vijita 2) A Nekkhami
3) A Chittavati
13 Jyoti Vihara Chapagaun- Lalitpur
1) AnagarikaVirygautami
2) A Upeskshagautami
14 Kashivarna Buddha Vihara Panuati
1) Anagarika Satyaparami
15 Kindol Vihara Swayambhu
1) A Sumana 2) A Uttara
3) A Sumitra 4) A Molini
5) A Dhammavijaya 6) A Tejavati
7) A Shyamavati
16 Kunsa BahaHyumat
1) Anagarika Patachari 2) AUmavati
17 Mahabodhi Vihara Tansen
1) Anagarika Revati (Dhammadinna)
18 Muni Vihara Bhaktapur
1) A Sugandhavati 2) A Padmavati
19 Narsinharama Thaina-Patan
1) A Jnanashila 2) ASatyashila
3) AShilavati 4) A Yeshavati 5) A Dharani
6) A Jeenvati
7) A Shilpavatisushma
20 Padmachaitya Vihara Butwal
1) A Udayashila 2) A Santiwati
21 Padmakirti Vihara Kamalpokhari
1) A Kamala 2) A Karunavati
3) A Pabbhavati 4) A Dhyanavati
5) A Bhavanavati
22 Prajnanandarama Okubahal-Patan
1) Anagarika Jnanavati
23 Pranidhipurna Mahavihara Balambu
1) A Mudita 2) A Chandrashila bdquoB‟
24 SangharakshitaVihara Patan
1) Anagarika Abhaya 2) A Chandrashila
3) A Shilachari
25 Shanti Sukhavasa Chakupat-Patan
1) A Utpalavarna (Chini)
26 Shree Kirti Vihara Kirtipur
1) Anagarika Mina
27 SunandaramaThaina-Patan
1) A Madhavi 2) AMasukhi
3) A Mashobha 4) A Mashraddha
5) A Masudha
28 Sulakshanakirti Viahara Kirtipur
1) A Anoja 2) A Atula
3) A Anula
29 Sangharama ViharaDhalko-KTM
1) Anagarika Dharmarakshita
30 Vishwashanti Vihara New Baneshwar
1) A Shubha 2) A Khema
3) A Sudhamma
31 Vishwashanti Dharmakirti Vihara Basundhara
1) A Dhajavati (Kusum) 2) A Padmavati
3) A Bhadravati
32 Residing other Anagarikas
1) Anagarika Chandrajnani Patan
2) A Sraddhavati Shankhamul
3) A Amaravati Patan
4) A Dhammachari Patan
5) A Nanda Thasi
Some Prominent Personalities in the Theravada Movement1
Sanghamahanayakas of Nepal
1 Ven Pragyanand Mahasthavir 1930 ndash 1993 AD
2 Ven Sakyananda Mahasthavir 1993 - 1997 AD
3 Ven Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1997 - 2002 AD
4 Ven Subodhananda Mahasthavir 2002 - 2006 AD
5 Ven Buddhaghosa Mahasthavir 2006-
Amritananda Bhikkhu (1918-1990) original name Lal Kaji Sakya from Tansen
west Nepal he ordain as a novice in 1936 from ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara He studies and was ordained a monk in Sri Lanka in 1940 He
return to Nepal in 1942 and preached first publicly in Kathmandu He
formed Dharmodaya Sabha in 1944 and All Nepal Bhikkhu Mahasangha in
1951 and remained its unchallenged leader until his death He was well
known and traveled widely outside of Nepal because of his dynamism and
charisma He was also one of the greatest Buddhist scholars and writers of
Nepal
Aniruddha Bhikkhu (1915-2003) original name Gaja Ratna Tuladhar son of
Dasa Ratna Sahu (Later Ven Dhammaloka) He went to Sri Lanka in 1930
and ordained as samanera and studied there He had served many years in
Lumbini and third Sanghanayaka of Nepal
1 Sarah Levine and David N Gellner Rebuilding Buddhism The Theravada Movement in
Twentieth Century Nepal (UK Harvard University Press 2006) pp 293-296
Ashwaghosh Bhikkhu (1926- present) original name Buddha Ratna Sakya and
became a novice in 1944 and went to Sri Lanka for study where he took
higher ordination in 1949 he is known as bdquothe communist monk‟ and was a
nominee of the Unified Marxist-Leninist party one of Nepal‟s two main
political parites in the 1990s to the Upper House 1993-5 He had
established nepal‟s first Bhikkhu Training Center at Sangharama Dhalko
and became abbot of this vihara Presently he is abbot of Shrigha Vihara in
Kathmandu and of Dyanakuti Vihara Banepa
Buddhaghosh Bhikkhu (1921- present day) original name Sapta Ratna
Vajracharya in Kwa Baha Kathamandu The founder of Pariyatti Education
in Nepal and presently acting Sanghanayaka of Nepal (2006) and abbot of
Sri Sumangala Vihara in Lalitpur
Chandramani Bhikkhu (1876-1972) a Burmese monk who spent his life in
Kusinagara where he worked for the propagation of Buddhism until his
death He initiated with most of the early Nepalese Theravadins Monks and
Nuns He was the first president of Dharmodaya Sabha and father of
Theravadins of Nepal
Dharmachari Anagarika (1898-1978) born Laxmi Nani Tuladhar she
impressed by Ven Pragyananda in Kindol Vihara and took the precepts
from Chandramani in Kusinagara in 1934 and most prominent Nepali nun
She founded the first nunnery in Nepal at Kindol Vihara in 1947
Dhammaloka Bhikkhu (1891-1977) born Das Ratna Tuladhar Asan
kathamandu He traded in Lhasha went to Sri Lanka and taught Buddhism
as a layman Later became a monk in 1932 after his son Aniruddha ordain
in 1930 he established nepal‟s first Theravādin Vihara bdquoAnanda Kuti
Vihar‟ in Kathmandu
Dhammawati Anagarika (1925- present day) born as Ganesh Kumari Sakya in
Uku Baha lalitpur She ordain too precepts from Ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara and renamed as Dhammavati in 1950 She went to Burma for
study and return in 1963 after passed the Dhammacariya Examination She
was able to established Dhammakirti Nunnery Centre in 1965 and leader of
the Theravādin Nuns She has been re-ordained as Bhikkhuni according to
Mahayana tradition
Dharmaditya Dharmacharya (1902-1963) born as Jagat Man Vaidya in Chika
Bahi Lalitpur and the first Newar Buddhist modernist and the first newar
cultural nationalist He went to study in Calcutta where he became a
follower of anagarika Dhammapala the founder of Maha Bodhi Society
He had formed Buddhist revival foundation and published Buddhist
magazines etc
Nyanpurnika Bhikkhu (1936- present day) Born as Hera Lal Sakya in Tansen
He studied with Buddhaghosh in Lalitpur in Burma and in England He is
only monk who passed Dhammacariya examination of Burma He was the
founder of Vishwa Shanti Vihara and Vishwa Shanti Bauddha sikkyalaya
where train novices He is a prominent translator and writer
Kumar Kashyap Bhikkhu (1926- present day) born as Krishna Man Sakya he
was one of those who exiled to India by the Ranas in 1944 He went to
Study in Sri Lanka and hold nepal‟s first bdquoTripitaka acarya‟ Presently he is
president of All Nepal Bhikkhu Association and abbot of Ananda Kuti
Vihara
Mahapragya Bhikkhu (1901-1979) born Prem Bahadur (Nani Kaji ) Shrestha
He ordained into Tibetan tradition but exiled in 1926 and reordained as
novice in Theravada tradition one of the earlier Theravādin monks He
return to householderhood in Kalimpong in 1940s but then returned to
Kathmandu as a Buddhist sage (Bauddha Rishi) in the 1960s where he
taught until his death
Pragyananda Bhikkhu (1900-1993) born as Kul Man Singh Tuladhar in Itum
Baha Kathmandu a trader in Tibet where he met Ven Mahapragya and
impressed by him to ordained He became a Tibetan Gelung Karmasheel in
1928 and two years later a Theravādin under Ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara in 1930 He was nepal‟s first Sanghamahanayaka and well
respected monk
Shakyananda Bhikkhu (1909-1997) born as Chakra Dhan Sakya in Taksar
Bhojpur East Nepal He spent over forty years as a monk in Tansen outside
the Kathmandu and second sanghamahanayaka of Nepal
Subodhanand Bhikkhu (1916-2006) bor as Kul Raj Sakya in Taksar Bhojpur
East Nepal He was one of the monks exiled by the Ranas in 1944 He was
a prolific composer of Hymns in Nepal Bhasa In 2003 as the most senior
monk in Nepal he was the fourth Sanghanayaka of Nepal
Sudarshan Bhikkhu (1934-2002) born as Rudra Raj Sakya in Uku Baha
lalitpur He was famous a bdquothe boy monk‟ For many years he was a lecturer
in the culture Department of Tribhuvan University a prolific writer
preacher and abbot of Sri Kirti Vihara Kirtipur which is became multi-
cultural center and especially for Buddhist meetings and conferences He
was jailed for some months for Nepal Bhasa activities in the Panchayat
period He was a campaigner on Buddhist issues particularly to do with
Lumbini
Sumangal Bhikkhu (1929-1999) born Bhakta Krishna Shilpakar in Lalitpur He
was famous as ldquoDollar bhanterdquo He ordained in 1959 in Burma obtained a
master‟s degree in Buddhism from Rissho University Japan in 1972 and
was among the first monks to mobilize international connections for
Buddhist projects in Nepal He established Buddha Vihara in Bhrikuti
Mandap Kathmandu He helped raise funds from Thailand and Japan for
IBMc (1985) brought the Japanese healing movement Sei Mei Kyo to
Nepal and in 1993 opened an old people‟s home in Banepa
Glimpse of Theravādin activities in Nepal
Samanera ordination at Muni Vihara
Ordination Ceremony at Vishwa Shanti Vihara
Collecting Alms
Chanting Paritta in devotee‟s home
Giving Holy Thread to Devotees
Buddhist Art in Nepal
Main Buddha Image at Sri Kirti Vihara
Four holy places
Some of the Theravada Buddhist Viharas (Monasteries) in Nepal
Vihars In Kathmandu Valley Telephone No
1 Amarapura Buddha Vihar Bungamati 5551068
2 Anandakuti Vihar Swayambhu 4271420
3 Anandabhuwan Vihar Bhuikhyo 4270429
4 Ganamaha vihar Ganabaha 4253454
5 Gautam Buddha Vihar Panga co 4330576
6 Caturbrahma Vihar Matatirtha 4310558
7 Carumati Vihar Cabahil 4469897
8 Baudhajana Vihar Sunakothi co 5570209
9 Jitapur Gandhakuti Vihar khona Co 5542846
10 Jitawan Vihar Thankot 4311912
11 Jyoti udaya vihar Capagaun Co 5571459
12 Dhammavasa Vihar Khusibun 4358688
13 Dharmakirti Vihar Srigha Naghal 4259466
14 Dharmacakra vihar Bagbajar 4261976
15 Nagar Mandap Sri Kirti Vihar Kirtipur 4330836
16 Nagadesh Buddha Vihar Nagadesh Co 6635397
17 Nirvanmurti Anagarikaram Kindol 4285811
18 Padmasugandha Vihar Manjeshwori 4266255
19 Pranidhi Purna Mahavihar Balambu 43105924312455
20 Pati Vihar Thimi Co 6637601
21 Pippali Theravad Buddha Vihar Shiphal 4475066
22 Punya Udaya Vihar Jala Harisiddhi Co 5527456
23 Buddhabhoomi Mahavihar Tokha 4362514
24 Buddha Vihar Bhrikuti mandapa 4226702
25 Buddharatna Vihar Putalisadak 4244277
26 Bauddha samakrit Vihar Bhaktapur 6610842
27 Manimandap Vihar Patko Bhaktapur 5526517
28 Muni Vihar Bhaktapur 6616464
29 Yampi Mahavihar Ibahi Lalitpur 5539644
30 Yashodhara Baudha Bidyalaya Thaina Lalitpur 5521435
31 Biswo Shanti Vihar Baneshwor 4482384
32 Biswo Shanti Dharmakirti vihar Basundhara 4354251
33 Beluvanarama Vihar Theco Co 5570062
34 Sakyasingha Vihar Thaina Lalitpur 5524760
35 Santi Sukhawas Cakupat co 5523613
36 Siddhimangal Buddha Vihar Thasi 5581495
37 Sumangala Vihara Lagankhel 5531715
38 Sulakshan kirti Vihar Chobhar 4331718
39 Suwanrna Chatrapur Vihar Lubhu 5580430
40 Sangharama Vihar Dhalko Visnumati 4255960
41 Srigha Vihar Nagal 4259110
Vihars out side the Kathamandu Velley Telephone No
1 Ananda Vihar Tansen Co 075-520225520216
2 Citravan Vihar Narayangadha Co 056-521478
3 Taksar Vihar Tansen Co 075-520024
4 Dharmashila Buddha Vihar Phokhara 061-520517
5 Dyankuti Banepa Banepa 011-661244
6 Padma Chaitya Vihar Butawal 071-546470
7 Purwarama Vihar Dhulikhel 011-661979
8 Pragya Mahavihar Hetauda Co 057-520264520136
9 Buddha Vihar Dharan 025-520354
10 Buddha Vihar Biratnagar Co 021-522146530604
11 Beni Buddha Vihar Myagdi Co 069-520354
12 Bodhicharya vihar Banepa 011-661789
13 Lokachakra Buddha Vihar Dhan gadhi 091-622174
14 Sakyamuni Vihar Bhojpur Co 029-420260
15 Sugatapur Vihar Trisuli Co 010-560153
16 Sugandha Vihar Ridi Gulmi Co 079-529435
17 Swoyambhu Chetya Buddha Vihar Urlabari Co 021-540080
18 Swoyambhu Chetya Mahavihar Dharan Co 025-520190
19 Gyanodaya Buddha Vihar Baglung Co 068-520921520336
Footnotes
[1] This paper was written as a part of my MA thesis research on bdquoThe
Revival of Theravada Buddhism and its contribution to Nepalese Society‟ of
Mahachulalongkorn University Bangkok Thailand and would like to thank Mr
Dharma Sakya for every suggestion editing and help for the completion of this
article
[2] Nyanatiloka Buddhist Dictionary 3
rd ed The Free Distribution
version the Corporate Body of the Buddha education foundation Taiwan p
179
[3] Triratna Manandhar bdquoPresent of Buddhism in Nepal‟ (Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK Vol 8 May 2005) p 15
[4] helliphelliphelliphellip The New Encyclopedia of Britannica Vol24 (USA
Library of Congress Catalog 1993) p 781 Dhanabajra Vajracharya Cabahilko
Abhilekha (Inscription of Cabahil) The Charumati Voice (Kath Charumati
Buddhist Mission 2001) pp 17-20 Bhikkhu Sudarsan Mahasthavira Nepal
Upatyaka ma Ashokaki Chori Charumati (Charumati A daughter of
Ashoka in Nepal Valley) (The Charumati Vocie (Kath Charumati Buddhist
Mission 2001) p 20
[5] Beal Samuel Si Yu Ri Buddhist Records of the Western World
(New Delhi Motilal Banarsidass Publishers 1994) pp 80-81 Bhuwan Lal
Pradhan Nepalama Buddhadharma (Kath Nepal Rajkiya Pragyapratisthana
1988) pp 102 ndash 103
[6] NB Thapa A Short History of Nepal (Kath Ratna Pustak
bhandhar Nd) pp 30-33 Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ The
Nation Thailand‟s English Newspaper (Sunday special) Oct 18 1987
[7] Opcit NB Thapa p116
[8] David N Gellner Monk Householder and Tantric Priest Newar
Buddhism and its Hierarchy of Ritual (Cambridge University Press 1996) pp
41ff
[9] Bechert Heinz amp Jens-Uwe Hartmann ldquoObservation on the reform
of Buddhism in Nepalrdquo Journal of Nepal Research Centre vol VIII Kath
Kantipur Printing Press1988p 6
[10] Ria Kloppenborg Theravada Buddhism in Nepal‟ Kailash A
Journal of Himalayan Studies Vol 5 no 41977 p 302
[11] BP Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada Gukathan Wagu Kha (Kath
Hisi Press Nepal BS 20421985) pp44ff
[12] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p47ff
[13] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 51-53 Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal (BKK A Thesis of MA Mahamakut Graduate School
2001) p 97
[14] Bhikshu Sudarshan Mahasthavir bdquoRole of Theravada in the
Preservation of Newar Buddhism‟ wwwircnepalorgpapers
[15] Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 69-72
[16] Opcit Observation on the reform of Buddhism in Nepal p10ff
[17] Opcit Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ RV
Vandya Sanghanayaka Venerable Pragnananda Mahasthavir (Kath Nepal
Co-operative Press 1978) pp 11ff
[18] Bhkkhu Dharmaloka Mahasthavir A Pilgrimage in China (kath
published by Bhikkhu Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1999) p 13-15 Opcit Lacoul
Nepalay Sthavirvada p 74-75
[19] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka p 15
[20] Opcit Bhikkhu dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp16ff
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p100
[21] Ibit Bhikkhu Dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp 27-29
[22] See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A Homage
(Kath Anandakuti Vihar Trust 1992) Kuladharma Ratna Tuladhar Buddhism
in Nepal (Kath Dharmodaya Sabha 1986) pp15 Opcit Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 100
[23] Opcit K R Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal 16 RV Vandya
Sanghanayaka ven Pragnananda p 32 ff
[24] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka Pragnananda pp 34-35
Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthavirvada p 86
[25] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 18 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 101
[26] Bhikkhu Amritananda Mahasthavir A Short History of Theravada
Buddhism in Modern Nepal (Kath Anandakuti Vihar trust 1986) pp 8-9
Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir (Kath Anandakuti
Vihar Trust 1992) p 25
[27] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 19 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[28] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[29] Opcit Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir
p 26
[30] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit KR
Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 20
[31] Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha in Nepal
(BKK A Thesis of MA Buddhist Study Mahachulalongkorn University 2547)
p 23 [32]
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit Ratna
Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir p 26
[33] Amrit R Sthapit bdquowho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Aswaghosha‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 4 no 1 May 2001
p8
[34] helliphelliphelliphelliphellip bdquoWho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Nyanapurninka Mahasthavir‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 7
no 1 May 2004 p13 Viswo Shanti Vihar The Shanti Sandesh (Kath Viswo
Shanti Vihar 1998)
[35] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sumangala Mahasthavir
A monk who modernized Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the
LNBDS UK vol 2 no 1 May 1999 p10
[36] Opcit Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha
in Nepal pp 52ff
[37] Rina Tuladhara Dharmakirti 25 Years of Dharmakirti Buddhist
Study Circle A Glimpse (Kath Dharmakirti Vihar 1996) Mallika Sakya
bdquoWho is Who in Nepalese Buddhism Dhammavati Guruma‟ Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 5 no 1 May 2002 p10
[38] Opcit See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A
Homage Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 108
[39] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sudarshan Mahasthavir A
Gem of the Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol
6 no 1 May 2003 p13
3
THERAVADA BUDDHISM
IN MODERN NEPAL [1]
Preface
History of Theravada Buddhism in Nepal is very vague There
are some evidences that Buddha visited Nepal during his lifetime
preached to his relatives and friends and ordained some people
Theravada tradition is believed to be the oldest unbroken tradition The
teaching- the Dhamma was divided into two sects- Sthaviravada and
Mahasanghika in the second council held 100 years after the death of
Buddha Sthaviravada later developed as Theravada and Mahasanghika
developed as Mahayana which also includes Vajrayana
More concrete evidences of existence of Buddhism in Nepal
were found from the visit of king Asoka of India and some more from
descriptions of Chinese travellers King Asoka visited Lumbini in
Nepal in 250 BC and erected a stone pillar which is still standing The
inscription in Bramhi script in this pillar reads in English as follows
ldquoKing Piyadasirdquo (another name for king Asoka) beloved of the gods
having anointed 20 years came here himself and worshiped saying
bdquoHere Buddha Sakyamuni was born (Hida Budhe Jatildete Satildekyamuni)‟
4
Chinese travellers Fa Hian (AD 403) and Hiuen Tsang (AD
636) also described the existence of dilapidated stupas monasteries and
palaces (Source Holy places of Buddhism in Nepal amp India ndash Trilok
Chandra Majupuria and Indra Majupuria)
According to historians Buddhism was a dominant religion
until the time of King Jayasthiti Malla who ruled Nepal during
medieval period (around 1382 CE) He imposed caste system in Nepal
according Manudharmasastra a Hindu holy book1 Buddhist culture
and tradition were banned the celibate monks were forced to disrobe
and forced to marry Vajrayana or Newar Buddhism was developed
following the demise of Theravada Buddhism The situation of
Buddhist became worse during the time of Rana government who ruled
Nepal from1846 to the dawn of democracy in 1950 That was the age
when Buddhism was totally forgotten by non-Buddhist of Nepal It was
known and practised by only certain castes-Vajracharyas
(Bajracharyas) Shakyas Tuladhars etc The Rana government banned
all Buddhist religious activities They also banned people converting
from Hindu religion to Buddhism but traditional Buddhists were
allowed to become Hindus
5
Revival of Theravada Buddhism started in the closing years of
19th
century Mr Jagat Man Vaidya (later known as Dharmaditya
Dharmacariya) of Patan Nepal started publishing Buddhist journals
from India where he was studying to promote Buddhism He also
started Buddha Jayanti (Vesak Day) Celebration to commemorate
birth enlightenment and death (parinibbana) of the Buddha This was
first celebrated in modern Nepal in 1926
According to Lalit Bistara in Newari language influences of
Dharmaditya‟s campaign and Tibetan Lamas motivated some Nepalese
to take ordination according to Theravada tradition The first Nepali to
take ordination according to this tradition was Venerable Mahapragna
a Hindu Shrestha by birth in 1928 in India under Venerable U
Chandramani a Burmese monk at Kusinagar Other Nepalese followed
his example and took Ordination under the same Burmese monk in
India But when they return to Nepal they were arrested imprisoned
and then exiled
Towards the later year of Rana regime the attitude of the
government towards Theravada Buddhism and Theravada monks and
nuns softened and the exiled monks were allowed to return to Nepal to
6
practice the religion according to Theravada tradition Until that time
only Vajrayana monks (Bajracharyas) who are really a householders
and Tibetan Lamas were known to Nepalese After the advent of the
democracy in 1950 Theravada tradition thrived and made rapid in road
into Nepalese society Both His Majesty King Tribhuvan the father of
the nation and his son king Mahendra were supportive to Theravada
revival movements Because of the enthusiasm of Theravada monks
and nuns their lay supporters and encouragement from their Majesties
Theravada tradition progressed and became a part of Nepalese religious
life Many more Nepalese men and women took ordinations
Theravada monasteries were opened in different parts of the country
At present there are 96 Theravada Viharas in the country 303
Bhikkhus and Samaneras Sangha members and 135 Anagarikas Some
are resident in Nepal and others are either studying or practising
dhamma in other countries of Asia and Europe and in Australia and
United States of America (Source The Ananda Bhoomi year 33
issues 32 and 33)
Late Venerable Amritananda Mahasthavir deservers special
mention in Theravada revival movement in Nepal He played a
7
prominent role in promotion of Theravada Buddhism in Nepal He
founded Dharmodaya Sabha All Nepal Bhikshu Association (Akhil
Nepal Bhikshu Sangha) travelled widely promoting dhamma and
translated and published many Buddhist texts
Late Venerable Bhikshu Sudharshan added a different
dimension to the movement He started training centre with the aim of
broadening ordination to other ethnic groups Until then Newars ndash
original inhabitants of Kathmandu Valley were the only ones who have
taken ordinations in this tradition Because of his foresight and timely
action many people from other ethnic groups have accepted Theravada
Buddhism and some has taken ordination Ven Nyanapurnika of
Viswasanti Vihar who established Novice Training Centre Ven
Ashowghosa of Sangharama who trained most of the present leading
monks of Nepal and Anagarika Dhammavati of Dharmakirti (Now
Bhikkhuni according to Mahayana) who established Nunnery training
centre are also well known figures in Theravada in Nepal
At present all three traditions Newar Buddhism (Vajrayana)
Tibetan Mahayana Buddhism and Theravada Buddhism have become
acceptable Buddhist traditions in Nepal Theravada Buddhist monks
8
and nuns with their saffron coloured robe along with Tibetan Lamas
and Bajracharyas are familiar features in Nepalese society especially
in Kathmandu valley
Introduction
Theravada Buddhism the doctrine of the elders is the oldest
unbroken traditional Buddhist tradition practised by people since the
time of the Buddha It is found today in Sri Lanka (Ceylon) Myanmar
(Burma) Thailand Cambodia Laos and Chittagong (Bangladesh)[2]
Theravāda Buddhism in modern Nepal was introduced about 80 years
ago Since then it has emerged as a major force in modern Nepal It
plays significant roles in different fields of Nepalese society and
Buddhists have begun to engage in both traditional and modern
activities Even though it re-emerged only few decades ago the origins
of Theravāda Buddhism in Nepal are to be found in the time of Gotama
the Buddha The Buddha the founder of Buddhism was born in
Lumbini within the borders of present-day Nepal Very early in its
history then important Buddhist events occurred on the southern
plains of Nepal There are many references in ancient Pāli literature of
9
Buddhist activities held in and near Kapilavatthu the Buddha‟s
hometown The Buddhist scriptures say that not only was the Buddha
born in what is now Nepal but also visited his home several times after
he had become the Buddha
Although the Buddha was born in Nepal the history of
Buddhism in Nepal is not very clear According to Buddhist literatures
he did visit Nepal gave discourses and ordained some monks and nuns
There are monasteries and stupas spread in different parts of the
country but due to lack of records or clear evidence it is difficult to say
when they were built Historians have identified the Stupa of Yogini in
Gumvihara at Sankhu Kathmandu as the oldest stupa in Kathmandu
Valley It is generally believed that the origin of this vihāra dates to
the time of the early introduction of Buddhism in ancient times around
the first century CE Harishchandra Lal Singha a historian says
ldquoTheravāda was the earliest form of Buddhism prevalent in Nepal as in
many countries of Asia where Buddhism flourishedrdquo However
traditional Theravāda texts do not contain any information about
Theravāda in Nepal The texts of other Buddhist schools nevertheless
10
say that some of the Buddha‟s disciples went to Nepal‟s Kathmandu
Valley
There is evidence that the King Asoka of Magadha visited
Lumbini in Nepal He was a great patron and staunch supporter of
Buddhism during his time It is said that in the 20th
year after his
accession to the throne of the Maurya Dynasty and following the Third
Buddhist Council the King made pilgrimages to historic places of
Buddhist interest and erected stone pillars He is also said to have
visited Nepal Valley Dr D Wright writes that the Emperor King
Ashoka visited Kathmandu Valley at the time of the fourteenth Kirati
King Sthungko of the Kirat dynasty with his spiritual guide Venerable
Upagupta Queen Tissyarakshita and a daughter named Carumati He
sent nine missionary groups to different places A group of four monks
led by Ven Majjima came to Nepal and succeeded in propagating
Buddhism in Nepal It was said that Buddhism was a well-know
religion then and practised by people in their daily life It is believed
that the Buddhism that was practised during King Asoka‟s time was
Theravada Buddhism Unfortunately for some unknown reason
popularity of Buddhism declined and its identity lost for many
11
centuries According to the recorded history of Nepal after the social
reforms carried out by King Jayasthiti Malla (1382-95 CE) Buddhism
went into decline and developed into Newār Buddhism However
Theravada Buddhism was re-introduced once again in Nepal in the
closing years of 19th
century by Nepalese who came in contact with the
Maha Bodhi society of India
Anagarika Dharmapala a Sri Lankan Buddhist founded this
Maha Bodhi Society Nepalese who came in contact with this society
took initial steps for revival of Theravada activities in Nepal Nearly a
century later Theravada once again gained foothold in Nepal
Presently there are number of Theravada Buddhist monasteries in the
country The numbers of Nepalese Buddhist monks and nuns have also
increased Some are resident in Nepal and others are studying and
carrying out dhamma work in Sri Lanka Thailand Myanmar and
other countries Beside dhamma work they are also engaged in various
charitable works like education health social welfare etc for the
upliftment of Nepali community wherever they are
12
Background
As I have mentioned earlier history of Buddhism in Nepal is
very vague There are some evidences that Buddhism was popular
during Buddha‟s time in Nepal There are also evidences that the
Buddha visited Nepal gave discourses to relatives and Buddhists and
ordained Bhikkhus and Bhikkhunis[3]
According to Buddhist scholar‟s
Theravada tradition existed in Nepal since the time of the Lord
Buddha
The evidence was more reliable from the account of King
Asoka The great emperor of ancient India King Asoka visited
Lumbini and erected stone pillar with inscription in Bramhi script
which in English reads bdquo Here the Buddha was born‟
(Hidabhagavamjāteti Lum minigāme) As mentioned before he also
sent Dhamma Missionary (Dhammaduta) to Nepal after third Buddhist
council (Sanghayana) which was held three hundred years after
Buddha‟s parinibbana Buddhist legends has it that one of King
Asoka‟s daughter Carumati married a Nepali called Devapal and
settled in Cabahil Katmandu where she constructed a temple- Cabahil
monastery and became a Bhikkhuni for the rest of her life[4]
Besides
13
these the records of Chinese travelers who visited Buddhist
pilgrimage sites in India and Nepal after King Ashoka‟s visit also gave
some information on existence of Theravada Buddhist monks who
practised and studied along with other Buddhist sects in Nepal[5]
According to historians Buddhism was a dominant religion
until the time of King Jayasthiti Malla who ruled Nepal during
medieval period (around 1382 CE) He imposed caste system in Nepal
according Manudharmasastra a Hindu holy book[6]
Buddhist culture
and tradition were banned the celibate monks were forced to disrobe
and forced to marry Vajrayana or Newar Buddhism was developed
following the demise of Theravada Buddhism The situation of
Buddhist became worse during the time of Rana government In 1846
the mantle of power of Nepal‟s government shifted from the monarchy
to autocratic isolationist Rana government The Shah kings of the
country were kept under tight control of Rana prime ministers[7]
The
country was closed from outside world and kept her eyes closed to
what was happening outside for nearly 104 years That was the age
when Buddhism was totally forgotten by non-Buddhist of Nepal It was
14
known and practised by only certain communities Vajracharyas
(Bajracharyas) Shakyas Tuladhars etc[8]
The Rana government
banned all Buddhist religious activities They also banned people
converting from Hindu religion to Buddhism but traditional Buddhists
were allowed to become Hindus
Theravada Revival Movement
In the early 1920s Dharmāditya Dharmācārya began his
campaign for the revival of Theravāda Buddhism teaching that Nepal
was the land of the Buddha‟s birth Meanwhile the Baisākha purnimā
celebration and publicing of ldquoBuddha Dhammardquo magazine by
Dharmāditya Dharmācārya had been inflaming the inner quest for
spirituality in Nepalewse society Furthermore simulteniously Tibeten
Buddhism had been inspiring Newari Society to walk the path that was
once nearly lost One of the well-known monks who came from Tibet
and preached the Dhamma to the Nepalese was Kyangtse Lama
Known in Nepal as Kyanchhe Lama he had come on pilgrimage to
Nepal His sermons and the publication of the Lalitavistara inspired
many to seek Buddhist ordination in the early period of the modern
15
history of Buddhism in Nepal It was the fortunate conjunction of
Nisthananda‟s translation of the Lalitavistara into the mother tongue
producing a Newāri version of the Buddha‟s life story Dharmāditya
Dharmācārya revivalism and the visits of Kyangtse Lama which
ensured that ldquothe Bud of the Dharmardquo planted by the Venerable Lama
should flower so quickly and produce such impressive fruit His
influence on Newāri scholars was significant One of them was
Yogbeer Sing Kansakar who was honoured for his efforts for the
preservation of the Newāri language The Lama also influenced the
first Theravāda monks Venerable Mahapragya and Venerable
Pragyānanda among others
The closing years of 19th
century saw reform movements in
many Buddhist countries with idea of modernizing Buddhist
movement The term bdquoBuddhist modernization‟ is used to refer to these
new reformist activities[9]
The aim of this movement was to bring
back Buddhism to India and Sri Lanka The Maha Bodhi Society was
founded in India under the leadership of Anagarika Dharmapala[10]
16
This organization was the first Buddhist organization established with
the aim of internationalizing Buddhism
The success of The Maha Bodhi Society encouraged Nepalese
who came in contact with this society They were mostly traditional
Buddhists (Newar Buddhists) of Nepal who were merchants and
pilgrims They played an important role in Theravada revival
movement in present day Nepal However it was students of Buddhism
who gave a kick-start to Theravada movements in modern Nepal
Mr Jagatman Vaidya a traditional Buddhist by birth went to
India for further studies He initiated the Theravada Buddhist revival
movement with the help of The Mahabodhi Society[11]
Mr Jagatman
who later became known as Dharmaditya Dharmacariya devoted most
of his time and energy to Buddhist Revivalism in Nepal by publishing
Buddhist journal in Newari Nepali Hindi English etc One of his
great deeds was to celebrate Baisakh day Buddha Jayanti or Swanya
Punhi in Nepal to commemorate Buddha‟s birth enlightenment and
death (Parinibbana) He established bdquoBuddha Dharma Uddhar
Sangharsquo lsquoBuddhopasaka Sangha‟ and other organizations for the
propagation of Buddhism in Nepal[12]
17
The Buddha Jayanti which he has initiated was celebrated for
the first time in the history of modern Nepal in 1926 after a long gap
Now a day this day is widely celebrated in Nepal Every year people
celebrate it with great joy and happiness[13]
He was also responsible
for stopping animal slaughter at Mayadevi temple in Lumbini and
renovation of Kindol Vihar in Kathmandu This Vihara became the
center for Theravada revival movement[14]
He published Buddhist
magazine entitled bdquoBuddha Dharmarsquo in Newari Language
(Nepalabhasa) emphasizing the importance of Buddha Jayanti
celebration and Theravadian views This was the starting point of
Theravada activities and promotion of Theravadian views in Nepal
after many centuries Some Nepalese youths took ordination according
to Theravada tradition in 1928 They were imprisoned for four days
The Government at the time was under the influence of Shaivait
Brahmins who were calling for a ban against Buddhism Later he was
arrested for his conversion from a Hindu to a Buddhist monk Three
new rules suppressing Buddhism had been issued
18
(1) Conversion to Buddhism from Hinduism (Shaivaism) to be
punished by one year in prison
(2) Acting as preceptor at a Buddhist ordination to be punished by
three years‟ imprisonment and
(3) Attempting to ordain into Buddhism to be punished by a six-
month imprisonment
They were exiled to India and all reordained into Theravada
tradition with ven U Kosala in Buddhagaya However certain reasons
they left the tradition The history speaks only on Ven Mahapragya but
rest of other four monks still under discovery The first Nepalese to
take ordination in Theravada tradition was venerable Mahapragna a
Hindu Shrestha by birth in 1926 After few years study in Tibet again
he went to India where he met Ven U Chandramani a Burmese monk
at Kusinagara[15]
He was impressed with Ven Chandramani and took
Theravada ordination from him This was the starting point for
Theravada ordination once again in the history of modern Nepal after
almost 600 years[16]
Since then Theravadin monastic order been settled
in modern Nepal
19
On the other hand Venerable Pragyananda (Karmasheel) who
converted from Gelung of Tibetan tradition to Theravada with Ven U
Chandramani at Kusinagara India was the first yellow-robed monk
who appeared in the street of Kathmandu valley at the end of 1930s[17]
He stayed at Kindol Vihar at the invitation of Dasaratna Shahu (later
Ven Dharmaloka) and gave discourses The attendance at his
discourses increased day by day and it worried then Rana government
and arrested all the members of Vihar They were imprisoned fined
and later released[18]
Fortunately Ven Pragnananda was in different
place and was not arrested He went on pilgrimage to India with some
devotees His four devotees took ordination under guidance of Ven U
Chandramani at Kusinagar They were Samanera Shasana Jyoti
Anagarika Ratna Pali Anagarika Dhamma Pali and Anagarika
Sangha Pali This was the first nun‟s ordination in Theravada
Buddhism in modern Nepal[19]
In the mean time Dasaratna Shahu
who was running Kindol Vihar brought Civar and bowl from Sri Lanka
for monk ceremonies Soon after his release from prison he took
ordination according to Theravada tradition at Kusinagar from Ven U
Chandramani and became Samanera Dhammaloka in 1932[20]
He
20
visited Nepal as a monk but was arrested immediately on his arrival in
Kathmandu and was imprisoned once again for six days and then
released without charging him with any offences Following his release
from prison he went to stay at Kindol Vihar and continued his
religious activities He was finally able to carry out religious activities
freely in Nepal He succeeded to propagate Theravada Buddhism in the
streets of Kathmandu valley[21]
Later he founded Nepal‟s first
Theravada Buddhist temple bdquoAnandakutirsquo at the foothill of Swayambhu
hill and it became the center for Theravada Sangha in modern Nepal
Venerable Amritananda was another well-known Buddhist
scholar and pioneer person for revival of Theravada Buddhism in
modern Nepa[22]
He was ordained under Ven U Chandramani at
Kusinagara in 1936 CE but was imprisoned along with Ven
Mahapragna at Bhojpur in 1937 In 1942 he came back to Nepal from
abroad after completing his study and gave discourses at the request of
Ven Dharmaloka in Swayambhu during vassavasa days (Three months
Buddhist lent) His public discourses impressed lay people and many
people came to listen to him Other Monks Samaneras and Nuns of
21
Nepal who were studying abroad also came back and joined him and
gave public discourses in different places of Kathmandu valley[23]
This
was a great breakthrough during isolationist Rana government Rana
government of the time banned any public assembly because of fear of
political unrest and demand for political reform in Nepal Because of
their religious activities they were arrested on 30th
July 1944 and
brought in front of then Prime Minister Juddha Shamsher Jung Bahadur
Rana for giving verdict on the charges of propagating the dhamma He
made rules to curtail the Buddhist activities Those who didn‟t follow
these rules were asked either to leave the country or return to worldly
life All the respected monks who were active in revival of Theravada
in Nepal refused to obey the order and were exiled once again from
Nepal The exiled monks this time included Ven Pragnananda Ven
Dharmaloka Ven Subhodhananda Ven Pragnarashmi Samanera
Pragnarasa Samanera Ratnajyoti Samanera Agga Dhamma and
Samanera Kumar The nuns were allowed to remain in the Vihar until
the end of the Vassavasa[24]
22
Development of Theravada Buddhism
The exiled monks formed bdquoDharmodaya Sabha‟ - Nepal‟s first
Buddhist organization with the help of other Buddhist organizations
and individuals on 30th
November 1944 in India under the
chairmanship of Ven U Chandramani Ven Amritananda was its
general secretary[25]
Immediately after establishment of bdquoDharmodaya
Sabha‟ Ven Amritananda wrote a protest letter to Nepalese
government and also appealed to other Buddhist organizations on
behalf of Dharmodaya Sabha He visited many places and various
countries to get support against the expulsion of Buddhist monks from
modern Nepal One of the countries he visited and undertook further
studies was Sri Lanka In Sri Lanka he also succeeded in bringing a
goodwill mission to Nepal in 1946 under the leadership of well-known
scholar Ven Narada Mahasthavir of Vajiraramaya Colombo The
members of this mission consisted of Ven Narada Ven Amritananda
Ven Priyadarshi Dr Ratna Surya and Prof Aryapal They were able
to meet the newly appointed Prime Minister Padma Shumsher J Rana
Ven Amritananda and leader of the mission Ven Narada requested his
23
Excellency to give permission for the exiled monks to return to Nepal
Prime Minister Padma Shamsher accepted their request and permitted
the exiled monks to return Ven Dharmaloka was the first one to come
back to Nepal immediately after receiving a letter from Ven
Amritananda and arrived in Kathmandu in June 1946 (Jesth Sukla 6
2003)[26]
Other monks also returned one by one and again started
propagating Theravada Buddhism in modern Nepal Ven Narada
visited Nepal three times and constructed a Sri Lankan Cetiya at
Anandakuti Vihar He brought a branch of Bodhi tree Buddha‟s relic
to Nepal He also established the first Sima (Uposatha) of Nepal for
Bhikkhus at the Vihara During his third visit he met then Prime
Minister Mohana Shamasher J Rana and requested him to declare
Baisakh Purnima or Buddha Day as a public holiday His Excellency
agreed and declared it as a public holiday for the Buddhist government
civil officers[27]
Since then Theravada Buddhism gained ground in
Nepalese society and made progress Theravada monks propagated
Buddhism by performing ceremonies giving Dharmadesana and
publishing Buddhist texts Many Viharas were built in and outside the
Kathmandu valley to propagate dhamma
24
In 1950 democracy replaced autocratic Rana regime under the
leadership of H M King Tribhuvan This heralded rapid development
of Theravada Buddhism Buddhist monks and nuns were able carry out
their duties freely without hindrances throughout the country The
office of bdquoDharmodaya Sabha‟ shifted from Kalimpong to Kathmandu
after the advent of democracy in 19501 In 1951 Bhikkhu Sangha led
by Ven Amritananda formed lsquoAkhil Nepal Bhikkhu Sangharsquo (All
Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha Council) for the further propagation of
Buddhism in Nepal Ven Amritananda played a great role in
propagation of Theravada Buddhism nationwide His close relationship
with their Majesties helped in his activities[28]
He visited many
countries on behalf of All Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha and Dharmodaya
Sabha In the same year Buddhists of Nepal succeeded in bringing the
relics of Ven Sariputta (Ven Sariputra) and Ven Maudhgalyana
(Ven Moggallana) the foremost disciples of the Buddha for the
exhibition in Nepal His Majesty King Tribhuvan chaired the reception
committee and a reception party was held in the Royal Palace[29]
Following year in 1952 Buddha Jayanti was celebrated throughout the
country with the support of HM King Tribhuvan On this occasion
25
HM King declared Baisakh Purnima or Buddha Jayanti day as a
public holiday throughout the kingdom[30]
In 1956 His late Majesty King Mahendra visited Lumbini the
birthplace of the Buddha and erected a Mahendra Pillar in Lumbini
zone In the same year during 2500th
Buddha Jayanti celebration HM
king banned animal slaughter on this auspicious day throughout the
kingdom[31]
Nepalese Buddhists led by All Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha
Council and Dharmodaya Sabha also organized the Fourth World
Fellowship of Buddhist Conference (WFB) in Kathmandu on this
year[32]
His Majesty‟s government cooperated fully and gave every
assistance for the success of the conference Gradually Theravada
Buddhist monasteries were founded Buddhist Education Buddhapuja
meditation public discourses publications of Buddhist texts and mass
ordination etc took place as a part of dhamma activities Burma Sri
Lanka Thailand and other countries helped Nepal in its effort for
Theravada revival Soon after Theravada Buddhist monks established
the first Bhikkhu training center- Sangharama Vihar and ordained
number of novices under the leadership of Ven Ashogosha
Mahasthavir[33]
Following their ordination they were sent to Sri
26
Lanka Burma and Thailand for their higher ordination and education
Many of these monks have returned to Nepal and are actively engaged
in propagation of dhamma Besides ordination of individual novices
mass ordinations for short periods were also held in different temple
After Anandakuti Vihar the Viswasanti Vihara also established
Vishwa Shanti Bauddha Shikshalaya a Buddhist School under Ven
Nyanapunnika Mahathavir[34]
It teaches both national and Buddhist
curriculum to the novices Now there are nearly 100 Theravada
temples more than four hundred monks and Samaneras and nearly 400
nuns in the country Present Sangha Nayaka is Most Ven
Subodhananda of Gana Mahavihara Kathmandu President of All
Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha is Kumar Kashyapa of Ananda Kuti Vihar
Swayambhu Kathmandu and the head office of All Nepal Bhikkhu
Sangha is in Viswo Santi Vihara New Baneshwor Kathmandu
27
Contribution to Nepalese society
Besides promoting Dhamma Theravada monks and nuns
(Anagarikas) are also involved in other welfare activities like
organising free health camps training centers either in the monasteries
or outside the monasteries They also founded center for old age and
Kindergarten Late Ven Sumangala Mahasthavira[35]
initiated free
clinic at Buddha Vihar a Buddhist home for the elderly at Benepa and
a Buddhist Kindergarten Free Clinics were popular because of lack of
adequate government run clinics in Nepal Many monasteries
organized free clinics Regular clinics like eye and Homeopathic were
run either on weekly or monthly basis Annual campaigns are also run
when it was felt necessary
In 1964 All Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha established a Theravada
education system Pariyatti Sikkha or Nepal Bauddha Pariyatti Siksa
(Buddhist Saturday School) Classes are run in Theravada Buddhist
monasteries Tibetan monasteries other Buddhist centers in public and
private schools There are more than 32 centers throughout the
28
country[36]
Presently its head office is at Viswo Santi Vihara in New
Baneswora Kathmandu
Besides Pariyatti Sikkha Ven Amritananda founded a
Buddhist school - bdquoAnandakuti Vidyapith Boarding School‟ and a
college- bdquoSiddharth Science Campus‟ Both Buddhist monks and lay
people used to teach in these institutions It was started as a Buddhist
school but for some reason it has become a private enterprise Besides
these many monks and nuns are also running other educational
institutions like bdquoNursery school (Siddhartha Shisu Niketan Buddha
Vihar) Primary school (Triple Gem Boarding School) and Higher
Schools There are some Higher Education institutes like Siddharth
University in Banepa International Buddhist University in Lumbini
etc Many Buddhist organizations were founded and they were also
running different classes and research centers like Dharmakirti
Buddhist Research Center Anagarika Dhammavati founded this centre
Later on Anagarika Dhammavati was ordained as Bhikkhuni
according to Taiwanese tradition She is one of the well-known nuns in
the Theravada Buddhism in Nepal[37]
29
The Buddhist temples and organizations bring out number of
publications annually monthly weekly and on special occasions
Dharmodaya Anandabhumi and Dharmakirti are the oldest
Buddhist journals in Nepal and still continued to be published
Ven Amritananda was one of the greatest Buddhist scholars of
Nepal He wrote and translated many books on Buddhism There are
still no other monks or nun in Nepal who can be compared with
him[38]
Late Ven Sudharsan Mahasthavir came close to him Ven
Sudharsan was a pillar of Theravada Buddhism after Ven
Amritananda He was famous for different reason His field of interest
beside dhamma work consisted literature language Archaeology etc
He was a resident monk at Srikirti Vihar Kirtipur and held the post of
professor in History Archaeology and Buddhist philosophy at
Tribhuvan University until his death in July 2002 Some of his books in
Buddhism became course book for BA and MA students in Nepal
He had special interest in archaeology of Lumbini and was an expert on
this subject[39]
30
Revival of Theravada Buddhism in Nepal also had profound
effect in cultural and religious way of life of Nepalese Daily chanting
or Buddhapuja short term ordination observing Sila (Moral code)
caste system celebration of Vesak day celibate life were introduced
In the month of Bhadra or Gunla days (AugustSeptember) Buddhist
hymns are chanted and public discourses are given
Late Ven Sudharshan Mahasthavir formed Sri Kirti Buddhist
center at Sri Kirti Vihar with the aim of introducing Buddhism to other
ethnic groups other than Newars- the original inhabitants of Katmandu
valley This project succeeded in bringing other ethic groups into
Theravada Buddhism As a result of this many ethnic groups who were
originally Buddhists have started organizing Buddhist conferences and
Buddhist activities Another important development is formation of
Gyanmala Bhajan Khala - a Buddhist hymn group This group sings
regularly especially during certain auspicious days at Swayambhu and
other Buddhist sites The songs they sing are based on Buddha‟s
teaching and has been successful in promoting Buddhism in simple
melodious hymns which attracts many people who visits these
religious places
31
Theravadin in Nepalese Society
For centuries Nepalese were aware of only Buddhist priest
(Bajracharya) from Newar Buddhism (Vajrayana) and Tibetan Lamas
They were unaware of Theravadian Buddhist monks and nuns
Bajracharyas are household monks They lead domestic lives and are
not celibate Not all Tibetan monks are celibate It depends on the
school they belong to For example monks from Sakya School of
Tibetan tradition do not have to be celibate Theravada monks wear
distinctive saffron coloured robes They are celibate and lead virtuous
monastic life These monks and nuns have different identity in the eyes
of Nepalese especially the inhabitants of Kathmandu valley Their
simple way of life their full dedication in their work for the benefit of
mankind easily understood Theravada Scriptures translated in different
languages eg in Nepal Bhasa (Newari) Nepali in Hindi and in
English for easy accessibility by different groups helped to gain the
heart of Nepalese people Although many lay people have played
pivotal roles in revival of Theravada Buddhism in Nepal the leadership
32
of monks and nuns were vital in further development and survival of
this tradition
The lay Buddhists of Nepal are pluralistic They participate in
Buddhist ceremonies such as Vesak day daily chanting etc At the
same time they also follow Hindu customs in their daily lives
Buddhism is different from Hinduism and it is not a branch of
Hinduism Hindus believe that Buddha was a reincarnation of Lord
Vishnu Buddha never claimed to be anything other than a human
being ndash although a unique one in the history of mankind
Buddhism in Nepal is unique because of existence of three
different Buddhist traditions - Newar Buddhism (Vajrayana)
Tibetan Buddhism (Mahayana) and Theravada Buddhism
Different Buddhist groups practised different traditions Although the
principle underlying all these traditions is the same they differ in
details Theravada Buddhist tradition is different from Tibetan or
Newar Buddhist traditions but it is developing side-by-side with them
It was not possible for Theravada Buddhism to develop in Nepal
without close co-relation with other traditions but later developed on its
own right These various Buddhist traditions are coexisting in present
33
day Nepal Although they have different cultural traditions and are
developing in their own ways but the followers are the same
Therefore there is no separate identity of Theravadian lay Buddhists
There are number of lay Buddhist organizations such as Dharmodaya
Sabha Dharmakirti Institute Young Buddhist Associations Female
Buddhist Associations more recently Sukhi Hotu Nepal which are
playing important role in promotion of Buddha Dhamma but they are
multi-cultural and multi religious in their daily practices
CONCLUSION
Theravada Buddhism was introduced to Nepal at the time when
public meetings were banned It faced many obstacles at the beginning
Strong dedications of monks and nuns made it possible for its revival in
Nepal after many centuries of neglect Even though the revival
movement of this tradition was started only about 80 years ago it has
already gained strong foot hold in Nepal and gaining popularity day by
day The reason for its popularity lies in many things - the simple and
easily understood way the teachings were given the simple way of life
of monks and nuns lead and various beneficial activities undertaken by
34
Viharas Theravadin Buddhist monks and nuns are well accepted by
people and their contribution in promoting Buddha‟s teachings is
widely recognized Although small in number in comparison to other
Asian countries like Thailand Sri Lanka and Burma both the number
of monks and nuns and monasteries of this tradition are increasing day
by day If this trend continues it will become one of the prominent
religious traditions in Nepal It is only natural that this oldest Buddhist
tradition should gain its place of honour it deserve in a country where
the founder of the religion was born
35
Theravada Records in Nepal
List of Monks Novices and Anagarikas studying abroad
MONKS AND NOVICES
I Thailand
1 Bhikkhu Anil Man Dhammasakiyo (Sugandha)
2 Bhikkhu Vipassi Dhammaramo
3 Bhikkhu Jit Bahadur Gurung
4 Bhikkhu Krishna Thapamagar
5 Bhikkhu Pannamurti
6 Bhikkhu Sujan Sujano
7 Bhikkhu Anil Sumankitti
8 Bhikkhu Santosh Santosho
9 Bhikkhu Khemik Suddhasilo
10 Bhikkhu Suman Rocano
11 Bhikkhu Sanu Maharajano
12 Bhikkhu Santamano Dhwajjoshi
13 Bhikkhu Suman Dhwajjoshi
14 Bhikkhu Bijit Khemasakko
15 Bhikkhu Supreme Shakyavanso
Samaneras
1 Samanera Buddharatna Maharjan
2 Samanera Dhammaratna Maharjan
3 Samanera Bipin Maharjan
4 Samanera Prajwal Shakya
5 Samanera Ukesh Sakya
6 Samanera Gopi Maharjan
7 Samanera Sudip Deshar
8 Samanera Sudat Deshar
9 Samanera Deepi Maharjan
10 Samanera Ramit Shrestha
11 Samanera Anup Deshar
12 Samanera Suman Bajracharya bdquoA‟
13 Samanera Rajendra Deshar
14 Samanera Kapila Maharjan
15 Samanera Arbin Shakya
36
16 Samanera Kabindra Bajracharya
17 Samanera Ujjawal Shakya
18 Samanera Satish Shakya
19 Samanera Bimal Gurung
20 Samanera Surya Gurung
21 Samanera Sameer Maharjan
22 Samanera Anup Shakya
23 Samanera Arjun Magar
24 Samanera Kiran Desahar
25 Samanera Dipesh Shrestha
26 Samanera Tejendra Tamang
27 Samanera Ashim Shakya
28 Samanera Jalap Bajracharya
29 Samanera Arya Dev Bajracharya
30 Samanera Sudarshan Maharjan
31 Samanera Sangharatna
32 Samanera Suman Bajracharya bdquoB‟
33 Samanera Kijan Maharjan
34 Samanera Ramesh Maharjan
35 Samanera Niroj Maharjan
36 Samanera Jen Maharjan
37 Samanera Denish Bajracharya
38 Samanera Pritam Bahadur Shakya
39 Samanera Abhishek Shakya
40 Samanera Bishal Shakya
41 Samanera Sajal Shakya
42 Samanera Suraj Bhakta Shrestha
43 Samanera Dinesh Chaudhary
44 Samanera Shiv Swatantra Tharu
45 Samanera Sambhu Lal Khang
46 Samanera Buddharatna Chaudhary
47 Samanera Mukesh Chaudhary
II Myanmar (Burma)
Bhikkhu Samaneras
1 Bhikkhu Panavimala
2 Bhikkhu Dhyanratna
3 Bhikkhu Adiccho
4 Bhikkhu Vimalbuddhi
5 Bhikkhu Shobhan
6 Samanera Amato
7 Samanera Jutimma
8 Samanera Buddhapiyo
9 Samanera Kavindo
10 Samanera Nagasena
11 Samanera Gyanavudho
III Taiwan(ROC) 1 Bhikkhu Mangala 2 Bhikkhu Vazirbuddhi
IV Australia 1 Bhikkhu Upatissa
V India
1 Bhikkhu Dharmajyoti 2 Bhikkhu Ashokakirti
3 Bhikkhu Narawang Tamang
VI United kingdom 1 Bhikkhu Suman
VII USA 1 Bhikkhu Pragnaloka
VIII Sri Lanka
Bhikkhus
Bhikkhu Nanda
Bhikkhu Vineeta
Bhikkhu Ashoka
Bhikkhu Triratna
Bhikkhu Sagara
Bhikkhu Sankicca
Bhikkhu Vajirasiri
Bhikkhu Sarada
Bhikkhu Veenit
Bhikkhu Ratana
Bhikkhu Tissa
Bhikkhu Vajira
Bhikkhu Pannawimal
Bhikkhu Medhankar
Bhikkhu Pannasara
SARAMANERAS
Saranankara
Piyadassi
Dil Bhadra
Chandima
Samita
Narada bdquoA‟
Piyaratna
Kusala
Lakkhana
Udit
Vibekanada
Pannananda
Mettananda
Chandananda
Yassari
Upali
Subodhi
Mahanama
Kashyapa
Dhammapala
Narada bdquoB‟
Nalaka bdquoA‟
Daywasa
Santa Sobhana
Santa Siddhartha
Santa Maitri
Santa Kosala
Santa Sakya
Suvaca
Sukama Sila
Siddhartha
Nanda bdquoA‟
Rahula
Sudheera
Kosala Dheera
Panna Wansa
Jina Wansa
Mahinda
Nanda bdquoB‟
Seewali
Mahapantha
Assaji
Sarada
Sumana
Ananda
Nalaka bdquoB‟
Aloka
Suwarna
Subodh
Udena
Sangharatna bdquoA‟
Gyanendra
Khema
Soma bdquoA‟
Punna
Panna Ransi
Soma bdquoB‟
Santa bdquoA‟
Kapila Wansa
Asita Wansa
Sumanananda bdquoa‟
Vijitananda
Khemananda
Silananda
Medhananda
Somaratna
Soratha
Pragyananda
Sumangala
Santa Citta
Yasa
Dhamma Kitti
Panna Kitti
Santa Dheera
Vijitananda
Sumanananda bdquob‟
Vajra Bodhi
Dhammika
Santa bdquoB‟
Anuruddha
Sumana bdquoB‟
Jinavamsa
Panna Vansa
Buddha Ratna
Dhamma Ratna
Ariya Ratna
Piyadassi bdquoB‟
Sila Ratna
Sangha Ratna bdquoB‟
List of Anagarikas studying in abroad
I Thailand
1 Anagarika Sirisuta Maharjan
2 Anagarika Ramsobha Shrestha
3 Anagarika Sunita Napit
II Myanmar
1 Anagarika Javanvati
2 Anagarika Vimalajnani
3 Anagarika Ambika
4 Anagarika Buddhapali
5 Anagarika Darshana
6 Anagarika Agrajnani
7 Anagarika Nandavati
bdquob‟
III India 1 Anagarika Rupashila
IV Taiwan
1 Anagarika Pannavati
2 Anagarika Sani
3 Anagarika Nima
V Sri Lanka
1 Anagarika Pannawati
2 Anagarika Mettawati
3 Anagarika Keshawati
4 Anagarika Prasnnawati
5 Anagarika Sukhawati
6 Anagarika Shobhawati
7 Anagarika Subhadra
8 Anagarika
Shraddhagautami
9 Anagarika Upananda
10 Anagarika Shantawati
11 Anagarika Suciwati
Residences of Theravādin Monks in Nepal
01 Abhinava Buddha Vihara Lumbini
1) Bhikkhu Vimalananda Mahathera
2) Samanera Sunanda
02 Anandakut Vihara Swayambhu Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Kumara Kassapa Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Dharmamurti 3) Samanera Kondanya
4) S Prajnaratna 5) S Asoka
6) S Kumarjeeva 7) S Assaji
03 Bauddha Samaskrita Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Bhikkhu Dharmashobhana Mahathera
04 Bodhicharya Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Bodhisena Mahathera
2) Samanera Bodhideepa
05 Buddha Vihara Bhrikuti Mandap-Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Kondanya 2) Bhikkhu Sushil
3) Samanera Anuyoga 3) S Javana
4) S Udena
06 Buddha Vihara Biratnagar
1) Bhikkhu Aloka
07 Buddha Vihara Dharan
1) Bhikkhu Maitri (Tamang)
2) Bhikkhu Chhavikirti
08 Chatubrahma Vihara Matatirtha
1) Bhikkhu Thansettho
2) Bhikkhu Samyakaratna
3) Bhikkhu Bodhananda
9 Charumati Stupa Vihara Chabahil Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Tapassi Dhamma
10 Dharmacakra Ashrama Bagbazar
1) Bhikkhu Milinda
11 Dharmashila Buddha Vihara Pokhara
1) Bhikkhu Subhadda 2) Bhikkhu Saddhananda
12 Dhyanakuti Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Ashwaghosha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Rahul 3) Samanera Gautama
13 Gana Maha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Sanghanayaka Bhikkhu Subodhanand Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sobhita
3) Bhikkhu Samvegakirti
4) Samanera Sugatananda
6) S Chandananda
7) S Somananda
8) S Sumanavamsha
9) S Somavamsha
10) S Sumanasiri
14 IlayabahiTanabaha Patan
1) Bhikkhu Vimalkirti
15 International Bauddha Pariyatti Vihara Butwal
1) Bhikkhu Jatila
2) Bhikkhu Bhaddiya bdquoB‟
3) Samanera Jnanashree 4) S Jotika
16 International Buddhist Society Lumbini
1) Bhikkhu Maitri Mahathera
2) Samanera Mahapanta
3) S Vimala
17 Jana Udaya Vihara Sunakothi-Lalitpura
1) Bhikkhu Dharmagupta
18 Jitavana Vihara Thankot
1) Bhikkhu Dharmavamsha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sugatamuni Mahathera
3) Samanera Sunita
19 Kuti Vihara Koteshwar-KTM
1) Bhikkhu Yeshdhammo
2) Samanera Wayamo
3) S Milindo 4) S Sunanalankara
20 Manimandapa Mahavihara Patan
1) Bhikshu Shilbhadra Mahathera
2) Samanera Paduma 3) S Nayako
21 Muni Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Samanera Tejendra 2) S Jalapa
3) S Asima 4) S Aryaputra
22 Padma Sugandha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Sumedha 2) Samanera Sudatta
23 Pati Vihara Nagadesh-Bhaktapur
1) Bhikkhu Varasambodhi
24 Pranidhi Purna Maha Vihara Balambu
1) Samanera Sukha
25 Pugatabhoomi Jetavana Vihara Bhairahawa
1) Samanera Jagaro 2) S Suvanno
26 Purvaram Vihara Dhulikhel
1) Bhikkhu Gunaghosha Mahathero
27 Sangharama Vihara Kshetrapati Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Saddhatissa
2) Bhikkhu Kolita
3) Bhikkhu Sangharakshita
28 Shakya Singha Vihara Patan
1) Bhikkhu Dharmapala Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sunanda Mahathera
3) Bhikkhu Dharmarakshita
29 Shikhalapura Vihara Dhulikhel
1) Bhikkhu Dhammananda Mahathera
30 Shree Kirti Vihara Kirtipur
1) Bhikkhu Kirtijyoti 2) Bhikkhu Ananda
3) Bhikkhu Prajnakirti
4) Bhikkhu Dharmakirti
5) Samanera Sundara 6) Bhikkhu Pamit
7) S Subhashkirti 8) S Uttarakirti
31 Shreegha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Dharmasagara
2) Bhikkhu Medhankara
32 Sudarshana Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Rastrapala
33Sumangala Vihara Patan
1) Sanghaupanayaka Bhikkhu Buddhaghosha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Shobhan
3) Bhikkhu Prajnaratna
34 Surya Mangala Vihara Kapilvastu
1) Bhikkhu Suryamangala
35 Tokha Buddha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Samanera Shobhana 2) S Jnanodaya
36 Veluvanarama Vihara Thecho-Lalitpura
1) Samanera Uttama 2) S Chandimo
37 Vishwa Shanti Vihara New Baneshwar
1) Bhikshu Jnanapurnik Mahathera
2) Bhikshu Bodhijnana
3) Bhikshu Nigrodha
4) Bhikshu Udayabhadra
Samaneras
1) S Janak 2) S Sujat
3) S Obhaso 4) S Subhaddo
5) S Nandiyo 6) S Mahindo
7) S Pajjoto 8) S Aloka
9) S Buddhadatta 10) S Panita
11) S Kashyapa 12)S Dharmaghosha
13) S Nagita 14) S Vinaya
15) S Suchitta 16) S Sudatto
17) S Nemindo 18) S Rohito
19) S Jayanto 20) S Meghiyo
21) S Indriyo 22) S Suppamedho
23) S Bhanusarana 24) S Saddhadeepa
25) S Kittimo 26) S Janeyyo
27) S Adicca 28) S Kosalla
29) S Nyanuttara 30) S Bhaddaco
31) S Pabhassaro 32) S Uttaro
38 Yampi Maha Vihara Patan
1) Bhikkhu Bhaddiya
39 Non residencial Monks
1) Bhikshu Samyaka Sambodhi Pranputra
2) Bhikshu Dhyanratna
3) Bhikkhu Chandragupta Balambu
Present Anagarikas and resident in NEPAL
01 Amarapura Vihara Bungamati
1) A Charujnani 2) A Sunita
3) A Palitajnani 4) A Pamitajnani
5) A Padumajnani 6) A Rupawati
02 Bauddha Samaskrit Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Anagarika Sanghashila
03 Buddha ViharaDharan
1) A Sumedhavati 2) A Sushilavati
3) A Kanchana 4) A Shasanavati
04 Bauddha Rishi Mahapragya Ashram Anamnagar
1) Anagarika Prajnavati
05 Chatubrahma Vihara Matatirtha
1) Anagarika Anu
06 Dhammavasa Vihara Khusibun
1) A Krishgautami 2) A Suchita
3) A Shilgautami 4) A Kshantigautami
5) A Shyamavati
07 Dharmakirti Vihara Naghal-Kathmandu
1) Anagarika RatnaManjari
2) A Dhammavati
3) A Dhammadinna (Chameli)
4) A Anupama 5) A Sanghavati
6) A Khemavati 7) A Indravati
8) A Jayavati 9) A Danavati
10) A Tyagavati 11) AViryavati
12) A Shubhavati 13) A Ramavati
14) A Surammavati
15) A Hemavati 16) A Suppabhavati
17) A Supriya 18) A Amata
19) A Vannavati 20) A Suvannavati
08 Dharmashila Buddha Vihara Pokhara
1) Anagarika Karmashila
09 Gautami Vihara Lumbini
1) Anagarika Sujata 2) A Khamesi
10 IlayabahiTana Baha Lalitpur
1) A Shilaparami 2)AViryaparami
3) A Vineeta 4) A Shilachari
11 Int‟l Buddhist Meditation Centre Shankhamul
1) A Aggajnani 2) A Nirmalajnani
3) A Shantarakshita
12 Jaya Mangal ViharaTana Bahal-Patan
1) Anagarika Vijita 2) A Nekkhami
3) A Chittavati
13 Jyoti Vihara Chapagaun- Lalitpur
1) AnagarikaVirygautami
2) A Upeskshagautami
14 Kashivarna Buddha Vihara Panuati
1) Anagarika Satyaparami
15 Kindol Vihara Swayambhu
1) A Sumana 2) A Uttara
3) A Sumitra 4) A Molini
5) A Dhammavijaya 6) A Tejavati
7) A Shyamavati
16 Kunsa BahaHyumat
1) Anagarika Patachari 2) AUmavati
17 Mahabodhi Vihara Tansen
1) Anagarika Revati (Dhammadinna)
18 Muni Vihara Bhaktapur
1) A Sugandhavati 2) A Padmavati
19 Narsinharama Thaina-Patan
1) A Jnanashila 2) ASatyashila
3) AShilavati 4) A Yeshavati 5) A Dharani
6) A Jeenvati
7) A Shilpavatisushma
20 Padmachaitya Vihara Butwal
1) A Udayashila 2) A Santiwati
21 Padmakirti Vihara Kamalpokhari
1) A Kamala 2) A Karunavati
3) A Pabbhavati 4) A Dhyanavati
5) A Bhavanavati
22 Prajnanandarama Okubahal-Patan
1) Anagarika Jnanavati
23 Pranidhipurna Mahavihara Balambu
1) A Mudita 2) A Chandrashila bdquoB‟
24 SangharakshitaVihara Patan
1) Anagarika Abhaya 2) A Chandrashila
3) A Shilachari
25 Shanti Sukhavasa Chakupat-Patan
1) A Utpalavarna (Chini)
26 Shree Kirti Vihara Kirtipur
1) Anagarika Mina
27 SunandaramaThaina-Patan
1) A Madhavi 2) AMasukhi
3) A Mashobha 4) A Mashraddha
5) A Masudha
28 Sulakshanakirti Viahara Kirtipur
1) A Anoja 2) A Atula
3) A Anula
29 Sangharama ViharaDhalko-KTM
1) Anagarika Dharmarakshita
30 Vishwashanti Vihara New Baneshwar
1) A Shubha 2) A Khema
3) A Sudhamma
31 Vishwashanti Dharmakirti Vihara Basundhara
1) A Dhajavati (Kusum) 2) A Padmavati
3) A Bhadravati
32 Residing other Anagarikas
1) Anagarika Chandrajnani Patan
2) A Sraddhavati Shankhamul
3) A Amaravati Patan
4) A Dhammachari Patan
5) A Nanda Thasi
Some Prominent Personalities in the Theravada Movement1
Sanghamahanayakas of Nepal
1 Ven Pragyanand Mahasthavir 1930 ndash 1993 AD
2 Ven Sakyananda Mahasthavir 1993 - 1997 AD
3 Ven Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1997 - 2002 AD
4 Ven Subodhananda Mahasthavir 2002 - 2006 AD
5 Ven Buddhaghosa Mahasthavir 2006-
Amritananda Bhikkhu (1918-1990) original name Lal Kaji Sakya from Tansen
west Nepal he ordain as a novice in 1936 from ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara He studies and was ordained a monk in Sri Lanka in 1940 He
return to Nepal in 1942 and preached first publicly in Kathmandu He
formed Dharmodaya Sabha in 1944 and All Nepal Bhikkhu Mahasangha in
1951 and remained its unchallenged leader until his death He was well
known and traveled widely outside of Nepal because of his dynamism and
charisma He was also one of the greatest Buddhist scholars and writers of
Nepal
Aniruddha Bhikkhu (1915-2003) original name Gaja Ratna Tuladhar son of
Dasa Ratna Sahu (Later Ven Dhammaloka) He went to Sri Lanka in 1930
and ordained as samanera and studied there He had served many years in
Lumbini and third Sanghanayaka of Nepal
1 Sarah Levine and David N Gellner Rebuilding Buddhism The Theravada Movement in
Twentieth Century Nepal (UK Harvard University Press 2006) pp 293-296
Ashwaghosh Bhikkhu (1926- present) original name Buddha Ratna Sakya and
became a novice in 1944 and went to Sri Lanka for study where he took
higher ordination in 1949 he is known as bdquothe communist monk‟ and was a
nominee of the Unified Marxist-Leninist party one of Nepal‟s two main
political parites in the 1990s to the Upper House 1993-5 He had
established nepal‟s first Bhikkhu Training Center at Sangharama Dhalko
and became abbot of this vihara Presently he is abbot of Shrigha Vihara in
Kathmandu and of Dyanakuti Vihara Banepa
Buddhaghosh Bhikkhu (1921- present day) original name Sapta Ratna
Vajracharya in Kwa Baha Kathamandu The founder of Pariyatti Education
in Nepal and presently acting Sanghanayaka of Nepal (2006) and abbot of
Sri Sumangala Vihara in Lalitpur
Chandramani Bhikkhu (1876-1972) a Burmese monk who spent his life in
Kusinagara where he worked for the propagation of Buddhism until his
death He initiated with most of the early Nepalese Theravadins Monks and
Nuns He was the first president of Dharmodaya Sabha and father of
Theravadins of Nepal
Dharmachari Anagarika (1898-1978) born Laxmi Nani Tuladhar she
impressed by Ven Pragyananda in Kindol Vihara and took the precepts
from Chandramani in Kusinagara in 1934 and most prominent Nepali nun
She founded the first nunnery in Nepal at Kindol Vihara in 1947
Dhammaloka Bhikkhu (1891-1977) born Das Ratna Tuladhar Asan
kathamandu He traded in Lhasha went to Sri Lanka and taught Buddhism
as a layman Later became a monk in 1932 after his son Aniruddha ordain
in 1930 he established nepal‟s first Theravādin Vihara bdquoAnanda Kuti
Vihar‟ in Kathmandu
Dhammawati Anagarika (1925- present day) born as Ganesh Kumari Sakya in
Uku Baha lalitpur She ordain too precepts from Ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara and renamed as Dhammavati in 1950 She went to Burma for
study and return in 1963 after passed the Dhammacariya Examination She
was able to established Dhammakirti Nunnery Centre in 1965 and leader of
the Theravādin Nuns She has been re-ordained as Bhikkhuni according to
Mahayana tradition
Dharmaditya Dharmacharya (1902-1963) born as Jagat Man Vaidya in Chika
Bahi Lalitpur and the first Newar Buddhist modernist and the first newar
cultural nationalist He went to study in Calcutta where he became a
follower of anagarika Dhammapala the founder of Maha Bodhi Society
He had formed Buddhist revival foundation and published Buddhist
magazines etc
Nyanpurnika Bhikkhu (1936- present day) Born as Hera Lal Sakya in Tansen
He studied with Buddhaghosh in Lalitpur in Burma and in England He is
only monk who passed Dhammacariya examination of Burma He was the
founder of Vishwa Shanti Vihara and Vishwa Shanti Bauddha sikkyalaya
where train novices He is a prominent translator and writer
Kumar Kashyap Bhikkhu (1926- present day) born as Krishna Man Sakya he
was one of those who exiled to India by the Ranas in 1944 He went to
Study in Sri Lanka and hold nepal‟s first bdquoTripitaka acarya‟ Presently he is
president of All Nepal Bhikkhu Association and abbot of Ananda Kuti
Vihara
Mahapragya Bhikkhu (1901-1979) born Prem Bahadur (Nani Kaji ) Shrestha
He ordained into Tibetan tradition but exiled in 1926 and reordained as
novice in Theravada tradition one of the earlier Theravādin monks He
return to householderhood in Kalimpong in 1940s but then returned to
Kathmandu as a Buddhist sage (Bauddha Rishi) in the 1960s where he
taught until his death
Pragyananda Bhikkhu (1900-1993) born as Kul Man Singh Tuladhar in Itum
Baha Kathmandu a trader in Tibet where he met Ven Mahapragya and
impressed by him to ordained He became a Tibetan Gelung Karmasheel in
1928 and two years later a Theravādin under Ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara in 1930 He was nepal‟s first Sanghamahanayaka and well
respected monk
Shakyananda Bhikkhu (1909-1997) born as Chakra Dhan Sakya in Taksar
Bhojpur East Nepal He spent over forty years as a monk in Tansen outside
the Kathmandu and second sanghamahanayaka of Nepal
Subodhanand Bhikkhu (1916-2006) bor as Kul Raj Sakya in Taksar Bhojpur
East Nepal He was one of the monks exiled by the Ranas in 1944 He was
a prolific composer of Hymns in Nepal Bhasa In 2003 as the most senior
monk in Nepal he was the fourth Sanghanayaka of Nepal
Sudarshan Bhikkhu (1934-2002) born as Rudra Raj Sakya in Uku Baha
lalitpur He was famous a bdquothe boy monk‟ For many years he was a lecturer
in the culture Department of Tribhuvan University a prolific writer
preacher and abbot of Sri Kirti Vihara Kirtipur which is became multi-
cultural center and especially for Buddhist meetings and conferences He
was jailed for some months for Nepal Bhasa activities in the Panchayat
period He was a campaigner on Buddhist issues particularly to do with
Lumbini
Sumangal Bhikkhu (1929-1999) born Bhakta Krishna Shilpakar in Lalitpur He
was famous as ldquoDollar bhanterdquo He ordained in 1959 in Burma obtained a
master‟s degree in Buddhism from Rissho University Japan in 1972 and
was among the first monks to mobilize international connections for
Buddhist projects in Nepal He established Buddha Vihara in Bhrikuti
Mandap Kathmandu He helped raise funds from Thailand and Japan for
IBMc (1985) brought the Japanese healing movement Sei Mei Kyo to
Nepal and in 1993 opened an old people‟s home in Banepa
Glimpse of Theravādin activities in Nepal
Samanera ordination at Muni Vihara
Ordination Ceremony at Vishwa Shanti Vihara
Collecting Alms
Chanting Paritta in devotee‟s home
Giving Holy Thread to Devotees
Buddhist Art in Nepal
Main Buddha Image at Sri Kirti Vihara
Four holy places
Some of the Theravada Buddhist Viharas (Monasteries) in Nepal
Vihars In Kathmandu Valley Telephone No
1 Amarapura Buddha Vihar Bungamati 5551068
2 Anandakuti Vihar Swayambhu 4271420
3 Anandabhuwan Vihar Bhuikhyo 4270429
4 Ganamaha vihar Ganabaha 4253454
5 Gautam Buddha Vihar Panga co 4330576
6 Caturbrahma Vihar Matatirtha 4310558
7 Carumati Vihar Cabahil 4469897
8 Baudhajana Vihar Sunakothi co 5570209
9 Jitapur Gandhakuti Vihar khona Co 5542846
10 Jitawan Vihar Thankot 4311912
11 Jyoti udaya vihar Capagaun Co 5571459
12 Dhammavasa Vihar Khusibun 4358688
13 Dharmakirti Vihar Srigha Naghal 4259466
14 Dharmacakra vihar Bagbajar 4261976
15 Nagar Mandap Sri Kirti Vihar Kirtipur 4330836
16 Nagadesh Buddha Vihar Nagadesh Co 6635397
17 Nirvanmurti Anagarikaram Kindol 4285811
18 Padmasugandha Vihar Manjeshwori 4266255
19 Pranidhi Purna Mahavihar Balambu 43105924312455
20 Pati Vihar Thimi Co 6637601
21 Pippali Theravad Buddha Vihar Shiphal 4475066
22 Punya Udaya Vihar Jala Harisiddhi Co 5527456
23 Buddhabhoomi Mahavihar Tokha 4362514
24 Buddha Vihar Bhrikuti mandapa 4226702
25 Buddharatna Vihar Putalisadak 4244277
26 Bauddha samakrit Vihar Bhaktapur 6610842
27 Manimandap Vihar Patko Bhaktapur 5526517
28 Muni Vihar Bhaktapur 6616464
29 Yampi Mahavihar Ibahi Lalitpur 5539644
30 Yashodhara Baudha Bidyalaya Thaina Lalitpur 5521435
31 Biswo Shanti Vihar Baneshwor 4482384
32 Biswo Shanti Dharmakirti vihar Basundhara 4354251
33 Beluvanarama Vihar Theco Co 5570062
34 Sakyasingha Vihar Thaina Lalitpur 5524760
35 Santi Sukhawas Cakupat co 5523613
36 Siddhimangal Buddha Vihar Thasi 5581495
37 Sumangala Vihara Lagankhel 5531715
38 Sulakshan kirti Vihar Chobhar 4331718
39 Suwanrna Chatrapur Vihar Lubhu 5580430
40 Sangharama Vihar Dhalko Visnumati 4255960
41 Srigha Vihar Nagal 4259110
Vihars out side the Kathamandu Velley Telephone No
1 Ananda Vihar Tansen Co 075-520225520216
2 Citravan Vihar Narayangadha Co 056-521478
3 Taksar Vihar Tansen Co 075-520024
4 Dharmashila Buddha Vihar Phokhara 061-520517
5 Dyankuti Banepa Banepa 011-661244
6 Padma Chaitya Vihar Butawal 071-546470
7 Purwarama Vihar Dhulikhel 011-661979
8 Pragya Mahavihar Hetauda Co 057-520264520136
9 Buddha Vihar Dharan 025-520354
10 Buddha Vihar Biratnagar Co 021-522146530604
11 Beni Buddha Vihar Myagdi Co 069-520354
12 Bodhicharya vihar Banepa 011-661789
13 Lokachakra Buddha Vihar Dhan gadhi 091-622174
14 Sakyamuni Vihar Bhojpur Co 029-420260
15 Sugatapur Vihar Trisuli Co 010-560153
16 Sugandha Vihar Ridi Gulmi Co 079-529435
17 Swoyambhu Chetya Buddha Vihar Urlabari Co 021-540080
18 Swoyambhu Chetya Mahavihar Dharan Co 025-520190
19 Gyanodaya Buddha Vihar Baglung Co 068-520921520336
Footnotes
[1] This paper was written as a part of my MA thesis research on bdquoThe
Revival of Theravada Buddhism and its contribution to Nepalese Society‟ of
Mahachulalongkorn University Bangkok Thailand and would like to thank Mr
Dharma Sakya for every suggestion editing and help for the completion of this
article
[2] Nyanatiloka Buddhist Dictionary 3
rd ed The Free Distribution
version the Corporate Body of the Buddha education foundation Taiwan p
179
[3] Triratna Manandhar bdquoPresent of Buddhism in Nepal‟ (Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK Vol 8 May 2005) p 15
[4] helliphelliphelliphellip The New Encyclopedia of Britannica Vol24 (USA
Library of Congress Catalog 1993) p 781 Dhanabajra Vajracharya Cabahilko
Abhilekha (Inscription of Cabahil) The Charumati Voice (Kath Charumati
Buddhist Mission 2001) pp 17-20 Bhikkhu Sudarsan Mahasthavira Nepal
Upatyaka ma Ashokaki Chori Charumati (Charumati A daughter of
Ashoka in Nepal Valley) (The Charumati Vocie (Kath Charumati Buddhist
Mission 2001) p 20
[5] Beal Samuel Si Yu Ri Buddhist Records of the Western World
(New Delhi Motilal Banarsidass Publishers 1994) pp 80-81 Bhuwan Lal
Pradhan Nepalama Buddhadharma (Kath Nepal Rajkiya Pragyapratisthana
1988) pp 102 ndash 103
[6] NB Thapa A Short History of Nepal (Kath Ratna Pustak
bhandhar Nd) pp 30-33 Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ The
Nation Thailand‟s English Newspaper (Sunday special) Oct 18 1987
[7] Opcit NB Thapa p116
[8] David N Gellner Monk Householder and Tantric Priest Newar
Buddhism and its Hierarchy of Ritual (Cambridge University Press 1996) pp
41ff
[9] Bechert Heinz amp Jens-Uwe Hartmann ldquoObservation on the reform
of Buddhism in Nepalrdquo Journal of Nepal Research Centre vol VIII Kath
Kantipur Printing Press1988p 6
[10] Ria Kloppenborg Theravada Buddhism in Nepal‟ Kailash A
Journal of Himalayan Studies Vol 5 no 41977 p 302
[11] BP Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada Gukathan Wagu Kha (Kath
Hisi Press Nepal BS 20421985) pp44ff
[12] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p47ff
[13] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 51-53 Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal (BKK A Thesis of MA Mahamakut Graduate School
2001) p 97
[14] Bhikshu Sudarshan Mahasthavir bdquoRole of Theravada in the
Preservation of Newar Buddhism‟ wwwircnepalorgpapers
[15] Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 69-72
[16] Opcit Observation on the reform of Buddhism in Nepal p10ff
[17] Opcit Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ RV
Vandya Sanghanayaka Venerable Pragnananda Mahasthavir (Kath Nepal
Co-operative Press 1978) pp 11ff
[18] Bhkkhu Dharmaloka Mahasthavir A Pilgrimage in China (kath
published by Bhikkhu Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1999) p 13-15 Opcit Lacoul
Nepalay Sthavirvada p 74-75
[19] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka p 15
[20] Opcit Bhikkhu dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp16ff
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p100
[21] Ibit Bhikkhu Dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp 27-29
[22] See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A Homage
(Kath Anandakuti Vihar Trust 1992) Kuladharma Ratna Tuladhar Buddhism
in Nepal (Kath Dharmodaya Sabha 1986) pp15 Opcit Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 100
[23] Opcit K R Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal 16 RV Vandya
Sanghanayaka ven Pragnananda p 32 ff
[24] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka Pragnananda pp 34-35
Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthavirvada p 86
[25] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 18 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 101
[26] Bhikkhu Amritananda Mahasthavir A Short History of Theravada
Buddhism in Modern Nepal (Kath Anandakuti Vihar trust 1986) pp 8-9
Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir (Kath Anandakuti
Vihar Trust 1992) p 25
[27] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 19 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[28] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[29] Opcit Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir
p 26
[30] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit KR
Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 20
[31] Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha in Nepal
(BKK A Thesis of MA Buddhist Study Mahachulalongkorn University 2547)
p 23 [32]
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit Ratna
Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir p 26
[33] Amrit R Sthapit bdquowho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Aswaghosha‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 4 no 1 May 2001
p8
[34] helliphelliphelliphelliphellip bdquoWho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Nyanapurninka Mahasthavir‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 7
no 1 May 2004 p13 Viswo Shanti Vihar The Shanti Sandesh (Kath Viswo
Shanti Vihar 1998)
[35] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sumangala Mahasthavir
A monk who modernized Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the
LNBDS UK vol 2 no 1 May 1999 p10
[36] Opcit Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha
in Nepal pp 52ff
[37] Rina Tuladhara Dharmakirti 25 Years of Dharmakirti Buddhist
Study Circle A Glimpse (Kath Dharmakirti Vihar 1996) Mallika Sakya
bdquoWho is Who in Nepalese Buddhism Dhammavati Guruma‟ Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 5 no 1 May 2002 p10
[38] Opcit See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A
Homage Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 108
[39] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sudarshan Mahasthavir A
Gem of the Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol
6 no 1 May 2003 p13
4
Chinese travellers Fa Hian (AD 403) and Hiuen Tsang (AD
636) also described the existence of dilapidated stupas monasteries and
palaces (Source Holy places of Buddhism in Nepal amp India ndash Trilok
Chandra Majupuria and Indra Majupuria)
According to historians Buddhism was a dominant religion
until the time of King Jayasthiti Malla who ruled Nepal during
medieval period (around 1382 CE) He imposed caste system in Nepal
according Manudharmasastra a Hindu holy book1 Buddhist culture
and tradition were banned the celibate monks were forced to disrobe
and forced to marry Vajrayana or Newar Buddhism was developed
following the demise of Theravada Buddhism The situation of
Buddhist became worse during the time of Rana government who ruled
Nepal from1846 to the dawn of democracy in 1950 That was the age
when Buddhism was totally forgotten by non-Buddhist of Nepal It was
known and practised by only certain castes-Vajracharyas
(Bajracharyas) Shakyas Tuladhars etc The Rana government banned
all Buddhist religious activities They also banned people converting
from Hindu religion to Buddhism but traditional Buddhists were
allowed to become Hindus
5
Revival of Theravada Buddhism started in the closing years of
19th
century Mr Jagat Man Vaidya (later known as Dharmaditya
Dharmacariya) of Patan Nepal started publishing Buddhist journals
from India where he was studying to promote Buddhism He also
started Buddha Jayanti (Vesak Day) Celebration to commemorate
birth enlightenment and death (parinibbana) of the Buddha This was
first celebrated in modern Nepal in 1926
According to Lalit Bistara in Newari language influences of
Dharmaditya‟s campaign and Tibetan Lamas motivated some Nepalese
to take ordination according to Theravada tradition The first Nepali to
take ordination according to this tradition was Venerable Mahapragna
a Hindu Shrestha by birth in 1928 in India under Venerable U
Chandramani a Burmese monk at Kusinagar Other Nepalese followed
his example and took Ordination under the same Burmese monk in
India But when they return to Nepal they were arrested imprisoned
and then exiled
Towards the later year of Rana regime the attitude of the
government towards Theravada Buddhism and Theravada monks and
nuns softened and the exiled monks were allowed to return to Nepal to
6
practice the religion according to Theravada tradition Until that time
only Vajrayana monks (Bajracharyas) who are really a householders
and Tibetan Lamas were known to Nepalese After the advent of the
democracy in 1950 Theravada tradition thrived and made rapid in road
into Nepalese society Both His Majesty King Tribhuvan the father of
the nation and his son king Mahendra were supportive to Theravada
revival movements Because of the enthusiasm of Theravada monks
and nuns their lay supporters and encouragement from their Majesties
Theravada tradition progressed and became a part of Nepalese religious
life Many more Nepalese men and women took ordinations
Theravada monasteries were opened in different parts of the country
At present there are 96 Theravada Viharas in the country 303
Bhikkhus and Samaneras Sangha members and 135 Anagarikas Some
are resident in Nepal and others are either studying or practising
dhamma in other countries of Asia and Europe and in Australia and
United States of America (Source The Ananda Bhoomi year 33
issues 32 and 33)
Late Venerable Amritananda Mahasthavir deservers special
mention in Theravada revival movement in Nepal He played a
7
prominent role in promotion of Theravada Buddhism in Nepal He
founded Dharmodaya Sabha All Nepal Bhikshu Association (Akhil
Nepal Bhikshu Sangha) travelled widely promoting dhamma and
translated and published many Buddhist texts
Late Venerable Bhikshu Sudharshan added a different
dimension to the movement He started training centre with the aim of
broadening ordination to other ethnic groups Until then Newars ndash
original inhabitants of Kathmandu Valley were the only ones who have
taken ordinations in this tradition Because of his foresight and timely
action many people from other ethnic groups have accepted Theravada
Buddhism and some has taken ordination Ven Nyanapurnika of
Viswasanti Vihar who established Novice Training Centre Ven
Ashowghosa of Sangharama who trained most of the present leading
monks of Nepal and Anagarika Dhammavati of Dharmakirti (Now
Bhikkhuni according to Mahayana) who established Nunnery training
centre are also well known figures in Theravada in Nepal
At present all three traditions Newar Buddhism (Vajrayana)
Tibetan Mahayana Buddhism and Theravada Buddhism have become
acceptable Buddhist traditions in Nepal Theravada Buddhist monks
8
and nuns with their saffron coloured robe along with Tibetan Lamas
and Bajracharyas are familiar features in Nepalese society especially
in Kathmandu valley
Introduction
Theravada Buddhism the doctrine of the elders is the oldest
unbroken traditional Buddhist tradition practised by people since the
time of the Buddha It is found today in Sri Lanka (Ceylon) Myanmar
(Burma) Thailand Cambodia Laos and Chittagong (Bangladesh)[2]
Theravāda Buddhism in modern Nepal was introduced about 80 years
ago Since then it has emerged as a major force in modern Nepal It
plays significant roles in different fields of Nepalese society and
Buddhists have begun to engage in both traditional and modern
activities Even though it re-emerged only few decades ago the origins
of Theravāda Buddhism in Nepal are to be found in the time of Gotama
the Buddha The Buddha the founder of Buddhism was born in
Lumbini within the borders of present-day Nepal Very early in its
history then important Buddhist events occurred on the southern
plains of Nepal There are many references in ancient Pāli literature of
9
Buddhist activities held in and near Kapilavatthu the Buddha‟s
hometown The Buddhist scriptures say that not only was the Buddha
born in what is now Nepal but also visited his home several times after
he had become the Buddha
Although the Buddha was born in Nepal the history of
Buddhism in Nepal is not very clear According to Buddhist literatures
he did visit Nepal gave discourses and ordained some monks and nuns
There are monasteries and stupas spread in different parts of the
country but due to lack of records or clear evidence it is difficult to say
when they were built Historians have identified the Stupa of Yogini in
Gumvihara at Sankhu Kathmandu as the oldest stupa in Kathmandu
Valley It is generally believed that the origin of this vihāra dates to
the time of the early introduction of Buddhism in ancient times around
the first century CE Harishchandra Lal Singha a historian says
ldquoTheravāda was the earliest form of Buddhism prevalent in Nepal as in
many countries of Asia where Buddhism flourishedrdquo However
traditional Theravāda texts do not contain any information about
Theravāda in Nepal The texts of other Buddhist schools nevertheless
10
say that some of the Buddha‟s disciples went to Nepal‟s Kathmandu
Valley
There is evidence that the King Asoka of Magadha visited
Lumbini in Nepal He was a great patron and staunch supporter of
Buddhism during his time It is said that in the 20th
year after his
accession to the throne of the Maurya Dynasty and following the Third
Buddhist Council the King made pilgrimages to historic places of
Buddhist interest and erected stone pillars He is also said to have
visited Nepal Valley Dr D Wright writes that the Emperor King
Ashoka visited Kathmandu Valley at the time of the fourteenth Kirati
King Sthungko of the Kirat dynasty with his spiritual guide Venerable
Upagupta Queen Tissyarakshita and a daughter named Carumati He
sent nine missionary groups to different places A group of four monks
led by Ven Majjima came to Nepal and succeeded in propagating
Buddhism in Nepal It was said that Buddhism was a well-know
religion then and practised by people in their daily life It is believed
that the Buddhism that was practised during King Asoka‟s time was
Theravada Buddhism Unfortunately for some unknown reason
popularity of Buddhism declined and its identity lost for many
11
centuries According to the recorded history of Nepal after the social
reforms carried out by King Jayasthiti Malla (1382-95 CE) Buddhism
went into decline and developed into Newār Buddhism However
Theravada Buddhism was re-introduced once again in Nepal in the
closing years of 19th
century by Nepalese who came in contact with the
Maha Bodhi society of India
Anagarika Dharmapala a Sri Lankan Buddhist founded this
Maha Bodhi Society Nepalese who came in contact with this society
took initial steps for revival of Theravada activities in Nepal Nearly a
century later Theravada once again gained foothold in Nepal
Presently there are number of Theravada Buddhist monasteries in the
country The numbers of Nepalese Buddhist monks and nuns have also
increased Some are resident in Nepal and others are studying and
carrying out dhamma work in Sri Lanka Thailand Myanmar and
other countries Beside dhamma work they are also engaged in various
charitable works like education health social welfare etc for the
upliftment of Nepali community wherever they are
12
Background
As I have mentioned earlier history of Buddhism in Nepal is
very vague There are some evidences that Buddhism was popular
during Buddha‟s time in Nepal There are also evidences that the
Buddha visited Nepal gave discourses to relatives and Buddhists and
ordained Bhikkhus and Bhikkhunis[3]
According to Buddhist scholar‟s
Theravada tradition existed in Nepal since the time of the Lord
Buddha
The evidence was more reliable from the account of King
Asoka The great emperor of ancient India King Asoka visited
Lumbini and erected stone pillar with inscription in Bramhi script
which in English reads bdquo Here the Buddha was born‟
(Hidabhagavamjāteti Lum minigāme) As mentioned before he also
sent Dhamma Missionary (Dhammaduta) to Nepal after third Buddhist
council (Sanghayana) which was held three hundred years after
Buddha‟s parinibbana Buddhist legends has it that one of King
Asoka‟s daughter Carumati married a Nepali called Devapal and
settled in Cabahil Katmandu where she constructed a temple- Cabahil
monastery and became a Bhikkhuni for the rest of her life[4]
Besides
13
these the records of Chinese travelers who visited Buddhist
pilgrimage sites in India and Nepal after King Ashoka‟s visit also gave
some information on existence of Theravada Buddhist monks who
practised and studied along with other Buddhist sects in Nepal[5]
According to historians Buddhism was a dominant religion
until the time of King Jayasthiti Malla who ruled Nepal during
medieval period (around 1382 CE) He imposed caste system in Nepal
according Manudharmasastra a Hindu holy book[6]
Buddhist culture
and tradition were banned the celibate monks were forced to disrobe
and forced to marry Vajrayana or Newar Buddhism was developed
following the demise of Theravada Buddhism The situation of
Buddhist became worse during the time of Rana government In 1846
the mantle of power of Nepal‟s government shifted from the monarchy
to autocratic isolationist Rana government The Shah kings of the
country were kept under tight control of Rana prime ministers[7]
The
country was closed from outside world and kept her eyes closed to
what was happening outside for nearly 104 years That was the age
when Buddhism was totally forgotten by non-Buddhist of Nepal It was
14
known and practised by only certain communities Vajracharyas
(Bajracharyas) Shakyas Tuladhars etc[8]
The Rana government
banned all Buddhist religious activities They also banned people
converting from Hindu religion to Buddhism but traditional Buddhists
were allowed to become Hindus
Theravada Revival Movement
In the early 1920s Dharmāditya Dharmācārya began his
campaign for the revival of Theravāda Buddhism teaching that Nepal
was the land of the Buddha‟s birth Meanwhile the Baisākha purnimā
celebration and publicing of ldquoBuddha Dhammardquo magazine by
Dharmāditya Dharmācārya had been inflaming the inner quest for
spirituality in Nepalewse society Furthermore simulteniously Tibeten
Buddhism had been inspiring Newari Society to walk the path that was
once nearly lost One of the well-known monks who came from Tibet
and preached the Dhamma to the Nepalese was Kyangtse Lama
Known in Nepal as Kyanchhe Lama he had come on pilgrimage to
Nepal His sermons and the publication of the Lalitavistara inspired
many to seek Buddhist ordination in the early period of the modern
15
history of Buddhism in Nepal It was the fortunate conjunction of
Nisthananda‟s translation of the Lalitavistara into the mother tongue
producing a Newāri version of the Buddha‟s life story Dharmāditya
Dharmācārya revivalism and the visits of Kyangtse Lama which
ensured that ldquothe Bud of the Dharmardquo planted by the Venerable Lama
should flower so quickly and produce such impressive fruit His
influence on Newāri scholars was significant One of them was
Yogbeer Sing Kansakar who was honoured for his efforts for the
preservation of the Newāri language The Lama also influenced the
first Theravāda monks Venerable Mahapragya and Venerable
Pragyānanda among others
The closing years of 19th
century saw reform movements in
many Buddhist countries with idea of modernizing Buddhist
movement The term bdquoBuddhist modernization‟ is used to refer to these
new reformist activities[9]
The aim of this movement was to bring
back Buddhism to India and Sri Lanka The Maha Bodhi Society was
founded in India under the leadership of Anagarika Dharmapala[10]
16
This organization was the first Buddhist organization established with
the aim of internationalizing Buddhism
The success of The Maha Bodhi Society encouraged Nepalese
who came in contact with this society They were mostly traditional
Buddhists (Newar Buddhists) of Nepal who were merchants and
pilgrims They played an important role in Theravada revival
movement in present day Nepal However it was students of Buddhism
who gave a kick-start to Theravada movements in modern Nepal
Mr Jagatman Vaidya a traditional Buddhist by birth went to
India for further studies He initiated the Theravada Buddhist revival
movement with the help of The Mahabodhi Society[11]
Mr Jagatman
who later became known as Dharmaditya Dharmacariya devoted most
of his time and energy to Buddhist Revivalism in Nepal by publishing
Buddhist journal in Newari Nepali Hindi English etc One of his
great deeds was to celebrate Baisakh day Buddha Jayanti or Swanya
Punhi in Nepal to commemorate Buddha‟s birth enlightenment and
death (Parinibbana) He established bdquoBuddha Dharma Uddhar
Sangharsquo lsquoBuddhopasaka Sangha‟ and other organizations for the
propagation of Buddhism in Nepal[12]
17
The Buddha Jayanti which he has initiated was celebrated for
the first time in the history of modern Nepal in 1926 after a long gap
Now a day this day is widely celebrated in Nepal Every year people
celebrate it with great joy and happiness[13]
He was also responsible
for stopping animal slaughter at Mayadevi temple in Lumbini and
renovation of Kindol Vihar in Kathmandu This Vihara became the
center for Theravada revival movement[14]
He published Buddhist
magazine entitled bdquoBuddha Dharmarsquo in Newari Language
(Nepalabhasa) emphasizing the importance of Buddha Jayanti
celebration and Theravadian views This was the starting point of
Theravada activities and promotion of Theravadian views in Nepal
after many centuries Some Nepalese youths took ordination according
to Theravada tradition in 1928 They were imprisoned for four days
The Government at the time was under the influence of Shaivait
Brahmins who were calling for a ban against Buddhism Later he was
arrested for his conversion from a Hindu to a Buddhist monk Three
new rules suppressing Buddhism had been issued
18
(1) Conversion to Buddhism from Hinduism (Shaivaism) to be
punished by one year in prison
(2) Acting as preceptor at a Buddhist ordination to be punished by
three years‟ imprisonment and
(3) Attempting to ordain into Buddhism to be punished by a six-
month imprisonment
They were exiled to India and all reordained into Theravada
tradition with ven U Kosala in Buddhagaya However certain reasons
they left the tradition The history speaks only on Ven Mahapragya but
rest of other four monks still under discovery The first Nepalese to
take ordination in Theravada tradition was venerable Mahapragna a
Hindu Shrestha by birth in 1926 After few years study in Tibet again
he went to India where he met Ven U Chandramani a Burmese monk
at Kusinagara[15]
He was impressed with Ven Chandramani and took
Theravada ordination from him This was the starting point for
Theravada ordination once again in the history of modern Nepal after
almost 600 years[16]
Since then Theravadin monastic order been settled
in modern Nepal
19
On the other hand Venerable Pragyananda (Karmasheel) who
converted from Gelung of Tibetan tradition to Theravada with Ven U
Chandramani at Kusinagara India was the first yellow-robed monk
who appeared in the street of Kathmandu valley at the end of 1930s[17]
He stayed at Kindol Vihar at the invitation of Dasaratna Shahu (later
Ven Dharmaloka) and gave discourses The attendance at his
discourses increased day by day and it worried then Rana government
and arrested all the members of Vihar They were imprisoned fined
and later released[18]
Fortunately Ven Pragnananda was in different
place and was not arrested He went on pilgrimage to India with some
devotees His four devotees took ordination under guidance of Ven U
Chandramani at Kusinagar They were Samanera Shasana Jyoti
Anagarika Ratna Pali Anagarika Dhamma Pali and Anagarika
Sangha Pali This was the first nun‟s ordination in Theravada
Buddhism in modern Nepal[19]
In the mean time Dasaratna Shahu
who was running Kindol Vihar brought Civar and bowl from Sri Lanka
for monk ceremonies Soon after his release from prison he took
ordination according to Theravada tradition at Kusinagar from Ven U
Chandramani and became Samanera Dhammaloka in 1932[20]
He
20
visited Nepal as a monk but was arrested immediately on his arrival in
Kathmandu and was imprisoned once again for six days and then
released without charging him with any offences Following his release
from prison he went to stay at Kindol Vihar and continued his
religious activities He was finally able to carry out religious activities
freely in Nepal He succeeded to propagate Theravada Buddhism in the
streets of Kathmandu valley[21]
Later he founded Nepal‟s first
Theravada Buddhist temple bdquoAnandakutirsquo at the foothill of Swayambhu
hill and it became the center for Theravada Sangha in modern Nepal
Venerable Amritananda was another well-known Buddhist
scholar and pioneer person for revival of Theravada Buddhism in
modern Nepa[22]
He was ordained under Ven U Chandramani at
Kusinagara in 1936 CE but was imprisoned along with Ven
Mahapragna at Bhojpur in 1937 In 1942 he came back to Nepal from
abroad after completing his study and gave discourses at the request of
Ven Dharmaloka in Swayambhu during vassavasa days (Three months
Buddhist lent) His public discourses impressed lay people and many
people came to listen to him Other Monks Samaneras and Nuns of
21
Nepal who were studying abroad also came back and joined him and
gave public discourses in different places of Kathmandu valley[23]
This
was a great breakthrough during isolationist Rana government Rana
government of the time banned any public assembly because of fear of
political unrest and demand for political reform in Nepal Because of
their religious activities they were arrested on 30th
July 1944 and
brought in front of then Prime Minister Juddha Shamsher Jung Bahadur
Rana for giving verdict on the charges of propagating the dhamma He
made rules to curtail the Buddhist activities Those who didn‟t follow
these rules were asked either to leave the country or return to worldly
life All the respected monks who were active in revival of Theravada
in Nepal refused to obey the order and were exiled once again from
Nepal The exiled monks this time included Ven Pragnananda Ven
Dharmaloka Ven Subhodhananda Ven Pragnarashmi Samanera
Pragnarasa Samanera Ratnajyoti Samanera Agga Dhamma and
Samanera Kumar The nuns were allowed to remain in the Vihar until
the end of the Vassavasa[24]
22
Development of Theravada Buddhism
The exiled monks formed bdquoDharmodaya Sabha‟ - Nepal‟s first
Buddhist organization with the help of other Buddhist organizations
and individuals on 30th
November 1944 in India under the
chairmanship of Ven U Chandramani Ven Amritananda was its
general secretary[25]
Immediately after establishment of bdquoDharmodaya
Sabha‟ Ven Amritananda wrote a protest letter to Nepalese
government and also appealed to other Buddhist organizations on
behalf of Dharmodaya Sabha He visited many places and various
countries to get support against the expulsion of Buddhist monks from
modern Nepal One of the countries he visited and undertook further
studies was Sri Lanka In Sri Lanka he also succeeded in bringing a
goodwill mission to Nepal in 1946 under the leadership of well-known
scholar Ven Narada Mahasthavir of Vajiraramaya Colombo The
members of this mission consisted of Ven Narada Ven Amritananda
Ven Priyadarshi Dr Ratna Surya and Prof Aryapal They were able
to meet the newly appointed Prime Minister Padma Shumsher J Rana
Ven Amritananda and leader of the mission Ven Narada requested his
23
Excellency to give permission for the exiled monks to return to Nepal
Prime Minister Padma Shamsher accepted their request and permitted
the exiled monks to return Ven Dharmaloka was the first one to come
back to Nepal immediately after receiving a letter from Ven
Amritananda and arrived in Kathmandu in June 1946 (Jesth Sukla 6
2003)[26]
Other monks also returned one by one and again started
propagating Theravada Buddhism in modern Nepal Ven Narada
visited Nepal three times and constructed a Sri Lankan Cetiya at
Anandakuti Vihar He brought a branch of Bodhi tree Buddha‟s relic
to Nepal He also established the first Sima (Uposatha) of Nepal for
Bhikkhus at the Vihara During his third visit he met then Prime
Minister Mohana Shamasher J Rana and requested him to declare
Baisakh Purnima or Buddha Day as a public holiday His Excellency
agreed and declared it as a public holiday for the Buddhist government
civil officers[27]
Since then Theravada Buddhism gained ground in
Nepalese society and made progress Theravada monks propagated
Buddhism by performing ceremonies giving Dharmadesana and
publishing Buddhist texts Many Viharas were built in and outside the
Kathmandu valley to propagate dhamma
24
In 1950 democracy replaced autocratic Rana regime under the
leadership of H M King Tribhuvan This heralded rapid development
of Theravada Buddhism Buddhist monks and nuns were able carry out
their duties freely without hindrances throughout the country The
office of bdquoDharmodaya Sabha‟ shifted from Kalimpong to Kathmandu
after the advent of democracy in 19501 In 1951 Bhikkhu Sangha led
by Ven Amritananda formed lsquoAkhil Nepal Bhikkhu Sangharsquo (All
Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha Council) for the further propagation of
Buddhism in Nepal Ven Amritananda played a great role in
propagation of Theravada Buddhism nationwide His close relationship
with their Majesties helped in his activities[28]
He visited many
countries on behalf of All Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha and Dharmodaya
Sabha In the same year Buddhists of Nepal succeeded in bringing the
relics of Ven Sariputta (Ven Sariputra) and Ven Maudhgalyana
(Ven Moggallana) the foremost disciples of the Buddha for the
exhibition in Nepal His Majesty King Tribhuvan chaired the reception
committee and a reception party was held in the Royal Palace[29]
Following year in 1952 Buddha Jayanti was celebrated throughout the
country with the support of HM King Tribhuvan On this occasion
25
HM King declared Baisakh Purnima or Buddha Jayanti day as a
public holiday throughout the kingdom[30]
In 1956 His late Majesty King Mahendra visited Lumbini the
birthplace of the Buddha and erected a Mahendra Pillar in Lumbini
zone In the same year during 2500th
Buddha Jayanti celebration HM
king banned animal slaughter on this auspicious day throughout the
kingdom[31]
Nepalese Buddhists led by All Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha
Council and Dharmodaya Sabha also organized the Fourth World
Fellowship of Buddhist Conference (WFB) in Kathmandu on this
year[32]
His Majesty‟s government cooperated fully and gave every
assistance for the success of the conference Gradually Theravada
Buddhist monasteries were founded Buddhist Education Buddhapuja
meditation public discourses publications of Buddhist texts and mass
ordination etc took place as a part of dhamma activities Burma Sri
Lanka Thailand and other countries helped Nepal in its effort for
Theravada revival Soon after Theravada Buddhist monks established
the first Bhikkhu training center- Sangharama Vihar and ordained
number of novices under the leadership of Ven Ashogosha
Mahasthavir[33]
Following their ordination they were sent to Sri
26
Lanka Burma and Thailand for their higher ordination and education
Many of these monks have returned to Nepal and are actively engaged
in propagation of dhamma Besides ordination of individual novices
mass ordinations for short periods were also held in different temple
After Anandakuti Vihar the Viswasanti Vihara also established
Vishwa Shanti Bauddha Shikshalaya a Buddhist School under Ven
Nyanapunnika Mahathavir[34]
It teaches both national and Buddhist
curriculum to the novices Now there are nearly 100 Theravada
temples more than four hundred monks and Samaneras and nearly 400
nuns in the country Present Sangha Nayaka is Most Ven
Subodhananda of Gana Mahavihara Kathmandu President of All
Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha is Kumar Kashyapa of Ananda Kuti Vihar
Swayambhu Kathmandu and the head office of All Nepal Bhikkhu
Sangha is in Viswo Santi Vihara New Baneshwor Kathmandu
27
Contribution to Nepalese society
Besides promoting Dhamma Theravada monks and nuns
(Anagarikas) are also involved in other welfare activities like
organising free health camps training centers either in the monasteries
or outside the monasteries They also founded center for old age and
Kindergarten Late Ven Sumangala Mahasthavira[35]
initiated free
clinic at Buddha Vihar a Buddhist home for the elderly at Benepa and
a Buddhist Kindergarten Free Clinics were popular because of lack of
adequate government run clinics in Nepal Many monasteries
organized free clinics Regular clinics like eye and Homeopathic were
run either on weekly or monthly basis Annual campaigns are also run
when it was felt necessary
In 1964 All Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha established a Theravada
education system Pariyatti Sikkha or Nepal Bauddha Pariyatti Siksa
(Buddhist Saturday School) Classes are run in Theravada Buddhist
monasteries Tibetan monasteries other Buddhist centers in public and
private schools There are more than 32 centers throughout the
28
country[36]
Presently its head office is at Viswo Santi Vihara in New
Baneswora Kathmandu
Besides Pariyatti Sikkha Ven Amritananda founded a
Buddhist school - bdquoAnandakuti Vidyapith Boarding School‟ and a
college- bdquoSiddharth Science Campus‟ Both Buddhist monks and lay
people used to teach in these institutions It was started as a Buddhist
school but for some reason it has become a private enterprise Besides
these many monks and nuns are also running other educational
institutions like bdquoNursery school (Siddhartha Shisu Niketan Buddha
Vihar) Primary school (Triple Gem Boarding School) and Higher
Schools There are some Higher Education institutes like Siddharth
University in Banepa International Buddhist University in Lumbini
etc Many Buddhist organizations were founded and they were also
running different classes and research centers like Dharmakirti
Buddhist Research Center Anagarika Dhammavati founded this centre
Later on Anagarika Dhammavati was ordained as Bhikkhuni
according to Taiwanese tradition She is one of the well-known nuns in
the Theravada Buddhism in Nepal[37]
29
The Buddhist temples and organizations bring out number of
publications annually monthly weekly and on special occasions
Dharmodaya Anandabhumi and Dharmakirti are the oldest
Buddhist journals in Nepal and still continued to be published
Ven Amritananda was one of the greatest Buddhist scholars of
Nepal He wrote and translated many books on Buddhism There are
still no other monks or nun in Nepal who can be compared with
him[38]
Late Ven Sudharsan Mahasthavir came close to him Ven
Sudharsan was a pillar of Theravada Buddhism after Ven
Amritananda He was famous for different reason His field of interest
beside dhamma work consisted literature language Archaeology etc
He was a resident monk at Srikirti Vihar Kirtipur and held the post of
professor in History Archaeology and Buddhist philosophy at
Tribhuvan University until his death in July 2002 Some of his books in
Buddhism became course book for BA and MA students in Nepal
He had special interest in archaeology of Lumbini and was an expert on
this subject[39]
30
Revival of Theravada Buddhism in Nepal also had profound
effect in cultural and religious way of life of Nepalese Daily chanting
or Buddhapuja short term ordination observing Sila (Moral code)
caste system celebration of Vesak day celibate life were introduced
In the month of Bhadra or Gunla days (AugustSeptember) Buddhist
hymns are chanted and public discourses are given
Late Ven Sudharshan Mahasthavir formed Sri Kirti Buddhist
center at Sri Kirti Vihar with the aim of introducing Buddhism to other
ethnic groups other than Newars- the original inhabitants of Katmandu
valley This project succeeded in bringing other ethic groups into
Theravada Buddhism As a result of this many ethnic groups who were
originally Buddhists have started organizing Buddhist conferences and
Buddhist activities Another important development is formation of
Gyanmala Bhajan Khala - a Buddhist hymn group This group sings
regularly especially during certain auspicious days at Swayambhu and
other Buddhist sites The songs they sing are based on Buddha‟s
teaching and has been successful in promoting Buddhism in simple
melodious hymns which attracts many people who visits these
religious places
31
Theravadin in Nepalese Society
For centuries Nepalese were aware of only Buddhist priest
(Bajracharya) from Newar Buddhism (Vajrayana) and Tibetan Lamas
They were unaware of Theravadian Buddhist monks and nuns
Bajracharyas are household monks They lead domestic lives and are
not celibate Not all Tibetan monks are celibate It depends on the
school they belong to For example monks from Sakya School of
Tibetan tradition do not have to be celibate Theravada monks wear
distinctive saffron coloured robes They are celibate and lead virtuous
monastic life These monks and nuns have different identity in the eyes
of Nepalese especially the inhabitants of Kathmandu valley Their
simple way of life their full dedication in their work for the benefit of
mankind easily understood Theravada Scriptures translated in different
languages eg in Nepal Bhasa (Newari) Nepali in Hindi and in
English for easy accessibility by different groups helped to gain the
heart of Nepalese people Although many lay people have played
pivotal roles in revival of Theravada Buddhism in Nepal the leadership
32
of monks and nuns were vital in further development and survival of
this tradition
The lay Buddhists of Nepal are pluralistic They participate in
Buddhist ceremonies such as Vesak day daily chanting etc At the
same time they also follow Hindu customs in their daily lives
Buddhism is different from Hinduism and it is not a branch of
Hinduism Hindus believe that Buddha was a reincarnation of Lord
Vishnu Buddha never claimed to be anything other than a human
being ndash although a unique one in the history of mankind
Buddhism in Nepal is unique because of existence of three
different Buddhist traditions - Newar Buddhism (Vajrayana)
Tibetan Buddhism (Mahayana) and Theravada Buddhism
Different Buddhist groups practised different traditions Although the
principle underlying all these traditions is the same they differ in
details Theravada Buddhist tradition is different from Tibetan or
Newar Buddhist traditions but it is developing side-by-side with them
It was not possible for Theravada Buddhism to develop in Nepal
without close co-relation with other traditions but later developed on its
own right These various Buddhist traditions are coexisting in present
33
day Nepal Although they have different cultural traditions and are
developing in their own ways but the followers are the same
Therefore there is no separate identity of Theravadian lay Buddhists
There are number of lay Buddhist organizations such as Dharmodaya
Sabha Dharmakirti Institute Young Buddhist Associations Female
Buddhist Associations more recently Sukhi Hotu Nepal which are
playing important role in promotion of Buddha Dhamma but they are
multi-cultural and multi religious in their daily practices
CONCLUSION
Theravada Buddhism was introduced to Nepal at the time when
public meetings were banned It faced many obstacles at the beginning
Strong dedications of monks and nuns made it possible for its revival in
Nepal after many centuries of neglect Even though the revival
movement of this tradition was started only about 80 years ago it has
already gained strong foot hold in Nepal and gaining popularity day by
day The reason for its popularity lies in many things - the simple and
easily understood way the teachings were given the simple way of life
of monks and nuns lead and various beneficial activities undertaken by
34
Viharas Theravadin Buddhist monks and nuns are well accepted by
people and their contribution in promoting Buddha‟s teachings is
widely recognized Although small in number in comparison to other
Asian countries like Thailand Sri Lanka and Burma both the number
of monks and nuns and monasteries of this tradition are increasing day
by day If this trend continues it will become one of the prominent
religious traditions in Nepal It is only natural that this oldest Buddhist
tradition should gain its place of honour it deserve in a country where
the founder of the religion was born
35
Theravada Records in Nepal
List of Monks Novices and Anagarikas studying abroad
MONKS AND NOVICES
I Thailand
1 Bhikkhu Anil Man Dhammasakiyo (Sugandha)
2 Bhikkhu Vipassi Dhammaramo
3 Bhikkhu Jit Bahadur Gurung
4 Bhikkhu Krishna Thapamagar
5 Bhikkhu Pannamurti
6 Bhikkhu Sujan Sujano
7 Bhikkhu Anil Sumankitti
8 Bhikkhu Santosh Santosho
9 Bhikkhu Khemik Suddhasilo
10 Bhikkhu Suman Rocano
11 Bhikkhu Sanu Maharajano
12 Bhikkhu Santamano Dhwajjoshi
13 Bhikkhu Suman Dhwajjoshi
14 Bhikkhu Bijit Khemasakko
15 Bhikkhu Supreme Shakyavanso
Samaneras
1 Samanera Buddharatna Maharjan
2 Samanera Dhammaratna Maharjan
3 Samanera Bipin Maharjan
4 Samanera Prajwal Shakya
5 Samanera Ukesh Sakya
6 Samanera Gopi Maharjan
7 Samanera Sudip Deshar
8 Samanera Sudat Deshar
9 Samanera Deepi Maharjan
10 Samanera Ramit Shrestha
11 Samanera Anup Deshar
12 Samanera Suman Bajracharya bdquoA‟
13 Samanera Rajendra Deshar
14 Samanera Kapila Maharjan
15 Samanera Arbin Shakya
36
16 Samanera Kabindra Bajracharya
17 Samanera Ujjawal Shakya
18 Samanera Satish Shakya
19 Samanera Bimal Gurung
20 Samanera Surya Gurung
21 Samanera Sameer Maharjan
22 Samanera Anup Shakya
23 Samanera Arjun Magar
24 Samanera Kiran Desahar
25 Samanera Dipesh Shrestha
26 Samanera Tejendra Tamang
27 Samanera Ashim Shakya
28 Samanera Jalap Bajracharya
29 Samanera Arya Dev Bajracharya
30 Samanera Sudarshan Maharjan
31 Samanera Sangharatna
32 Samanera Suman Bajracharya bdquoB‟
33 Samanera Kijan Maharjan
34 Samanera Ramesh Maharjan
35 Samanera Niroj Maharjan
36 Samanera Jen Maharjan
37 Samanera Denish Bajracharya
38 Samanera Pritam Bahadur Shakya
39 Samanera Abhishek Shakya
40 Samanera Bishal Shakya
41 Samanera Sajal Shakya
42 Samanera Suraj Bhakta Shrestha
43 Samanera Dinesh Chaudhary
44 Samanera Shiv Swatantra Tharu
45 Samanera Sambhu Lal Khang
46 Samanera Buddharatna Chaudhary
47 Samanera Mukesh Chaudhary
II Myanmar (Burma)
Bhikkhu Samaneras
1 Bhikkhu Panavimala
2 Bhikkhu Dhyanratna
3 Bhikkhu Adiccho
4 Bhikkhu Vimalbuddhi
5 Bhikkhu Shobhan
6 Samanera Amato
7 Samanera Jutimma
8 Samanera Buddhapiyo
9 Samanera Kavindo
10 Samanera Nagasena
11 Samanera Gyanavudho
III Taiwan(ROC) 1 Bhikkhu Mangala 2 Bhikkhu Vazirbuddhi
IV Australia 1 Bhikkhu Upatissa
V India
1 Bhikkhu Dharmajyoti 2 Bhikkhu Ashokakirti
3 Bhikkhu Narawang Tamang
VI United kingdom 1 Bhikkhu Suman
VII USA 1 Bhikkhu Pragnaloka
VIII Sri Lanka
Bhikkhus
Bhikkhu Nanda
Bhikkhu Vineeta
Bhikkhu Ashoka
Bhikkhu Triratna
Bhikkhu Sagara
Bhikkhu Sankicca
Bhikkhu Vajirasiri
Bhikkhu Sarada
Bhikkhu Veenit
Bhikkhu Ratana
Bhikkhu Tissa
Bhikkhu Vajira
Bhikkhu Pannawimal
Bhikkhu Medhankar
Bhikkhu Pannasara
SARAMANERAS
Saranankara
Piyadassi
Dil Bhadra
Chandima
Samita
Narada bdquoA‟
Piyaratna
Kusala
Lakkhana
Udit
Vibekanada
Pannananda
Mettananda
Chandananda
Yassari
Upali
Subodhi
Mahanama
Kashyapa
Dhammapala
Narada bdquoB‟
Nalaka bdquoA‟
Daywasa
Santa Sobhana
Santa Siddhartha
Santa Maitri
Santa Kosala
Santa Sakya
Suvaca
Sukama Sila
Siddhartha
Nanda bdquoA‟
Rahula
Sudheera
Kosala Dheera
Panna Wansa
Jina Wansa
Mahinda
Nanda bdquoB‟
Seewali
Mahapantha
Assaji
Sarada
Sumana
Ananda
Nalaka bdquoB‟
Aloka
Suwarna
Subodh
Udena
Sangharatna bdquoA‟
Gyanendra
Khema
Soma bdquoA‟
Punna
Panna Ransi
Soma bdquoB‟
Santa bdquoA‟
Kapila Wansa
Asita Wansa
Sumanananda bdquoa‟
Vijitananda
Khemananda
Silananda
Medhananda
Somaratna
Soratha
Pragyananda
Sumangala
Santa Citta
Yasa
Dhamma Kitti
Panna Kitti
Santa Dheera
Vijitananda
Sumanananda bdquob‟
Vajra Bodhi
Dhammika
Santa bdquoB‟
Anuruddha
Sumana bdquoB‟
Jinavamsa
Panna Vansa
Buddha Ratna
Dhamma Ratna
Ariya Ratna
Piyadassi bdquoB‟
Sila Ratna
Sangha Ratna bdquoB‟
List of Anagarikas studying in abroad
I Thailand
1 Anagarika Sirisuta Maharjan
2 Anagarika Ramsobha Shrestha
3 Anagarika Sunita Napit
II Myanmar
1 Anagarika Javanvati
2 Anagarika Vimalajnani
3 Anagarika Ambika
4 Anagarika Buddhapali
5 Anagarika Darshana
6 Anagarika Agrajnani
7 Anagarika Nandavati
bdquob‟
III India 1 Anagarika Rupashila
IV Taiwan
1 Anagarika Pannavati
2 Anagarika Sani
3 Anagarika Nima
V Sri Lanka
1 Anagarika Pannawati
2 Anagarika Mettawati
3 Anagarika Keshawati
4 Anagarika Prasnnawati
5 Anagarika Sukhawati
6 Anagarika Shobhawati
7 Anagarika Subhadra
8 Anagarika
Shraddhagautami
9 Anagarika Upananda
10 Anagarika Shantawati
11 Anagarika Suciwati
Residences of Theravādin Monks in Nepal
01 Abhinava Buddha Vihara Lumbini
1) Bhikkhu Vimalananda Mahathera
2) Samanera Sunanda
02 Anandakut Vihara Swayambhu Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Kumara Kassapa Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Dharmamurti 3) Samanera Kondanya
4) S Prajnaratna 5) S Asoka
6) S Kumarjeeva 7) S Assaji
03 Bauddha Samaskrita Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Bhikkhu Dharmashobhana Mahathera
04 Bodhicharya Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Bodhisena Mahathera
2) Samanera Bodhideepa
05 Buddha Vihara Bhrikuti Mandap-Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Kondanya 2) Bhikkhu Sushil
3) Samanera Anuyoga 3) S Javana
4) S Udena
06 Buddha Vihara Biratnagar
1) Bhikkhu Aloka
07 Buddha Vihara Dharan
1) Bhikkhu Maitri (Tamang)
2) Bhikkhu Chhavikirti
08 Chatubrahma Vihara Matatirtha
1) Bhikkhu Thansettho
2) Bhikkhu Samyakaratna
3) Bhikkhu Bodhananda
9 Charumati Stupa Vihara Chabahil Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Tapassi Dhamma
10 Dharmacakra Ashrama Bagbazar
1) Bhikkhu Milinda
11 Dharmashila Buddha Vihara Pokhara
1) Bhikkhu Subhadda 2) Bhikkhu Saddhananda
12 Dhyanakuti Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Ashwaghosha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Rahul 3) Samanera Gautama
13 Gana Maha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Sanghanayaka Bhikkhu Subodhanand Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sobhita
3) Bhikkhu Samvegakirti
4) Samanera Sugatananda
6) S Chandananda
7) S Somananda
8) S Sumanavamsha
9) S Somavamsha
10) S Sumanasiri
14 IlayabahiTanabaha Patan
1) Bhikkhu Vimalkirti
15 International Bauddha Pariyatti Vihara Butwal
1) Bhikkhu Jatila
2) Bhikkhu Bhaddiya bdquoB‟
3) Samanera Jnanashree 4) S Jotika
16 International Buddhist Society Lumbini
1) Bhikkhu Maitri Mahathera
2) Samanera Mahapanta
3) S Vimala
17 Jana Udaya Vihara Sunakothi-Lalitpura
1) Bhikkhu Dharmagupta
18 Jitavana Vihara Thankot
1) Bhikkhu Dharmavamsha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sugatamuni Mahathera
3) Samanera Sunita
19 Kuti Vihara Koteshwar-KTM
1) Bhikkhu Yeshdhammo
2) Samanera Wayamo
3) S Milindo 4) S Sunanalankara
20 Manimandapa Mahavihara Patan
1) Bhikshu Shilbhadra Mahathera
2) Samanera Paduma 3) S Nayako
21 Muni Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Samanera Tejendra 2) S Jalapa
3) S Asima 4) S Aryaputra
22 Padma Sugandha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Sumedha 2) Samanera Sudatta
23 Pati Vihara Nagadesh-Bhaktapur
1) Bhikkhu Varasambodhi
24 Pranidhi Purna Maha Vihara Balambu
1) Samanera Sukha
25 Pugatabhoomi Jetavana Vihara Bhairahawa
1) Samanera Jagaro 2) S Suvanno
26 Purvaram Vihara Dhulikhel
1) Bhikkhu Gunaghosha Mahathero
27 Sangharama Vihara Kshetrapati Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Saddhatissa
2) Bhikkhu Kolita
3) Bhikkhu Sangharakshita
28 Shakya Singha Vihara Patan
1) Bhikkhu Dharmapala Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sunanda Mahathera
3) Bhikkhu Dharmarakshita
29 Shikhalapura Vihara Dhulikhel
1) Bhikkhu Dhammananda Mahathera
30 Shree Kirti Vihara Kirtipur
1) Bhikkhu Kirtijyoti 2) Bhikkhu Ananda
3) Bhikkhu Prajnakirti
4) Bhikkhu Dharmakirti
5) Samanera Sundara 6) Bhikkhu Pamit
7) S Subhashkirti 8) S Uttarakirti
31 Shreegha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Dharmasagara
2) Bhikkhu Medhankara
32 Sudarshana Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Rastrapala
33Sumangala Vihara Patan
1) Sanghaupanayaka Bhikkhu Buddhaghosha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Shobhan
3) Bhikkhu Prajnaratna
34 Surya Mangala Vihara Kapilvastu
1) Bhikkhu Suryamangala
35 Tokha Buddha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Samanera Shobhana 2) S Jnanodaya
36 Veluvanarama Vihara Thecho-Lalitpura
1) Samanera Uttama 2) S Chandimo
37 Vishwa Shanti Vihara New Baneshwar
1) Bhikshu Jnanapurnik Mahathera
2) Bhikshu Bodhijnana
3) Bhikshu Nigrodha
4) Bhikshu Udayabhadra
Samaneras
1) S Janak 2) S Sujat
3) S Obhaso 4) S Subhaddo
5) S Nandiyo 6) S Mahindo
7) S Pajjoto 8) S Aloka
9) S Buddhadatta 10) S Panita
11) S Kashyapa 12)S Dharmaghosha
13) S Nagita 14) S Vinaya
15) S Suchitta 16) S Sudatto
17) S Nemindo 18) S Rohito
19) S Jayanto 20) S Meghiyo
21) S Indriyo 22) S Suppamedho
23) S Bhanusarana 24) S Saddhadeepa
25) S Kittimo 26) S Janeyyo
27) S Adicca 28) S Kosalla
29) S Nyanuttara 30) S Bhaddaco
31) S Pabhassaro 32) S Uttaro
38 Yampi Maha Vihara Patan
1) Bhikkhu Bhaddiya
39 Non residencial Monks
1) Bhikshu Samyaka Sambodhi Pranputra
2) Bhikshu Dhyanratna
3) Bhikkhu Chandragupta Balambu
Present Anagarikas and resident in NEPAL
01 Amarapura Vihara Bungamati
1) A Charujnani 2) A Sunita
3) A Palitajnani 4) A Pamitajnani
5) A Padumajnani 6) A Rupawati
02 Bauddha Samaskrit Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Anagarika Sanghashila
03 Buddha ViharaDharan
1) A Sumedhavati 2) A Sushilavati
3) A Kanchana 4) A Shasanavati
04 Bauddha Rishi Mahapragya Ashram Anamnagar
1) Anagarika Prajnavati
05 Chatubrahma Vihara Matatirtha
1) Anagarika Anu
06 Dhammavasa Vihara Khusibun
1) A Krishgautami 2) A Suchita
3) A Shilgautami 4) A Kshantigautami
5) A Shyamavati
07 Dharmakirti Vihara Naghal-Kathmandu
1) Anagarika RatnaManjari
2) A Dhammavati
3) A Dhammadinna (Chameli)
4) A Anupama 5) A Sanghavati
6) A Khemavati 7) A Indravati
8) A Jayavati 9) A Danavati
10) A Tyagavati 11) AViryavati
12) A Shubhavati 13) A Ramavati
14) A Surammavati
15) A Hemavati 16) A Suppabhavati
17) A Supriya 18) A Amata
19) A Vannavati 20) A Suvannavati
08 Dharmashila Buddha Vihara Pokhara
1) Anagarika Karmashila
09 Gautami Vihara Lumbini
1) Anagarika Sujata 2) A Khamesi
10 IlayabahiTana Baha Lalitpur
1) A Shilaparami 2)AViryaparami
3) A Vineeta 4) A Shilachari
11 Int‟l Buddhist Meditation Centre Shankhamul
1) A Aggajnani 2) A Nirmalajnani
3) A Shantarakshita
12 Jaya Mangal ViharaTana Bahal-Patan
1) Anagarika Vijita 2) A Nekkhami
3) A Chittavati
13 Jyoti Vihara Chapagaun- Lalitpur
1) AnagarikaVirygautami
2) A Upeskshagautami
14 Kashivarna Buddha Vihara Panuati
1) Anagarika Satyaparami
15 Kindol Vihara Swayambhu
1) A Sumana 2) A Uttara
3) A Sumitra 4) A Molini
5) A Dhammavijaya 6) A Tejavati
7) A Shyamavati
16 Kunsa BahaHyumat
1) Anagarika Patachari 2) AUmavati
17 Mahabodhi Vihara Tansen
1) Anagarika Revati (Dhammadinna)
18 Muni Vihara Bhaktapur
1) A Sugandhavati 2) A Padmavati
19 Narsinharama Thaina-Patan
1) A Jnanashila 2) ASatyashila
3) AShilavati 4) A Yeshavati 5) A Dharani
6) A Jeenvati
7) A Shilpavatisushma
20 Padmachaitya Vihara Butwal
1) A Udayashila 2) A Santiwati
21 Padmakirti Vihara Kamalpokhari
1) A Kamala 2) A Karunavati
3) A Pabbhavati 4) A Dhyanavati
5) A Bhavanavati
22 Prajnanandarama Okubahal-Patan
1) Anagarika Jnanavati
23 Pranidhipurna Mahavihara Balambu
1) A Mudita 2) A Chandrashila bdquoB‟
24 SangharakshitaVihara Patan
1) Anagarika Abhaya 2) A Chandrashila
3) A Shilachari
25 Shanti Sukhavasa Chakupat-Patan
1) A Utpalavarna (Chini)
26 Shree Kirti Vihara Kirtipur
1) Anagarika Mina
27 SunandaramaThaina-Patan
1) A Madhavi 2) AMasukhi
3) A Mashobha 4) A Mashraddha
5) A Masudha
28 Sulakshanakirti Viahara Kirtipur
1) A Anoja 2) A Atula
3) A Anula
29 Sangharama ViharaDhalko-KTM
1) Anagarika Dharmarakshita
30 Vishwashanti Vihara New Baneshwar
1) A Shubha 2) A Khema
3) A Sudhamma
31 Vishwashanti Dharmakirti Vihara Basundhara
1) A Dhajavati (Kusum) 2) A Padmavati
3) A Bhadravati
32 Residing other Anagarikas
1) Anagarika Chandrajnani Patan
2) A Sraddhavati Shankhamul
3) A Amaravati Patan
4) A Dhammachari Patan
5) A Nanda Thasi
Some Prominent Personalities in the Theravada Movement1
Sanghamahanayakas of Nepal
1 Ven Pragyanand Mahasthavir 1930 ndash 1993 AD
2 Ven Sakyananda Mahasthavir 1993 - 1997 AD
3 Ven Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1997 - 2002 AD
4 Ven Subodhananda Mahasthavir 2002 - 2006 AD
5 Ven Buddhaghosa Mahasthavir 2006-
Amritananda Bhikkhu (1918-1990) original name Lal Kaji Sakya from Tansen
west Nepal he ordain as a novice in 1936 from ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara He studies and was ordained a monk in Sri Lanka in 1940 He
return to Nepal in 1942 and preached first publicly in Kathmandu He
formed Dharmodaya Sabha in 1944 and All Nepal Bhikkhu Mahasangha in
1951 and remained its unchallenged leader until his death He was well
known and traveled widely outside of Nepal because of his dynamism and
charisma He was also one of the greatest Buddhist scholars and writers of
Nepal
Aniruddha Bhikkhu (1915-2003) original name Gaja Ratna Tuladhar son of
Dasa Ratna Sahu (Later Ven Dhammaloka) He went to Sri Lanka in 1930
and ordained as samanera and studied there He had served many years in
Lumbini and third Sanghanayaka of Nepal
1 Sarah Levine and David N Gellner Rebuilding Buddhism The Theravada Movement in
Twentieth Century Nepal (UK Harvard University Press 2006) pp 293-296
Ashwaghosh Bhikkhu (1926- present) original name Buddha Ratna Sakya and
became a novice in 1944 and went to Sri Lanka for study where he took
higher ordination in 1949 he is known as bdquothe communist monk‟ and was a
nominee of the Unified Marxist-Leninist party one of Nepal‟s two main
political parites in the 1990s to the Upper House 1993-5 He had
established nepal‟s first Bhikkhu Training Center at Sangharama Dhalko
and became abbot of this vihara Presently he is abbot of Shrigha Vihara in
Kathmandu and of Dyanakuti Vihara Banepa
Buddhaghosh Bhikkhu (1921- present day) original name Sapta Ratna
Vajracharya in Kwa Baha Kathamandu The founder of Pariyatti Education
in Nepal and presently acting Sanghanayaka of Nepal (2006) and abbot of
Sri Sumangala Vihara in Lalitpur
Chandramani Bhikkhu (1876-1972) a Burmese monk who spent his life in
Kusinagara where he worked for the propagation of Buddhism until his
death He initiated with most of the early Nepalese Theravadins Monks and
Nuns He was the first president of Dharmodaya Sabha and father of
Theravadins of Nepal
Dharmachari Anagarika (1898-1978) born Laxmi Nani Tuladhar she
impressed by Ven Pragyananda in Kindol Vihara and took the precepts
from Chandramani in Kusinagara in 1934 and most prominent Nepali nun
She founded the first nunnery in Nepal at Kindol Vihara in 1947
Dhammaloka Bhikkhu (1891-1977) born Das Ratna Tuladhar Asan
kathamandu He traded in Lhasha went to Sri Lanka and taught Buddhism
as a layman Later became a monk in 1932 after his son Aniruddha ordain
in 1930 he established nepal‟s first Theravādin Vihara bdquoAnanda Kuti
Vihar‟ in Kathmandu
Dhammawati Anagarika (1925- present day) born as Ganesh Kumari Sakya in
Uku Baha lalitpur She ordain too precepts from Ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara and renamed as Dhammavati in 1950 She went to Burma for
study and return in 1963 after passed the Dhammacariya Examination She
was able to established Dhammakirti Nunnery Centre in 1965 and leader of
the Theravādin Nuns She has been re-ordained as Bhikkhuni according to
Mahayana tradition
Dharmaditya Dharmacharya (1902-1963) born as Jagat Man Vaidya in Chika
Bahi Lalitpur and the first Newar Buddhist modernist and the first newar
cultural nationalist He went to study in Calcutta where he became a
follower of anagarika Dhammapala the founder of Maha Bodhi Society
He had formed Buddhist revival foundation and published Buddhist
magazines etc
Nyanpurnika Bhikkhu (1936- present day) Born as Hera Lal Sakya in Tansen
He studied with Buddhaghosh in Lalitpur in Burma and in England He is
only monk who passed Dhammacariya examination of Burma He was the
founder of Vishwa Shanti Vihara and Vishwa Shanti Bauddha sikkyalaya
where train novices He is a prominent translator and writer
Kumar Kashyap Bhikkhu (1926- present day) born as Krishna Man Sakya he
was one of those who exiled to India by the Ranas in 1944 He went to
Study in Sri Lanka and hold nepal‟s first bdquoTripitaka acarya‟ Presently he is
president of All Nepal Bhikkhu Association and abbot of Ananda Kuti
Vihara
Mahapragya Bhikkhu (1901-1979) born Prem Bahadur (Nani Kaji ) Shrestha
He ordained into Tibetan tradition but exiled in 1926 and reordained as
novice in Theravada tradition one of the earlier Theravādin monks He
return to householderhood in Kalimpong in 1940s but then returned to
Kathmandu as a Buddhist sage (Bauddha Rishi) in the 1960s where he
taught until his death
Pragyananda Bhikkhu (1900-1993) born as Kul Man Singh Tuladhar in Itum
Baha Kathmandu a trader in Tibet where he met Ven Mahapragya and
impressed by him to ordained He became a Tibetan Gelung Karmasheel in
1928 and two years later a Theravādin under Ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara in 1930 He was nepal‟s first Sanghamahanayaka and well
respected monk
Shakyananda Bhikkhu (1909-1997) born as Chakra Dhan Sakya in Taksar
Bhojpur East Nepal He spent over forty years as a monk in Tansen outside
the Kathmandu and second sanghamahanayaka of Nepal
Subodhanand Bhikkhu (1916-2006) bor as Kul Raj Sakya in Taksar Bhojpur
East Nepal He was one of the monks exiled by the Ranas in 1944 He was
a prolific composer of Hymns in Nepal Bhasa In 2003 as the most senior
monk in Nepal he was the fourth Sanghanayaka of Nepal
Sudarshan Bhikkhu (1934-2002) born as Rudra Raj Sakya in Uku Baha
lalitpur He was famous a bdquothe boy monk‟ For many years he was a lecturer
in the culture Department of Tribhuvan University a prolific writer
preacher and abbot of Sri Kirti Vihara Kirtipur which is became multi-
cultural center and especially for Buddhist meetings and conferences He
was jailed for some months for Nepal Bhasa activities in the Panchayat
period He was a campaigner on Buddhist issues particularly to do with
Lumbini
Sumangal Bhikkhu (1929-1999) born Bhakta Krishna Shilpakar in Lalitpur He
was famous as ldquoDollar bhanterdquo He ordained in 1959 in Burma obtained a
master‟s degree in Buddhism from Rissho University Japan in 1972 and
was among the first monks to mobilize international connections for
Buddhist projects in Nepal He established Buddha Vihara in Bhrikuti
Mandap Kathmandu He helped raise funds from Thailand and Japan for
IBMc (1985) brought the Japanese healing movement Sei Mei Kyo to
Nepal and in 1993 opened an old people‟s home in Banepa
Glimpse of Theravādin activities in Nepal
Samanera ordination at Muni Vihara
Ordination Ceremony at Vishwa Shanti Vihara
Collecting Alms
Chanting Paritta in devotee‟s home
Giving Holy Thread to Devotees
Buddhist Art in Nepal
Main Buddha Image at Sri Kirti Vihara
Four holy places
Some of the Theravada Buddhist Viharas (Monasteries) in Nepal
Vihars In Kathmandu Valley Telephone No
1 Amarapura Buddha Vihar Bungamati 5551068
2 Anandakuti Vihar Swayambhu 4271420
3 Anandabhuwan Vihar Bhuikhyo 4270429
4 Ganamaha vihar Ganabaha 4253454
5 Gautam Buddha Vihar Panga co 4330576
6 Caturbrahma Vihar Matatirtha 4310558
7 Carumati Vihar Cabahil 4469897
8 Baudhajana Vihar Sunakothi co 5570209
9 Jitapur Gandhakuti Vihar khona Co 5542846
10 Jitawan Vihar Thankot 4311912
11 Jyoti udaya vihar Capagaun Co 5571459
12 Dhammavasa Vihar Khusibun 4358688
13 Dharmakirti Vihar Srigha Naghal 4259466
14 Dharmacakra vihar Bagbajar 4261976
15 Nagar Mandap Sri Kirti Vihar Kirtipur 4330836
16 Nagadesh Buddha Vihar Nagadesh Co 6635397
17 Nirvanmurti Anagarikaram Kindol 4285811
18 Padmasugandha Vihar Manjeshwori 4266255
19 Pranidhi Purna Mahavihar Balambu 43105924312455
20 Pati Vihar Thimi Co 6637601
21 Pippali Theravad Buddha Vihar Shiphal 4475066
22 Punya Udaya Vihar Jala Harisiddhi Co 5527456
23 Buddhabhoomi Mahavihar Tokha 4362514
24 Buddha Vihar Bhrikuti mandapa 4226702
25 Buddharatna Vihar Putalisadak 4244277
26 Bauddha samakrit Vihar Bhaktapur 6610842
27 Manimandap Vihar Patko Bhaktapur 5526517
28 Muni Vihar Bhaktapur 6616464
29 Yampi Mahavihar Ibahi Lalitpur 5539644
30 Yashodhara Baudha Bidyalaya Thaina Lalitpur 5521435
31 Biswo Shanti Vihar Baneshwor 4482384
32 Biswo Shanti Dharmakirti vihar Basundhara 4354251
33 Beluvanarama Vihar Theco Co 5570062
34 Sakyasingha Vihar Thaina Lalitpur 5524760
35 Santi Sukhawas Cakupat co 5523613
36 Siddhimangal Buddha Vihar Thasi 5581495
37 Sumangala Vihara Lagankhel 5531715
38 Sulakshan kirti Vihar Chobhar 4331718
39 Suwanrna Chatrapur Vihar Lubhu 5580430
40 Sangharama Vihar Dhalko Visnumati 4255960
41 Srigha Vihar Nagal 4259110
Vihars out side the Kathamandu Velley Telephone No
1 Ananda Vihar Tansen Co 075-520225520216
2 Citravan Vihar Narayangadha Co 056-521478
3 Taksar Vihar Tansen Co 075-520024
4 Dharmashila Buddha Vihar Phokhara 061-520517
5 Dyankuti Banepa Banepa 011-661244
6 Padma Chaitya Vihar Butawal 071-546470
7 Purwarama Vihar Dhulikhel 011-661979
8 Pragya Mahavihar Hetauda Co 057-520264520136
9 Buddha Vihar Dharan 025-520354
10 Buddha Vihar Biratnagar Co 021-522146530604
11 Beni Buddha Vihar Myagdi Co 069-520354
12 Bodhicharya vihar Banepa 011-661789
13 Lokachakra Buddha Vihar Dhan gadhi 091-622174
14 Sakyamuni Vihar Bhojpur Co 029-420260
15 Sugatapur Vihar Trisuli Co 010-560153
16 Sugandha Vihar Ridi Gulmi Co 079-529435
17 Swoyambhu Chetya Buddha Vihar Urlabari Co 021-540080
18 Swoyambhu Chetya Mahavihar Dharan Co 025-520190
19 Gyanodaya Buddha Vihar Baglung Co 068-520921520336
Footnotes
[1] This paper was written as a part of my MA thesis research on bdquoThe
Revival of Theravada Buddhism and its contribution to Nepalese Society‟ of
Mahachulalongkorn University Bangkok Thailand and would like to thank Mr
Dharma Sakya for every suggestion editing and help for the completion of this
article
[2] Nyanatiloka Buddhist Dictionary 3
rd ed The Free Distribution
version the Corporate Body of the Buddha education foundation Taiwan p
179
[3] Triratna Manandhar bdquoPresent of Buddhism in Nepal‟ (Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK Vol 8 May 2005) p 15
[4] helliphelliphelliphellip The New Encyclopedia of Britannica Vol24 (USA
Library of Congress Catalog 1993) p 781 Dhanabajra Vajracharya Cabahilko
Abhilekha (Inscription of Cabahil) The Charumati Voice (Kath Charumati
Buddhist Mission 2001) pp 17-20 Bhikkhu Sudarsan Mahasthavira Nepal
Upatyaka ma Ashokaki Chori Charumati (Charumati A daughter of
Ashoka in Nepal Valley) (The Charumati Vocie (Kath Charumati Buddhist
Mission 2001) p 20
[5] Beal Samuel Si Yu Ri Buddhist Records of the Western World
(New Delhi Motilal Banarsidass Publishers 1994) pp 80-81 Bhuwan Lal
Pradhan Nepalama Buddhadharma (Kath Nepal Rajkiya Pragyapratisthana
1988) pp 102 ndash 103
[6] NB Thapa A Short History of Nepal (Kath Ratna Pustak
bhandhar Nd) pp 30-33 Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ The
Nation Thailand‟s English Newspaper (Sunday special) Oct 18 1987
[7] Opcit NB Thapa p116
[8] David N Gellner Monk Householder and Tantric Priest Newar
Buddhism and its Hierarchy of Ritual (Cambridge University Press 1996) pp
41ff
[9] Bechert Heinz amp Jens-Uwe Hartmann ldquoObservation on the reform
of Buddhism in Nepalrdquo Journal of Nepal Research Centre vol VIII Kath
Kantipur Printing Press1988p 6
[10] Ria Kloppenborg Theravada Buddhism in Nepal‟ Kailash A
Journal of Himalayan Studies Vol 5 no 41977 p 302
[11] BP Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada Gukathan Wagu Kha (Kath
Hisi Press Nepal BS 20421985) pp44ff
[12] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p47ff
[13] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 51-53 Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal (BKK A Thesis of MA Mahamakut Graduate School
2001) p 97
[14] Bhikshu Sudarshan Mahasthavir bdquoRole of Theravada in the
Preservation of Newar Buddhism‟ wwwircnepalorgpapers
[15] Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 69-72
[16] Opcit Observation on the reform of Buddhism in Nepal p10ff
[17] Opcit Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ RV
Vandya Sanghanayaka Venerable Pragnananda Mahasthavir (Kath Nepal
Co-operative Press 1978) pp 11ff
[18] Bhkkhu Dharmaloka Mahasthavir A Pilgrimage in China (kath
published by Bhikkhu Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1999) p 13-15 Opcit Lacoul
Nepalay Sthavirvada p 74-75
[19] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka p 15
[20] Opcit Bhikkhu dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp16ff
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p100
[21] Ibit Bhikkhu Dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp 27-29
[22] See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A Homage
(Kath Anandakuti Vihar Trust 1992) Kuladharma Ratna Tuladhar Buddhism
in Nepal (Kath Dharmodaya Sabha 1986) pp15 Opcit Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 100
[23] Opcit K R Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal 16 RV Vandya
Sanghanayaka ven Pragnananda p 32 ff
[24] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka Pragnananda pp 34-35
Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthavirvada p 86
[25] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 18 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 101
[26] Bhikkhu Amritananda Mahasthavir A Short History of Theravada
Buddhism in Modern Nepal (Kath Anandakuti Vihar trust 1986) pp 8-9
Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir (Kath Anandakuti
Vihar Trust 1992) p 25
[27] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 19 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[28] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[29] Opcit Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir
p 26
[30] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit KR
Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 20
[31] Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha in Nepal
(BKK A Thesis of MA Buddhist Study Mahachulalongkorn University 2547)
p 23 [32]
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit Ratna
Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir p 26
[33] Amrit R Sthapit bdquowho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Aswaghosha‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 4 no 1 May 2001
p8
[34] helliphelliphelliphelliphellip bdquoWho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Nyanapurninka Mahasthavir‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 7
no 1 May 2004 p13 Viswo Shanti Vihar The Shanti Sandesh (Kath Viswo
Shanti Vihar 1998)
[35] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sumangala Mahasthavir
A monk who modernized Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the
LNBDS UK vol 2 no 1 May 1999 p10
[36] Opcit Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha
in Nepal pp 52ff
[37] Rina Tuladhara Dharmakirti 25 Years of Dharmakirti Buddhist
Study Circle A Glimpse (Kath Dharmakirti Vihar 1996) Mallika Sakya
bdquoWho is Who in Nepalese Buddhism Dhammavati Guruma‟ Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 5 no 1 May 2002 p10
[38] Opcit See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A
Homage Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 108
[39] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sudarshan Mahasthavir A
Gem of the Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol
6 no 1 May 2003 p13
5
Revival of Theravada Buddhism started in the closing years of
19th
century Mr Jagat Man Vaidya (later known as Dharmaditya
Dharmacariya) of Patan Nepal started publishing Buddhist journals
from India where he was studying to promote Buddhism He also
started Buddha Jayanti (Vesak Day) Celebration to commemorate
birth enlightenment and death (parinibbana) of the Buddha This was
first celebrated in modern Nepal in 1926
According to Lalit Bistara in Newari language influences of
Dharmaditya‟s campaign and Tibetan Lamas motivated some Nepalese
to take ordination according to Theravada tradition The first Nepali to
take ordination according to this tradition was Venerable Mahapragna
a Hindu Shrestha by birth in 1928 in India under Venerable U
Chandramani a Burmese monk at Kusinagar Other Nepalese followed
his example and took Ordination under the same Burmese monk in
India But when they return to Nepal they were arrested imprisoned
and then exiled
Towards the later year of Rana regime the attitude of the
government towards Theravada Buddhism and Theravada monks and
nuns softened and the exiled monks were allowed to return to Nepal to
6
practice the religion according to Theravada tradition Until that time
only Vajrayana monks (Bajracharyas) who are really a householders
and Tibetan Lamas were known to Nepalese After the advent of the
democracy in 1950 Theravada tradition thrived and made rapid in road
into Nepalese society Both His Majesty King Tribhuvan the father of
the nation and his son king Mahendra were supportive to Theravada
revival movements Because of the enthusiasm of Theravada monks
and nuns their lay supporters and encouragement from their Majesties
Theravada tradition progressed and became a part of Nepalese religious
life Many more Nepalese men and women took ordinations
Theravada monasteries were opened in different parts of the country
At present there are 96 Theravada Viharas in the country 303
Bhikkhus and Samaneras Sangha members and 135 Anagarikas Some
are resident in Nepal and others are either studying or practising
dhamma in other countries of Asia and Europe and in Australia and
United States of America (Source The Ananda Bhoomi year 33
issues 32 and 33)
Late Venerable Amritananda Mahasthavir deservers special
mention in Theravada revival movement in Nepal He played a
7
prominent role in promotion of Theravada Buddhism in Nepal He
founded Dharmodaya Sabha All Nepal Bhikshu Association (Akhil
Nepal Bhikshu Sangha) travelled widely promoting dhamma and
translated and published many Buddhist texts
Late Venerable Bhikshu Sudharshan added a different
dimension to the movement He started training centre with the aim of
broadening ordination to other ethnic groups Until then Newars ndash
original inhabitants of Kathmandu Valley were the only ones who have
taken ordinations in this tradition Because of his foresight and timely
action many people from other ethnic groups have accepted Theravada
Buddhism and some has taken ordination Ven Nyanapurnika of
Viswasanti Vihar who established Novice Training Centre Ven
Ashowghosa of Sangharama who trained most of the present leading
monks of Nepal and Anagarika Dhammavati of Dharmakirti (Now
Bhikkhuni according to Mahayana) who established Nunnery training
centre are also well known figures in Theravada in Nepal
At present all three traditions Newar Buddhism (Vajrayana)
Tibetan Mahayana Buddhism and Theravada Buddhism have become
acceptable Buddhist traditions in Nepal Theravada Buddhist monks
8
and nuns with their saffron coloured robe along with Tibetan Lamas
and Bajracharyas are familiar features in Nepalese society especially
in Kathmandu valley
Introduction
Theravada Buddhism the doctrine of the elders is the oldest
unbroken traditional Buddhist tradition practised by people since the
time of the Buddha It is found today in Sri Lanka (Ceylon) Myanmar
(Burma) Thailand Cambodia Laos and Chittagong (Bangladesh)[2]
Theravāda Buddhism in modern Nepal was introduced about 80 years
ago Since then it has emerged as a major force in modern Nepal It
plays significant roles in different fields of Nepalese society and
Buddhists have begun to engage in both traditional and modern
activities Even though it re-emerged only few decades ago the origins
of Theravāda Buddhism in Nepal are to be found in the time of Gotama
the Buddha The Buddha the founder of Buddhism was born in
Lumbini within the borders of present-day Nepal Very early in its
history then important Buddhist events occurred on the southern
plains of Nepal There are many references in ancient Pāli literature of
9
Buddhist activities held in and near Kapilavatthu the Buddha‟s
hometown The Buddhist scriptures say that not only was the Buddha
born in what is now Nepal but also visited his home several times after
he had become the Buddha
Although the Buddha was born in Nepal the history of
Buddhism in Nepal is not very clear According to Buddhist literatures
he did visit Nepal gave discourses and ordained some monks and nuns
There are monasteries and stupas spread in different parts of the
country but due to lack of records or clear evidence it is difficult to say
when they were built Historians have identified the Stupa of Yogini in
Gumvihara at Sankhu Kathmandu as the oldest stupa in Kathmandu
Valley It is generally believed that the origin of this vihāra dates to
the time of the early introduction of Buddhism in ancient times around
the first century CE Harishchandra Lal Singha a historian says
ldquoTheravāda was the earliest form of Buddhism prevalent in Nepal as in
many countries of Asia where Buddhism flourishedrdquo However
traditional Theravāda texts do not contain any information about
Theravāda in Nepal The texts of other Buddhist schools nevertheless
10
say that some of the Buddha‟s disciples went to Nepal‟s Kathmandu
Valley
There is evidence that the King Asoka of Magadha visited
Lumbini in Nepal He was a great patron and staunch supporter of
Buddhism during his time It is said that in the 20th
year after his
accession to the throne of the Maurya Dynasty and following the Third
Buddhist Council the King made pilgrimages to historic places of
Buddhist interest and erected stone pillars He is also said to have
visited Nepal Valley Dr D Wright writes that the Emperor King
Ashoka visited Kathmandu Valley at the time of the fourteenth Kirati
King Sthungko of the Kirat dynasty with his spiritual guide Venerable
Upagupta Queen Tissyarakshita and a daughter named Carumati He
sent nine missionary groups to different places A group of four monks
led by Ven Majjima came to Nepal and succeeded in propagating
Buddhism in Nepal It was said that Buddhism was a well-know
religion then and practised by people in their daily life It is believed
that the Buddhism that was practised during King Asoka‟s time was
Theravada Buddhism Unfortunately for some unknown reason
popularity of Buddhism declined and its identity lost for many
11
centuries According to the recorded history of Nepal after the social
reforms carried out by King Jayasthiti Malla (1382-95 CE) Buddhism
went into decline and developed into Newār Buddhism However
Theravada Buddhism was re-introduced once again in Nepal in the
closing years of 19th
century by Nepalese who came in contact with the
Maha Bodhi society of India
Anagarika Dharmapala a Sri Lankan Buddhist founded this
Maha Bodhi Society Nepalese who came in contact with this society
took initial steps for revival of Theravada activities in Nepal Nearly a
century later Theravada once again gained foothold in Nepal
Presently there are number of Theravada Buddhist monasteries in the
country The numbers of Nepalese Buddhist monks and nuns have also
increased Some are resident in Nepal and others are studying and
carrying out dhamma work in Sri Lanka Thailand Myanmar and
other countries Beside dhamma work they are also engaged in various
charitable works like education health social welfare etc for the
upliftment of Nepali community wherever they are
12
Background
As I have mentioned earlier history of Buddhism in Nepal is
very vague There are some evidences that Buddhism was popular
during Buddha‟s time in Nepal There are also evidences that the
Buddha visited Nepal gave discourses to relatives and Buddhists and
ordained Bhikkhus and Bhikkhunis[3]
According to Buddhist scholar‟s
Theravada tradition existed in Nepal since the time of the Lord
Buddha
The evidence was more reliable from the account of King
Asoka The great emperor of ancient India King Asoka visited
Lumbini and erected stone pillar with inscription in Bramhi script
which in English reads bdquo Here the Buddha was born‟
(Hidabhagavamjāteti Lum minigāme) As mentioned before he also
sent Dhamma Missionary (Dhammaduta) to Nepal after third Buddhist
council (Sanghayana) which was held three hundred years after
Buddha‟s parinibbana Buddhist legends has it that one of King
Asoka‟s daughter Carumati married a Nepali called Devapal and
settled in Cabahil Katmandu where she constructed a temple- Cabahil
monastery and became a Bhikkhuni for the rest of her life[4]
Besides
13
these the records of Chinese travelers who visited Buddhist
pilgrimage sites in India and Nepal after King Ashoka‟s visit also gave
some information on existence of Theravada Buddhist monks who
practised and studied along with other Buddhist sects in Nepal[5]
According to historians Buddhism was a dominant religion
until the time of King Jayasthiti Malla who ruled Nepal during
medieval period (around 1382 CE) He imposed caste system in Nepal
according Manudharmasastra a Hindu holy book[6]
Buddhist culture
and tradition were banned the celibate monks were forced to disrobe
and forced to marry Vajrayana or Newar Buddhism was developed
following the demise of Theravada Buddhism The situation of
Buddhist became worse during the time of Rana government In 1846
the mantle of power of Nepal‟s government shifted from the monarchy
to autocratic isolationist Rana government The Shah kings of the
country were kept under tight control of Rana prime ministers[7]
The
country was closed from outside world and kept her eyes closed to
what was happening outside for nearly 104 years That was the age
when Buddhism was totally forgotten by non-Buddhist of Nepal It was
14
known and practised by only certain communities Vajracharyas
(Bajracharyas) Shakyas Tuladhars etc[8]
The Rana government
banned all Buddhist religious activities They also banned people
converting from Hindu religion to Buddhism but traditional Buddhists
were allowed to become Hindus
Theravada Revival Movement
In the early 1920s Dharmāditya Dharmācārya began his
campaign for the revival of Theravāda Buddhism teaching that Nepal
was the land of the Buddha‟s birth Meanwhile the Baisākha purnimā
celebration and publicing of ldquoBuddha Dhammardquo magazine by
Dharmāditya Dharmācārya had been inflaming the inner quest for
spirituality in Nepalewse society Furthermore simulteniously Tibeten
Buddhism had been inspiring Newari Society to walk the path that was
once nearly lost One of the well-known monks who came from Tibet
and preached the Dhamma to the Nepalese was Kyangtse Lama
Known in Nepal as Kyanchhe Lama he had come on pilgrimage to
Nepal His sermons and the publication of the Lalitavistara inspired
many to seek Buddhist ordination in the early period of the modern
15
history of Buddhism in Nepal It was the fortunate conjunction of
Nisthananda‟s translation of the Lalitavistara into the mother tongue
producing a Newāri version of the Buddha‟s life story Dharmāditya
Dharmācārya revivalism and the visits of Kyangtse Lama which
ensured that ldquothe Bud of the Dharmardquo planted by the Venerable Lama
should flower so quickly and produce such impressive fruit His
influence on Newāri scholars was significant One of them was
Yogbeer Sing Kansakar who was honoured for his efforts for the
preservation of the Newāri language The Lama also influenced the
first Theravāda monks Venerable Mahapragya and Venerable
Pragyānanda among others
The closing years of 19th
century saw reform movements in
many Buddhist countries with idea of modernizing Buddhist
movement The term bdquoBuddhist modernization‟ is used to refer to these
new reformist activities[9]
The aim of this movement was to bring
back Buddhism to India and Sri Lanka The Maha Bodhi Society was
founded in India under the leadership of Anagarika Dharmapala[10]
16
This organization was the first Buddhist organization established with
the aim of internationalizing Buddhism
The success of The Maha Bodhi Society encouraged Nepalese
who came in contact with this society They were mostly traditional
Buddhists (Newar Buddhists) of Nepal who were merchants and
pilgrims They played an important role in Theravada revival
movement in present day Nepal However it was students of Buddhism
who gave a kick-start to Theravada movements in modern Nepal
Mr Jagatman Vaidya a traditional Buddhist by birth went to
India for further studies He initiated the Theravada Buddhist revival
movement with the help of The Mahabodhi Society[11]
Mr Jagatman
who later became known as Dharmaditya Dharmacariya devoted most
of his time and energy to Buddhist Revivalism in Nepal by publishing
Buddhist journal in Newari Nepali Hindi English etc One of his
great deeds was to celebrate Baisakh day Buddha Jayanti or Swanya
Punhi in Nepal to commemorate Buddha‟s birth enlightenment and
death (Parinibbana) He established bdquoBuddha Dharma Uddhar
Sangharsquo lsquoBuddhopasaka Sangha‟ and other organizations for the
propagation of Buddhism in Nepal[12]
17
The Buddha Jayanti which he has initiated was celebrated for
the first time in the history of modern Nepal in 1926 after a long gap
Now a day this day is widely celebrated in Nepal Every year people
celebrate it with great joy and happiness[13]
He was also responsible
for stopping animal slaughter at Mayadevi temple in Lumbini and
renovation of Kindol Vihar in Kathmandu This Vihara became the
center for Theravada revival movement[14]
He published Buddhist
magazine entitled bdquoBuddha Dharmarsquo in Newari Language
(Nepalabhasa) emphasizing the importance of Buddha Jayanti
celebration and Theravadian views This was the starting point of
Theravada activities and promotion of Theravadian views in Nepal
after many centuries Some Nepalese youths took ordination according
to Theravada tradition in 1928 They were imprisoned for four days
The Government at the time was under the influence of Shaivait
Brahmins who were calling for a ban against Buddhism Later he was
arrested for his conversion from a Hindu to a Buddhist monk Three
new rules suppressing Buddhism had been issued
18
(1) Conversion to Buddhism from Hinduism (Shaivaism) to be
punished by one year in prison
(2) Acting as preceptor at a Buddhist ordination to be punished by
three years‟ imprisonment and
(3) Attempting to ordain into Buddhism to be punished by a six-
month imprisonment
They were exiled to India and all reordained into Theravada
tradition with ven U Kosala in Buddhagaya However certain reasons
they left the tradition The history speaks only on Ven Mahapragya but
rest of other four monks still under discovery The first Nepalese to
take ordination in Theravada tradition was venerable Mahapragna a
Hindu Shrestha by birth in 1926 After few years study in Tibet again
he went to India where he met Ven U Chandramani a Burmese monk
at Kusinagara[15]
He was impressed with Ven Chandramani and took
Theravada ordination from him This was the starting point for
Theravada ordination once again in the history of modern Nepal after
almost 600 years[16]
Since then Theravadin monastic order been settled
in modern Nepal
19
On the other hand Venerable Pragyananda (Karmasheel) who
converted from Gelung of Tibetan tradition to Theravada with Ven U
Chandramani at Kusinagara India was the first yellow-robed monk
who appeared in the street of Kathmandu valley at the end of 1930s[17]
He stayed at Kindol Vihar at the invitation of Dasaratna Shahu (later
Ven Dharmaloka) and gave discourses The attendance at his
discourses increased day by day and it worried then Rana government
and arrested all the members of Vihar They were imprisoned fined
and later released[18]
Fortunately Ven Pragnananda was in different
place and was not arrested He went on pilgrimage to India with some
devotees His four devotees took ordination under guidance of Ven U
Chandramani at Kusinagar They were Samanera Shasana Jyoti
Anagarika Ratna Pali Anagarika Dhamma Pali and Anagarika
Sangha Pali This was the first nun‟s ordination in Theravada
Buddhism in modern Nepal[19]
In the mean time Dasaratna Shahu
who was running Kindol Vihar brought Civar and bowl from Sri Lanka
for monk ceremonies Soon after his release from prison he took
ordination according to Theravada tradition at Kusinagar from Ven U
Chandramani and became Samanera Dhammaloka in 1932[20]
He
20
visited Nepal as a monk but was arrested immediately on his arrival in
Kathmandu and was imprisoned once again for six days and then
released without charging him with any offences Following his release
from prison he went to stay at Kindol Vihar and continued his
religious activities He was finally able to carry out religious activities
freely in Nepal He succeeded to propagate Theravada Buddhism in the
streets of Kathmandu valley[21]
Later he founded Nepal‟s first
Theravada Buddhist temple bdquoAnandakutirsquo at the foothill of Swayambhu
hill and it became the center for Theravada Sangha in modern Nepal
Venerable Amritananda was another well-known Buddhist
scholar and pioneer person for revival of Theravada Buddhism in
modern Nepa[22]
He was ordained under Ven U Chandramani at
Kusinagara in 1936 CE but was imprisoned along with Ven
Mahapragna at Bhojpur in 1937 In 1942 he came back to Nepal from
abroad after completing his study and gave discourses at the request of
Ven Dharmaloka in Swayambhu during vassavasa days (Three months
Buddhist lent) His public discourses impressed lay people and many
people came to listen to him Other Monks Samaneras and Nuns of
21
Nepal who were studying abroad also came back and joined him and
gave public discourses in different places of Kathmandu valley[23]
This
was a great breakthrough during isolationist Rana government Rana
government of the time banned any public assembly because of fear of
political unrest and demand for political reform in Nepal Because of
their religious activities they were arrested on 30th
July 1944 and
brought in front of then Prime Minister Juddha Shamsher Jung Bahadur
Rana for giving verdict on the charges of propagating the dhamma He
made rules to curtail the Buddhist activities Those who didn‟t follow
these rules were asked either to leave the country or return to worldly
life All the respected monks who were active in revival of Theravada
in Nepal refused to obey the order and were exiled once again from
Nepal The exiled monks this time included Ven Pragnananda Ven
Dharmaloka Ven Subhodhananda Ven Pragnarashmi Samanera
Pragnarasa Samanera Ratnajyoti Samanera Agga Dhamma and
Samanera Kumar The nuns were allowed to remain in the Vihar until
the end of the Vassavasa[24]
22
Development of Theravada Buddhism
The exiled monks formed bdquoDharmodaya Sabha‟ - Nepal‟s first
Buddhist organization with the help of other Buddhist organizations
and individuals on 30th
November 1944 in India under the
chairmanship of Ven U Chandramani Ven Amritananda was its
general secretary[25]
Immediately after establishment of bdquoDharmodaya
Sabha‟ Ven Amritananda wrote a protest letter to Nepalese
government and also appealed to other Buddhist organizations on
behalf of Dharmodaya Sabha He visited many places and various
countries to get support against the expulsion of Buddhist monks from
modern Nepal One of the countries he visited and undertook further
studies was Sri Lanka In Sri Lanka he also succeeded in bringing a
goodwill mission to Nepal in 1946 under the leadership of well-known
scholar Ven Narada Mahasthavir of Vajiraramaya Colombo The
members of this mission consisted of Ven Narada Ven Amritananda
Ven Priyadarshi Dr Ratna Surya and Prof Aryapal They were able
to meet the newly appointed Prime Minister Padma Shumsher J Rana
Ven Amritananda and leader of the mission Ven Narada requested his
23
Excellency to give permission for the exiled monks to return to Nepal
Prime Minister Padma Shamsher accepted their request and permitted
the exiled monks to return Ven Dharmaloka was the first one to come
back to Nepal immediately after receiving a letter from Ven
Amritananda and arrived in Kathmandu in June 1946 (Jesth Sukla 6
2003)[26]
Other monks also returned one by one and again started
propagating Theravada Buddhism in modern Nepal Ven Narada
visited Nepal three times and constructed a Sri Lankan Cetiya at
Anandakuti Vihar He brought a branch of Bodhi tree Buddha‟s relic
to Nepal He also established the first Sima (Uposatha) of Nepal for
Bhikkhus at the Vihara During his third visit he met then Prime
Minister Mohana Shamasher J Rana and requested him to declare
Baisakh Purnima or Buddha Day as a public holiday His Excellency
agreed and declared it as a public holiday for the Buddhist government
civil officers[27]
Since then Theravada Buddhism gained ground in
Nepalese society and made progress Theravada monks propagated
Buddhism by performing ceremonies giving Dharmadesana and
publishing Buddhist texts Many Viharas were built in and outside the
Kathmandu valley to propagate dhamma
24
In 1950 democracy replaced autocratic Rana regime under the
leadership of H M King Tribhuvan This heralded rapid development
of Theravada Buddhism Buddhist monks and nuns were able carry out
their duties freely without hindrances throughout the country The
office of bdquoDharmodaya Sabha‟ shifted from Kalimpong to Kathmandu
after the advent of democracy in 19501 In 1951 Bhikkhu Sangha led
by Ven Amritananda formed lsquoAkhil Nepal Bhikkhu Sangharsquo (All
Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha Council) for the further propagation of
Buddhism in Nepal Ven Amritananda played a great role in
propagation of Theravada Buddhism nationwide His close relationship
with their Majesties helped in his activities[28]
He visited many
countries on behalf of All Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha and Dharmodaya
Sabha In the same year Buddhists of Nepal succeeded in bringing the
relics of Ven Sariputta (Ven Sariputra) and Ven Maudhgalyana
(Ven Moggallana) the foremost disciples of the Buddha for the
exhibition in Nepal His Majesty King Tribhuvan chaired the reception
committee and a reception party was held in the Royal Palace[29]
Following year in 1952 Buddha Jayanti was celebrated throughout the
country with the support of HM King Tribhuvan On this occasion
25
HM King declared Baisakh Purnima or Buddha Jayanti day as a
public holiday throughout the kingdom[30]
In 1956 His late Majesty King Mahendra visited Lumbini the
birthplace of the Buddha and erected a Mahendra Pillar in Lumbini
zone In the same year during 2500th
Buddha Jayanti celebration HM
king banned animal slaughter on this auspicious day throughout the
kingdom[31]
Nepalese Buddhists led by All Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha
Council and Dharmodaya Sabha also organized the Fourth World
Fellowship of Buddhist Conference (WFB) in Kathmandu on this
year[32]
His Majesty‟s government cooperated fully and gave every
assistance for the success of the conference Gradually Theravada
Buddhist monasteries were founded Buddhist Education Buddhapuja
meditation public discourses publications of Buddhist texts and mass
ordination etc took place as a part of dhamma activities Burma Sri
Lanka Thailand and other countries helped Nepal in its effort for
Theravada revival Soon after Theravada Buddhist monks established
the first Bhikkhu training center- Sangharama Vihar and ordained
number of novices under the leadership of Ven Ashogosha
Mahasthavir[33]
Following their ordination they were sent to Sri
26
Lanka Burma and Thailand for their higher ordination and education
Many of these monks have returned to Nepal and are actively engaged
in propagation of dhamma Besides ordination of individual novices
mass ordinations for short periods were also held in different temple
After Anandakuti Vihar the Viswasanti Vihara also established
Vishwa Shanti Bauddha Shikshalaya a Buddhist School under Ven
Nyanapunnika Mahathavir[34]
It teaches both national and Buddhist
curriculum to the novices Now there are nearly 100 Theravada
temples more than four hundred monks and Samaneras and nearly 400
nuns in the country Present Sangha Nayaka is Most Ven
Subodhananda of Gana Mahavihara Kathmandu President of All
Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha is Kumar Kashyapa of Ananda Kuti Vihar
Swayambhu Kathmandu and the head office of All Nepal Bhikkhu
Sangha is in Viswo Santi Vihara New Baneshwor Kathmandu
27
Contribution to Nepalese society
Besides promoting Dhamma Theravada monks and nuns
(Anagarikas) are also involved in other welfare activities like
organising free health camps training centers either in the monasteries
or outside the monasteries They also founded center for old age and
Kindergarten Late Ven Sumangala Mahasthavira[35]
initiated free
clinic at Buddha Vihar a Buddhist home for the elderly at Benepa and
a Buddhist Kindergarten Free Clinics were popular because of lack of
adequate government run clinics in Nepal Many monasteries
organized free clinics Regular clinics like eye and Homeopathic were
run either on weekly or monthly basis Annual campaigns are also run
when it was felt necessary
In 1964 All Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha established a Theravada
education system Pariyatti Sikkha or Nepal Bauddha Pariyatti Siksa
(Buddhist Saturday School) Classes are run in Theravada Buddhist
monasteries Tibetan monasteries other Buddhist centers in public and
private schools There are more than 32 centers throughout the
28
country[36]
Presently its head office is at Viswo Santi Vihara in New
Baneswora Kathmandu
Besides Pariyatti Sikkha Ven Amritananda founded a
Buddhist school - bdquoAnandakuti Vidyapith Boarding School‟ and a
college- bdquoSiddharth Science Campus‟ Both Buddhist monks and lay
people used to teach in these institutions It was started as a Buddhist
school but for some reason it has become a private enterprise Besides
these many monks and nuns are also running other educational
institutions like bdquoNursery school (Siddhartha Shisu Niketan Buddha
Vihar) Primary school (Triple Gem Boarding School) and Higher
Schools There are some Higher Education institutes like Siddharth
University in Banepa International Buddhist University in Lumbini
etc Many Buddhist organizations were founded and they were also
running different classes and research centers like Dharmakirti
Buddhist Research Center Anagarika Dhammavati founded this centre
Later on Anagarika Dhammavati was ordained as Bhikkhuni
according to Taiwanese tradition She is one of the well-known nuns in
the Theravada Buddhism in Nepal[37]
29
The Buddhist temples and organizations bring out number of
publications annually monthly weekly and on special occasions
Dharmodaya Anandabhumi and Dharmakirti are the oldest
Buddhist journals in Nepal and still continued to be published
Ven Amritananda was one of the greatest Buddhist scholars of
Nepal He wrote and translated many books on Buddhism There are
still no other monks or nun in Nepal who can be compared with
him[38]
Late Ven Sudharsan Mahasthavir came close to him Ven
Sudharsan was a pillar of Theravada Buddhism after Ven
Amritananda He was famous for different reason His field of interest
beside dhamma work consisted literature language Archaeology etc
He was a resident monk at Srikirti Vihar Kirtipur and held the post of
professor in History Archaeology and Buddhist philosophy at
Tribhuvan University until his death in July 2002 Some of his books in
Buddhism became course book for BA and MA students in Nepal
He had special interest in archaeology of Lumbini and was an expert on
this subject[39]
30
Revival of Theravada Buddhism in Nepal also had profound
effect in cultural and religious way of life of Nepalese Daily chanting
or Buddhapuja short term ordination observing Sila (Moral code)
caste system celebration of Vesak day celibate life were introduced
In the month of Bhadra or Gunla days (AugustSeptember) Buddhist
hymns are chanted and public discourses are given
Late Ven Sudharshan Mahasthavir formed Sri Kirti Buddhist
center at Sri Kirti Vihar with the aim of introducing Buddhism to other
ethnic groups other than Newars- the original inhabitants of Katmandu
valley This project succeeded in bringing other ethic groups into
Theravada Buddhism As a result of this many ethnic groups who were
originally Buddhists have started organizing Buddhist conferences and
Buddhist activities Another important development is formation of
Gyanmala Bhajan Khala - a Buddhist hymn group This group sings
regularly especially during certain auspicious days at Swayambhu and
other Buddhist sites The songs they sing are based on Buddha‟s
teaching and has been successful in promoting Buddhism in simple
melodious hymns which attracts many people who visits these
religious places
31
Theravadin in Nepalese Society
For centuries Nepalese were aware of only Buddhist priest
(Bajracharya) from Newar Buddhism (Vajrayana) and Tibetan Lamas
They were unaware of Theravadian Buddhist monks and nuns
Bajracharyas are household monks They lead domestic lives and are
not celibate Not all Tibetan monks are celibate It depends on the
school they belong to For example monks from Sakya School of
Tibetan tradition do not have to be celibate Theravada monks wear
distinctive saffron coloured robes They are celibate and lead virtuous
monastic life These monks and nuns have different identity in the eyes
of Nepalese especially the inhabitants of Kathmandu valley Their
simple way of life their full dedication in their work for the benefit of
mankind easily understood Theravada Scriptures translated in different
languages eg in Nepal Bhasa (Newari) Nepali in Hindi and in
English for easy accessibility by different groups helped to gain the
heart of Nepalese people Although many lay people have played
pivotal roles in revival of Theravada Buddhism in Nepal the leadership
32
of monks and nuns were vital in further development and survival of
this tradition
The lay Buddhists of Nepal are pluralistic They participate in
Buddhist ceremonies such as Vesak day daily chanting etc At the
same time they also follow Hindu customs in their daily lives
Buddhism is different from Hinduism and it is not a branch of
Hinduism Hindus believe that Buddha was a reincarnation of Lord
Vishnu Buddha never claimed to be anything other than a human
being ndash although a unique one in the history of mankind
Buddhism in Nepal is unique because of existence of three
different Buddhist traditions - Newar Buddhism (Vajrayana)
Tibetan Buddhism (Mahayana) and Theravada Buddhism
Different Buddhist groups practised different traditions Although the
principle underlying all these traditions is the same they differ in
details Theravada Buddhist tradition is different from Tibetan or
Newar Buddhist traditions but it is developing side-by-side with them
It was not possible for Theravada Buddhism to develop in Nepal
without close co-relation with other traditions but later developed on its
own right These various Buddhist traditions are coexisting in present
33
day Nepal Although they have different cultural traditions and are
developing in their own ways but the followers are the same
Therefore there is no separate identity of Theravadian lay Buddhists
There are number of lay Buddhist organizations such as Dharmodaya
Sabha Dharmakirti Institute Young Buddhist Associations Female
Buddhist Associations more recently Sukhi Hotu Nepal which are
playing important role in promotion of Buddha Dhamma but they are
multi-cultural and multi religious in their daily practices
CONCLUSION
Theravada Buddhism was introduced to Nepal at the time when
public meetings were banned It faced many obstacles at the beginning
Strong dedications of monks and nuns made it possible for its revival in
Nepal after many centuries of neglect Even though the revival
movement of this tradition was started only about 80 years ago it has
already gained strong foot hold in Nepal and gaining popularity day by
day The reason for its popularity lies in many things - the simple and
easily understood way the teachings were given the simple way of life
of monks and nuns lead and various beneficial activities undertaken by
34
Viharas Theravadin Buddhist monks and nuns are well accepted by
people and their contribution in promoting Buddha‟s teachings is
widely recognized Although small in number in comparison to other
Asian countries like Thailand Sri Lanka and Burma both the number
of monks and nuns and monasteries of this tradition are increasing day
by day If this trend continues it will become one of the prominent
religious traditions in Nepal It is only natural that this oldest Buddhist
tradition should gain its place of honour it deserve in a country where
the founder of the religion was born
35
Theravada Records in Nepal
List of Monks Novices and Anagarikas studying abroad
MONKS AND NOVICES
I Thailand
1 Bhikkhu Anil Man Dhammasakiyo (Sugandha)
2 Bhikkhu Vipassi Dhammaramo
3 Bhikkhu Jit Bahadur Gurung
4 Bhikkhu Krishna Thapamagar
5 Bhikkhu Pannamurti
6 Bhikkhu Sujan Sujano
7 Bhikkhu Anil Sumankitti
8 Bhikkhu Santosh Santosho
9 Bhikkhu Khemik Suddhasilo
10 Bhikkhu Suman Rocano
11 Bhikkhu Sanu Maharajano
12 Bhikkhu Santamano Dhwajjoshi
13 Bhikkhu Suman Dhwajjoshi
14 Bhikkhu Bijit Khemasakko
15 Bhikkhu Supreme Shakyavanso
Samaneras
1 Samanera Buddharatna Maharjan
2 Samanera Dhammaratna Maharjan
3 Samanera Bipin Maharjan
4 Samanera Prajwal Shakya
5 Samanera Ukesh Sakya
6 Samanera Gopi Maharjan
7 Samanera Sudip Deshar
8 Samanera Sudat Deshar
9 Samanera Deepi Maharjan
10 Samanera Ramit Shrestha
11 Samanera Anup Deshar
12 Samanera Suman Bajracharya bdquoA‟
13 Samanera Rajendra Deshar
14 Samanera Kapila Maharjan
15 Samanera Arbin Shakya
36
16 Samanera Kabindra Bajracharya
17 Samanera Ujjawal Shakya
18 Samanera Satish Shakya
19 Samanera Bimal Gurung
20 Samanera Surya Gurung
21 Samanera Sameer Maharjan
22 Samanera Anup Shakya
23 Samanera Arjun Magar
24 Samanera Kiran Desahar
25 Samanera Dipesh Shrestha
26 Samanera Tejendra Tamang
27 Samanera Ashim Shakya
28 Samanera Jalap Bajracharya
29 Samanera Arya Dev Bajracharya
30 Samanera Sudarshan Maharjan
31 Samanera Sangharatna
32 Samanera Suman Bajracharya bdquoB‟
33 Samanera Kijan Maharjan
34 Samanera Ramesh Maharjan
35 Samanera Niroj Maharjan
36 Samanera Jen Maharjan
37 Samanera Denish Bajracharya
38 Samanera Pritam Bahadur Shakya
39 Samanera Abhishek Shakya
40 Samanera Bishal Shakya
41 Samanera Sajal Shakya
42 Samanera Suraj Bhakta Shrestha
43 Samanera Dinesh Chaudhary
44 Samanera Shiv Swatantra Tharu
45 Samanera Sambhu Lal Khang
46 Samanera Buddharatna Chaudhary
47 Samanera Mukesh Chaudhary
II Myanmar (Burma)
Bhikkhu Samaneras
1 Bhikkhu Panavimala
2 Bhikkhu Dhyanratna
3 Bhikkhu Adiccho
4 Bhikkhu Vimalbuddhi
5 Bhikkhu Shobhan
6 Samanera Amato
7 Samanera Jutimma
8 Samanera Buddhapiyo
9 Samanera Kavindo
10 Samanera Nagasena
11 Samanera Gyanavudho
III Taiwan(ROC) 1 Bhikkhu Mangala 2 Bhikkhu Vazirbuddhi
IV Australia 1 Bhikkhu Upatissa
V India
1 Bhikkhu Dharmajyoti 2 Bhikkhu Ashokakirti
3 Bhikkhu Narawang Tamang
VI United kingdom 1 Bhikkhu Suman
VII USA 1 Bhikkhu Pragnaloka
VIII Sri Lanka
Bhikkhus
Bhikkhu Nanda
Bhikkhu Vineeta
Bhikkhu Ashoka
Bhikkhu Triratna
Bhikkhu Sagara
Bhikkhu Sankicca
Bhikkhu Vajirasiri
Bhikkhu Sarada
Bhikkhu Veenit
Bhikkhu Ratana
Bhikkhu Tissa
Bhikkhu Vajira
Bhikkhu Pannawimal
Bhikkhu Medhankar
Bhikkhu Pannasara
SARAMANERAS
Saranankara
Piyadassi
Dil Bhadra
Chandima
Samita
Narada bdquoA‟
Piyaratna
Kusala
Lakkhana
Udit
Vibekanada
Pannananda
Mettananda
Chandananda
Yassari
Upali
Subodhi
Mahanama
Kashyapa
Dhammapala
Narada bdquoB‟
Nalaka bdquoA‟
Daywasa
Santa Sobhana
Santa Siddhartha
Santa Maitri
Santa Kosala
Santa Sakya
Suvaca
Sukama Sila
Siddhartha
Nanda bdquoA‟
Rahula
Sudheera
Kosala Dheera
Panna Wansa
Jina Wansa
Mahinda
Nanda bdquoB‟
Seewali
Mahapantha
Assaji
Sarada
Sumana
Ananda
Nalaka bdquoB‟
Aloka
Suwarna
Subodh
Udena
Sangharatna bdquoA‟
Gyanendra
Khema
Soma bdquoA‟
Punna
Panna Ransi
Soma bdquoB‟
Santa bdquoA‟
Kapila Wansa
Asita Wansa
Sumanananda bdquoa‟
Vijitananda
Khemananda
Silananda
Medhananda
Somaratna
Soratha
Pragyananda
Sumangala
Santa Citta
Yasa
Dhamma Kitti
Panna Kitti
Santa Dheera
Vijitananda
Sumanananda bdquob‟
Vajra Bodhi
Dhammika
Santa bdquoB‟
Anuruddha
Sumana bdquoB‟
Jinavamsa
Panna Vansa
Buddha Ratna
Dhamma Ratna
Ariya Ratna
Piyadassi bdquoB‟
Sila Ratna
Sangha Ratna bdquoB‟
List of Anagarikas studying in abroad
I Thailand
1 Anagarika Sirisuta Maharjan
2 Anagarika Ramsobha Shrestha
3 Anagarika Sunita Napit
II Myanmar
1 Anagarika Javanvati
2 Anagarika Vimalajnani
3 Anagarika Ambika
4 Anagarika Buddhapali
5 Anagarika Darshana
6 Anagarika Agrajnani
7 Anagarika Nandavati
bdquob‟
III India 1 Anagarika Rupashila
IV Taiwan
1 Anagarika Pannavati
2 Anagarika Sani
3 Anagarika Nima
V Sri Lanka
1 Anagarika Pannawati
2 Anagarika Mettawati
3 Anagarika Keshawati
4 Anagarika Prasnnawati
5 Anagarika Sukhawati
6 Anagarika Shobhawati
7 Anagarika Subhadra
8 Anagarika
Shraddhagautami
9 Anagarika Upananda
10 Anagarika Shantawati
11 Anagarika Suciwati
Residences of Theravādin Monks in Nepal
01 Abhinava Buddha Vihara Lumbini
1) Bhikkhu Vimalananda Mahathera
2) Samanera Sunanda
02 Anandakut Vihara Swayambhu Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Kumara Kassapa Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Dharmamurti 3) Samanera Kondanya
4) S Prajnaratna 5) S Asoka
6) S Kumarjeeva 7) S Assaji
03 Bauddha Samaskrita Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Bhikkhu Dharmashobhana Mahathera
04 Bodhicharya Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Bodhisena Mahathera
2) Samanera Bodhideepa
05 Buddha Vihara Bhrikuti Mandap-Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Kondanya 2) Bhikkhu Sushil
3) Samanera Anuyoga 3) S Javana
4) S Udena
06 Buddha Vihara Biratnagar
1) Bhikkhu Aloka
07 Buddha Vihara Dharan
1) Bhikkhu Maitri (Tamang)
2) Bhikkhu Chhavikirti
08 Chatubrahma Vihara Matatirtha
1) Bhikkhu Thansettho
2) Bhikkhu Samyakaratna
3) Bhikkhu Bodhananda
9 Charumati Stupa Vihara Chabahil Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Tapassi Dhamma
10 Dharmacakra Ashrama Bagbazar
1) Bhikkhu Milinda
11 Dharmashila Buddha Vihara Pokhara
1) Bhikkhu Subhadda 2) Bhikkhu Saddhananda
12 Dhyanakuti Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Ashwaghosha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Rahul 3) Samanera Gautama
13 Gana Maha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Sanghanayaka Bhikkhu Subodhanand Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sobhita
3) Bhikkhu Samvegakirti
4) Samanera Sugatananda
6) S Chandananda
7) S Somananda
8) S Sumanavamsha
9) S Somavamsha
10) S Sumanasiri
14 IlayabahiTanabaha Patan
1) Bhikkhu Vimalkirti
15 International Bauddha Pariyatti Vihara Butwal
1) Bhikkhu Jatila
2) Bhikkhu Bhaddiya bdquoB‟
3) Samanera Jnanashree 4) S Jotika
16 International Buddhist Society Lumbini
1) Bhikkhu Maitri Mahathera
2) Samanera Mahapanta
3) S Vimala
17 Jana Udaya Vihara Sunakothi-Lalitpura
1) Bhikkhu Dharmagupta
18 Jitavana Vihara Thankot
1) Bhikkhu Dharmavamsha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sugatamuni Mahathera
3) Samanera Sunita
19 Kuti Vihara Koteshwar-KTM
1) Bhikkhu Yeshdhammo
2) Samanera Wayamo
3) S Milindo 4) S Sunanalankara
20 Manimandapa Mahavihara Patan
1) Bhikshu Shilbhadra Mahathera
2) Samanera Paduma 3) S Nayako
21 Muni Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Samanera Tejendra 2) S Jalapa
3) S Asima 4) S Aryaputra
22 Padma Sugandha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Sumedha 2) Samanera Sudatta
23 Pati Vihara Nagadesh-Bhaktapur
1) Bhikkhu Varasambodhi
24 Pranidhi Purna Maha Vihara Balambu
1) Samanera Sukha
25 Pugatabhoomi Jetavana Vihara Bhairahawa
1) Samanera Jagaro 2) S Suvanno
26 Purvaram Vihara Dhulikhel
1) Bhikkhu Gunaghosha Mahathero
27 Sangharama Vihara Kshetrapati Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Saddhatissa
2) Bhikkhu Kolita
3) Bhikkhu Sangharakshita
28 Shakya Singha Vihara Patan
1) Bhikkhu Dharmapala Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sunanda Mahathera
3) Bhikkhu Dharmarakshita
29 Shikhalapura Vihara Dhulikhel
1) Bhikkhu Dhammananda Mahathera
30 Shree Kirti Vihara Kirtipur
1) Bhikkhu Kirtijyoti 2) Bhikkhu Ananda
3) Bhikkhu Prajnakirti
4) Bhikkhu Dharmakirti
5) Samanera Sundara 6) Bhikkhu Pamit
7) S Subhashkirti 8) S Uttarakirti
31 Shreegha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Dharmasagara
2) Bhikkhu Medhankara
32 Sudarshana Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Rastrapala
33Sumangala Vihara Patan
1) Sanghaupanayaka Bhikkhu Buddhaghosha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Shobhan
3) Bhikkhu Prajnaratna
34 Surya Mangala Vihara Kapilvastu
1) Bhikkhu Suryamangala
35 Tokha Buddha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Samanera Shobhana 2) S Jnanodaya
36 Veluvanarama Vihara Thecho-Lalitpura
1) Samanera Uttama 2) S Chandimo
37 Vishwa Shanti Vihara New Baneshwar
1) Bhikshu Jnanapurnik Mahathera
2) Bhikshu Bodhijnana
3) Bhikshu Nigrodha
4) Bhikshu Udayabhadra
Samaneras
1) S Janak 2) S Sujat
3) S Obhaso 4) S Subhaddo
5) S Nandiyo 6) S Mahindo
7) S Pajjoto 8) S Aloka
9) S Buddhadatta 10) S Panita
11) S Kashyapa 12)S Dharmaghosha
13) S Nagita 14) S Vinaya
15) S Suchitta 16) S Sudatto
17) S Nemindo 18) S Rohito
19) S Jayanto 20) S Meghiyo
21) S Indriyo 22) S Suppamedho
23) S Bhanusarana 24) S Saddhadeepa
25) S Kittimo 26) S Janeyyo
27) S Adicca 28) S Kosalla
29) S Nyanuttara 30) S Bhaddaco
31) S Pabhassaro 32) S Uttaro
38 Yampi Maha Vihara Patan
1) Bhikkhu Bhaddiya
39 Non residencial Monks
1) Bhikshu Samyaka Sambodhi Pranputra
2) Bhikshu Dhyanratna
3) Bhikkhu Chandragupta Balambu
Present Anagarikas and resident in NEPAL
01 Amarapura Vihara Bungamati
1) A Charujnani 2) A Sunita
3) A Palitajnani 4) A Pamitajnani
5) A Padumajnani 6) A Rupawati
02 Bauddha Samaskrit Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Anagarika Sanghashila
03 Buddha ViharaDharan
1) A Sumedhavati 2) A Sushilavati
3) A Kanchana 4) A Shasanavati
04 Bauddha Rishi Mahapragya Ashram Anamnagar
1) Anagarika Prajnavati
05 Chatubrahma Vihara Matatirtha
1) Anagarika Anu
06 Dhammavasa Vihara Khusibun
1) A Krishgautami 2) A Suchita
3) A Shilgautami 4) A Kshantigautami
5) A Shyamavati
07 Dharmakirti Vihara Naghal-Kathmandu
1) Anagarika RatnaManjari
2) A Dhammavati
3) A Dhammadinna (Chameli)
4) A Anupama 5) A Sanghavati
6) A Khemavati 7) A Indravati
8) A Jayavati 9) A Danavati
10) A Tyagavati 11) AViryavati
12) A Shubhavati 13) A Ramavati
14) A Surammavati
15) A Hemavati 16) A Suppabhavati
17) A Supriya 18) A Amata
19) A Vannavati 20) A Suvannavati
08 Dharmashila Buddha Vihara Pokhara
1) Anagarika Karmashila
09 Gautami Vihara Lumbini
1) Anagarika Sujata 2) A Khamesi
10 IlayabahiTana Baha Lalitpur
1) A Shilaparami 2)AViryaparami
3) A Vineeta 4) A Shilachari
11 Int‟l Buddhist Meditation Centre Shankhamul
1) A Aggajnani 2) A Nirmalajnani
3) A Shantarakshita
12 Jaya Mangal ViharaTana Bahal-Patan
1) Anagarika Vijita 2) A Nekkhami
3) A Chittavati
13 Jyoti Vihara Chapagaun- Lalitpur
1) AnagarikaVirygautami
2) A Upeskshagautami
14 Kashivarna Buddha Vihara Panuati
1) Anagarika Satyaparami
15 Kindol Vihara Swayambhu
1) A Sumana 2) A Uttara
3) A Sumitra 4) A Molini
5) A Dhammavijaya 6) A Tejavati
7) A Shyamavati
16 Kunsa BahaHyumat
1) Anagarika Patachari 2) AUmavati
17 Mahabodhi Vihara Tansen
1) Anagarika Revati (Dhammadinna)
18 Muni Vihara Bhaktapur
1) A Sugandhavati 2) A Padmavati
19 Narsinharama Thaina-Patan
1) A Jnanashila 2) ASatyashila
3) AShilavati 4) A Yeshavati 5) A Dharani
6) A Jeenvati
7) A Shilpavatisushma
20 Padmachaitya Vihara Butwal
1) A Udayashila 2) A Santiwati
21 Padmakirti Vihara Kamalpokhari
1) A Kamala 2) A Karunavati
3) A Pabbhavati 4) A Dhyanavati
5) A Bhavanavati
22 Prajnanandarama Okubahal-Patan
1) Anagarika Jnanavati
23 Pranidhipurna Mahavihara Balambu
1) A Mudita 2) A Chandrashila bdquoB‟
24 SangharakshitaVihara Patan
1) Anagarika Abhaya 2) A Chandrashila
3) A Shilachari
25 Shanti Sukhavasa Chakupat-Patan
1) A Utpalavarna (Chini)
26 Shree Kirti Vihara Kirtipur
1) Anagarika Mina
27 SunandaramaThaina-Patan
1) A Madhavi 2) AMasukhi
3) A Mashobha 4) A Mashraddha
5) A Masudha
28 Sulakshanakirti Viahara Kirtipur
1) A Anoja 2) A Atula
3) A Anula
29 Sangharama ViharaDhalko-KTM
1) Anagarika Dharmarakshita
30 Vishwashanti Vihara New Baneshwar
1) A Shubha 2) A Khema
3) A Sudhamma
31 Vishwashanti Dharmakirti Vihara Basundhara
1) A Dhajavati (Kusum) 2) A Padmavati
3) A Bhadravati
32 Residing other Anagarikas
1) Anagarika Chandrajnani Patan
2) A Sraddhavati Shankhamul
3) A Amaravati Patan
4) A Dhammachari Patan
5) A Nanda Thasi
Some Prominent Personalities in the Theravada Movement1
Sanghamahanayakas of Nepal
1 Ven Pragyanand Mahasthavir 1930 ndash 1993 AD
2 Ven Sakyananda Mahasthavir 1993 - 1997 AD
3 Ven Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1997 - 2002 AD
4 Ven Subodhananda Mahasthavir 2002 - 2006 AD
5 Ven Buddhaghosa Mahasthavir 2006-
Amritananda Bhikkhu (1918-1990) original name Lal Kaji Sakya from Tansen
west Nepal he ordain as a novice in 1936 from ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara He studies and was ordained a monk in Sri Lanka in 1940 He
return to Nepal in 1942 and preached first publicly in Kathmandu He
formed Dharmodaya Sabha in 1944 and All Nepal Bhikkhu Mahasangha in
1951 and remained its unchallenged leader until his death He was well
known and traveled widely outside of Nepal because of his dynamism and
charisma He was also one of the greatest Buddhist scholars and writers of
Nepal
Aniruddha Bhikkhu (1915-2003) original name Gaja Ratna Tuladhar son of
Dasa Ratna Sahu (Later Ven Dhammaloka) He went to Sri Lanka in 1930
and ordained as samanera and studied there He had served many years in
Lumbini and third Sanghanayaka of Nepal
1 Sarah Levine and David N Gellner Rebuilding Buddhism The Theravada Movement in
Twentieth Century Nepal (UK Harvard University Press 2006) pp 293-296
Ashwaghosh Bhikkhu (1926- present) original name Buddha Ratna Sakya and
became a novice in 1944 and went to Sri Lanka for study where he took
higher ordination in 1949 he is known as bdquothe communist monk‟ and was a
nominee of the Unified Marxist-Leninist party one of Nepal‟s two main
political parites in the 1990s to the Upper House 1993-5 He had
established nepal‟s first Bhikkhu Training Center at Sangharama Dhalko
and became abbot of this vihara Presently he is abbot of Shrigha Vihara in
Kathmandu and of Dyanakuti Vihara Banepa
Buddhaghosh Bhikkhu (1921- present day) original name Sapta Ratna
Vajracharya in Kwa Baha Kathamandu The founder of Pariyatti Education
in Nepal and presently acting Sanghanayaka of Nepal (2006) and abbot of
Sri Sumangala Vihara in Lalitpur
Chandramani Bhikkhu (1876-1972) a Burmese monk who spent his life in
Kusinagara where he worked for the propagation of Buddhism until his
death He initiated with most of the early Nepalese Theravadins Monks and
Nuns He was the first president of Dharmodaya Sabha and father of
Theravadins of Nepal
Dharmachari Anagarika (1898-1978) born Laxmi Nani Tuladhar she
impressed by Ven Pragyananda in Kindol Vihara and took the precepts
from Chandramani in Kusinagara in 1934 and most prominent Nepali nun
She founded the first nunnery in Nepal at Kindol Vihara in 1947
Dhammaloka Bhikkhu (1891-1977) born Das Ratna Tuladhar Asan
kathamandu He traded in Lhasha went to Sri Lanka and taught Buddhism
as a layman Later became a monk in 1932 after his son Aniruddha ordain
in 1930 he established nepal‟s first Theravādin Vihara bdquoAnanda Kuti
Vihar‟ in Kathmandu
Dhammawati Anagarika (1925- present day) born as Ganesh Kumari Sakya in
Uku Baha lalitpur She ordain too precepts from Ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara and renamed as Dhammavati in 1950 She went to Burma for
study and return in 1963 after passed the Dhammacariya Examination She
was able to established Dhammakirti Nunnery Centre in 1965 and leader of
the Theravādin Nuns She has been re-ordained as Bhikkhuni according to
Mahayana tradition
Dharmaditya Dharmacharya (1902-1963) born as Jagat Man Vaidya in Chika
Bahi Lalitpur and the first Newar Buddhist modernist and the first newar
cultural nationalist He went to study in Calcutta where he became a
follower of anagarika Dhammapala the founder of Maha Bodhi Society
He had formed Buddhist revival foundation and published Buddhist
magazines etc
Nyanpurnika Bhikkhu (1936- present day) Born as Hera Lal Sakya in Tansen
He studied with Buddhaghosh in Lalitpur in Burma and in England He is
only monk who passed Dhammacariya examination of Burma He was the
founder of Vishwa Shanti Vihara and Vishwa Shanti Bauddha sikkyalaya
where train novices He is a prominent translator and writer
Kumar Kashyap Bhikkhu (1926- present day) born as Krishna Man Sakya he
was one of those who exiled to India by the Ranas in 1944 He went to
Study in Sri Lanka and hold nepal‟s first bdquoTripitaka acarya‟ Presently he is
president of All Nepal Bhikkhu Association and abbot of Ananda Kuti
Vihara
Mahapragya Bhikkhu (1901-1979) born Prem Bahadur (Nani Kaji ) Shrestha
He ordained into Tibetan tradition but exiled in 1926 and reordained as
novice in Theravada tradition one of the earlier Theravādin monks He
return to householderhood in Kalimpong in 1940s but then returned to
Kathmandu as a Buddhist sage (Bauddha Rishi) in the 1960s where he
taught until his death
Pragyananda Bhikkhu (1900-1993) born as Kul Man Singh Tuladhar in Itum
Baha Kathmandu a trader in Tibet where he met Ven Mahapragya and
impressed by him to ordained He became a Tibetan Gelung Karmasheel in
1928 and two years later a Theravādin under Ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara in 1930 He was nepal‟s first Sanghamahanayaka and well
respected monk
Shakyananda Bhikkhu (1909-1997) born as Chakra Dhan Sakya in Taksar
Bhojpur East Nepal He spent over forty years as a monk in Tansen outside
the Kathmandu and second sanghamahanayaka of Nepal
Subodhanand Bhikkhu (1916-2006) bor as Kul Raj Sakya in Taksar Bhojpur
East Nepal He was one of the monks exiled by the Ranas in 1944 He was
a prolific composer of Hymns in Nepal Bhasa In 2003 as the most senior
monk in Nepal he was the fourth Sanghanayaka of Nepal
Sudarshan Bhikkhu (1934-2002) born as Rudra Raj Sakya in Uku Baha
lalitpur He was famous a bdquothe boy monk‟ For many years he was a lecturer
in the culture Department of Tribhuvan University a prolific writer
preacher and abbot of Sri Kirti Vihara Kirtipur which is became multi-
cultural center and especially for Buddhist meetings and conferences He
was jailed for some months for Nepal Bhasa activities in the Panchayat
period He was a campaigner on Buddhist issues particularly to do with
Lumbini
Sumangal Bhikkhu (1929-1999) born Bhakta Krishna Shilpakar in Lalitpur He
was famous as ldquoDollar bhanterdquo He ordained in 1959 in Burma obtained a
master‟s degree in Buddhism from Rissho University Japan in 1972 and
was among the first monks to mobilize international connections for
Buddhist projects in Nepal He established Buddha Vihara in Bhrikuti
Mandap Kathmandu He helped raise funds from Thailand and Japan for
IBMc (1985) brought the Japanese healing movement Sei Mei Kyo to
Nepal and in 1993 opened an old people‟s home in Banepa
Glimpse of Theravādin activities in Nepal
Samanera ordination at Muni Vihara
Ordination Ceremony at Vishwa Shanti Vihara
Collecting Alms
Chanting Paritta in devotee‟s home
Giving Holy Thread to Devotees
Buddhist Art in Nepal
Main Buddha Image at Sri Kirti Vihara
Four holy places
Some of the Theravada Buddhist Viharas (Monasteries) in Nepal
Vihars In Kathmandu Valley Telephone No
1 Amarapura Buddha Vihar Bungamati 5551068
2 Anandakuti Vihar Swayambhu 4271420
3 Anandabhuwan Vihar Bhuikhyo 4270429
4 Ganamaha vihar Ganabaha 4253454
5 Gautam Buddha Vihar Panga co 4330576
6 Caturbrahma Vihar Matatirtha 4310558
7 Carumati Vihar Cabahil 4469897
8 Baudhajana Vihar Sunakothi co 5570209
9 Jitapur Gandhakuti Vihar khona Co 5542846
10 Jitawan Vihar Thankot 4311912
11 Jyoti udaya vihar Capagaun Co 5571459
12 Dhammavasa Vihar Khusibun 4358688
13 Dharmakirti Vihar Srigha Naghal 4259466
14 Dharmacakra vihar Bagbajar 4261976
15 Nagar Mandap Sri Kirti Vihar Kirtipur 4330836
16 Nagadesh Buddha Vihar Nagadesh Co 6635397
17 Nirvanmurti Anagarikaram Kindol 4285811
18 Padmasugandha Vihar Manjeshwori 4266255
19 Pranidhi Purna Mahavihar Balambu 43105924312455
20 Pati Vihar Thimi Co 6637601
21 Pippali Theravad Buddha Vihar Shiphal 4475066
22 Punya Udaya Vihar Jala Harisiddhi Co 5527456
23 Buddhabhoomi Mahavihar Tokha 4362514
24 Buddha Vihar Bhrikuti mandapa 4226702
25 Buddharatna Vihar Putalisadak 4244277
26 Bauddha samakrit Vihar Bhaktapur 6610842
27 Manimandap Vihar Patko Bhaktapur 5526517
28 Muni Vihar Bhaktapur 6616464
29 Yampi Mahavihar Ibahi Lalitpur 5539644
30 Yashodhara Baudha Bidyalaya Thaina Lalitpur 5521435
31 Biswo Shanti Vihar Baneshwor 4482384
32 Biswo Shanti Dharmakirti vihar Basundhara 4354251
33 Beluvanarama Vihar Theco Co 5570062
34 Sakyasingha Vihar Thaina Lalitpur 5524760
35 Santi Sukhawas Cakupat co 5523613
36 Siddhimangal Buddha Vihar Thasi 5581495
37 Sumangala Vihara Lagankhel 5531715
38 Sulakshan kirti Vihar Chobhar 4331718
39 Suwanrna Chatrapur Vihar Lubhu 5580430
40 Sangharama Vihar Dhalko Visnumati 4255960
41 Srigha Vihar Nagal 4259110
Vihars out side the Kathamandu Velley Telephone No
1 Ananda Vihar Tansen Co 075-520225520216
2 Citravan Vihar Narayangadha Co 056-521478
3 Taksar Vihar Tansen Co 075-520024
4 Dharmashila Buddha Vihar Phokhara 061-520517
5 Dyankuti Banepa Banepa 011-661244
6 Padma Chaitya Vihar Butawal 071-546470
7 Purwarama Vihar Dhulikhel 011-661979
8 Pragya Mahavihar Hetauda Co 057-520264520136
9 Buddha Vihar Dharan 025-520354
10 Buddha Vihar Biratnagar Co 021-522146530604
11 Beni Buddha Vihar Myagdi Co 069-520354
12 Bodhicharya vihar Banepa 011-661789
13 Lokachakra Buddha Vihar Dhan gadhi 091-622174
14 Sakyamuni Vihar Bhojpur Co 029-420260
15 Sugatapur Vihar Trisuli Co 010-560153
16 Sugandha Vihar Ridi Gulmi Co 079-529435
17 Swoyambhu Chetya Buddha Vihar Urlabari Co 021-540080
18 Swoyambhu Chetya Mahavihar Dharan Co 025-520190
19 Gyanodaya Buddha Vihar Baglung Co 068-520921520336
Footnotes
[1] This paper was written as a part of my MA thesis research on bdquoThe
Revival of Theravada Buddhism and its contribution to Nepalese Society‟ of
Mahachulalongkorn University Bangkok Thailand and would like to thank Mr
Dharma Sakya for every suggestion editing and help for the completion of this
article
[2] Nyanatiloka Buddhist Dictionary 3
rd ed The Free Distribution
version the Corporate Body of the Buddha education foundation Taiwan p
179
[3] Triratna Manandhar bdquoPresent of Buddhism in Nepal‟ (Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK Vol 8 May 2005) p 15
[4] helliphelliphelliphellip The New Encyclopedia of Britannica Vol24 (USA
Library of Congress Catalog 1993) p 781 Dhanabajra Vajracharya Cabahilko
Abhilekha (Inscription of Cabahil) The Charumati Voice (Kath Charumati
Buddhist Mission 2001) pp 17-20 Bhikkhu Sudarsan Mahasthavira Nepal
Upatyaka ma Ashokaki Chori Charumati (Charumati A daughter of
Ashoka in Nepal Valley) (The Charumati Vocie (Kath Charumati Buddhist
Mission 2001) p 20
[5] Beal Samuel Si Yu Ri Buddhist Records of the Western World
(New Delhi Motilal Banarsidass Publishers 1994) pp 80-81 Bhuwan Lal
Pradhan Nepalama Buddhadharma (Kath Nepal Rajkiya Pragyapratisthana
1988) pp 102 ndash 103
[6] NB Thapa A Short History of Nepal (Kath Ratna Pustak
bhandhar Nd) pp 30-33 Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ The
Nation Thailand‟s English Newspaper (Sunday special) Oct 18 1987
[7] Opcit NB Thapa p116
[8] David N Gellner Monk Householder and Tantric Priest Newar
Buddhism and its Hierarchy of Ritual (Cambridge University Press 1996) pp
41ff
[9] Bechert Heinz amp Jens-Uwe Hartmann ldquoObservation on the reform
of Buddhism in Nepalrdquo Journal of Nepal Research Centre vol VIII Kath
Kantipur Printing Press1988p 6
[10] Ria Kloppenborg Theravada Buddhism in Nepal‟ Kailash A
Journal of Himalayan Studies Vol 5 no 41977 p 302
[11] BP Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada Gukathan Wagu Kha (Kath
Hisi Press Nepal BS 20421985) pp44ff
[12] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p47ff
[13] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 51-53 Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal (BKK A Thesis of MA Mahamakut Graduate School
2001) p 97
[14] Bhikshu Sudarshan Mahasthavir bdquoRole of Theravada in the
Preservation of Newar Buddhism‟ wwwircnepalorgpapers
[15] Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 69-72
[16] Opcit Observation on the reform of Buddhism in Nepal p10ff
[17] Opcit Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ RV
Vandya Sanghanayaka Venerable Pragnananda Mahasthavir (Kath Nepal
Co-operative Press 1978) pp 11ff
[18] Bhkkhu Dharmaloka Mahasthavir A Pilgrimage in China (kath
published by Bhikkhu Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1999) p 13-15 Opcit Lacoul
Nepalay Sthavirvada p 74-75
[19] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka p 15
[20] Opcit Bhikkhu dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp16ff
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p100
[21] Ibit Bhikkhu Dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp 27-29
[22] See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A Homage
(Kath Anandakuti Vihar Trust 1992) Kuladharma Ratna Tuladhar Buddhism
in Nepal (Kath Dharmodaya Sabha 1986) pp15 Opcit Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 100
[23] Opcit K R Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal 16 RV Vandya
Sanghanayaka ven Pragnananda p 32 ff
[24] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka Pragnananda pp 34-35
Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthavirvada p 86
[25] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 18 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 101
[26] Bhikkhu Amritananda Mahasthavir A Short History of Theravada
Buddhism in Modern Nepal (Kath Anandakuti Vihar trust 1986) pp 8-9
Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir (Kath Anandakuti
Vihar Trust 1992) p 25
[27] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 19 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[28] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[29] Opcit Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir
p 26
[30] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit KR
Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 20
[31] Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha in Nepal
(BKK A Thesis of MA Buddhist Study Mahachulalongkorn University 2547)
p 23 [32]
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit Ratna
Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir p 26
[33] Amrit R Sthapit bdquowho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Aswaghosha‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 4 no 1 May 2001
p8
[34] helliphelliphelliphelliphellip bdquoWho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Nyanapurninka Mahasthavir‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 7
no 1 May 2004 p13 Viswo Shanti Vihar The Shanti Sandesh (Kath Viswo
Shanti Vihar 1998)
[35] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sumangala Mahasthavir
A monk who modernized Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the
LNBDS UK vol 2 no 1 May 1999 p10
[36] Opcit Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha
in Nepal pp 52ff
[37] Rina Tuladhara Dharmakirti 25 Years of Dharmakirti Buddhist
Study Circle A Glimpse (Kath Dharmakirti Vihar 1996) Mallika Sakya
bdquoWho is Who in Nepalese Buddhism Dhammavati Guruma‟ Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 5 no 1 May 2002 p10
[38] Opcit See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A
Homage Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 108
[39] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sudarshan Mahasthavir A
Gem of the Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol
6 no 1 May 2003 p13
6
practice the religion according to Theravada tradition Until that time
only Vajrayana monks (Bajracharyas) who are really a householders
and Tibetan Lamas were known to Nepalese After the advent of the
democracy in 1950 Theravada tradition thrived and made rapid in road
into Nepalese society Both His Majesty King Tribhuvan the father of
the nation and his son king Mahendra were supportive to Theravada
revival movements Because of the enthusiasm of Theravada monks
and nuns their lay supporters and encouragement from their Majesties
Theravada tradition progressed and became a part of Nepalese religious
life Many more Nepalese men and women took ordinations
Theravada monasteries were opened in different parts of the country
At present there are 96 Theravada Viharas in the country 303
Bhikkhus and Samaneras Sangha members and 135 Anagarikas Some
are resident in Nepal and others are either studying or practising
dhamma in other countries of Asia and Europe and in Australia and
United States of America (Source The Ananda Bhoomi year 33
issues 32 and 33)
Late Venerable Amritananda Mahasthavir deservers special
mention in Theravada revival movement in Nepal He played a
7
prominent role in promotion of Theravada Buddhism in Nepal He
founded Dharmodaya Sabha All Nepal Bhikshu Association (Akhil
Nepal Bhikshu Sangha) travelled widely promoting dhamma and
translated and published many Buddhist texts
Late Venerable Bhikshu Sudharshan added a different
dimension to the movement He started training centre with the aim of
broadening ordination to other ethnic groups Until then Newars ndash
original inhabitants of Kathmandu Valley were the only ones who have
taken ordinations in this tradition Because of his foresight and timely
action many people from other ethnic groups have accepted Theravada
Buddhism and some has taken ordination Ven Nyanapurnika of
Viswasanti Vihar who established Novice Training Centre Ven
Ashowghosa of Sangharama who trained most of the present leading
monks of Nepal and Anagarika Dhammavati of Dharmakirti (Now
Bhikkhuni according to Mahayana) who established Nunnery training
centre are also well known figures in Theravada in Nepal
At present all three traditions Newar Buddhism (Vajrayana)
Tibetan Mahayana Buddhism and Theravada Buddhism have become
acceptable Buddhist traditions in Nepal Theravada Buddhist monks
8
and nuns with their saffron coloured robe along with Tibetan Lamas
and Bajracharyas are familiar features in Nepalese society especially
in Kathmandu valley
Introduction
Theravada Buddhism the doctrine of the elders is the oldest
unbroken traditional Buddhist tradition practised by people since the
time of the Buddha It is found today in Sri Lanka (Ceylon) Myanmar
(Burma) Thailand Cambodia Laos and Chittagong (Bangladesh)[2]
Theravāda Buddhism in modern Nepal was introduced about 80 years
ago Since then it has emerged as a major force in modern Nepal It
plays significant roles in different fields of Nepalese society and
Buddhists have begun to engage in both traditional and modern
activities Even though it re-emerged only few decades ago the origins
of Theravāda Buddhism in Nepal are to be found in the time of Gotama
the Buddha The Buddha the founder of Buddhism was born in
Lumbini within the borders of present-day Nepal Very early in its
history then important Buddhist events occurred on the southern
plains of Nepal There are many references in ancient Pāli literature of
9
Buddhist activities held in and near Kapilavatthu the Buddha‟s
hometown The Buddhist scriptures say that not only was the Buddha
born in what is now Nepal but also visited his home several times after
he had become the Buddha
Although the Buddha was born in Nepal the history of
Buddhism in Nepal is not very clear According to Buddhist literatures
he did visit Nepal gave discourses and ordained some monks and nuns
There are monasteries and stupas spread in different parts of the
country but due to lack of records or clear evidence it is difficult to say
when they were built Historians have identified the Stupa of Yogini in
Gumvihara at Sankhu Kathmandu as the oldest stupa in Kathmandu
Valley It is generally believed that the origin of this vihāra dates to
the time of the early introduction of Buddhism in ancient times around
the first century CE Harishchandra Lal Singha a historian says
ldquoTheravāda was the earliest form of Buddhism prevalent in Nepal as in
many countries of Asia where Buddhism flourishedrdquo However
traditional Theravāda texts do not contain any information about
Theravāda in Nepal The texts of other Buddhist schools nevertheless
10
say that some of the Buddha‟s disciples went to Nepal‟s Kathmandu
Valley
There is evidence that the King Asoka of Magadha visited
Lumbini in Nepal He was a great patron and staunch supporter of
Buddhism during his time It is said that in the 20th
year after his
accession to the throne of the Maurya Dynasty and following the Third
Buddhist Council the King made pilgrimages to historic places of
Buddhist interest and erected stone pillars He is also said to have
visited Nepal Valley Dr D Wright writes that the Emperor King
Ashoka visited Kathmandu Valley at the time of the fourteenth Kirati
King Sthungko of the Kirat dynasty with his spiritual guide Venerable
Upagupta Queen Tissyarakshita and a daughter named Carumati He
sent nine missionary groups to different places A group of four monks
led by Ven Majjima came to Nepal and succeeded in propagating
Buddhism in Nepal It was said that Buddhism was a well-know
religion then and practised by people in their daily life It is believed
that the Buddhism that was practised during King Asoka‟s time was
Theravada Buddhism Unfortunately for some unknown reason
popularity of Buddhism declined and its identity lost for many
11
centuries According to the recorded history of Nepal after the social
reforms carried out by King Jayasthiti Malla (1382-95 CE) Buddhism
went into decline and developed into Newār Buddhism However
Theravada Buddhism was re-introduced once again in Nepal in the
closing years of 19th
century by Nepalese who came in contact with the
Maha Bodhi society of India
Anagarika Dharmapala a Sri Lankan Buddhist founded this
Maha Bodhi Society Nepalese who came in contact with this society
took initial steps for revival of Theravada activities in Nepal Nearly a
century later Theravada once again gained foothold in Nepal
Presently there are number of Theravada Buddhist monasteries in the
country The numbers of Nepalese Buddhist monks and nuns have also
increased Some are resident in Nepal and others are studying and
carrying out dhamma work in Sri Lanka Thailand Myanmar and
other countries Beside dhamma work they are also engaged in various
charitable works like education health social welfare etc for the
upliftment of Nepali community wherever they are
12
Background
As I have mentioned earlier history of Buddhism in Nepal is
very vague There are some evidences that Buddhism was popular
during Buddha‟s time in Nepal There are also evidences that the
Buddha visited Nepal gave discourses to relatives and Buddhists and
ordained Bhikkhus and Bhikkhunis[3]
According to Buddhist scholar‟s
Theravada tradition existed in Nepal since the time of the Lord
Buddha
The evidence was more reliable from the account of King
Asoka The great emperor of ancient India King Asoka visited
Lumbini and erected stone pillar with inscription in Bramhi script
which in English reads bdquo Here the Buddha was born‟
(Hidabhagavamjāteti Lum minigāme) As mentioned before he also
sent Dhamma Missionary (Dhammaduta) to Nepal after third Buddhist
council (Sanghayana) which was held three hundred years after
Buddha‟s parinibbana Buddhist legends has it that one of King
Asoka‟s daughter Carumati married a Nepali called Devapal and
settled in Cabahil Katmandu where she constructed a temple- Cabahil
monastery and became a Bhikkhuni for the rest of her life[4]
Besides
13
these the records of Chinese travelers who visited Buddhist
pilgrimage sites in India and Nepal after King Ashoka‟s visit also gave
some information on existence of Theravada Buddhist monks who
practised and studied along with other Buddhist sects in Nepal[5]
According to historians Buddhism was a dominant religion
until the time of King Jayasthiti Malla who ruled Nepal during
medieval period (around 1382 CE) He imposed caste system in Nepal
according Manudharmasastra a Hindu holy book[6]
Buddhist culture
and tradition were banned the celibate monks were forced to disrobe
and forced to marry Vajrayana or Newar Buddhism was developed
following the demise of Theravada Buddhism The situation of
Buddhist became worse during the time of Rana government In 1846
the mantle of power of Nepal‟s government shifted from the monarchy
to autocratic isolationist Rana government The Shah kings of the
country were kept under tight control of Rana prime ministers[7]
The
country was closed from outside world and kept her eyes closed to
what was happening outside for nearly 104 years That was the age
when Buddhism was totally forgotten by non-Buddhist of Nepal It was
14
known and practised by only certain communities Vajracharyas
(Bajracharyas) Shakyas Tuladhars etc[8]
The Rana government
banned all Buddhist religious activities They also banned people
converting from Hindu religion to Buddhism but traditional Buddhists
were allowed to become Hindus
Theravada Revival Movement
In the early 1920s Dharmāditya Dharmācārya began his
campaign for the revival of Theravāda Buddhism teaching that Nepal
was the land of the Buddha‟s birth Meanwhile the Baisākha purnimā
celebration and publicing of ldquoBuddha Dhammardquo magazine by
Dharmāditya Dharmācārya had been inflaming the inner quest for
spirituality in Nepalewse society Furthermore simulteniously Tibeten
Buddhism had been inspiring Newari Society to walk the path that was
once nearly lost One of the well-known monks who came from Tibet
and preached the Dhamma to the Nepalese was Kyangtse Lama
Known in Nepal as Kyanchhe Lama he had come on pilgrimage to
Nepal His sermons and the publication of the Lalitavistara inspired
many to seek Buddhist ordination in the early period of the modern
15
history of Buddhism in Nepal It was the fortunate conjunction of
Nisthananda‟s translation of the Lalitavistara into the mother tongue
producing a Newāri version of the Buddha‟s life story Dharmāditya
Dharmācārya revivalism and the visits of Kyangtse Lama which
ensured that ldquothe Bud of the Dharmardquo planted by the Venerable Lama
should flower so quickly and produce such impressive fruit His
influence on Newāri scholars was significant One of them was
Yogbeer Sing Kansakar who was honoured for his efforts for the
preservation of the Newāri language The Lama also influenced the
first Theravāda monks Venerable Mahapragya and Venerable
Pragyānanda among others
The closing years of 19th
century saw reform movements in
many Buddhist countries with idea of modernizing Buddhist
movement The term bdquoBuddhist modernization‟ is used to refer to these
new reformist activities[9]
The aim of this movement was to bring
back Buddhism to India and Sri Lanka The Maha Bodhi Society was
founded in India under the leadership of Anagarika Dharmapala[10]
16
This organization was the first Buddhist organization established with
the aim of internationalizing Buddhism
The success of The Maha Bodhi Society encouraged Nepalese
who came in contact with this society They were mostly traditional
Buddhists (Newar Buddhists) of Nepal who were merchants and
pilgrims They played an important role in Theravada revival
movement in present day Nepal However it was students of Buddhism
who gave a kick-start to Theravada movements in modern Nepal
Mr Jagatman Vaidya a traditional Buddhist by birth went to
India for further studies He initiated the Theravada Buddhist revival
movement with the help of The Mahabodhi Society[11]
Mr Jagatman
who later became known as Dharmaditya Dharmacariya devoted most
of his time and energy to Buddhist Revivalism in Nepal by publishing
Buddhist journal in Newari Nepali Hindi English etc One of his
great deeds was to celebrate Baisakh day Buddha Jayanti or Swanya
Punhi in Nepal to commemorate Buddha‟s birth enlightenment and
death (Parinibbana) He established bdquoBuddha Dharma Uddhar
Sangharsquo lsquoBuddhopasaka Sangha‟ and other organizations for the
propagation of Buddhism in Nepal[12]
17
The Buddha Jayanti which he has initiated was celebrated for
the first time in the history of modern Nepal in 1926 after a long gap
Now a day this day is widely celebrated in Nepal Every year people
celebrate it with great joy and happiness[13]
He was also responsible
for stopping animal slaughter at Mayadevi temple in Lumbini and
renovation of Kindol Vihar in Kathmandu This Vihara became the
center for Theravada revival movement[14]
He published Buddhist
magazine entitled bdquoBuddha Dharmarsquo in Newari Language
(Nepalabhasa) emphasizing the importance of Buddha Jayanti
celebration and Theravadian views This was the starting point of
Theravada activities and promotion of Theravadian views in Nepal
after many centuries Some Nepalese youths took ordination according
to Theravada tradition in 1928 They were imprisoned for four days
The Government at the time was under the influence of Shaivait
Brahmins who were calling for a ban against Buddhism Later he was
arrested for his conversion from a Hindu to a Buddhist monk Three
new rules suppressing Buddhism had been issued
18
(1) Conversion to Buddhism from Hinduism (Shaivaism) to be
punished by one year in prison
(2) Acting as preceptor at a Buddhist ordination to be punished by
three years‟ imprisonment and
(3) Attempting to ordain into Buddhism to be punished by a six-
month imprisonment
They were exiled to India and all reordained into Theravada
tradition with ven U Kosala in Buddhagaya However certain reasons
they left the tradition The history speaks only on Ven Mahapragya but
rest of other four monks still under discovery The first Nepalese to
take ordination in Theravada tradition was venerable Mahapragna a
Hindu Shrestha by birth in 1926 After few years study in Tibet again
he went to India where he met Ven U Chandramani a Burmese monk
at Kusinagara[15]
He was impressed with Ven Chandramani and took
Theravada ordination from him This was the starting point for
Theravada ordination once again in the history of modern Nepal after
almost 600 years[16]
Since then Theravadin monastic order been settled
in modern Nepal
19
On the other hand Venerable Pragyananda (Karmasheel) who
converted from Gelung of Tibetan tradition to Theravada with Ven U
Chandramani at Kusinagara India was the first yellow-robed monk
who appeared in the street of Kathmandu valley at the end of 1930s[17]
He stayed at Kindol Vihar at the invitation of Dasaratna Shahu (later
Ven Dharmaloka) and gave discourses The attendance at his
discourses increased day by day and it worried then Rana government
and arrested all the members of Vihar They were imprisoned fined
and later released[18]
Fortunately Ven Pragnananda was in different
place and was not arrested He went on pilgrimage to India with some
devotees His four devotees took ordination under guidance of Ven U
Chandramani at Kusinagar They were Samanera Shasana Jyoti
Anagarika Ratna Pali Anagarika Dhamma Pali and Anagarika
Sangha Pali This was the first nun‟s ordination in Theravada
Buddhism in modern Nepal[19]
In the mean time Dasaratna Shahu
who was running Kindol Vihar brought Civar and bowl from Sri Lanka
for monk ceremonies Soon after his release from prison he took
ordination according to Theravada tradition at Kusinagar from Ven U
Chandramani and became Samanera Dhammaloka in 1932[20]
He
20
visited Nepal as a monk but was arrested immediately on his arrival in
Kathmandu and was imprisoned once again for six days and then
released without charging him with any offences Following his release
from prison he went to stay at Kindol Vihar and continued his
religious activities He was finally able to carry out religious activities
freely in Nepal He succeeded to propagate Theravada Buddhism in the
streets of Kathmandu valley[21]
Later he founded Nepal‟s first
Theravada Buddhist temple bdquoAnandakutirsquo at the foothill of Swayambhu
hill and it became the center for Theravada Sangha in modern Nepal
Venerable Amritananda was another well-known Buddhist
scholar and pioneer person for revival of Theravada Buddhism in
modern Nepa[22]
He was ordained under Ven U Chandramani at
Kusinagara in 1936 CE but was imprisoned along with Ven
Mahapragna at Bhojpur in 1937 In 1942 he came back to Nepal from
abroad after completing his study and gave discourses at the request of
Ven Dharmaloka in Swayambhu during vassavasa days (Three months
Buddhist lent) His public discourses impressed lay people and many
people came to listen to him Other Monks Samaneras and Nuns of
21
Nepal who were studying abroad also came back and joined him and
gave public discourses in different places of Kathmandu valley[23]
This
was a great breakthrough during isolationist Rana government Rana
government of the time banned any public assembly because of fear of
political unrest and demand for political reform in Nepal Because of
their religious activities they were arrested on 30th
July 1944 and
brought in front of then Prime Minister Juddha Shamsher Jung Bahadur
Rana for giving verdict on the charges of propagating the dhamma He
made rules to curtail the Buddhist activities Those who didn‟t follow
these rules were asked either to leave the country or return to worldly
life All the respected monks who were active in revival of Theravada
in Nepal refused to obey the order and were exiled once again from
Nepal The exiled monks this time included Ven Pragnananda Ven
Dharmaloka Ven Subhodhananda Ven Pragnarashmi Samanera
Pragnarasa Samanera Ratnajyoti Samanera Agga Dhamma and
Samanera Kumar The nuns were allowed to remain in the Vihar until
the end of the Vassavasa[24]
22
Development of Theravada Buddhism
The exiled monks formed bdquoDharmodaya Sabha‟ - Nepal‟s first
Buddhist organization with the help of other Buddhist organizations
and individuals on 30th
November 1944 in India under the
chairmanship of Ven U Chandramani Ven Amritananda was its
general secretary[25]
Immediately after establishment of bdquoDharmodaya
Sabha‟ Ven Amritananda wrote a protest letter to Nepalese
government and also appealed to other Buddhist organizations on
behalf of Dharmodaya Sabha He visited many places and various
countries to get support against the expulsion of Buddhist monks from
modern Nepal One of the countries he visited and undertook further
studies was Sri Lanka In Sri Lanka he also succeeded in bringing a
goodwill mission to Nepal in 1946 under the leadership of well-known
scholar Ven Narada Mahasthavir of Vajiraramaya Colombo The
members of this mission consisted of Ven Narada Ven Amritananda
Ven Priyadarshi Dr Ratna Surya and Prof Aryapal They were able
to meet the newly appointed Prime Minister Padma Shumsher J Rana
Ven Amritananda and leader of the mission Ven Narada requested his
23
Excellency to give permission for the exiled monks to return to Nepal
Prime Minister Padma Shamsher accepted their request and permitted
the exiled monks to return Ven Dharmaloka was the first one to come
back to Nepal immediately after receiving a letter from Ven
Amritananda and arrived in Kathmandu in June 1946 (Jesth Sukla 6
2003)[26]
Other monks also returned one by one and again started
propagating Theravada Buddhism in modern Nepal Ven Narada
visited Nepal three times and constructed a Sri Lankan Cetiya at
Anandakuti Vihar He brought a branch of Bodhi tree Buddha‟s relic
to Nepal He also established the first Sima (Uposatha) of Nepal for
Bhikkhus at the Vihara During his third visit he met then Prime
Minister Mohana Shamasher J Rana and requested him to declare
Baisakh Purnima or Buddha Day as a public holiday His Excellency
agreed and declared it as a public holiday for the Buddhist government
civil officers[27]
Since then Theravada Buddhism gained ground in
Nepalese society and made progress Theravada monks propagated
Buddhism by performing ceremonies giving Dharmadesana and
publishing Buddhist texts Many Viharas were built in and outside the
Kathmandu valley to propagate dhamma
24
In 1950 democracy replaced autocratic Rana regime under the
leadership of H M King Tribhuvan This heralded rapid development
of Theravada Buddhism Buddhist monks and nuns were able carry out
their duties freely without hindrances throughout the country The
office of bdquoDharmodaya Sabha‟ shifted from Kalimpong to Kathmandu
after the advent of democracy in 19501 In 1951 Bhikkhu Sangha led
by Ven Amritananda formed lsquoAkhil Nepal Bhikkhu Sangharsquo (All
Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha Council) for the further propagation of
Buddhism in Nepal Ven Amritananda played a great role in
propagation of Theravada Buddhism nationwide His close relationship
with their Majesties helped in his activities[28]
He visited many
countries on behalf of All Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha and Dharmodaya
Sabha In the same year Buddhists of Nepal succeeded in bringing the
relics of Ven Sariputta (Ven Sariputra) and Ven Maudhgalyana
(Ven Moggallana) the foremost disciples of the Buddha for the
exhibition in Nepal His Majesty King Tribhuvan chaired the reception
committee and a reception party was held in the Royal Palace[29]
Following year in 1952 Buddha Jayanti was celebrated throughout the
country with the support of HM King Tribhuvan On this occasion
25
HM King declared Baisakh Purnima or Buddha Jayanti day as a
public holiday throughout the kingdom[30]
In 1956 His late Majesty King Mahendra visited Lumbini the
birthplace of the Buddha and erected a Mahendra Pillar in Lumbini
zone In the same year during 2500th
Buddha Jayanti celebration HM
king banned animal slaughter on this auspicious day throughout the
kingdom[31]
Nepalese Buddhists led by All Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha
Council and Dharmodaya Sabha also organized the Fourth World
Fellowship of Buddhist Conference (WFB) in Kathmandu on this
year[32]
His Majesty‟s government cooperated fully and gave every
assistance for the success of the conference Gradually Theravada
Buddhist monasteries were founded Buddhist Education Buddhapuja
meditation public discourses publications of Buddhist texts and mass
ordination etc took place as a part of dhamma activities Burma Sri
Lanka Thailand and other countries helped Nepal in its effort for
Theravada revival Soon after Theravada Buddhist monks established
the first Bhikkhu training center- Sangharama Vihar and ordained
number of novices under the leadership of Ven Ashogosha
Mahasthavir[33]
Following their ordination they were sent to Sri
26
Lanka Burma and Thailand for their higher ordination and education
Many of these monks have returned to Nepal and are actively engaged
in propagation of dhamma Besides ordination of individual novices
mass ordinations for short periods were also held in different temple
After Anandakuti Vihar the Viswasanti Vihara also established
Vishwa Shanti Bauddha Shikshalaya a Buddhist School under Ven
Nyanapunnika Mahathavir[34]
It teaches both national and Buddhist
curriculum to the novices Now there are nearly 100 Theravada
temples more than four hundred monks and Samaneras and nearly 400
nuns in the country Present Sangha Nayaka is Most Ven
Subodhananda of Gana Mahavihara Kathmandu President of All
Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha is Kumar Kashyapa of Ananda Kuti Vihar
Swayambhu Kathmandu and the head office of All Nepal Bhikkhu
Sangha is in Viswo Santi Vihara New Baneshwor Kathmandu
27
Contribution to Nepalese society
Besides promoting Dhamma Theravada monks and nuns
(Anagarikas) are also involved in other welfare activities like
organising free health camps training centers either in the monasteries
or outside the monasteries They also founded center for old age and
Kindergarten Late Ven Sumangala Mahasthavira[35]
initiated free
clinic at Buddha Vihar a Buddhist home for the elderly at Benepa and
a Buddhist Kindergarten Free Clinics were popular because of lack of
adequate government run clinics in Nepal Many monasteries
organized free clinics Regular clinics like eye and Homeopathic were
run either on weekly or monthly basis Annual campaigns are also run
when it was felt necessary
In 1964 All Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha established a Theravada
education system Pariyatti Sikkha or Nepal Bauddha Pariyatti Siksa
(Buddhist Saturday School) Classes are run in Theravada Buddhist
monasteries Tibetan monasteries other Buddhist centers in public and
private schools There are more than 32 centers throughout the
28
country[36]
Presently its head office is at Viswo Santi Vihara in New
Baneswora Kathmandu
Besides Pariyatti Sikkha Ven Amritananda founded a
Buddhist school - bdquoAnandakuti Vidyapith Boarding School‟ and a
college- bdquoSiddharth Science Campus‟ Both Buddhist monks and lay
people used to teach in these institutions It was started as a Buddhist
school but for some reason it has become a private enterprise Besides
these many monks and nuns are also running other educational
institutions like bdquoNursery school (Siddhartha Shisu Niketan Buddha
Vihar) Primary school (Triple Gem Boarding School) and Higher
Schools There are some Higher Education institutes like Siddharth
University in Banepa International Buddhist University in Lumbini
etc Many Buddhist organizations were founded and they were also
running different classes and research centers like Dharmakirti
Buddhist Research Center Anagarika Dhammavati founded this centre
Later on Anagarika Dhammavati was ordained as Bhikkhuni
according to Taiwanese tradition She is one of the well-known nuns in
the Theravada Buddhism in Nepal[37]
29
The Buddhist temples and organizations bring out number of
publications annually monthly weekly and on special occasions
Dharmodaya Anandabhumi and Dharmakirti are the oldest
Buddhist journals in Nepal and still continued to be published
Ven Amritananda was one of the greatest Buddhist scholars of
Nepal He wrote and translated many books on Buddhism There are
still no other monks or nun in Nepal who can be compared with
him[38]
Late Ven Sudharsan Mahasthavir came close to him Ven
Sudharsan was a pillar of Theravada Buddhism after Ven
Amritananda He was famous for different reason His field of interest
beside dhamma work consisted literature language Archaeology etc
He was a resident monk at Srikirti Vihar Kirtipur and held the post of
professor in History Archaeology and Buddhist philosophy at
Tribhuvan University until his death in July 2002 Some of his books in
Buddhism became course book for BA and MA students in Nepal
He had special interest in archaeology of Lumbini and was an expert on
this subject[39]
30
Revival of Theravada Buddhism in Nepal also had profound
effect in cultural and religious way of life of Nepalese Daily chanting
or Buddhapuja short term ordination observing Sila (Moral code)
caste system celebration of Vesak day celibate life were introduced
In the month of Bhadra or Gunla days (AugustSeptember) Buddhist
hymns are chanted and public discourses are given
Late Ven Sudharshan Mahasthavir formed Sri Kirti Buddhist
center at Sri Kirti Vihar with the aim of introducing Buddhism to other
ethnic groups other than Newars- the original inhabitants of Katmandu
valley This project succeeded in bringing other ethic groups into
Theravada Buddhism As a result of this many ethnic groups who were
originally Buddhists have started organizing Buddhist conferences and
Buddhist activities Another important development is formation of
Gyanmala Bhajan Khala - a Buddhist hymn group This group sings
regularly especially during certain auspicious days at Swayambhu and
other Buddhist sites The songs they sing are based on Buddha‟s
teaching and has been successful in promoting Buddhism in simple
melodious hymns which attracts many people who visits these
religious places
31
Theravadin in Nepalese Society
For centuries Nepalese were aware of only Buddhist priest
(Bajracharya) from Newar Buddhism (Vajrayana) and Tibetan Lamas
They were unaware of Theravadian Buddhist monks and nuns
Bajracharyas are household monks They lead domestic lives and are
not celibate Not all Tibetan monks are celibate It depends on the
school they belong to For example monks from Sakya School of
Tibetan tradition do not have to be celibate Theravada monks wear
distinctive saffron coloured robes They are celibate and lead virtuous
monastic life These monks and nuns have different identity in the eyes
of Nepalese especially the inhabitants of Kathmandu valley Their
simple way of life their full dedication in their work for the benefit of
mankind easily understood Theravada Scriptures translated in different
languages eg in Nepal Bhasa (Newari) Nepali in Hindi and in
English for easy accessibility by different groups helped to gain the
heart of Nepalese people Although many lay people have played
pivotal roles in revival of Theravada Buddhism in Nepal the leadership
32
of monks and nuns were vital in further development and survival of
this tradition
The lay Buddhists of Nepal are pluralistic They participate in
Buddhist ceremonies such as Vesak day daily chanting etc At the
same time they also follow Hindu customs in their daily lives
Buddhism is different from Hinduism and it is not a branch of
Hinduism Hindus believe that Buddha was a reincarnation of Lord
Vishnu Buddha never claimed to be anything other than a human
being ndash although a unique one in the history of mankind
Buddhism in Nepal is unique because of existence of three
different Buddhist traditions - Newar Buddhism (Vajrayana)
Tibetan Buddhism (Mahayana) and Theravada Buddhism
Different Buddhist groups practised different traditions Although the
principle underlying all these traditions is the same they differ in
details Theravada Buddhist tradition is different from Tibetan or
Newar Buddhist traditions but it is developing side-by-side with them
It was not possible for Theravada Buddhism to develop in Nepal
without close co-relation with other traditions but later developed on its
own right These various Buddhist traditions are coexisting in present
33
day Nepal Although they have different cultural traditions and are
developing in their own ways but the followers are the same
Therefore there is no separate identity of Theravadian lay Buddhists
There are number of lay Buddhist organizations such as Dharmodaya
Sabha Dharmakirti Institute Young Buddhist Associations Female
Buddhist Associations more recently Sukhi Hotu Nepal which are
playing important role in promotion of Buddha Dhamma but they are
multi-cultural and multi religious in their daily practices
CONCLUSION
Theravada Buddhism was introduced to Nepal at the time when
public meetings were banned It faced many obstacles at the beginning
Strong dedications of monks and nuns made it possible for its revival in
Nepal after many centuries of neglect Even though the revival
movement of this tradition was started only about 80 years ago it has
already gained strong foot hold in Nepal and gaining popularity day by
day The reason for its popularity lies in many things - the simple and
easily understood way the teachings were given the simple way of life
of monks and nuns lead and various beneficial activities undertaken by
34
Viharas Theravadin Buddhist monks and nuns are well accepted by
people and their contribution in promoting Buddha‟s teachings is
widely recognized Although small in number in comparison to other
Asian countries like Thailand Sri Lanka and Burma both the number
of monks and nuns and monasteries of this tradition are increasing day
by day If this trend continues it will become one of the prominent
religious traditions in Nepal It is only natural that this oldest Buddhist
tradition should gain its place of honour it deserve in a country where
the founder of the religion was born
35
Theravada Records in Nepal
List of Monks Novices and Anagarikas studying abroad
MONKS AND NOVICES
I Thailand
1 Bhikkhu Anil Man Dhammasakiyo (Sugandha)
2 Bhikkhu Vipassi Dhammaramo
3 Bhikkhu Jit Bahadur Gurung
4 Bhikkhu Krishna Thapamagar
5 Bhikkhu Pannamurti
6 Bhikkhu Sujan Sujano
7 Bhikkhu Anil Sumankitti
8 Bhikkhu Santosh Santosho
9 Bhikkhu Khemik Suddhasilo
10 Bhikkhu Suman Rocano
11 Bhikkhu Sanu Maharajano
12 Bhikkhu Santamano Dhwajjoshi
13 Bhikkhu Suman Dhwajjoshi
14 Bhikkhu Bijit Khemasakko
15 Bhikkhu Supreme Shakyavanso
Samaneras
1 Samanera Buddharatna Maharjan
2 Samanera Dhammaratna Maharjan
3 Samanera Bipin Maharjan
4 Samanera Prajwal Shakya
5 Samanera Ukesh Sakya
6 Samanera Gopi Maharjan
7 Samanera Sudip Deshar
8 Samanera Sudat Deshar
9 Samanera Deepi Maharjan
10 Samanera Ramit Shrestha
11 Samanera Anup Deshar
12 Samanera Suman Bajracharya bdquoA‟
13 Samanera Rajendra Deshar
14 Samanera Kapila Maharjan
15 Samanera Arbin Shakya
36
16 Samanera Kabindra Bajracharya
17 Samanera Ujjawal Shakya
18 Samanera Satish Shakya
19 Samanera Bimal Gurung
20 Samanera Surya Gurung
21 Samanera Sameer Maharjan
22 Samanera Anup Shakya
23 Samanera Arjun Magar
24 Samanera Kiran Desahar
25 Samanera Dipesh Shrestha
26 Samanera Tejendra Tamang
27 Samanera Ashim Shakya
28 Samanera Jalap Bajracharya
29 Samanera Arya Dev Bajracharya
30 Samanera Sudarshan Maharjan
31 Samanera Sangharatna
32 Samanera Suman Bajracharya bdquoB‟
33 Samanera Kijan Maharjan
34 Samanera Ramesh Maharjan
35 Samanera Niroj Maharjan
36 Samanera Jen Maharjan
37 Samanera Denish Bajracharya
38 Samanera Pritam Bahadur Shakya
39 Samanera Abhishek Shakya
40 Samanera Bishal Shakya
41 Samanera Sajal Shakya
42 Samanera Suraj Bhakta Shrestha
43 Samanera Dinesh Chaudhary
44 Samanera Shiv Swatantra Tharu
45 Samanera Sambhu Lal Khang
46 Samanera Buddharatna Chaudhary
47 Samanera Mukesh Chaudhary
II Myanmar (Burma)
Bhikkhu Samaneras
1 Bhikkhu Panavimala
2 Bhikkhu Dhyanratna
3 Bhikkhu Adiccho
4 Bhikkhu Vimalbuddhi
5 Bhikkhu Shobhan
6 Samanera Amato
7 Samanera Jutimma
8 Samanera Buddhapiyo
9 Samanera Kavindo
10 Samanera Nagasena
11 Samanera Gyanavudho
III Taiwan(ROC) 1 Bhikkhu Mangala 2 Bhikkhu Vazirbuddhi
IV Australia 1 Bhikkhu Upatissa
V India
1 Bhikkhu Dharmajyoti 2 Bhikkhu Ashokakirti
3 Bhikkhu Narawang Tamang
VI United kingdom 1 Bhikkhu Suman
VII USA 1 Bhikkhu Pragnaloka
VIII Sri Lanka
Bhikkhus
Bhikkhu Nanda
Bhikkhu Vineeta
Bhikkhu Ashoka
Bhikkhu Triratna
Bhikkhu Sagara
Bhikkhu Sankicca
Bhikkhu Vajirasiri
Bhikkhu Sarada
Bhikkhu Veenit
Bhikkhu Ratana
Bhikkhu Tissa
Bhikkhu Vajira
Bhikkhu Pannawimal
Bhikkhu Medhankar
Bhikkhu Pannasara
SARAMANERAS
Saranankara
Piyadassi
Dil Bhadra
Chandima
Samita
Narada bdquoA‟
Piyaratna
Kusala
Lakkhana
Udit
Vibekanada
Pannananda
Mettananda
Chandananda
Yassari
Upali
Subodhi
Mahanama
Kashyapa
Dhammapala
Narada bdquoB‟
Nalaka bdquoA‟
Daywasa
Santa Sobhana
Santa Siddhartha
Santa Maitri
Santa Kosala
Santa Sakya
Suvaca
Sukama Sila
Siddhartha
Nanda bdquoA‟
Rahula
Sudheera
Kosala Dheera
Panna Wansa
Jina Wansa
Mahinda
Nanda bdquoB‟
Seewali
Mahapantha
Assaji
Sarada
Sumana
Ananda
Nalaka bdquoB‟
Aloka
Suwarna
Subodh
Udena
Sangharatna bdquoA‟
Gyanendra
Khema
Soma bdquoA‟
Punna
Panna Ransi
Soma bdquoB‟
Santa bdquoA‟
Kapila Wansa
Asita Wansa
Sumanananda bdquoa‟
Vijitananda
Khemananda
Silananda
Medhananda
Somaratna
Soratha
Pragyananda
Sumangala
Santa Citta
Yasa
Dhamma Kitti
Panna Kitti
Santa Dheera
Vijitananda
Sumanananda bdquob‟
Vajra Bodhi
Dhammika
Santa bdquoB‟
Anuruddha
Sumana bdquoB‟
Jinavamsa
Panna Vansa
Buddha Ratna
Dhamma Ratna
Ariya Ratna
Piyadassi bdquoB‟
Sila Ratna
Sangha Ratna bdquoB‟
List of Anagarikas studying in abroad
I Thailand
1 Anagarika Sirisuta Maharjan
2 Anagarika Ramsobha Shrestha
3 Anagarika Sunita Napit
II Myanmar
1 Anagarika Javanvati
2 Anagarika Vimalajnani
3 Anagarika Ambika
4 Anagarika Buddhapali
5 Anagarika Darshana
6 Anagarika Agrajnani
7 Anagarika Nandavati
bdquob‟
III India 1 Anagarika Rupashila
IV Taiwan
1 Anagarika Pannavati
2 Anagarika Sani
3 Anagarika Nima
V Sri Lanka
1 Anagarika Pannawati
2 Anagarika Mettawati
3 Anagarika Keshawati
4 Anagarika Prasnnawati
5 Anagarika Sukhawati
6 Anagarika Shobhawati
7 Anagarika Subhadra
8 Anagarika
Shraddhagautami
9 Anagarika Upananda
10 Anagarika Shantawati
11 Anagarika Suciwati
Residences of Theravādin Monks in Nepal
01 Abhinava Buddha Vihara Lumbini
1) Bhikkhu Vimalananda Mahathera
2) Samanera Sunanda
02 Anandakut Vihara Swayambhu Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Kumara Kassapa Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Dharmamurti 3) Samanera Kondanya
4) S Prajnaratna 5) S Asoka
6) S Kumarjeeva 7) S Assaji
03 Bauddha Samaskrita Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Bhikkhu Dharmashobhana Mahathera
04 Bodhicharya Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Bodhisena Mahathera
2) Samanera Bodhideepa
05 Buddha Vihara Bhrikuti Mandap-Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Kondanya 2) Bhikkhu Sushil
3) Samanera Anuyoga 3) S Javana
4) S Udena
06 Buddha Vihara Biratnagar
1) Bhikkhu Aloka
07 Buddha Vihara Dharan
1) Bhikkhu Maitri (Tamang)
2) Bhikkhu Chhavikirti
08 Chatubrahma Vihara Matatirtha
1) Bhikkhu Thansettho
2) Bhikkhu Samyakaratna
3) Bhikkhu Bodhananda
9 Charumati Stupa Vihara Chabahil Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Tapassi Dhamma
10 Dharmacakra Ashrama Bagbazar
1) Bhikkhu Milinda
11 Dharmashila Buddha Vihara Pokhara
1) Bhikkhu Subhadda 2) Bhikkhu Saddhananda
12 Dhyanakuti Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Ashwaghosha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Rahul 3) Samanera Gautama
13 Gana Maha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Sanghanayaka Bhikkhu Subodhanand Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sobhita
3) Bhikkhu Samvegakirti
4) Samanera Sugatananda
6) S Chandananda
7) S Somananda
8) S Sumanavamsha
9) S Somavamsha
10) S Sumanasiri
14 IlayabahiTanabaha Patan
1) Bhikkhu Vimalkirti
15 International Bauddha Pariyatti Vihara Butwal
1) Bhikkhu Jatila
2) Bhikkhu Bhaddiya bdquoB‟
3) Samanera Jnanashree 4) S Jotika
16 International Buddhist Society Lumbini
1) Bhikkhu Maitri Mahathera
2) Samanera Mahapanta
3) S Vimala
17 Jana Udaya Vihara Sunakothi-Lalitpura
1) Bhikkhu Dharmagupta
18 Jitavana Vihara Thankot
1) Bhikkhu Dharmavamsha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sugatamuni Mahathera
3) Samanera Sunita
19 Kuti Vihara Koteshwar-KTM
1) Bhikkhu Yeshdhammo
2) Samanera Wayamo
3) S Milindo 4) S Sunanalankara
20 Manimandapa Mahavihara Patan
1) Bhikshu Shilbhadra Mahathera
2) Samanera Paduma 3) S Nayako
21 Muni Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Samanera Tejendra 2) S Jalapa
3) S Asima 4) S Aryaputra
22 Padma Sugandha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Sumedha 2) Samanera Sudatta
23 Pati Vihara Nagadesh-Bhaktapur
1) Bhikkhu Varasambodhi
24 Pranidhi Purna Maha Vihara Balambu
1) Samanera Sukha
25 Pugatabhoomi Jetavana Vihara Bhairahawa
1) Samanera Jagaro 2) S Suvanno
26 Purvaram Vihara Dhulikhel
1) Bhikkhu Gunaghosha Mahathero
27 Sangharama Vihara Kshetrapati Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Saddhatissa
2) Bhikkhu Kolita
3) Bhikkhu Sangharakshita
28 Shakya Singha Vihara Patan
1) Bhikkhu Dharmapala Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sunanda Mahathera
3) Bhikkhu Dharmarakshita
29 Shikhalapura Vihara Dhulikhel
1) Bhikkhu Dhammananda Mahathera
30 Shree Kirti Vihara Kirtipur
1) Bhikkhu Kirtijyoti 2) Bhikkhu Ananda
3) Bhikkhu Prajnakirti
4) Bhikkhu Dharmakirti
5) Samanera Sundara 6) Bhikkhu Pamit
7) S Subhashkirti 8) S Uttarakirti
31 Shreegha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Dharmasagara
2) Bhikkhu Medhankara
32 Sudarshana Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Rastrapala
33Sumangala Vihara Patan
1) Sanghaupanayaka Bhikkhu Buddhaghosha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Shobhan
3) Bhikkhu Prajnaratna
34 Surya Mangala Vihara Kapilvastu
1) Bhikkhu Suryamangala
35 Tokha Buddha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Samanera Shobhana 2) S Jnanodaya
36 Veluvanarama Vihara Thecho-Lalitpura
1) Samanera Uttama 2) S Chandimo
37 Vishwa Shanti Vihara New Baneshwar
1) Bhikshu Jnanapurnik Mahathera
2) Bhikshu Bodhijnana
3) Bhikshu Nigrodha
4) Bhikshu Udayabhadra
Samaneras
1) S Janak 2) S Sujat
3) S Obhaso 4) S Subhaddo
5) S Nandiyo 6) S Mahindo
7) S Pajjoto 8) S Aloka
9) S Buddhadatta 10) S Panita
11) S Kashyapa 12)S Dharmaghosha
13) S Nagita 14) S Vinaya
15) S Suchitta 16) S Sudatto
17) S Nemindo 18) S Rohito
19) S Jayanto 20) S Meghiyo
21) S Indriyo 22) S Suppamedho
23) S Bhanusarana 24) S Saddhadeepa
25) S Kittimo 26) S Janeyyo
27) S Adicca 28) S Kosalla
29) S Nyanuttara 30) S Bhaddaco
31) S Pabhassaro 32) S Uttaro
38 Yampi Maha Vihara Patan
1) Bhikkhu Bhaddiya
39 Non residencial Monks
1) Bhikshu Samyaka Sambodhi Pranputra
2) Bhikshu Dhyanratna
3) Bhikkhu Chandragupta Balambu
Present Anagarikas and resident in NEPAL
01 Amarapura Vihara Bungamati
1) A Charujnani 2) A Sunita
3) A Palitajnani 4) A Pamitajnani
5) A Padumajnani 6) A Rupawati
02 Bauddha Samaskrit Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Anagarika Sanghashila
03 Buddha ViharaDharan
1) A Sumedhavati 2) A Sushilavati
3) A Kanchana 4) A Shasanavati
04 Bauddha Rishi Mahapragya Ashram Anamnagar
1) Anagarika Prajnavati
05 Chatubrahma Vihara Matatirtha
1) Anagarika Anu
06 Dhammavasa Vihara Khusibun
1) A Krishgautami 2) A Suchita
3) A Shilgautami 4) A Kshantigautami
5) A Shyamavati
07 Dharmakirti Vihara Naghal-Kathmandu
1) Anagarika RatnaManjari
2) A Dhammavati
3) A Dhammadinna (Chameli)
4) A Anupama 5) A Sanghavati
6) A Khemavati 7) A Indravati
8) A Jayavati 9) A Danavati
10) A Tyagavati 11) AViryavati
12) A Shubhavati 13) A Ramavati
14) A Surammavati
15) A Hemavati 16) A Suppabhavati
17) A Supriya 18) A Amata
19) A Vannavati 20) A Suvannavati
08 Dharmashila Buddha Vihara Pokhara
1) Anagarika Karmashila
09 Gautami Vihara Lumbini
1) Anagarika Sujata 2) A Khamesi
10 IlayabahiTana Baha Lalitpur
1) A Shilaparami 2)AViryaparami
3) A Vineeta 4) A Shilachari
11 Int‟l Buddhist Meditation Centre Shankhamul
1) A Aggajnani 2) A Nirmalajnani
3) A Shantarakshita
12 Jaya Mangal ViharaTana Bahal-Patan
1) Anagarika Vijita 2) A Nekkhami
3) A Chittavati
13 Jyoti Vihara Chapagaun- Lalitpur
1) AnagarikaVirygautami
2) A Upeskshagautami
14 Kashivarna Buddha Vihara Panuati
1) Anagarika Satyaparami
15 Kindol Vihara Swayambhu
1) A Sumana 2) A Uttara
3) A Sumitra 4) A Molini
5) A Dhammavijaya 6) A Tejavati
7) A Shyamavati
16 Kunsa BahaHyumat
1) Anagarika Patachari 2) AUmavati
17 Mahabodhi Vihara Tansen
1) Anagarika Revati (Dhammadinna)
18 Muni Vihara Bhaktapur
1) A Sugandhavati 2) A Padmavati
19 Narsinharama Thaina-Patan
1) A Jnanashila 2) ASatyashila
3) AShilavati 4) A Yeshavati 5) A Dharani
6) A Jeenvati
7) A Shilpavatisushma
20 Padmachaitya Vihara Butwal
1) A Udayashila 2) A Santiwati
21 Padmakirti Vihara Kamalpokhari
1) A Kamala 2) A Karunavati
3) A Pabbhavati 4) A Dhyanavati
5) A Bhavanavati
22 Prajnanandarama Okubahal-Patan
1) Anagarika Jnanavati
23 Pranidhipurna Mahavihara Balambu
1) A Mudita 2) A Chandrashila bdquoB‟
24 SangharakshitaVihara Patan
1) Anagarika Abhaya 2) A Chandrashila
3) A Shilachari
25 Shanti Sukhavasa Chakupat-Patan
1) A Utpalavarna (Chini)
26 Shree Kirti Vihara Kirtipur
1) Anagarika Mina
27 SunandaramaThaina-Patan
1) A Madhavi 2) AMasukhi
3) A Mashobha 4) A Mashraddha
5) A Masudha
28 Sulakshanakirti Viahara Kirtipur
1) A Anoja 2) A Atula
3) A Anula
29 Sangharama ViharaDhalko-KTM
1) Anagarika Dharmarakshita
30 Vishwashanti Vihara New Baneshwar
1) A Shubha 2) A Khema
3) A Sudhamma
31 Vishwashanti Dharmakirti Vihara Basundhara
1) A Dhajavati (Kusum) 2) A Padmavati
3) A Bhadravati
32 Residing other Anagarikas
1) Anagarika Chandrajnani Patan
2) A Sraddhavati Shankhamul
3) A Amaravati Patan
4) A Dhammachari Patan
5) A Nanda Thasi
Some Prominent Personalities in the Theravada Movement1
Sanghamahanayakas of Nepal
1 Ven Pragyanand Mahasthavir 1930 ndash 1993 AD
2 Ven Sakyananda Mahasthavir 1993 - 1997 AD
3 Ven Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1997 - 2002 AD
4 Ven Subodhananda Mahasthavir 2002 - 2006 AD
5 Ven Buddhaghosa Mahasthavir 2006-
Amritananda Bhikkhu (1918-1990) original name Lal Kaji Sakya from Tansen
west Nepal he ordain as a novice in 1936 from ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara He studies and was ordained a monk in Sri Lanka in 1940 He
return to Nepal in 1942 and preached first publicly in Kathmandu He
formed Dharmodaya Sabha in 1944 and All Nepal Bhikkhu Mahasangha in
1951 and remained its unchallenged leader until his death He was well
known and traveled widely outside of Nepal because of his dynamism and
charisma He was also one of the greatest Buddhist scholars and writers of
Nepal
Aniruddha Bhikkhu (1915-2003) original name Gaja Ratna Tuladhar son of
Dasa Ratna Sahu (Later Ven Dhammaloka) He went to Sri Lanka in 1930
and ordained as samanera and studied there He had served many years in
Lumbini and third Sanghanayaka of Nepal
1 Sarah Levine and David N Gellner Rebuilding Buddhism The Theravada Movement in
Twentieth Century Nepal (UK Harvard University Press 2006) pp 293-296
Ashwaghosh Bhikkhu (1926- present) original name Buddha Ratna Sakya and
became a novice in 1944 and went to Sri Lanka for study where he took
higher ordination in 1949 he is known as bdquothe communist monk‟ and was a
nominee of the Unified Marxist-Leninist party one of Nepal‟s two main
political parites in the 1990s to the Upper House 1993-5 He had
established nepal‟s first Bhikkhu Training Center at Sangharama Dhalko
and became abbot of this vihara Presently he is abbot of Shrigha Vihara in
Kathmandu and of Dyanakuti Vihara Banepa
Buddhaghosh Bhikkhu (1921- present day) original name Sapta Ratna
Vajracharya in Kwa Baha Kathamandu The founder of Pariyatti Education
in Nepal and presently acting Sanghanayaka of Nepal (2006) and abbot of
Sri Sumangala Vihara in Lalitpur
Chandramani Bhikkhu (1876-1972) a Burmese monk who spent his life in
Kusinagara where he worked for the propagation of Buddhism until his
death He initiated with most of the early Nepalese Theravadins Monks and
Nuns He was the first president of Dharmodaya Sabha and father of
Theravadins of Nepal
Dharmachari Anagarika (1898-1978) born Laxmi Nani Tuladhar she
impressed by Ven Pragyananda in Kindol Vihara and took the precepts
from Chandramani in Kusinagara in 1934 and most prominent Nepali nun
She founded the first nunnery in Nepal at Kindol Vihara in 1947
Dhammaloka Bhikkhu (1891-1977) born Das Ratna Tuladhar Asan
kathamandu He traded in Lhasha went to Sri Lanka and taught Buddhism
as a layman Later became a monk in 1932 after his son Aniruddha ordain
in 1930 he established nepal‟s first Theravādin Vihara bdquoAnanda Kuti
Vihar‟ in Kathmandu
Dhammawati Anagarika (1925- present day) born as Ganesh Kumari Sakya in
Uku Baha lalitpur She ordain too precepts from Ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara and renamed as Dhammavati in 1950 She went to Burma for
study and return in 1963 after passed the Dhammacariya Examination She
was able to established Dhammakirti Nunnery Centre in 1965 and leader of
the Theravādin Nuns She has been re-ordained as Bhikkhuni according to
Mahayana tradition
Dharmaditya Dharmacharya (1902-1963) born as Jagat Man Vaidya in Chika
Bahi Lalitpur and the first Newar Buddhist modernist and the first newar
cultural nationalist He went to study in Calcutta where he became a
follower of anagarika Dhammapala the founder of Maha Bodhi Society
He had formed Buddhist revival foundation and published Buddhist
magazines etc
Nyanpurnika Bhikkhu (1936- present day) Born as Hera Lal Sakya in Tansen
He studied with Buddhaghosh in Lalitpur in Burma and in England He is
only monk who passed Dhammacariya examination of Burma He was the
founder of Vishwa Shanti Vihara and Vishwa Shanti Bauddha sikkyalaya
where train novices He is a prominent translator and writer
Kumar Kashyap Bhikkhu (1926- present day) born as Krishna Man Sakya he
was one of those who exiled to India by the Ranas in 1944 He went to
Study in Sri Lanka and hold nepal‟s first bdquoTripitaka acarya‟ Presently he is
president of All Nepal Bhikkhu Association and abbot of Ananda Kuti
Vihara
Mahapragya Bhikkhu (1901-1979) born Prem Bahadur (Nani Kaji ) Shrestha
He ordained into Tibetan tradition but exiled in 1926 and reordained as
novice in Theravada tradition one of the earlier Theravādin monks He
return to householderhood in Kalimpong in 1940s but then returned to
Kathmandu as a Buddhist sage (Bauddha Rishi) in the 1960s where he
taught until his death
Pragyananda Bhikkhu (1900-1993) born as Kul Man Singh Tuladhar in Itum
Baha Kathmandu a trader in Tibet where he met Ven Mahapragya and
impressed by him to ordained He became a Tibetan Gelung Karmasheel in
1928 and two years later a Theravādin under Ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara in 1930 He was nepal‟s first Sanghamahanayaka and well
respected monk
Shakyananda Bhikkhu (1909-1997) born as Chakra Dhan Sakya in Taksar
Bhojpur East Nepal He spent over forty years as a monk in Tansen outside
the Kathmandu and second sanghamahanayaka of Nepal
Subodhanand Bhikkhu (1916-2006) bor as Kul Raj Sakya in Taksar Bhojpur
East Nepal He was one of the monks exiled by the Ranas in 1944 He was
a prolific composer of Hymns in Nepal Bhasa In 2003 as the most senior
monk in Nepal he was the fourth Sanghanayaka of Nepal
Sudarshan Bhikkhu (1934-2002) born as Rudra Raj Sakya in Uku Baha
lalitpur He was famous a bdquothe boy monk‟ For many years he was a lecturer
in the culture Department of Tribhuvan University a prolific writer
preacher and abbot of Sri Kirti Vihara Kirtipur which is became multi-
cultural center and especially for Buddhist meetings and conferences He
was jailed for some months for Nepal Bhasa activities in the Panchayat
period He was a campaigner on Buddhist issues particularly to do with
Lumbini
Sumangal Bhikkhu (1929-1999) born Bhakta Krishna Shilpakar in Lalitpur He
was famous as ldquoDollar bhanterdquo He ordained in 1959 in Burma obtained a
master‟s degree in Buddhism from Rissho University Japan in 1972 and
was among the first monks to mobilize international connections for
Buddhist projects in Nepal He established Buddha Vihara in Bhrikuti
Mandap Kathmandu He helped raise funds from Thailand and Japan for
IBMc (1985) brought the Japanese healing movement Sei Mei Kyo to
Nepal and in 1993 opened an old people‟s home in Banepa
Glimpse of Theravādin activities in Nepal
Samanera ordination at Muni Vihara
Ordination Ceremony at Vishwa Shanti Vihara
Collecting Alms
Chanting Paritta in devotee‟s home
Giving Holy Thread to Devotees
Buddhist Art in Nepal
Main Buddha Image at Sri Kirti Vihara
Four holy places
Some of the Theravada Buddhist Viharas (Monasteries) in Nepal
Vihars In Kathmandu Valley Telephone No
1 Amarapura Buddha Vihar Bungamati 5551068
2 Anandakuti Vihar Swayambhu 4271420
3 Anandabhuwan Vihar Bhuikhyo 4270429
4 Ganamaha vihar Ganabaha 4253454
5 Gautam Buddha Vihar Panga co 4330576
6 Caturbrahma Vihar Matatirtha 4310558
7 Carumati Vihar Cabahil 4469897
8 Baudhajana Vihar Sunakothi co 5570209
9 Jitapur Gandhakuti Vihar khona Co 5542846
10 Jitawan Vihar Thankot 4311912
11 Jyoti udaya vihar Capagaun Co 5571459
12 Dhammavasa Vihar Khusibun 4358688
13 Dharmakirti Vihar Srigha Naghal 4259466
14 Dharmacakra vihar Bagbajar 4261976
15 Nagar Mandap Sri Kirti Vihar Kirtipur 4330836
16 Nagadesh Buddha Vihar Nagadesh Co 6635397
17 Nirvanmurti Anagarikaram Kindol 4285811
18 Padmasugandha Vihar Manjeshwori 4266255
19 Pranidhi Purna Mahavihar Balambu 43105924312455
20 Pati Vihar Thimi Co 6637601
21 Pippali Theravad Buddha Vihar Shiphal 4475066
22 Punya Udaya Vihar Jala Harisiddhi Co 5527456
23 Buddhabhoomi Mahavihar Tokha 4362514
24 Buddha Vihar Bhrikuti mandapa 4226702
25 Buddharatna Vihar Putalisadak 4244277
26 Bauddha samakrit Vihar Bhaktapur 6610842
27 Manimandap Vihar Patko Bhaktapur 5526517
28 Muni Vihar Bhaktapur 6616464
29 Yampi Mahavihar Ibahi Lalitpur 5539644
30 Yashodhara Baudha Bidyalaya Thaina Lalitpur 5521435
31 Biswo Shanti Vihar Baneshwor 4482384
32 Biswo Shanti Dharmakirti vihar Basundhara 4354251
33 Beluvanarama Vihar Theco Co 5570062
34 Sakyasingha Vihar Thaina Lalitpur 5524760
35 Santi Sukhawas Cakupat co 5523613
36 Siddhimangal Buddha Vihar Thasi 5581495
37 Sumangala Vihara Lagankhel 5531715
38 Sulakshan kirti Vihar Chobhar 4331718
39 Suwanrna Chatrapur Vihar Lubhu 5580430
40 Sangharama Vihar Dhalko Visnumati 4255960
41 Srigha Vihar Nagal 4259110
Vihars out side the Kathamandu Velley Telephone No
1 Ananda Vihar Tansen Co 075-520225520216
2 Citravan Vihar Narayangadha Co 056-521478
3 Taksar Vihar Tansen Co 075-520024
4 Dharmashila Buddha Vihar Phokhara 061-520517
5 Dyankuti Banepa Banepa 011-661244
6 Padma Chaitya Vihar Butawal 071-546470
7 Purwarama Vihar Dhulikhel 011-661979
8 Pragya Mahavihar Hetauda Co 057-520264520136
9 Buddha Vihar Dharan 025-520354
10 Buddha Vihar Biratnagar Co 021-522146530604
11 Beni Buddha Vihar Myagdi Co 069-520354
12 Bodhicharya vihar Banepa 011-661789
13 Lokachakra Buddha Vihar Dhan gadhi 091-622174
14 Sakyamuni Vihar Bhojpur Co 029-420260
15 Sugatapur Vihar Trisuli Co 010-560153
16 Sugandha Vihar Ridi Gulmi Co 079-529435
17 Swoyambhu Chetya Buddha Vihar Urlabari Co 021-540080
18 Swoyambhu Chetya Mahavihar Dharan Co 025-520190
19 Gyanodaya Buddha Vihar Baglung Co 068-520921520336
Footnotes
[1] This paper was written as a part of my MA thesis research on bdquoThe
Revival of Theravada Buddhism and its contribution to Nepalese Society‟ of
Mahachulalongkorn University Bangkok Thailand and would like to thank Mr
Dharma Sakya for every suggestion editing and help for the completion of this
article
[2] Nyanatiloka Buddhist Dictionary 3
rd ed The Free Distribution
version the Corporate Body of the Buddha education foundation Taiwan p
179
[3] Triratna Manandhar bdquoPresent of Buddhism in Nepal‟ (Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK Vol 8 May 2005) p 15
[4] helliphelliphelliphellip The New Encyclopedia of Britannica Vol24 (USA
Library of Congress Catalog 1993) p 781 Dhanabajra Vajracharya Cabahilko
Abhilekha (Inscription of Cabahil) The Charumati Voice (Kath Charumati
Buddhist Mission 2001) pp 17-20 Bhikkhu Sudarsan Mahasthavira Nepal
Upatyaka ma Ashokaki Chori Charumati (Charumati A daughter of
Ashoka in Nepal Valley) (The Charumati Vocie (Kath Charumati Buddhist
Mission 2001) p 20
[5] Beal Samuel Si Yu Ri Buddhist Records of the Western World
(New Delhi Motilal Banarsidass Publishers 1994) pp 80-81 Bhuwan Lal
Pradhan Nepalama Buddhadharma (Kath Nepal Rajkiya Pragyapratisthana
1988) pp 102 ndash 103
[6] NB Thapa A Short History of Nepal (Kath Ratna Pustak
bhandhar Nd) pp 30-33 Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ The
Nation Thailand‟s English Newspaper (Sunday special) Oct 18 1987
[7] Opcit NB Thapa p116
[8] David N Gellner Monk Householder and Tantric Priest Newar
Buddhism and its Hierarchy of Ritual (Cambridge University Press 1996) pp
41ff
[9] Bechert Heinz amp Jens-Uwe Hartmann ldquoObservation on the reform
of Buddhism in Nepalrdquo Journal of Nepal Research Centre vol VIII Kath
Kantipur Printing Press1988p 6
[10] Ria Kloppenborg Theravada Buddhism in Nepal‟ Kailash A
Journal of Himalayan Studies Vol 5 no 41977 p 302
[11] BP Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada Gukathan Wagu Kha (Kath
Hisi Press Nepal BS 20421985) pp44ff
[12] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p47ff
[13] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 51-53 Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal (BKK A Thesis of MA Mahamakut Graduate School
2001) p 97
[14] Bhikshu Sudarshan Mahasthavir bdquoRole of Theravada in the
Preservation of Newar Buddhism‟ wwwircnepalorgpapers
[15] Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 69-72
[16] Opcit Observation on the reform of Buddhism in Nepal p10ff
[17] Opcit Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ RV
Vandya Sanghanayaka Venerable Pragnananda Mahasthavir (Kath Nepal
Co-operative Press 1978) pp 11ff
[18] Bhkkhu Dharmaloka Mahasthavir A Pilgrimage in China (kath
published by Bhikkhu Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1999) p 13-15 Opcit Lacoul
Nepalay Sthavirvada p 74-75
[19] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka p 15
[20] Opcit Bhikkhu dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp16ff
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p100
[21] Ibit Bhikkhu Dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp 27-29
[22] See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A Homage
(Kath Anandakuti Vihar Trust 1992) Kuladharma Ratna Tuladhar Buddhism
in Nepal (Kath Dharmodaya Sabha 1986) pp15 Opcit Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 100
[23] Opcit K R Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal 16 RV Vandya
Sanghanayaka ven Pragnananda p 32 ff
[24] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka Pragnananda pp 34-35
Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthavirvada p 86
[25] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 18 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 101
[26] Bhikkhu Amritananda Mahasthavir A Short History of Theravada
Buddhism in Modern Nepal (Kath Anandakuti Vihar trust 1986) pp 8-9
Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir (Kath Anandakuti
Vihar Trust 1992) p 25
[27] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 19 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[28] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[29] Opcit Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir
p 26
[30] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit KR
Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 20
[31] Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha in Nepal
(BKK A Thesis of MA Buddhist Study Mahachulalongkorn University 2547)
p 23 [32]
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit Ratna
Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir p 26
[33] Amrit R Sthapit bdquowho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Aswaghosha‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 4 no 1 May 2001
p8
[34] helliphelliphelliphelliphellip bdquoWho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Nyanapurninka Mahasthavir‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 7
no 1 May 2004 p13 Viswo Shanti Vihar The Shanti Sandesh (Kath Viswo
Shanti Vihar 1998)
[35] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sumangala Mahasthavir
A monk who modernized Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the
LNBDS UK vol 2 no 1 May 1999 p10
[36] Opcit Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha
in Nepal pp 52ff
[37] Rina Tuladhara Dharmakirti 25 Years of Dharmakirti Buddhist
Study Circle A Glimpse (Kath Dharmakirti Vihar 1996) Mallika Sakya
bdquoWho is Who in Nepalese Buddhism Dhammavati Guruma‟ Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 5 no 1 May 2002 p10
[38] Opcit See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A
Homage Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 108
[39] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sudarshan Mahasthavir A
Gem of the Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol
6 no 1 May 2003 p13
7
prominent role in promotion of Theravada Buddhism in Nepal He
founded Dharmodaya Sabha All Nepal Bhikshu Association (Akhil
Nepal Bhikshu Sangha) travelled widely promoting dhamma and
translated and published many Buddhist texts
Late Venerable Bhikshu Sudharshan added a different
dimension to the movement He started training centre with the aim of
broadening ordination to other ethnic groups Until then Newars ndash
original inhabitants of Kathmandu Valley were the only ones who have
taken ordinations in this tradition Because of his foresight and timely
action many people from other ethnic groups have accepted Theravada
Buddhism and some has taken ordination Ven Nyanapurnika of
Viswasanti Vihar who established Novice Training Centre Ven
Ashowghosa of Sangharama who trained most of the present leading
monks of Nepal and Anagarika Dhammavati of Dharmakirti (Now
Bhikkhuni according to Mahayana) who established Nunnery training
centre are also well known figures in Theravada in Nepal
At present all three traditions Newar Buddhism (Vajrayana)
Tibetan Mahayana Buddhism and Theravada Buddhism have become
acceptable Buddhist traditions in Nepal Theravada Buddhist monks
8
and nuns with their saffron coloured robe along with Tibetan Lamas
and Bajracharyas are familiar features in Nepalese society especially
in Kathmandu valley
Introduction
Theravada Buddhism the doctrine of the elders is the oldest
unbroken traditional Buddhist tradition practised by people since the
time of the Buddha It is found today in Sri Lanka (Ceylon) Myanmar
(Burma) Thailand Cambodia Laos and Chittagong (Bangladesh)[2]
Theravāda Buddhism in modern Nepal was introduced about 80 years
ago Since then it has emerged as a major force in modern Nepal It
plays significant roles in different fields of Nepalese society and
Buddhists have begun to engage in both traditional and modern
activities Even though it re-emerged only few decades ago the origins
of Theravāda Buddhism in Nepal are to be found in the time of Gotama
the Buddha The Buddha the founder of Buddhism was born in
Lumbini within the borders of present-day Nepal Very early in its
history then important Buddhist events occurred on the southern
plains of Nepal There are many references in ancient Pāli literature of
9
Buddhist activities held in and near Kapilavatthu the Buddha‟s
hometown The Buddhist scriptures say that not only was the Buddha
born in what is now Nepal but also visited his home several times after
he had become the Buddha
Although the Buddha was born in Nepal the history of
Buddhism in Nepal is not very clear According to Buddhist literatures
he did visit Nepal gave discourses and ordained some monks and nuns
There are monasteries and stupas spread in different parts of the
country but due to lack of records or clear evidence it is difficult to say
when they were built Historians have identified the Stupa of Yogini in
Gumvihara at Sankhu Kathmandu as the oldest stupa in Kathmandu
Valley It is generally believed that the origin of this vihāra dates to
the time of the early introduction of Buddhism in ancient times around
the first century CE Harishchandra Lal Singha a historian says
ldquoTheravāda was the earliest form of Buddhism prevalent in Nepal as in
many countries of Asia where Buddhism flourishedrdquo However
traditional Theravāda texts do not contain any information about
Theravāda in Nepal The texts of other Buddhist schools nevertheless
10
say that some of the Buddha‟s disciples went to Nepal‟s Kathmandu
Valley
There is evidence that the King Asoka of Magadha visited
Lumbini in Nepal He was a great patron and staunch supporter of
Buddhism during his time It is said that in the 20th
year after his
accession to the throne of the Maurya Dynasty and following the Third
Buddhist Council the King made pilgrimages to historic places of
Buddhist interest and erected stone pillars He is also said to have
visited Nepal Valley Dr D Wright writes that the Emperor King
Ashoka visited Kathmandu Valley at the time of the fourteenth Kirati
King Sthungko of the Kirat dynasty with his spiritual guide Venerable
Upagupta Queen Tissyarakshita and a daughter named Carumati He
sent nine missionary groups to different places A group of four monks
led by Ven Majjima came to Nepal and succeeded in propagating
Buddhism in Nepal It was said that Buddhism was a well-know
religion then and practised by people in their daily life It is believed
that the Buddhism that was practised during King Asoka‟s time was
Theravada Buddhism Unfortunately for some unknown reason
popularity of Buddhism declined and its identity lost for many
11
centuries According to the recorded history of Nepal after the social
reforms carried out by King Jayasthiti Malla (1382-95 CE) Buddhism
went into decline and developed into Newār Buddhism However
Theravada Buddhism was re-introduced once again in Nepal in the
closing years of 19th
century by Nepalese who came in contact with the
Maha Bodhi society of India
Anagarika Dharmapala a Sri Lankan Buddhist founded this
Maha Bodhi Society Nepalese who came in contact with this society
took initial steps for revival of Theravada activities in Nepal Nearly a
century later Theravada once again gained foothold in Nepal
Presently there are number of Theravada Buddhist monasteries in the
country The numbers of Nepalese Buddhist monks and nuns have also
increased Some are resident in Nepal and others are studying and
carrying out dhamma work in Sri Lanka Thailand Myanmar and
other countries Beside dhamma work they are also engaged in various
charitable works like education health social welfare etc for the
upliftment of Nepali community wherever they are
12
Background
As I have mentioned earlier history of Buddhism in Nepal is
very vague There are some evidences that Buddhism was popular
during Buddha‟s time in Nepal There are also evidences that the
Buddha visited Nepal gave discourses to relatives and Buddhists and
ordained Bhikkhus and Bhikkhunis[3]
According to Buddhist scholar‟s
Theravada tradition existed in Nepal since the time of the Lord
Buddha
The evidence was more reliable from the account of King
Asoka The great emperor of ancient India King Asoka visited
Lumbini and erected stone pillar with inscription in Bramhi script
which in English reads bdquo Here the Buddha was born‟
(Hidabhagavamjāteti Lum minigāme) As mentioned before he also
sent Dhamma Missionary (Dhammaduta) to Nepal after third Buddhist
council (Sanghayana) which was held three hundred years after
Buddha‟s parinibbana Buddhist legends has it that one of King
Asoka‟s daughter Carumati married a Nepali called Devapal and
settled in Cabahil Katmandu where she constructed a temple- Cabahil
monastery and became a Bhikkhuni for the rest of her life[4]
Besides
13
these the records of Chinese travelers who visited Buddhist
pilgrimage sites in India and Nepal after King Ashoka‟s visit also gave
some information on existence of Theravada Buddhist monks who
practised and studied along with other Buddhist sects in Nepal[5]
According to historians Buddhism was a dominant religion
until the time of King Jayasthiti Malla who ruled Nepal during
medieval period (around 1382 CE) He imposed caste system in Nepal
according Manudharmasastra a Hindu holy book[6]
Buddhist culture
and tradition were banned the celibate monks were forced to disrobe
and forced to marry Vajrayana or Newar Buddhism was developed
following the demise of Theravada Buddhism The situation of
Buddhist became worse during the time of Rana government In 1846
the mantle of power of Nepal‟s government shifted from the monarchy
to autocratic isolationist Rana government The Shah kings of the
country were kept under tight control of Rana prime ministers[7]
The
country was closed from outside world and kept her eyes closed to
what was happening outside for nearly 104 years That was the age
when Buddhism was totally forgotten by non-Buddhist of Nepal It was
14
known and practised by only certain communities Vajracharyas
(Bajracharyas) Shakyas Tuladhars etc[8]
The Rana government
banned all Buddhist religious activities They also banned people
converting from Hindu religion to Buddhism but traditional Buddhists
were allowed to become Hindus
Theravada Revival Movement
In the early 1920s Dharmāditya Dharmācārya began his
campaign for the revival of Theravāda Buddhism teaching that Nepal
was the land of the Buddha‟s birth Meanwhile the Baisākha purnimā
celebration and publicing of ldquoBuddha Dhammardquo magazine by
Dharmāditya Dharmācārya had been inflaming the inner quest for
spirituality in Nepalewse society Furthermore simulteniously Tibeten
Buddhism had been inspiring Newari Society to walk the path that was
once nearly lost One of the well-known monks who came from Tibet
and preached the Dhamma to the Nepalese was Kyangtse Lama
Known in Nepal as Kyanchhe Lama he had come on pilgrimage to
Nepal His sermons and the publication of the Lalitavistara inspired
many to seek Buddhist ordination in the early period of the modern
15
history of Buddhism in Nepal It was the fortunate conjunction of
Nisthananda‟s translation of the Lalitavistara into the mother tongue
producing a Newāri version of the Buddha‟s life story Dharmāditya
Dharmācārya revivalism and the visits of Kyangtse Lama which
ensured that ldquothe Bud of the Dharmardquo planted by the Venerable Lama
should flower so quickly and produce such impressive fruit His
influence on Newāri scholars was significant One of them was
Yogbeer Sing Kansakar who was honoured for his efforts for the
preservation of the Newāri language The Lama also influenced the
first Theravāda monks Venerable Mahapragya and Venerable
Pragyānanda among others
The closing years of 19th
century saw reform movements in
many Buddhist countries with idea of modernizing Buddhist
movement The term bdquoBuddhist modernization‟ is used to refer to these
new reformist activities[9]
The aim of this movement was to bring
back Buddhism to India and Sri Lanka The Maha Bodhi Society was
founded in India under the leadership of Anagarika Dharmapala[10]
16
This organization was the first Buddhist organization established with
the aim of internationalizing Buddhism
The success of The Maha Bodhi Society encouraged Nepalese
who came in contact with this society They were mostly traditional
Buddhists (Newar Buddhists) of Nepal who were merchants and
pilgrims They played an important role in Theravada revival
movement in present day Nepal However it was students of Buddhism
who gave a kick-start to Theravada movements in modern Nepal
Mr Jagatman Vaidya a traditional Buddhist by birth went to
India for further studies He initiated the Theravada Buddhist revival
movement with the help of The Mahabodhi Society[11]
Mr Jagatman
who later became known as Dharmaditya Dharmacariya devoted most
of his time and energy to Buddhist Revivalism in Nepal by publishing
Buddhist journal in Newari Nepali Hindi English etc One of his
great deeds was to celebrate Baisakh day Buddha Jayanti or Swanya
Punhi in Nepal to commemorate Buddha‟s birth enlightenment and
death (Parinibbana) He established bdquoBuddha Dharma Uddhar
Sangharsquo lsquoBuddhopasaka Sangha‟ and other organizations for the
propagation of Buddhism in Nepal[12]
17
The Buddha Jayanti which he has initiated was celebrated for
the first time in the history of modern Nepal in 1926 after a long gap
Now a day this day is widely celebrated in Nepal Every year people
celebrate it with great joy and happiness[13]
He was also responsible
for stopping animal slaughter at Mayadevi temple in Lumbini and
renovation of Kindol Vihar in Kathmandu This Vihara became the
center for Theravada revival movement[14]
He published Buddhist
magazine entitled bdquoBuddha Dharmarsquo in Newari Language
(Nepalabhasa) emphasizing the importance of Buddha Jayanti
celebration and Theravadian views This was the starting point of
Theravada activities and promotion of Theravadian views in Nepal
after many centuries Some Nepalese youths took ordination according
to Theravada tradition in 1928 They were imprisoned for four days
The Government at the time was under the influence of Shaivait
Brahmins who were calling for a ban against Buddhism Later he was
arrested for his conversion from a Hindu to a Buddhist monk Three
new rules suppressing Buddhism had been issued
18
(1) Conversion to Buddhism from Hinduism (Shaivaism) to be
punished by one year in prison
(2) Acting as preceptor at a Buddhist ordination to be punished by
three years‟ imprisonment and
(3) Attempting to ordain into Buddhism to be punished by a six-
month imprisonment
They were exiled to India and all reordained into Theravada
tradition with ven U Kosala in Buddhagaya However certain reasons
they left the tradition The history speaks only on Ven Mahapragya but
rest of other four monks still under discovery The first Nepalese to
take ordination in Theravada tradition was venerable Mahapragna a
Hindu Shrestha by birth in 1926 After few years study in Tibet again
he went to India where he met Ven U Chandramani a Burmese monk
at Kusinagara[15]
He was impressed with Ven Chandramani and took
Theravada ordination from him This was the starting point for
Theravada ordination once again in the history of modern Nepal after
almost 600 years[16]
Since then Theravadin monastic order been settled
in modern Nepal
19
On the other hand Venerable Pragyananda (Karmasheel) who
converted from Gelung of Tibetan tradition to Theravada with Ven U
Chandramani at Kusinagara India was the first yellow-robed monk
who appeared in the street of Kathmandu valley at the end of 1930s[17]
He stayed at Kindol Vihar at the invitation of Dasaratna Shahu (later
Ven Dharmaloka) and gave discourses The attendance at his
discourses increased day by day and it worried then Rana government
and arrested all the members of Vihar They were imprisoned fined
and later released[18]
Fortunately Ven Pragnananda was in different
place and was not arrested He went on pilgrimage to India with some
devotees His four devotees took ordination under guidance of Ven U
Chandramani at Kusinagar They were Samanera Shasana Jyoti
Anagarika Ratna Pali Anagarika Dhamma Pali and Anagarika
Sangha Pali This was the first nun‟s ordination in Theravada
Buddhism in modern Nepal[19]
In the mean time Dasaratna Shahu
who was running Kindol Vihar brought Civar and bowl from Sri Lanka
for monk ceremonies Soon after his release from prison he took
ordination according to Theravada tradition at Kusinagar from Ven U
Chandramani and became Samanera Dhammaloka in 1932[20]
He
20
visited Nepal as a monk but was arrested immediately on his arrival in
Kathmandu and was imprisoned once again for six days and then
released without charging him with any offences Following his release
from prison he went to stay at Kindol Vihar and continued his
religious activities He was finally able to carry out religious activities
freely in Nepal He succeeded to propagate Theravada Buddhism in the
streets of Kathmandu valley[21]
Later he founded Nepal‟s first
Theravada Buddhist temple bdquoAnandakutirsquo at the foothill of Swayambhu
hill and it became the center for Theravada Sangha in modern Nepal
Venerable Amritananda was another well-known Buddhist
scholar and pioneer person for revival of Theravada Buddhism in
modern Nepa[22]
He was ordained under Ven U Chandramani at
Kusinagara in 1936 CE but was imprisoned along with Ven
Mahapragna at Bhojpur in 1937 In 1942 he came back to Nepal from
abroad after completing his study and gave discourses at the request of
Ven Dharmaloka in Swayambhu during vassavasa days (Three months
Buddhist lent) His public discourses impressed lay people and many
people came to listen to him Other Monks Samaneras and Nuns of
21
Nepal who were studying abroad also came back and joined him and
gave public discourses in different places of Kathmandu valley[23]
This
was a great breakthrough during isolationist Rana government Rana
government of the time banned any public assembly because of fear of
political unrest and demand for political reform in Nepal Because of
their religious activities they were arrested on 30th
July 1944 and
brought in front of then Prime Minister Juddha Shamsher Jung Bahadur
Rana for giving verdict on the charges of propagating the dhamma He
made rules to curtail the Buddhist activities Those who didn‟t follow
these rules were asked either to leave the country or return to worldly
life All the respected monks who were active in revival of Theravada
in Nepal refused to obey the order and were exiled once again from
Nepal The exiled monks this time included Ven Pragnananda Ven
Dharmaloka Ven Subhodhananda Ven Pragnarashmi Samanera
Pragnarasa Samanera Ratnajyoti Samanera Agga Dhamma and
Samanera Kumar The nuns were allowed to remain in the Vihar until
the end of the Vassavasa[24]
22
Development of Theravada Buddhism
The exiled monks formed bdquoDharmodaya Sabha‟ - Nepal‟s first
Buddhist organization with the help of other Buddhist organizations
and individuals on 30th
November 1944 in India under the
chairmanship of Ven U Chandramani Ven Amritananda was its
general secretary[25]
Immediately after establishment of bdquoDharmodaya
Sabha‟ Ven Amritananda wrote a protest letter to Nepalese
government and also appealed to other Buddhist organizations on
behalf of Dharmodaya Sabha He visited many places and various
countries to get support against the expulsion of Buddhist monks from
modern Nepal One of the countries he visited and undertook further
studies was Sri Lanka In Sri Lanka he also succeeded in bringing a
goodwill mission to Nepal in 1946 under the leadership of well-known
scholar Ven Narada Mahasthavir of Vajiraramaya Colombo The
members of this mission consisted of Ven Narada Ven Amritananda
Ven Priyadarshi Dr Ratna Surya and Prof Aryapal They were able
to meet the newly appointed Prime Minister Padma Shumsher J Rana
Ven Amritananda and leader of the mission Ven Narada requested his
23
Excellency to give permission for the exiled monks to return to Nepal
Prime Minister Padma Shamsher accepted their request and permitted
the exiled monks to return Ven Dharmaloka was the first one to come
back to Nepal immediately after receiving a letter from Ven
Amritananda and arrived in Kathmandu in June 1946 (Jesth Sukla 6
2003)[26]
Other monks also returned one by one and again started
propagating Theravada Buddhism in modern Nepal Ven Narada
visited Nepal three times and constructed a Sri Lankan Cetiya at
Anandakuti Vihar He brought a branch of Bodhi tree Buddha‟s relic
to Nepal He also established the first Sima (Uposatha) of Nepal for
Bhikkhus at the Vihara During his third visit he met then Prime
Minister Mohana Shamasher J Rana and requested him to declare
Baisakh Purnima or Buddha Day as a public holiday His Excellency
agreed and declared it as a public holiday for the Buddhist government
civil officers[27]
Since then Theravada Buddhism gained ground in
Nepalese society and made progress Theravada monks propagated
Buddhism by performing ceremonies giving Dharmadesana and
publishing Buddhist texts Many Viharas were built in and outside the
Kathmandu valley to propagate dhamma
24
In 1950 democracy replaced autocratic Rana regime under the
leadership of H M King Tribhuvan This heralded rapid development
of Theravada Buddhism Buddhist monks and nuns were able carry out
their duties freely without hindrances throughout the country The
office of bdquoDharmodaya Sabha‟ shifted from Kalimpong to Kathmandu
after the advent of democracy in 19501 In 1951 Bhikkhu Sangha led
by Ven Amritananda formed lsquoAkhil Nepal Bhikkhu Sangharsquo (All
Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha Council) for the further propagation of
Buddhism in Nepal Ven Amritananda played a great role in
propagation of Theravada Buddhism nationwide His close relationship
with their Majesties helped in his activities[28]
He visited many
countries on behalf of All Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha and Dharmodaya
Sabha In the same year Buddhists of Nepal succeeded in bringing the
relics of Ven Sariputta (Ven Sariputra) and Ven Maudhgalyana
(Ven Moggallana) the foremost disciples of the Buddha for the
exhibition in Nepal His Majesty King Tribhuvan chaired the reception
committee and a reception party was held in the Royal Palace[29]
Following year in 1952 Buddha Jayanti was celebrated throughout the
country with the support of HM King Tribhuvan On this occasion
25
HM King declared Baisakh Purnima or Buddha Jayanti day as a
public holiday throughout the kingdom[30]
In 1956 His late Majesty King Mahendra visited Lumbini the
birthplace of the Buddha and erected a Mahendra Pillar in Lumbini
zone In the same year during 2500th
Buddha Jayanti celebration HM
king banned animal slaughter on this auspicious day throughout the
kingdom[31]
Nepalese Buddhists led by All Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha
Council and Dharmodaya Sabha also organized the Fourth World
Fellowship of Buddhist Conference (WFB) in Kathmandu on this
year[32]
His Majesty‟s government cooperated fully and gave every
assistance for the success of the conference Gradually Theravada
Buddhist monasteries were founded Buddhist Education Buddhapuja
meditation public discourses publications of Buddhist texts and mass
ordination etc took place as a part of dhamma activities Burma Sri
Lanka Thailand and other countries helped Nepal in its effort for
Theravada revival Soon after Theravada Buddhist monks established
the first Bhikkhu training center- Sangharama Vihar and ordained
number of novices under the leadership of Ven Ashogosha
Mahasthavir[33]
Following their ordination they were sent to Sri
26
Lanka Burma and Thailand for their higher ordination and education
Many of these monks have returned to Nepal and are actively engaged
in propagation of dhamma Besides ordination of individual novices
mass ordinations for short periods were also held in different temple
After Anandakuti Vihar the Viswasanti Vihara also established
Vishwa Shanti Bauddha Shikshalaya a Buddhist School under Ven
Nyanapunnika Mahathavir[34]
It teaches both national and Buddhist
curriculum to the novices Now there are nearly 100 Theravada
temples more than four hundred monks and Samaneras and nearly 400
nuns in the country Present Sangha Nayaka is Most Ven
Subodhananda of Gana Mahavihara Kathmandu President of All
Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha is Kumar Kashyapa of Ananda Kuti Vihar
Swayambhu Kathmandu and the head office of All Nepal Bhikkhu
Sangha is in Viswo Santi Vihara New Baneshwor Kathmandu
27
Contribution to Nepalese society
Besides promoting Dhamma Theravada monks and nuns
(Anagarikas) are also involved in other welfare activities like
organising free health camps training centers either in the monasteries
or outside the monasteries They also founded center for old age and
Kindergarten Late Ven Sumangala Mahasthavira[35]
initiated free
clinic at Buddha Vihar a Buddhist home for the elderly at Benepa and
a Buddhist Kindergarten Free Clinics were popular because of lack of
adequate government run clinics in Nepal Many monasteries
organized free clinics Regular clinics like eye and Homeopathic were
run either on weekly or monthly basis Annual campaigns are also run
when it was felt necessary
In 1964 All Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha established a Theravada
education system Pariyatti Sikkha or Nepal Bauddha Pariyatti Siksa
(Buddhist Saturday School) Classes are run in Theravada Buddhist
monasteries Tibetan monasteries other Buddhist centers in public and
private schools There are more than 32 centers throughout the
28
country[36]
Presently its head office is at Viswo Santi Vihara in New
Baneswora Kathmandu
Besides Pariyatti Sikkha Ven Amritananda founded a
Buddhist school - bdquoAnandakuti Vidyapith Boarding School‟ and a
college- bdquoSiddharth Science Campus‟ Both Buddhist monks and lay
people used to teach in these institutions It was started as a Buddhist
school but for some reason it has become a private enterprise Besides
these many monks and nuns are also running other educational
institutions like bdquoNursery school (Siddhartha Shisu Niketan Buddha
Vihar) Primary school (Triple Gem Boarding School) and Higher
Schools There are some Higher Education institutes like Siddharth
University in Banepa International Buddhist University in Lumbini
etc Many Buddhist organizations were founded and they were also
running different classes and research centers like Dharmakirti
Buddhist Research Center Anagarika Dhammavati founded this centre
Later on Anagarika Dhammavati was ordained as Bhikkhuni
according to Taiwanese tradition She is one of the well-known nuns in
the Theravada Buddhism in Nepal[37]
29
The Buddhist temples and organizations bring out number of
publications annually monthly weekly and on special occasions
Dharmodaya Anandabhumi and Dharmakirti are the oldest
Buddhist journals in Nepal and still continued to be published
Ven Amritananda was one of the greatest Buddhist scholars of
Nepal He wrote and translated many books on Buddhism There are
still no other monks or nun in Nepal who can be compared with
him[38]
Late Ven Sudharsan Mahasthavir came close to him Ven
Sudharsan was a pillar of Theravada Buddhism after Ven
Amritananda He was famous for different reason His field of interest
beside dhamma work consisted literature language Archaeology etc
He was a resident monk at Srikirti Vihar Kirtipur and held the post of
professor in History Archaeology and Buddhist philosophy at
Tribhuvan University until his death in July 2002 Some of his books in
Buddhism became course book for BA and MA students in Nepal
He had special interest in archaeology of Lumbini and was an expert on
this subject[39]
30
Revival of Theravada Buddhism in Nepal also had profound
effect in cultural and religious way of life of Nepalese Daily chanting
or Buddhapuja short term ordination observing Sila (Moral code)
caste system celebration of Vesak day celibate life were introduced
In the month of Bhadra or Gunla days (AugustSeptember) Buddhist
hymns are chanted and public discourses are given
Late Ven Sudharshan Mahasthavir formed Sri Kirti Buddhist
center at Sri Kirti Vihar with the aim of introducing Buddhism to other
ethnic groups other than Newars- the original inhabitants of Katmandu
valley This project succeeded in bringing other ethic groups into
Theravada Buddhism As a result of this many ethnic groups who were
originally Buddhists have started organizing Buddhist conferences and
Buddhist activities Another important development is formation of
Gyanmala Bhajan Khala - a Buddhist hymn group This group sings
regularly especially during certain auspicious days at Swayambhu and
other Buddhist sites The songs they sing are based on Buddha‟s
teaching and has been successful in promoting Buddhism in simple
melodious hymns which attracts many people who visits these
religious places
31
Theravadin in Nepalese Society
For centuries Nepalese were aware of only Buddhist priest
(Bajracharya) from Newar Buddhism (Vajrayana) and Tibetan Lamas
They were unaware of Theravadian Buddhist monks and nuns
Bajracharyas are household monks They lead domestic lives and are
not celibate Not all Tibetan monks are celibate It depends on the
school they belong to For example monks from Sakya School of
Tibetan tradition do not have to be celibate Theravada monks wear
distinctive saffron coloured robes They are celibate and lead virtuous
monastic life These monks and nuns have different identity in the eyes
of Nepalese especially the inhabitants of Kathmandu valley Their
simple way of life their full dedication in their work for the benefit of
mankind easily understood Theravada Scriptures translated in different
languages eg in Nepal Bhasa (Newari) Nepali in Hindi and in
English for easy accessibility by different groups helped to gain the
heart of Nepalese people Although many lay people have played
pivotal roles in revival of Theravada Buddhism in Nepal the leadership
32
of monks and nuns were vital in further development and survival of
this tradition
The lay Buddhists of Nepal are pluralistic They participate in
Buddhist ceremonies such as Vesak day daily chanting etc At the
same time they also follow Hindu customs in their daily lives
Buddhism is different from Hinduism and it is not a branch of
Hinduism Hindus believe that Buddha was a reincarnation of Lord
Vishnu Buddha never claimed to be anything other than a human
being ndash although a unique one in the history of mankind
Buddhism in Nepal is unique because of existence of three
different Buddhist traditions - Newar Buddhism (Vajrayana)
Tibetan Buddhism (Mahayana) and Theravada Buddhism
Different Buddhist groups practised different traditions Although the
principle underlying all these traditions is the same they differ in
details Theravada Buddhist tradition is different from Tibetan or
Newar Buddhist traditions but it is developing side-by-side with them
It was not possible for Theravada Buddhism to develop in Nepal
without close co-relation with other traditions but later developed on its
own right These various Buddhist traditions are coexisting in present
33
day Nepal Although they have different cultural traditions and are
developing in their own ways but the followers are the same
Therefore there is no separate identity of Theravadian lay Buddhists
There are number of lay Buddhist organizations such as Dharmodaya
Sabha Dharmakirti Institute Young Buddhist Associations Female
Buddhist Associations more recently Sukhi Hotu Nepal which are
playing important role in promotion of Buddha Dhamma but they are
multi-cultural and multi religious in their daily practices
CONCLUSION
Theravada Buddhism was introduced to Nepal at the time when
public meetings were banned It faced many obstacles at the beginning
Strong dedications of monks and nuns made it possible for its revival in
Nepal after many centuries of neglect Even though the revival
movement of this tradition was started only about 80 years ago it has
already gained strong foot hold in Nepal and gaining popularity day by
day The reason for its popularity lies in many things - the simple and
easily understood way the teachings were given the simple way of life
of monks and nuns lead and various beneficial activities undertaken by
34
Viharas Theravadin Buddhist monks and nuns are well accepted by
people and their contribution in promoting Buddha‟s teachings is
widely recognized Although small in number in comparison to other
Asian countries like Thailand Sri Lanka and Burma both the number
of monks and nuns and monasteries of this tradition are increasing day
by day If this trend continues it will become one of the prominent
religious traditions in Nepal It is only natural that this oldest Buddhist
tradition should gain its place of honour it deserve in a country where
the founder of the religion was born
35
Theravada Records in Nepal
List of Monks Novices and Anagarikas studying abroad
MONKS AND NOVICES
I Thailand
1 Bhikkhu Anil Man Dhammasakiyo (Sugandha)
2 Bhikkhu Vipassi Dhammaramo
3 Bhikkhu Jit Bahadur Gurung
4 Bhikkhu Krishna Thapamagar
5 Bhikkhu Pannamurti
6 Bhikkhu Sujan Sujano
7 Bhikkhu Anil Sumankitti
8 Bhikkhu Santosh Santosho
9 Bhikkhu Khemik Suddhasilo
10 Bhikkhu Suman Rocano
11 Bhikkhu Sanu Maharajano
12 Bhikkhu Santamano Dhwajjoshi
13 Bhikkhu Suman Dhwajjoshi
14 Bhikkhu Bijit Khemasakko
15 Bhikkhu Supreme Shakyavanso
Samaneras
1 Samanera Buddharatna Maharjan
2 Samanera Dhammaratna Maharjan
3 Samanera Bipin Maharjan
4 Samanera Prajwal Shakya
5 Samanera Ukesh Sakya
6 Samanera Gopi Maharjan
7 Samanera Sudip Deshar
8 Samanera Sudat Deshar
9 Samanera Deepi Maharjan
10 Samanera Ramit Shrestha
11 Samanera Anup Deshar
12 Samanera Suman Bajracharya bdquoA‟
13 Samanera Rajendra Deshar
14 Samanera Kapila Maharjan
15 Samanera Arbin Shakya
36
16 Samanera Kabindra Bajracharya
17 Samanera Ujjawal Shakya
18 Samanera Satish Shakya
19 Samanera Bimal Gurung
20 Samanera Surya Gurung
21 Samanera Sameer Maharjan
22 Samanera Anup Shakya
23 Samanera Arjun Magar
24 Samanera Kiran Desahar
25 Samanera Dipesh Shrestha
26 Samanera Tejendra Tamang
27 Samanera Ashim Shakya
28 Samanera Jalap Bajracharya
29 Samanera Arya Dev Bajracharya
30 Samanera Sudarshan Maharjan
31 Samanera Sangharatna
32 Samanera Suman Bajracharya bdquoB‟
33 Samanera Kijan Maharjan
34 Samanera Ramesh Maharjan
35 Samanera Niroj Maharjan
36 Samanera Jen Maharjan
37 Samanera Denish Bajracharya
38 Samanera Pritam Bahadur Shakya
39 Samanera Abhishek Shakya
40 Samanera Bishal Shakya
41 Samanera Sajal Shakya
42 Samanera Suraj Bhakta Shrestha
43 Samanera Dinesh Chaudhary
44 Samanera Shiv Swatantra Tharu
45 Samanera Sambhu Lal Khang
46 Samanera Buddharatna Chaudhary
47 Samanera Mukesh Chaudhary
II Myanmar (Burma)
Bhikkhu Samaneras
1 Bhikkhu Panavimala
2 Bhikkhu Dhyanratna
3 Bhikkhu Adiccho
4 Bhikkhu Vimalbuddhi
5 Bhikkhu Shobhan
6 Samanera Amato
7 Samanera Jutimma
8 Samanera Buddhapiyo
9 Samanera Kavindo
10 Samanera Nagasena
11 Samanera Gyanavudho
III Taiwan(ROC) 1 Bhikkhu Mangala 2 Bhikkhu Vazirbuddhi
IV Australia 1 Bhikkhu Upatissa
V India
1 Bhikkhu Dharmajyoti 2 Bhikkhu Ashokakirti
3 Bhikkhu Narawang Tamang
VI United kingdom 1 Bhikkhu Suman
VII USA 1 Bhikkhu Pragnaloka
VIII Sri Lanka
Bhikkhus
Bhikkhu Nanda
Bhikkhu Vineeta
Bhikkhu Ashoka
Bhikkhu Triratna
Bhikkhu Sagara
Bhikkhu Sankicca
Bhikkhu Vajirasiri
Bhikkhu Sarada
Bhikkhu Veenit
Bhikkhu Ratana
Bhikkhu Tissa
Bhikkhu Vajira
Bhikkhu Pannawimal
Bhikkhu Medhankar
Bhikkhu Pannasara
SARAMANERAS
Saranankara
Piyadassi
Dil Bhadra
Chandima
Samita
Narada bdquoA‟
Piyaratna
Kusala
Lakkhana
Udit
Vibekanada
Pannananda
Mettananda
Chandananda
Yassari
Upali
Subodhi
Mahanama
Kashyapa
Dhammapala
Narada bdquoB‟
Nalaka bdquoA‟
Daywasa
Santa Sobhana
Santa Siddhartha
Santa Maitri
Santa Kosala
Santa Sakya
Suvaca
Sukama Sila
Siddhartha
Nanda bdquoA‟
Rahula
Sudheera
Kosala Dheera
Panna Wansa
Jina Wansa
Mahinda
Nanda bdquoB‟
Seewali
Mahapantha
Assaji
Sarada
Sumana
Ananda
Nalaka bdquoB‟
Aloka
Suwarna
Subodh
Udena
Sangharatna bdquoA‟
Gyanendra
Khema
Soma bdquoA‟
Punna
Panna Ransi
Soma bdquoB‟
Santa bdquoA‟
Kapila Wansa
Asita Wansa
Sumanananda bdquoa‟
Vijitananda
Khemananda
Silananda
Medhananda
Somaratna
Soratha
Pragyananda
Sumangala
Santa Citta
Yasa
Dhamma Kitti
Panna Kitti
Santa Dheera
Vijitananda
Sumanananda bdquob‟
Vajra Bodhi
Dhammika
Santa bdquoB‟
Anuruddha
Sumana bdquoB‟
Jinavamsa
Panna Vansa
Buddha Ratna
Dhamma Ratna
Ariya Ratna
Piyadassi bdquoB‟
Sila Ratna
Sangha Ratna bdquoB‟
List of Anagarikas studying in abroad
I Thailand
1 Anagarika Sirisuta Maharjan
2 Anagarika Ramsobha Shrestha
3 Anagarika Sunita Napit
II Myanmar
1 Anagarika Javanvati
2 Anagarika Vimalajnani
3 Anagarika Ambika
4 Anagarika Buddhapali
5 Anagarika Darshana
6 Anagarika Agrajnani
7 Anagarika Nandavati
bdquob‟
III India 1 Anagarika Rupashila
IV Taiwan
1 Anagarika Pannavati
2 Anagarika Sani
3 Anagarika Nima
V Sri Lanka
1 Anagarika Pannawati
2 Anagarika Mettawati
3 Anagarika Keshawati
4 Anagarika Prasnnawati
5 Anagarika Sukhawati
6 Anagarika Shobhawati
7 Anagarika Subhadra
8 Anagarika
Shraddhagautami
9 Anagarika Upananda
10 Anagarika Shantawati
11 Anagarika Suciwati
Residences of Theravādin Monks in Nepal
01 Abhinava Buddha Vihara Lumbini
1) Bhikkhu Vimalananda Mahathera
2) Samanera Sunanda
02 Anandakut Vihara Swayambhu Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Kumara Kassapa Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Dharmamurti 3) Samanera Kondanya
4) S Prajnaratna 5) S Asoka
6) S Kumarjeeva 7) S Assaji
03 Bauddha Samaskrita Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Bhikkhu Dharmashobhana Mahathera
04 Bodhicharya Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Bodhisena Mahathera
2) Samanera Bodhideepa
05 Buddha Vihara Bhrikuti Mandap-Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Kondanya 2) Bhikkhu Sushil
3) Samanera Anuyoga 3) S Javana
4) S Udena
06 Buddha Vihara Biratnagar
1) Bhikkhu Aloka
07 Buddha Vihara Dharan
1) Bhikkhu Maitri (Tamang)
2) Bhikkhu Chhavikirti
08 Chatubrahma Vihara Matatirtha
1) Bhikkhu Thansettho
2) Bhikkhu Samyakaratna
3) Bhikkhu Bodhananda
9 Charumati Stupa Vihara Chabahil Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Tapassi Dhamma
10 Dharmacakra Ashrama Bagbazar
1) Bhikkhu Milinda
11 Dharmashila Buddha Vihara Pokhara
1) Bhikkhu Subhadda 2) Bhikkhu Saddhananda
12 Dhyanakuti Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Ashwaghosha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Rahul 3) Samanera Gautama
13 Gana Maha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Sanghanayaka Bhikkhu Subodhanand Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sobhita
3) Bhikkhu Samvegakirti
4) Samanera Sugatananda
6) S Chandananda
7) S Somananda
8) S Sumanavamsha
9) S Somavamsha
10) S Sumanasiri
14 IlayabahiTanabaha Patan
1) Bhikkhu Vimalkirti
15 International Bauddha Pariyatti Vihara Butwal
1) Bhikkhu Jatila
2) Bhikkhu Bhaddiya bdquoB‟
3) Samanera Jnanashree 4) S Jotika
16 International Buddhist Society Lumbini
1) Bhikkhu Maitri Mahathera
2) Samanera Mahapanta
3) S Vimala
17 Jana Udaya Vihara Sunakothi-Lalitpura
1) Bhikkhu Dharmagupta
18 Jitavana Vihara Thankot
1) Bhikkhu Dharmavamsha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sugatamuni Mahathera
3) Samanera Sunita
19 Kuti Vihara Koteshwar-KTM
1) Bhikkhu Yeshdhammo
2) Samanera Wayamo
3) S Milindo 4) S Sunanalankara
20 Manimandapa Mahavihara Patan
1) Bhikshu Shilbhadra Mahathera
2) Samanera Paduma 3) S Nayako
21 Muni Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Samanera Tejendra 2) S Jalapa
3) S Asima 4) S Aryaputra
22 Padma Sugandha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Sumedha 2) Samanera Sudatta
23 Pati Vihara Nagadesh-Bhaktapur
1) Bhikkhu Varasambodhi
24 Pranidhi Purna Maha Vihara Balambu
1) Samanera Sukha
25 Pugatabhoomi Jetavana Vihara Bhairahawa
1) Samanera Jagaro 2) S Suvanno
26 Purvaram Vihara Dhulikhel
1) Bhikkhu Gunaghosha Mahathero
27 Sangharama Vihara Kshetrapati Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Saddhatissa
2) Bhikkhu Kolita
3) Bhikkhu Sangharakshita
28 Shakya Singha Vihara Patan
1) Bhikkhu Dharmapala Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sunanda Mahathera
3) Bhikkhu Dharmarakshita
29 Shikhalapura Vihara Dhulikhel
1) Bhikkhu Dhammananda Mahathera
30 Shree Kirti Vihara Kirtipur
1) Bhikkhu Kirtijyoti 2) Bhikkhu Ananda
3) Bhikkhu Prajnakirti
4) Bhikkhu Dharmakirti
5) Samanera Sundara 6) Bhikkhu Pamit
7) S Subhashkirti 8) S Uttarakirti
31 Shreegha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Dharmasagara
2) Bhikkhu Medhankara
32 Sudarshana Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Rastrapala
33Sumangala Vihara Patan
1) Sanghaupanayaka Bhikkhu Buddhaghosha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Shobhan
3) Bhikkhu Prajnaratna
34 Surya Mangala Vihara Kapilvastu
1) Bhikkhu Suryamangala
35 Tokha Buddha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Samanera Shobhana 2) S Jnanodaya
36 Veluvanarama Vihara Thecho-Lalitpura
1) Samanera Uttama 2) S Chandimo
37 Vishwa Shanti Vihara New Baneshwar
1) Bhikshu Jnanapurnik Mahathera
2) Bhikshu Bodhijnana
3) Bhikshu Nigrodha
4) Bhikshu Udayabhadra
Samaneras
1) S Janak 2) S Sujat
3) S Obhaso 4) S Subhaddo
5) S Nandiyo 6) S Mahindo
7) S Pajjoto 8) S Aloka
9) S Buddhadatta 10) S Panita
11) S Kashyapa 12)S Dharmaghosha
13) S Nagita 14) S Vinaya
15) S Suchitta 16) S Sudatto
17) S Nemindo 18) S Rohito
19) S Jayanto 20) S Meghiyo
21) S Indriyo 22) S Suppamedho
23) S Bhanusarana 24) S Saddhadeepa
25) S Kittimo 26) S Janeyyo
27) S Adicca 28) S Kosalla
29) S Nyanuttara 30) S Bhaddaco
31) S Pabhassaro 32) S Uttaro
38 Yampi Maha Vihara Patan
1) Bhikkhu Bhaddiya
39 Non residencial Monks
1) Bhikshu Samyaka Sambodhi Pranputra
2) Bhikshu Dhyanratna
3) Bhikkhu Chandragupta Balambu
Present Anagarikas and resident in NEPAL
01 Amarapura Vihara Bungamati
1) A Charujnani 2) A Sunita
3) A Palitajnani 4) A Pamitajnani
5) A Padumajnani 6) A Rupawati
02 Bauddha Samaskrit Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Anagarika Sanghashila
03 Buddha ViharaDharan
1) A Sumedhavati 2) A Sushilavati
3) A Kanchana 4) A Shasanavati
04 Bauddha Rishi Mahapragya Ashram Anamnagar
1) Anagarika Prajnavati
05 Chatubrahma Vihara Matatirtha
1) Anagarika Anu
06 Dhammavasa Vihara Khusibun
1) A Krishgautami 2) A Suchita
3) A Shilgautami 4) A Kshantigautami
5) A Shyamavati
07 Dharmakirti Vihara Naghal-Kathmandu
1) Anagarika RatnaManjari
2) A Dhammavati
3) A Dhammadinna (Chameli)
4) A Anupama 5) A Sanghavati
6) A Khemavati 7) A Indravati
8) A Jayavati 9) A Danavati
10) A Tyagavati 11) AViryavati
12) A Shubhavati 13) A Ramavati
14) A Surammavati
15) A Hemavati 16) A Suppabhavati
17) A Supriya 18) A Amata
19) A Vannavati 20) A Suvannavati
08 Dharmashila Buddha Vihara Pokhara
1) Anagarika Karmashila
09 Gautami Vihara Lumbini
1) Anagarika Sujata 2) A Khamesi
10 IlayabahiTana Baha Lalitpur
1) A Shilaparami 2)AViryaparami
3) A Vineeta 4) A Shilachari
11 Int‟l Buddhist Meditation Centre Shankhamul
1) A Aggajnani 2) A Nirmalajnani
3) A Shantarakshita
12 Jaya Mangal ViharaTana Bahal-Patan
1) Anagarika Vijita 2) A Nekkhami
3) A Chittavati
13 Jyoti Vihara Chapagaun- Lalitpur
1) AnagarikaVirygautami
2) A Upeskshagautami
14 Kashivarna Buddha Vihara Panuati
1) Anagarika Satyaparami
15 Kindol Vihara Swayambhu
1) A Sumana 2) A Uttara
3) A Sumitra 4) A Molini
5) A Dhammavijaya 6) A Tejavati
7) A Shyamavati
16 Kunsa BahaHyumat
1) Anagarika Patachari 2) AUmavati
17 Mahabodhi Vihara Tansen
1) Anagarika Revati (Dhammadinna)
18 Muni Vihara Bhaktapur
1) A Sugandhavati 2) A Padmavati
19 Narsinharama Thaina-Patan
1) A Jnanashila 2) ASatyashila
3) AShilavati 4) A Yeshavati 5) A Dharani
6) A Jeenvati
7) A Shilpavatisushma
20 Padmachaitya Vihara Butwal
1) A Udayashila 2) A Santiwati
21 Padmakirti Vihara Kamalpokhari
1) A Kamala 2) A Karunavati
3) A Pabbhavati 4) A Dhyanavati
5) A Bhavanavati
22 Prajnanandarama Okubahal-Patan
1) Anagarika Jnanavati
23 Pranidhipurna Mahavihara Balambu
1) A Mudita 2) A Chandrashila bdquoB‟
24 SangharakshitaVihara Patan
1) Anagarika Abhaya 2) A Chandrashila
3) A Shilachari
25 Shanti Sukhavasa Chakupat-Patan
1) A Utpalavarna (Chini)
26 Shree Kirti Vihara Kirtipur
1) Anagarika Mina
27 SunandaramaThaina-Patan
1) A Madhavi 2) AMasukhi
3) A Mashobha 4) A Mashraddha
5) A Masudha
28 Sulakshanakirti Viahara Kirtipur
1) A Anoja 2) A Atula
3) A Anula
29 Sangharama ViharaDhalko-KTM
1) Anagarika Dharmarakshita
30 Vishwashanti Vihara New Baneshwar
1) A Shubha 2) A Khema
3) A Sudhamma
31 Vishwashanti Dharmakirti Vihara Basundhara
1) A Dhajavati (Kusum) 2) A Padmavati
3) A Bhadravati
32 Residing other Anagarikas
1) Anagarika Chandrajnani Patan
2) A Sraddhavati Shankhamul
3) A Amaravati Patan
4) A Dhammachari Patan
5) A Nanda Thasi
Some Prominent Personalities in the Theravada Movement1
Sanghamahanayakas of Nepal
1 Ven Pragyanand Mahasthavir 1930 ndash 1993 AD
2 Ven Sakyananda Mahasthavir 1993 - 1997 AD
3 Ven Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1997 - 2002 AD
4 Ven Subodhananda Mahasthavir 2002 - 2006 AD
5 Ven Buddhaghosa Mahasthavir 2006-
Amritananda Bhikkhu (1918-1990) original name Lal Kaji Sakya from Tansen
west Nepal he ordain as a novice in 1936 from ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara He studies and was ordained a monk in Sri Lanka in 1940 He
return to Nepal in 1942 and preached first publicly in Kathmandu He
formed Dharmodaya Sabha in 1944 and All Nepal Bhikkhu Mahasangha in
1951 and remained its unchallenged leader until his death He was well
known and traveled widely outside of Nepal because of his dynamism and
charisma He was also one of the greatest Buddhist scholars and writers of
Nepal
Aniruddha Bhikkhu (1915-2003) original name Gaja Ratna Tuladhar son of
Dasa Ratna Sahu (Later Ven Dhammaloka) He went to Sri Lanka in 1930
and ordained as samanera and studied there He had served many years in
Lumbini and third Sanghanayaka of Nepal
1 Sarah Levine and David N Gellner Rebuilding Buddhism The Theravada Movement in
Twentieth Century Nepal (UK Harvard University Press 2006) pp 293-296
Ashwaghosh Bhikkhu (1926- present) original name Buddha Ratna Sakya and
became a novice in 1944 and went to Sri Lanka for study where he took
higher ordination in 1949 he is known as bdquothe communist monk‟ and was a
nominee of the Unified Marxist-Leninist party one of Nepal‟s two main
political parites in the 1990s to the Upper House 1993-5 He had
established nepal‟s first Bhikkhu Training Center at Sangharama Dhalko
and became abbot of this vihara Presently he is abbot of Shrigha Vihara in
Kathmandu and of Dyanakuti Vihara Banepa
Buddhaghosh Bhikkhu (1921- present day) original name Sapta Ratna
Vajracharya in Kwa Baha Kathamandu The founder of Pariyatti Education
in Nepal and presently acting Sanghanayaka of Nepal (2006) and abbot of
Sri Sumangala Vihara in Lalitpur
Chandramani Bhikkhu (1876-1972) a Burmese monk who spent his life in
Kusinagara where he worked for the propagation of Buddhism until his
death He initiated with most of the early Nepalese Theravadins Monks and
Nuns He was the first president of Dharmodaya Sabha and father of
Theravadins of Nepal
Dharmachari Anagarika (1898-1978) born Laxmi Nani Tuladhar she
impressed by Ven Pragyananda in Kindol Vihara and took the precepts
from Chandramani in Kusinagara in 1934 and most prominent Nepali nun
She founded the first nunnery in Nepal at Kindol Vihara in 1947
Dhammaloka Bhikkhu (1891-1977) born Das Ratna Tuladhar Asan
kathamandu He traded in Lhasha went to Sri Lanka and taught Buddhism
as a layman Later became a monk in 1932 after his son Aniruddha ordain
in 1930 he established nepal‟s first Theravādin Vihara bdquoAnanda Kuti
Vihar‟ in Kathmandu
Dhammawati Anagarika (1925- present day) born as Ganesh Kumari Sakya in
Uku Baha lalitpur She ordain too precepts from Ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara and renamed as Dhammavati in 1950 She went to Burma for
study and return in 1963 after passed the Dhammacariya Examination She
was able to established Dhammakirti Nunnery Centre in 1965 and leader of
the Theravādin Nuns She has been re-ordained as Bhikkhuni according to
Mahayana tradition
Dharmaditya Dharmacharya (1902-1963) born as Jagat Man Vaidya in Chika
Bahi Lalitpur and the first Newar Buddhist modernist and the first newar
cultural nationalist He went to study in Calcutta where he became a
follower of anagarika Dhammapala the founder of Maha Bodhi Society
He had formed Buddhist revival foundation and published Buddhist
magazines etc
Nyanpurnika Bhikkhu (1936- present day) Born as Hera Lal Sakya in Tansen
He studied with Buddhaghosh in Lalitpur in Burma and in England He is
only monk who passed Dhammacariya examination of Burma He was the
founder of Vishwa Shanti Vihara and Vishwa Shanti Bauddha sikkyalaya
where train novices He is a prominent translator and writer
Kumar Kashyap Bhikkhu (1926- present day) born as Krishna Man Sakya he
was one of those who exiled to India by the Ranas in 1944 He went to
Study in Sri Lanka and hold nepal‟s first bdquoTripitaka acarya‟ Presently he is
president of All Nepal Bhikkhu Association and abbot of Ananda Kuti
Vihara
Mahapragya Bhikkhu (1901-1979) born Prem Bahadur (Nani Kaji ) Shrestha
He ordained into Tibetan tradition but exiled in 1926 and reordained as
novice in Theravada tradition one of the earlier Theravādin monks He
return to householderhood in Kalimpong in 1940s but then returned to
Kathmandu as a Buddhist sage (Bauddha Rishi) in the 1960s where he
taught until his death
Pragyananda Bhikkhu (1900-1993) born as Kul Man Singh Tuladhar in Itum
Baha Kathmandu a trader in Tibet where he met Ven Mahapragya and
impressed by him to ordained He became a Tibetan Gelung Karmasheel in
1928 and two years later a Theravādin under Ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara in 1930 He was nepal‟s first Sanghamahanayaka and well
respected monk
Shakyananda Bhikkhu (1909-1997) born as Chakra Dhan Sakya in Taksar
Bhojpur East Nepal He spent over forty years as a monk in Tansen outside
the Kathmandu and second sanghamahanayaka of Nepal
Subodhanand Bhikkhu (1916-2006) bor as Kul Raj Sakya in Taksar Bhojpur
East Nepal He was one of the monks exiled by the Ranas in 1944 He was
a prolific composer of Hymns in Nepal Bhasa In 2003 as the most senior
monk in Nepal he was the fourth Sanghanayaka of Nepal
Sudarshan Bhikkhu (1934-2002) born as Rudra Raj Sakya in Uku Baha
lalitpur He was famous a bdquothe boy monk‟ For many years he was a lecturer
in the culture Department of Tribhuvan University a prolific writer
preacher and abbot of Sri Kirti Vihara Kirtipur which is became multi-
cultural center and especially for Buddhist meetings and conferences He
was jailed for some months for Nepal Bhasa activities in the Panchayat
period He was a campaigner on Buddhist issues particularly to do with
Lumbini
Sumangal Bhikkhu (1929-1999) born Bhakta Krishna Shilpakar in Lalitpur He
was famous as ldquoDollar bhanterdquo He ordained in 1959 in Burma obtained a
master‟s degree in Buddhism from Rissho University Japan in 1972 and
was among the first monks to mobilize international connections for
Buddhist projects in Nepal He established Buddha Vihara in Bhrikuti
Mandap Kathmandu He helped raise funds from Thailand and Japan for
IBMc (1985) brought the Japanese healing movement Sei Mei Kyo to
Nepal and in 1993 opened an old people‟s home in Banepa
Glimpse of Theravādin activities in Nepal
Samanera ordination at Muni Vihara
Ordination Ceremony at Vishwa Shanti Vihara
Collecting Alms
Chanting Paritta in devotee‟s home
Giving Holy Thread to Devotees
Buddhist Art in Nepal
Main Buddha Image at Sri Kirti Vihara
Four holy places
Some of the Theravada Buddhist Viharas (Monasteries) in Nepal
Vihars In Kathmandu Valley Telephone No
1 Amarapura Buddha Vihar Bungamati 5551068
2 Anandakuti Vihar Swayambhu 4271420
3 Anandabhuwan Vihar Bhuikhyo 4270429
4 Ganamaha vihar Ganabaha 4253454
5 Gautam Buddha Vihar Panga co 4330576
6 Caturbrahma Vihar Matatirtha 4310558
7 Carumati Vihar Cabahil 4469897
8 Baudhajana Vihar Sunakothi co 5570209
9 Jitapur Gandhakuti Vihar khona Co 5542846
10 Jitawan Vihar Thankot 4311912
11 Jyoti udaya vihar Capagaun Co 5571459
12 Dhammavasa Vihar Khusibun 4358688
13 Dharmakirti Vihar Srigha Naghal 4259466
14 Dharmacakra vihar Bagbajar 4261976
15 Nagar Mandap Sri Kirti Vihar Kirtipur 4330836
16 Nagadesh Buddha Vihar Nagadesh Co 6635397
17 Nirvanmurti Anagarikaram Kindol 4285811
18 Padmasugandha Vihar Manjeshwori 4266255
19 Pranidhi Purna Mahavihar Balambu 43105924312455
20 Pati Vihar Thimi Co 6637601
21 Pippali Theravad Buddha Vihar Shiphal 4475066
22 Punya Udaya Vihar Jala Harisiddhi Co 5527456
23 Buddhabhoomi Mahavihar Tokha 4362514
24 Buddha Vihar Bhrikuti mandapa 4226702
25 Buddharatna Vihar Putalisadak 4244277
26 Bauddha samakrit Vihar Bhaktapur 6610842
27 Manimandap Vihar Patko Bhaktapur 5526517
28 Muni Vihar Bhaktapur 6616464
29 Yampi Mahavihar Ibahi Lalitpur 5539644
30 Yashodhara Baudha Bidyalaya Thaina Lalitpur 5521435
31 Biswo Shanti Vihar Baneshwor 4482384
32 Biswo Shanti Dharmakirti vihar Basundhara 4354251
33 Beluvanarama Vihar Theco Co 5570062
34 Sakyasingha Vihar Thaina Lalitpur 5524760
35 Santi Sukhawas Cakupat co 5523613
36 Siddhimangal Buddha Vihar Thasi 5581495
37 Sumangala Vihara Lagankhel 5531715
38 Sulakshan kirti Vihar Chobhar 4331718
39 Suwanrna Chatrapur Vihar Lubhu 5580430
40 Sangharama Vihar Dhalko Visnumati 4255960
41 Srigha Vihar Nagal 4259110
Vihars out side the Kathamandu Velley Telephone No
1 Ananda Vihar Tansen Co 075-520225520216
2 Citravan Vihar Narayangadha Co 056-521478
3 Taksar Vihar Tansen Co 075-520024
4 Dharmashila Buddha Vihar Phokhara 061-520517
5 Dyankuti Banepa Banepa 011-661244
6 Padma Chaitya Vihar Butawal 071-546470
7 Purwarama Vihar Dhulikhel 011-661979
8 Pragya Mahavihar Hetauda Co 057-520264520136
9 Buddha Vihar Dharan 025-520354
10 Buddha Vihar Biratnagar Co 021-522146530604
11 Beni Buddha Vihar Myagdi Co 069-520354
12 Bodhicharya vihar Banepa 011-661789
13 Lokachakra Buddha Vihar Dhan gadhi 091-622174
14 Sakyamuni Vihar Bhojpur Co 029-420260
15 Sugatapur Vihar Trisuli Co 010-560153
16 Sugandha Vihar Ridi Gulmi Co 079-529435
17 Swoyambhu Chetya Buddha Vihar Urlabari Co 021-540080
18 Swoyambhu Chetya Mahavihar Dharan Co 025-520190
19 Gyanodaya Buddha Vihar Baglung Co 068-520921520336
Footnotes
[1] This paper was written as a part of my MA thesis research on bdquoThe
Revival of Theravada Buddhism and its contribution to Nepalese Society‟ of
Mahachulalongkorn University Bangkok Thailand and would like to thank Mr
Dharma Sakya for every suggestion editing and help for the completion of this
article
[2] Nyanatiloka Buddhist Dictionary 3
rd ed The Free Distribution
version the Corporate Body of the Buddha education foundation Taiwan p
179
[3] Triratna Manandhar bdquoPresent of Buddhism in Nepal‟ (Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK Vol 8 May 2005) p 15
[4] helliphelliphelliphellip The New Encyclopedia of Britannica Vol24 (USA
Library of Congress Catalog 1993) p 781 Dhanabajra Vajracharya Cabahilko
Abhilekha (Inscription of Cabahil) The Charumati Voice (Kath Charumati
Buddhist Mission 2001) pp 17-20 Bhikkhu Sudarsan Mahasthavira Nepal
Upatyaka ma Ashokaki Chori Charumati (Charumati A daughter of
Ashoka in Nepal Valley) (The Charumati Vocie (Kath Charumati Buddhist
Mission 2001) p 20
[5] Beal Samuel Si Yu Ri Buddhist Records of the Western World
(New Delhi Motilal Banarsidass Publishers 1994) pp 80-81 Bhuwan Lal
Pradhan Nepalama Buddhadharma (Kath Nepal Rajkiya Pragyapratisthana
1988) pp 102 ndash 103
[6] NB Thapa A Short History of Nepal (Kath Ratna Pustak
bhandhar Nd) pp 30-33 Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ The
Nation Thailand‟s English Newspaper (Sunday special) Oct 18 1987
[7] Opcit NB Thapa p116
[8] David N Gellner Monk Householder and Tantric Priest Newar
Buddhism and its Hierarchy of Ritual (Cambridge University Press 1996) pp
41ff
[9] Bechert Heinz amp Jens-Uwe Hartmann ldquoObservation on the reform
of Buddhism in Nepalrdquo Journal of Nepal Research Centre vol VIII Kath
Kantipur Printing Press1988p 6
[10] Ria Kloppenborg Theravada Buddhism in Nepal‟ Kailash A
Journal of Himalayan Studies Vol 5 no 41977 p 302
[11] BP Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada Gukathan Wagu Kha (Kath
Hisi Press Nepal BS 20421985) pp44ff
[12] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p47ff
[13] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 51-53 Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal (BKK A Thesis of MA Mahamakut Graduate School
2001) p 97
[14] Bhikshu Sudarshan Mahasthavir bdquoRole of Theravada in the
Preservation of Newar Buddhism‟ wwwircnepalorgpapers
[15] Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 69-72
[16] Opcit Observation on the reform of Buddhism in Nepal p10ff
[17] Opcit Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ RV
Vandya Sanghanayaka Venerable Pragnananda Mahasthavir (Kath Nepal
Co-operative Press 1978) pp 11ff
[18] Bhkkhu Dharmaloka Mahasthavir A Pilgrimage in China (kath
published by Bhikkhu Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1999) p 13-15 Opcit Lacoul
Nepalay Sthavirvada p 74-75
[19] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka p 15
[20] Opcit Bhikkhu dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp16ff
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p100
[21] Ibit Bhikkhu Dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp 27-29
[22] See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A Homage
(Kath Anandakuti Vihar Trust 1992) Kuladharma Ratna Tuladhar Buddhism
in Nepal (Kath Dharmodaya Sabha 1986) pp15 Opcit Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 100
[23] Opcit K R Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal 16 RV Vandya
Sanghanayaka ven Pragnananda p 32 ff
[24] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka Pragnananda pp 34-35
Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthavirvada p 86
[25] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 18 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 101
[26] Bhikkhu Amritananda Mahasthavir A Short History of Theravada
Buddhism in Modern Nepal (Kath Anandakuti Vihar trust 1986) pp 8-9
Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir (Kath Anandakuti
Vihar Trust 1992) p 25
[27] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 19 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[28] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[29] Opcit Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir
p 26
[30] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit KR
Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 20
[31] Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha in Nepal
(BKK A Thesis of MA Buddhist Study Mahachulalongkorn University 2547)
p 23 [32]
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit Ratna
Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir p 26
[33] Amrit R Sthapit bdquowho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Aswaghosha‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 4 no 1 May 2001
p8
[34] helliphelliphelliphelliphellip bdquoWho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Nyanapurninka Mahasthavir‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 7
no 1 May 2004 p13 Viswo Shanti Vihar The Shanti Sandesh (Kath Viswo
Shanti Vihar 1998)
[35] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sumangala Mahasthavir
A monk who modernized Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the
LNBDS UK vol 2 no 1 May 1999 p10
[36] Opcit Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha
in Nepal pp 52ff
[37] Rina Tuladhara Dharmakirti 25 Years of Dharmakirti Buddhist
Study Circle A Glimpse (Kath Dharmakirti Vihar 1996) Mallika Sakya
bdquoWho is Who in Nepalese Buddhism Dhammavati Guruma‟ Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 5 no 1 May 2002 p10
[38] Opcit See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A
Homage Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 108
[39] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sudarshan Mahasthavir A
Gem of the Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol
6 no 1 May 2003 p13
8
and nuns with their saffron coloured robe along with Tibetan Lamas
and Bajracharyas are familiar features in Nepalese society especially
in Kathmandu valley
Introduction
Theravada Buddhism the doctrine of the elders is the oldest
unbroken traditional Buddhist tradition practised by people since the
time of the Buddha It is found today in Sri Lanka (Ceylon) Myanmar
(Burma) Thailand Cambodia Laos and Chittagong (Bangladesh)[2]
Theravāda Buddhism in modern Nepal was introduced about 80 years
ago Since then it has emerged as a major force in modern Nepal It
plays significant roles in different fields of Nepalese society and
Buddhists have begun to engage in both traditional and modern
activities Even though it re-emerged only few decades ago the origins
of Theravāda Buddhism in Nepal are to be found in the time of Gotama
the Buddha The Buddha the founder of Buddhism was born in
Lumbini within the borders of present-day Nepal Very early in its
history then important Buddhist events occurred on the southern
plains of Nepal There are many references in ancient Pāli literature of
9
Buddhist activities held in and near Kapilavatthu the Buddha‟s
hometown The Buddhist scriptures say that not only was the Buddha
born in what is now Nepal but also visited his home several times after
he had become the Buddha
Although the Buddha was born in Nepal the history of
Buddhism in Nepal is not very clear According to Buddhist literatures
he did visit Nepal gave discourses and ordained some monks and nuns
There are monasteries and stupas spread in different parts of the
country but due to lack of records or clear evidence it is difficult to say
when they were built Historians have identified the Stupa of Yogini in
Gumvihara at Sankhu Kathmandu as the oldest stupa in Kathmandu
Valley It is generally believed that the origin of this vihāra dates to
the time of the early introduction of Buddhism in ancient times around
the first century CE Harishchandra Lal Singha a historian says
ldquoTheravāda was the earliest form of Buddhism prevalent in Nepal as in
many countries of Asia where Buddhism flourishedrdquo However
traditional Theravāda texts do not contain any information about
Theravāda in Nepal The texts of other Buddhist schools nevertheless
10
say that some of the Buddha‟s disciples went to Nepal‟s Kathmandu
Valley
There is evidence that the King Asoka of Magadha visited
Lumbini in Nepal He was a great patron and staunch supporter of
Buddhism during his time It is said that in the 20th
year after his
accession to the throne of the Maurya Dynasty and following the Third
Buddhist Council the King made pilgrimages to historic places of
Buddhist interest and erected stone pillars He is also said to have
visited Nepal Valley Dr D Wright writes that the Emperor King
Ashoka visited Kathmandu Valley at the time of the fourteenth Kirati
King Sthungko of the Kirat dynasty with his spiritual guide Venerable
Upagupta Queen Tissyarakshita and a daughter named Carumati He
sent nine missionary groups to different places A group of four monks
led by Ven Majjima came to Nepal and succeeded in propagating
Buddhism in Nepal It was said that Buddhism was a well-know
religion then and practised by people in their daily life It is believed
that the Buddhism that was practised during King Asoka‟s time was
Theravada Buddhism Unfortunately for some unknown reason
popularity of Buddhism declined and its identity lost for many
11
centuries According to the recorded history of Nepal after the social
reforms carried out by King Jayasthiti Malla (1382-95 CE) Buddhism
went into decline and developed into Newār Buddhism However
Theravada Buddhism was re-introduced once again in Nepal in the
closing years of 19th
century by Nepalese who came in contact with the
Maha Bodhi society of India
Anagarika Dharmapala a Sri Lankan Buddhist founded this
Maha Bodhi Society Nepalese who came in contact with this society
took initial steps for revival of Theravada activities in Nepal Nearly a
century later Theravada once again gained foothold in Nepal
Presently there are number of Theravada Buddhist monasteries in the
country The numbers of Nepalese Buddhist monks and nuns have also
increased Some are resident in Nepal and others are studying and
carrying out dhamma work in Sri Lanka Thailand Myanmar and
other countries Beside dhamma work they are also engaged in various
charitable works like education health social welfare etc for the
upliftment of Nepali community wherever they are
12
Background
As I have mentioned earlier history of Buddhism in Nepal is
very vague There are some evidences that Buddhism was popular
during Buddha‟s time in Nepal There are also evidences that the
Buddha visited Nepal gave discourses to relatives and Buddhists and
ordained Bhikkhus and Bhikkhunis[3]
According to Buddhist scholar‟s
Theravada tradition existed in Nepal since the time of the Lord
Buddha
The evidence was more reliable from the account of King
Asoka The great emperor of ancient India King Asoka visited
Lumbini and erected stone pillar with inscription in Bramhi script
which in English reads bdquo Here the Buddha was born‟
(Hidabhagavamjāteti Lum minigāme) As mentioned before he also
sent Dhamma Missionary (Dhammaduta) to Nepal after third Buddhist
council (Sanghayana) which was held three hundred years after
Buddha‟s parinibbana Buddhist legends has it that one of King
Asoka‟s daughter Carumati married a Nepali called Devapal and
settled in Cabahil Katmandu where she constructed a temple- Cabahil
monastery and became a Bhikkhuni for the rest of her life[4]
Besides
13
these the records of Chinese travelers who visited Buddhist
pilgrimage sites in India and Nepal after King Ashoka‟s visit also gave
some information on existence of Theravada Buddhist monks who
practised and studied along with other Buddhist sects in Nepal[5]
According to historians Buddhism was a dominant religion
until the time of King Jayasthiti Malla who ruled Nepal during
medieval period (around 1382 CE) He imposed caste system in Nepal
according Manudharmasastra a Hindu holy book[6]
Buddhist culture
and tradition were banned the celibate monks were forced to disrobe
and forced to marry Vajrayana or Newar Buddhism was developed
following the demise of Theravada Buddhism The situation of
Buddhist became worse during the time of Rana government In 1846
the mantle of power of Nepal‟s government shifted from the monarchy
to autocratic isolationist Rana government The Shah kings of the
country were kept under tight control of Rana prime ministers[7]
The
country was closed from outside world and kept her eyes closed to
what was happening outside for nearly 104 years That was the age
when Buddhism was totally forgotten by non-Buddhist of Nepal It was
14
known and practised by only certain communities Vajracharyas
(Bajracharyas) Shakyas Tuladhars etc[8]
The Rana government
banned all Buddhist religious activities They also banned people
converting from Hindu religion to Buddhism but traditional Buddhists
were allowed to become Hindus
Theravada Revival Movement
In the early 1920s Dharmāditya Dharmācārya began his
campaign for the revival of Theravāda Buddhism teaching that Nepal
was the land of the Buddha‟s birth Meanwhile the Baisākha purnimā
celebration and publicing of ldquoBuddha Dhammardquo magazine by
Dharmāditya Dharmācārya had been inflaming the inner quest for
spirituality in Nepalewse society Furthermore simulteniously Tibeten
Buddhism had been inspiring Newari Society to walk the path that was
once nearly lost One of the well-known monks who came from Tibet
and preached the Dhamma to the Nepalese was Kyangtse Lama
Known in Nepal as Kyanchhe Lama he had come on pilgrimage to
Nepal His sermons and the publication of the Lalitavistara inspired
many to seek Buddhist ordination in the early period of the modern
15
history of Buddhism in Nepal It was the fortunate conjunction of
Nisthananda‟s translation of the Lalitavistara into the mother tongue
producing a Newāri version of the Buddha‟s life story Dharmāditya
Dharmācārya revivalism and the visits of Kyangtse Lama which
ensured that ldquothe Bud of the Dharmardquo planted by the Venerable Lama
should flower so quickly and produce such impressive fruit His
influence on Newāri scholars was significant One of them was
Yogbeer Sing Kansakar who was honoured for his efforts for the
preservation of the Newāri language The Lama also influenced the
first Theravāda monks Venerable Mahapragya and Venerable
Pragyānanda among others
The closing years of 19th
century saw reform movements in
many Buddhist countries with idea of modernizing Buddhist
movement The term bdquoBuddhist modernization‟ is used to refer to these
new reformist activities[9]
The aim of this movement was to bring
back Buddhism to India and Sri Lanka The Maha Bodhi Society was
founded in India under the leadership of Anagarika Dharmapala[10]
16
This organization was the first Buddhist organization established with
the aim of internationalizing Buddhism
The success of The Maha Bodhi Society encouraged Nepalese
who came in contact with this society They were mostly traditional
Buddhists (Newar Buddhists) of Nepal who were merchants and
pilgrims They played an important role in Theravada revival
movement in present day Nepal However it was students of Buddhism
who gave a kick-start to Theravada movements in modern Nepal
Mr Jagatman Vaidya a traditional Buddhist by birth went to
India for further studies He initiated the Theravada Buddhist revival
movement with the help of The Mahabodhi Society[11]
Mr Jagatman
who later became known as Dharmaditya Dharmacariya devoted most
of his time and energy to Buddhist Revivalism in Nepal by publishing
Buddhist journal in Newari Nepali Hindi English etc One of his
great deeds was to celebrate Baisakh day Buddha Jayanti or Swanya
Punhi in Nepal to commemorate Buddha‟s birth enlightenment and
death (Parinibbana) He established bdquoBuddha Dharma Uddhar
Sangharsquo lsquoBuddhopasaka Sangha‟ and other organizations for the
propagation of Buddhism in Nepal[12]
17
The Buddha Jayanti which he has initiated was celebrated for
the first time in the history of modern Nepal in 1926 after a long gap
Now a day this day is widely celebrated in Nepal Every year people
celebrate it with great joy and happiness[13]
He was also responsible
for stopping animal slaughter at Mayadevi temple in Lumbini and
renovation of Kindol Vihar in Kathmandu This Vihara became the
center for Theravada revival movement[14]
He published Buddhist
magazine entitled bdquoBuddha Dharmarsquo in Newari Language
(Nepalabhasa) emphasizing the importance of Buddha Jayanti
celebration and Theravadian views This was the starting point of
Theravada activities and promotion of Theravadian views in Nepal
after many centuries Some Nepalese youths took ordination according
to Theravada tradition in 1928 They were imprisoned for four days
The Government at the time was under the influence of Shaivait
Brahmins who were calling for a ban against Buddhism Later he was
arrested for his conversion from a Hindu to a Buddhist monk Three
new rules suppressing Buddhism had been issued
18
(1) Conversion to Buddhism from Hinduism (Shaivaism) to be
punished by one year in prison
(2) Acting as preceptor at a Buddhist ordination to be punished by
three years‟ imprisonment and
(3) Attempting to ordain into Buddhism to be punished by a six-
month imprisonment
They were exiled to India and all reordained into Theravada
tradition with ven U Kosala in Buddhagaya However certain reasons
they left the tradition The history speaks only on Ven Mahapragya but
rest of other four monks still under discovery The first Nepalese to
take ordination in Theravada tradition was venerable Mahapragna a
Hindu Shrestha by birth in 1926 After few years study in Tibet again
he went to India where he met Ven U Chandramani a Burmese monk
at Kusinagara[15]
He was impressed with Ven Chandramani and took
Theravada ordination from him This was the starting point for
Theravada ordination once again in the history of modern Nepal after
almost 600 years[16]
Since then Theravadin monastic order been settled
in modern Nepal
19
On the other hand Venerable Pragyananda (Karmasheel) who
converted from Gelung of Tibetan tradition to Theravada with Ven U
Chandramani at Kusinagara India was the first yellow-robed monk
who appeared in the street of Kathmandu valley at the end of 1930s[17]
He stayed at Kindol Vihar at the invitation of Dasaratna Shahu (later
Ven Dharmaloka) and gave discourses The attendance at his
discourses increased day by day and it worried then Rana government
and arrested all the members of Vihar They were imprisoned fined
and later released[18]
Fortunately Ven Pragnananda was in different
place and was not arrested He went on pilgrimage to India with some
devotees His four devotees took ordination under guidance of Ven U
Chandramani at Kusinagar They were Samanera Shasana Jyoti
Anagarika Ratna Pali Anagarika Dhamma Pali and Anagarika
Sangha Pali This was the first nun‟s ordination in Theravada
Buddhism in modern Nepal[19]
In the mean time Dasaratna Shahu
who was running Kindol Vihar brought Civar and bowl from Sri Lanka
for monk ceremonies Soon after his release from prison he took
ordination according to Theravada tradition at Kusinagar from Ven U
Chandramani and became Samanera Dhammaloka in 1932[20]
He
20
visited Nepal as a monk but was arrested immediately on his arrival in
Kathmandu and was imprisoned once again for six days and then
released without charging him with any offences Following his release
from prison he went to stay at Kindol Vihar and continued his
religious activities He was finally able to carry out religious activities
freely in Nepal He succeeded to propagate Theravada Buddhism in the
streets of Kathmandu valley[21]
Later he founded Nepal‟s first
Theravada Buddhist temple bdquoAnandakutirsquo at the foothill of Swayambhu
hill and it became the center for Theravada Sangha in modern Nepal
Venerable Amritananda was another well-known Buddhist
scholar and pioneer person for revival of Theravada Buddhism in
modern Nepa[22]
He was ordained under Ven U Chandramani at
Kusinagara in 1936 CE but was imprisoned along with Ven
Mahapragna at Bhojpur in 1937 In 1942 he came back to Nepal from
abroad after completing his study and gave discourses at the request of
Ven Dharmaloka in Swayambhu during vassavasa days (Three months
Buddhist lent) His public discourses impressed lay people and many
people came to listen to him Other Monks Samaneras and Nuns of
21
Nepal who were studying abroad also came back and joined him and
gave public discourses in different places of Kathmandu valley[23]
This
was a great breakthrough during isolationist Rana government Rana
government of the time banned any public assembly because of fear of
political unrest and demand for political reform in Nepal Because of
their religious activities they were arrested on 30th
July 1944 and
brought in front of then Prime Minister Juddha Shamsher Jung Bahadur
Rana for giving verdict on the charges of propagating the dhamma He
made rules to curtail the Buddhist activities Those who didn‟t follow
these rules were asked either to leave the country or return to worldly
life All the respected monks who were active in revival of Theravada
in Nepal refused to obey the order and were exiled once again from
Nepal The exiled monks this time included Ven Pragnananda Ven
Dharmaloka Ven Subhodhananda Ven Pragnarashmi Samanera
Pragnarasa Samanera Ratnajyoti Samanera Agga Dhamma and
Samanera Kumar The nuns were allowed to remain in the Vihar until
the end of the Vassavasa[24]
22
Development of Theravada Buddhism
The exiled monks formed bdquoDharmodaya Sabha‟ - Nepal‟s first
Buddhist organization with the help of other Buddhist organizations
and individuals on 30th
November 1944 in India under the
chairmanship of Ven U Chandramani Ven Amritananda was its
general secretary[25]
Immediately after establishment of bdquoDharmodaya
Sabha‟ Ven Amritananda wrote a protest letter to Nepalese
government and also appealed to other Buddhist organizations on
behalf of Dharmodaya Sabha He visited many places and various
countries to get support against the expulsion of Buddhist monks from
modern Nepal One of the countries he visited and undertook further
studies was Sri Lanka In Sri Lanka he also succeeded in bringing a
goodwill mission to Nepal in 1946 under the leadership of well-known
scholar Ven Narada Mahasthavir of Vajiraramaya Colombo The
members of this mission consisted of Ven Narada Ven Amritananda
Ven Priyadarshi Dr Ratna Surya and Prof Aryapal They were able
to meet the newly appointed Prime Minister Padma Shumsher J Rana
Ven Amritananda and leader of the mission Ven Narada requested his
23
Excellency to give permission for the exiled monks to return to Nepal
Prime Minister Padma Shamsher accepted their request and permitted
the exiled monks to return Ven Dharmaloka was the first one to come
back to Nepal immediately after receiving a letter from Ven
Amritananda and arrived in Kathmandu in June 1946 (Jesth Sukla 6
2003)[26]
Other monks also returned one by one and again started
propagating Theravada Buddhism in modern Nepal Ven Narada
visited Nepal three times and constructed a Sri Lankan Cetiya at
Anandakuti Vihar He brought a branch of Bodhi tree Buddha‟s relic
to Nepal He also established the first Sima (Uposatha) of Nepal for
Bhikkhus at the Vihara During his third visit he met then Prime
Minister Mohana Shamasher J Rana and requested him to declare
Baisakh Purnima or Buddha Day as a public holiday His Excellency
agreed and declared it as a public holiday for the Buddhist government
civil officers[27]
Since then Theravada Buddhism gained ground in
Nepalese society and made progress Theravada monks propagated
Buddhism by performing ceremonies giving Dharmadesana and
publishing Buddhist texts Many Viharas were built in and outside the
Kathmandu valley to propagate dhamma
24
In 1950 democracy replaced autocratic Rana regime under the
leadership of H M King Tribhuvan This heralded rapid development
of Theravada Buddhism Buddhist monks and nuns were able carry out
their duties freely without hindrances throughout the country The
office of bdquoDharmodaya Sabha‟ shifted from Kalimpong to Kathmandu
after the advent of democracy in 19501 In 1951 Bhikkhu Sangha led
by Ven Amritananda formed lsquoAkhil Nepal Bhikkhu Sangharsquo (All
Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha Council) for the further propagation of
Buddhism in Nepal Ven Amritananda played a great role in
propagation of Theravada Buddhism nationwide His close relationship
with their Majesties helped in his activities[28]
He visited many
countries on behalf of All Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha and Dharmodaya
Sabha In the same year Buddhists of Nepal succeeded in bringing the
relics of Ven Sariputta (Ven Sariputra) and Ven Maudhgalyana
(Ven Moggallana) the foremost disciples of the Buddha for the
exhibition in Nepal His Majesty King Tribhuvan chaired the reception
committee and a reception party was held in the Royal Palace[29]
Following year in 1952 Buddha Jayanti was celebrated throughout the
country with the support of HM King Tribhuvan On this occasion
25
HM King declared Baisakh Purnima or Buddha Jayanti day as a
public holiday throughout the kingdom[30]
In 1956 His late Majesty King Mahendra visited Lumbini the
birthplace of the Buddha and erected a Mahendra Pillar in Lumbini
zone In the same year during 2500th
Buddha Jayanti celebration HM
king banned animal slaughter on this auspicious day throughout the
kingdom[31]
Nepalese Buddhists led by All Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha
Council and Dharmodaya Sabha also organized the Fourth World
Fellowship of Buddhist Conference (WFB) in Kathmandu on this
year[32]
His Majesty‟s government cooperated fully and gave every
assistance for the success of the conference Gradually Theravada
Buddhist monasteries were founded Buddhist Education Buddhapuja
meditation public discourses publications of Buddhist texts and mass
ordination etc took place as a part of dhamma activities Burma Sri
Lanka Thailand and other countries helped Nepal in its effort for
Theravada revival Soon after Theravada Buddhist monks established
the first Bhikkhu training center- Sangharama Vihar and ordained
number of novices under the leadership of Ven Ashogosha
Mahasthavir[33]
Following their ordination they were sent to Sri
26
Lanka Burma and Thailand for their higher ordination and education
Many of these monks have returned to Nepal and are actively engaged
in propagation of dhamma Besides ordination of individual novices
mass ordinations for short periods were also held in different temple
After Anandakuti Vihar the Viswasanti Vihara also established
Vishwa Shanti Bauddha Shikshalaya a Buddhist School under Ven
Nyanapunnika Mahathavir[34]
It teaches both national and Buddhist
curriculum to the novices Now there are nearly 100 Theravada
temples more than four hundred monks and Samaneras and nearly 400
nuns in the country Present Sangha Nayaka is Most Ven
Subodhananda of Gana Mahavihara Kathmandu President of All
Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha is Kumar Kashyapa of Ananda Kuti Vihar
Swayambhu Kathmandu and the head office of All Nepal Bhikkhu
Sangha is in Viswo Santi Vihara New Baneshwor Kathmandu
27
Contribution to Nepalese society
Besides promoting Dhamma Theravada monks and nuns
(Anagarikas) are also involved in other welfare activities like
organising free health camps training centers either in the monasteries
or outside the monasteries They also founded center for old age and
Kindergarten Late Ven Sumangala Mahasthavira[35]
initiated free
clinic at Buddha Vihar a Buddhist home for the elderly at Benepa and
a Buddhist Kindergarten Free Clinics were popular because of lack of
adequate government run clinics in Nepal Many monasteries
organized free clinics Regular clinics like eye and Homeopathic were
run either on weekly or monthly basis Annual campaigns are also run
when it was felt necessary
In 1964 All Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha established a Theravada
education system Pariyatti Sikkha or Nepal Bauddha Pariyatti Siksa
(Buddhist Saturday School) Classes are run in Theravada Buddhist
monasteries Tibetan monasteries other Buddhist centers in public and
private schools There are more than 32 centers throughout the
28
country[36]
Presently its head office is at Viswo Santi Vihara in New
Baneswora Kathmandu
Besides Pariyatti Sikkha Ven Amritananda founded a
Buddhist school - bdquoAnandakuti Vidyapith Boarding School‟ and a
college- bdquoSiddharth Science Campus‟ Both Buddhist monks and lay
people used to teach in these institutions It was started as a Buddhist
school but for some reason it has become a private enterprise Besides
these many monks and nuns are also running other educational
institutions like bdquoNursery school (Siddhartha Shisu Niketan Buddha
Vihar) Primary school (Triple Gem Boarding School) and Higher
Schools There are some Higher Education institutes like Siddharth
University in Banepa International Buddhist University in Lumbini
etc Many Buddhist organizations were founded and they were also
running different classes and research centers like Dharmakirti
Buddhist Research Center Anagarika Dhammavati founded this centre
Later on Anagarika Dhammavati was ordained as Bhikkhuni
according to Taiwanese tradition She is one of the well-known nuns in
the Theravada Buddhism in Nepal[37]
29
The Buddhist temples and organizations bring out number of
publications annually monthly weekly and on special occasions
Dharmodaya Anandabhumi and Dharmakirti are the oldest
Buddhist journals in Nepal and still continued to be published
Ven Amritananda was one of the greatest Buddhist scholars of
Nepal He wrote and translated many books on Buddhism There are
still no other monks or nun in Nepal who can be compared with
him[38]
Late Ven Sudharsan Mahasthavir came close to him Ven
Sudharsan was a pillar of Theravada Buddhism after Ven
Amritananda He was famous for different reason His field of interest
beside dhamma work consisted literature language Archaeology etc
He was a resident monk at Srikirti Vihar Kirtipur and held the post of
professor in History Archaeology and Buddhist philosophy at
Tribhuvan University until his death in July 2002 Some of his books in
Buddhism became course book for BA and MA students in Nepal
He had special interest in archaeology of Lumbini and was an expert on
this subject[39]
30
Revival of Theravada Buddhism in Nepal also had profound
effect in cultural and religious way of life of Nepalese Daily chanting
or Buddhapuja short term ordination observing Sila (Moral code)
caste system celebration of Vesak day celibate life were introduced
In the month of Bhadra or Gunla days (AugustSeptember) Buddhist
hymns are chanted and public discourses are given
Late Ven Sudharshan Mahasthavir formed Sri Kirti Buddhist
center at Sri Kirti Vihar with the aim of introducing Buddhism to other
ethnic groups other than Newars- the original inhabitants of Katmandu
valley This project succeeded in bringing other ethic groups into
Theravada Buddhism As a result of this many ethnic groups who were
originally Buddhists have started organizing Buddhist conferences and
Buddhist activities Another important development is formation of
Gyanmala Bhajan Khala - a Buddhist hymn group This group sings
regularly especially during certain auspicious days at Swayambhu and
other Buddhist sites The songs they sing are based on Buddha‟s
teaching and has been successful in promoting Buddhism in simple
melodious hymns which attracts many people who visits these
religious places
31
Theravadin in Nepalese Society
For centuries Nepalese were aware of only Buddhist priest
(Bajracharya) from Newar Buddhism (Vajrayana) and Tibetan Lamas
They were unaware of Theravadian Buddhist monks and nuns
Bajracharyas are household monks They lead domestic lives and are
not celibate Not all Tibetan monks are celibate It depends on the
school they belong to For example monks from Sakya School of
Tibetan tradition do not have to be celibate Theravada monks wear
distinctive saffron coloured robes They are celibate and lead virtuous
monastic life These monks and nuns have different identity in the eyes
of Nepalese especially the inhabitants of Kathmandu valley Their
simple way of life their full dedication in their work for the benefit of
mankind easily understood Theravada Scriptures translated in different
languages eg in Nepal Bhasa (Newari) Nepali in Hindi and in
English for easy accessibility by different groups helped to gain the
heart of Nepalese people Although many lay people have played
pivotal roles in revival of Theravada Buddhism in Nepal the leadership
32
of monks and nuns were vital in further development and survival of
this tradition
The lay Buddhists of Nepal are pluralistic They participate in
Buddhist ceremonies such as Vesak day daily chanting etc At the
same time they also follow Hindu customs in their daily lives
Buddhism is different from Hinduism and it is not a branch of
Hinduism Hindus believe that Buddha was a reincarnation of Lord
Vishnu Buddha never claimed to be anything other than a human
being ndash although a unique one in the history of mankind
Buddhism in Nepal is unique because of existence of three
different Buddhist traditions - Newar Buddhism (Vajrayana)
Tibetan Buddhism (Mahayana) and Theravada Buddhism
Different Buddhist groups practised different traditions Although the
principle underlying all these traditions is the same they differ in
details Theravada Buddhist tradition is different from Tibetan or
Newar Buddhist traditions but it is developing side-by-side with them
It was not possible for Theravada Buddhism to develop in Nepal
without close co-relation with other traditions but later developed on its
own right These various Buddhist traditions are coexisting in present
33
day Nepal Although they have different cultural traditions and are
developing in their own ways but the followers are the same
Therefore there is no separate identity of Theravadian lay Buddhists
There are number of lay Buddhist organizations such as Dharmodaya
Sabha Dharmakirti Institute Young Buddhist Associations Female
Buddhist Associations more recently Sukhi Hotu Nepal which are
playing important role in promotion of Buddha Dhamma but they are
multi-cultural and multi religious in their daily practices
CONCLUSION
Theravada Buddhism was introduced to Nepal at the time when
public meetings were banned It faced many obstacles at the beginning
Strong dedications of monks and nuns made it possible for its revival in
Nepal after many centuries of neglect Even though the revival
movement of this tradition was started only about 80 years ago it has
already gained strong foot hold in Nepal and gaining popularity day by
day The reason for its popularity lies in many things - the simple and
easily understood way the teachings were given the simple way of life
of monks and nuns lead and various beneficial activities undertaken by
34
Viharas Theravadin Buddhist monks and nuns are well accepted by
people and their contribution in promoting Buddha‟s teachings is
widely recognized Although small in number in comparison to other
Asian countries like Thailand Sri Lanka and Burma both the number
of monks and nuns and monasteries of this tradition are increasing day
by day If this trend continues it will become one of the prominent
religious traditions in Nepal It is only natural that this oldest Buddhist
tradition should gain its place of honour it deserve in a country where
the founder of the religion was born
35
Theravada Records in Nepal
List of Monks Novices and Anagarikas studying abroad
MONKS AND NOVICES
I Thailand
1 Bhikkhu Anil Man Dhammasakiyo (Sugandha)
2 Bhikkhu Vipassi Dhammaramo
3 Bhikkhu Jit Bahadur Gurung
4 Bhikkhu Krishna Thapamagar
5 Bhikkhu Pannamurti
6 Bhikkhu Sujan Sujano
7 Bhikkhu Anil Sumankitti
8 Bhikkhu Santosh Santosho
9 Bhikkhu Khemik Suddhasilo
10 Bhikkhu Suman Rocano
11 Bhikkhu Sanu Maharajano
12 Bhikkhu Santamano Dhwajjoshi
13 Bhikkhu Suman Dhwajjoshi
14 Bhikkhu Bijit Khemasakko
15 Bhikkhu Supreme Shakyavanso
Samaneras
1 Samanera Buddharatna Maharjan
2 Samanera Dhammaratna Maharjan
3 Samanera Bipin Maharjan
4 Samanera Prajwal Shakya
5 Samanera Ukesh Sakya
6 Samanera Gopi Maharjan
7 Samanera Sudip Deshar
8 Samanera Sudat Deshar
9 Samanera Deepi Maharjan
10 Samanera Ramit Shrestha
11 Samanera Anup Deshar
12 Samanera Suman Bajracharya bdquoA‟
13 Samanera Rajendra Deshar
14 Samanera Kapila Maharjan
15 Samanera Arbin Shakya
36
16 Samanera Kabindra Bajracharya
17 Samanera Ujjawal Shakya
18 Samanera Satish Shakya
19 Samanera Bimal Gurung
20 Samanera Surya Gurung
21 Samanera Sameer Maharjan
22 Samanera Anup Shakya
23 Samanera Arjun Magar
24 Samanera Kiran Desahar
25 Samanera Dipesh Shrestha
26 Samanera Tejendra Tamang
27 Samanera Ashim Shakya
28 Samanera Jalap Bajracharya
29 Samanera Arya Dev Bajracharya
30 Samanera Sudarshan Maharjan
31 Samanera Sangharatna
32 Samanera Suman Bajracharya bdquoB‟
33 Samanera Kijan Maharjan
34 Samanera Ramesh Maharjan
35 Samanera Niroj Maharjan
36 Samanera Jen Maharjan
37 Samanera Denish Bajracharya
38 Samanera Pritam Bahadur Shakya
39 Samanera Abhishek Shakya
40 Samanera Bishal Shakya
41 Samanera Sajal Shakya
42 Samanera Suraj Bhakta Shrestha
43 Samanera Dinesh Chaudhary
44 Samanera Shiv Swatantra Tharu
45 Samanera Sambhu Lal Khang
46 Samanera Buddharatna Chaudhary
47 Samanera Mukesh Chaudhary
II Myanmar (Burma)
Bhikkhu Samaneras
1 Bhikkhu Panavimala
2 Bhikkhu Dhyanratna
3 Bhikkhu Adiccho
4 Bhikkhu Vimalbuddhi
5 Bhikkhu Shobhan
6 Samanera Amato
7 Samanera Jutimma
8 Samanera Buddhapiyo
9 Samanera Kavindo
10 Samanera Nagasena
11 Samanera Gyanavudho
III Taiwan(ROC) 1 Bhikkhu Mangala 2 Bhikkhu Vazirbuddhi
IV Australia 1 Bhikkhu Upatissa
V India
1 Bhikkhu Dharmajyoti 2 Bhikkhu Ashokakirti
3 Bhikkhu Narawang Tamang
VI United kingdom 1 Bhikkhu Suman
VII USA 1 Bhikkhu Pragnaloka
VIII Sri Lanka
Bhikkhus
Bhikkhu Nanda
Bhikkhu Vineeta
Bhikkhu Ashoka
Bhikkhu Triratna
Bhikkhu Sagara
Bhikkhu Sankicca
Bhikkhu Vajirasiri
Bhikkhu Sarada
Bhikkhu Veenit
Bhikkhu Ratana
Bhikkhu Tissa
Bhikkhu Vajira
Bhikkhu Pannawimal
Bhikkhu Medhankar
Bhikkhu Pannasara
SARAMANERAS
Saranankara
Piyadassi
Dil Bhadra
Chandima
Samita
Narada bdquoA‟
Piyaratna
Kusala
Lakkhana
Udit
Vibekanada
Pannananda
Mettananda
Chandananda
Yassari
Upali
Subodhi
Mahanama
Kashyapa
Dhammapala
Narada bdquoB‟
Nalaka bdquoA‟
Daywasa
Santa Sobhana
Santa Siddhartha
Santa Maitri
Santa Kosala
Santa Sakya
Suvaca
Sukama Sila
Siddhartha
Nanda bdquoA‟
Rahula
Sudheera
Kosala Dheera
Panna Wansa
Jina Wansa
Mahinda
Nanda bdquoB‟
Seewali
Mahapantha
Assaji
Sarada
Sumana
Ananda
Nalaka bdquoB‟
Aloka
Suwarna
Subodh
Udena
Sangharatna bdquoA‟
Gyanendra
Khema
Soma bdquoA‟
Punna
Panna Ransi
Soma bdquoB‟
Santa bdquoA‟
Kapila Wansa
Asita Wansa
Sumanananda bdquoa‟
Vijitananda
Khemananda
Silananda
Medhananda
Somaratna
Soratha
Pragyananda
Sumangala
Santa Citta
Yasa
Dhamma Kitti
Panna Kitti
Santa Dheera
Vijitananda
Sumanananda bdquob‟
Vajra Bodhi
Dhammika
Santa bdquoB‟
Anuruddha
Sumana bdquoB‟
Jinavamsa
Panna Vansa
Buddha Ratna
Dhamma Ratna
Ariya Ratna
Piyadassi bdquoB‟
Sila Ratna
Sangha Ratna bdquoB‟
List of Anagarikas studying in abroad
I Thailand
1 Anagarika Sirisuta Maharjan
2 Anagarika Ramsobha Shrestha
3 Anagarika Sunita Napit
II Myanmar
1 Anagarika Javanvati
2 Anagarika Vimalajnani
3 Anagarika Ambika
4 Anagarika Buddhapali
5 Anagarika Darshana
6 Anagarika Agrajnani
7 Anagarika Nandavati
bdquob‟
III India 1 Anagarika Rupashila
IV Taiwan
1 Anagarika Pannavati
2 Anagarika Sani
3 Anagarika Nima
V Sri Lanka
1 Anagarika Pannawati
2 Anagarika Mettawati
3 Anagarika Keshawati
4 Anagarika Prasnnawati
5 Anagarika Sukhawati
6 Anagarika Shobhawati
7 Anagarika Subhadra
8 Anagarika
Shraddhagautami
9 Anagarika Upananda
10 Anagarika Shantawati
11 Anagarika Suciwati
Residences of Theravādin Monks in Nepal
01 Abhinava Buddha Vihara Lumbini
1) Bhikkhu Vimalananda Mahathera
2) Samanera Sunanda
02 Anandakut Vihara Swayambhu Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Kumara Kassapa Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Dharmamurti 3) Samanera Kondanya
4) S Prajnaratna 5) S Asoka
6) S Kumarjeeva 7) S Assaji
03 Bauddha Samaskrita Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Bhikkhu Dharmashobhana Mahathera
04 Bodhicharya Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Bodhisena Mahathera
2) Samanera Bodhideepa
05 Buddha Vihara Bhrikuti Mandap-Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Kondanya 2) Bhikkhu Sushil
3) Samanera Anuyoga 3) S Javana
4) S Udena
06 Buddha Vihara Biratnagar
1) Bhikkhu Aloka
07 Buddha Vihara Dharan
1) Bhikkhu Maitri (Tamang)
2) Bhikkhu Chhavikirti
08 Chatubrahma Vihara Matatirtha
1) Bhikkhu Thansettho
2) Bhikkhu Samyakaratna
3) Bhikkhu Bodhananda
9 Charumati Stupa Vihara Chabahil Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Tapassi Dhamma
10 Dharmacakra Ashrama Bagbazar
1) Bhikkhu Milinda
11 Dharmashila Buddha Vihara Pokhara
1) Bhikkhu Subhadda 2) Bhikkhu Saddhananda
12 Dhyanakuti Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Ashwaghosha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Rahul 3) Samanera Gautama
13 Gana Maha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Sanghanayaka Bhikkhu Subodhanand Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sobhita
3) Bhikkhu Samvegakirti
4) Samanera Sugatananda
6) S Chandananda
7) S Somananda
8) S Sumanavamsha
9) S Somavamsha
10) S Sumanasiri
14 IlayabahiTanabaha Patan
1) Bhikkhu Vimalkirti
15 International Bauddha Pariyatti Vihara Butwal
1) Bhikkhu Jatila
2) Bhikkhu Bhaddiya bdquoB‟
3) Samanera Jnanashree 4) S Jotika
16 International Buddhist Society Lumbini
1) Bhikkhu Maitri Mahathera
2) Samanera Mahapanta
3) S Vimala
17 Jana Udaya Vihara Sunakothi-Lalitpura
1) Bhikkhu Dharmagupta
18 Jitavana Vihara Thankot
1) Bhikkhu Dharmavamsha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sugatamuni Mahathera
3) Samanera Sunita
19 Kuti Vihara Koteshwar-KTM
1) Bhikkhu Yeshdhammo
2) Samanera Wayamo
3) S Milindo 4) S Sunanalankara
20 Manimandapa Mahavihara Patan
1) Bhikshu Shilbhadra Mahathera
2) Samanera Paduma 3) S Nayako
21 Muni Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Samanera Tejendra 2) S Jalapa
3) S Asima 4) S Aryaputra
22 Padma Sugandha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Sumedha 2) Samanera Sudatta
23 Pati Vihara Nagadesh-Bhaktapur
1) Bhikkhu Varasambodhi
24 Pranidhi Purna Maha Vihara Balambu
1) Samanera Sukha
25 Pugatabhoomi Jetavana Vihara Bhairahawa
1) Samanera Jagaro 2) S Suvanno
26 Purvaram Vihara Dhulikhel
1) Bhikkhu Gunaghosha Mahathero
27 Sangharama Vihara Kshetrapati Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Saddhatissa
2) Bhikkhu Kolita
3) Bhikkhu Sangharakshita
28 Shakya Singha Vihara Patan
1) Bhikkhu Dharmapala Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sunanda Mahathera
3) Bhikkhu Dharmarakshita
29 Shikhalapura Vihara Dhulikhel
1) Bhikkhu Dhammananda Mahathera
30 Shree Kirti Vihara Kirtipur
1) Bhikkhu Kirtijyoti 2) Bhikkhu Ananda
3) Bhikkhu Prajnakirti
4) Bhikkhu Dharmakirti
5) Samanera Sundara 6) Bhikkhu Pamit
7) S Subhashkirti 8) S Uttarakirti
31 Shreegha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Dharmasagara
2) Bhikkhu Medhankara
32 Sudarshana Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Rastrapala
33Sumangala Vihara Patan
1) Sanghaupanayaka Bhikkhu Buddhaghosha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Shobhan
3) Bhikkhu Prajnaratna
34 Surya Mangala Vihara Kapilvastu
1) Bhikkhu Suryamangala
35 Tokha Buddha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Samanera Shobhana 2) S Jnanodaya
36 Veluvanarama Vihara Thecho-Lalitpura
1) Samanera Uttama 2) S Chandimo
37 Vishwa Shanti Vihara New Baneshwar
1) Bhikshu Jnanapurnik Mahathera
2) Bhikshu Bodhijnana
3) Bhikshu Nigrodha
4) Bhikshu Udayabhadra
Samaneras
1) S Janak 2) S Sujat
3) S Obhaso 4) S Subhaddo
5) S Nandiyo 6) S Mahindo
7) S Pajjoto 8) S Aloka
9) S Buddhadatta 10) S Panita
11) S Kashyapa 12)S Dharmaghosha
13) S Nagita 14) S Vinaya
15) S Suchitta 16) S Sudatto
17) S Nemindo 18) S Rohito
19) S Jayanto 20) S Meghiyo
21) S Indriyo 22) S Suppamedho
23) S Bhanusarana 24) S Saddhadeepa
25) S Kittimo 26) S Janeyyo
27) S Adicca 28) S Kosalla
29) S Nyanuttara 30) S Bhaddaco
31) S Pabhassaro 32) S Uttaro
38 Yampi Maha Vihara Patan
1) Bhikkhu Bhaddiya
39 Non residencial Monks
1) Bhikshu Samyaka Sambodhi Pranputra
2) Bhikshu Dhyanratna
3) Bhikkhu Chandragupta Balambu
Present Anagarikas and resident in NEPAL
01 Amarapura Vihara Bungamati
1) A Charujnani 2) A Sunita
3) A Palitajnani 4) A Pamitajnani
5) A Padumajnani 6) A Rupawati
02 Bauddha Samaskrit Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Anagarika Sanghashila
03 Buddha ViharaDharan
1) A Sumedhavati 2) A Sushilavati
3) A Kanchana 4) A Shasanavati
04 Bauddha Rishi Mahapragya Ashram Anamnagar
1) Anagarika Prajnavati
05 Chatubrahma Vihara Matatirtha
1) Anagarika Anu
06 Dhammavasa Vihara Khusibun
1) A Krishgautami 2) A Suchita
3) A Shilgautami 4) A Kshantigautami
5) A Shyamavati
07 Dharmakirti Vihara Naghal-Kathmandu
1) Anagarika RatnaManjari
2) A Dhammavati
3) A Dhammadinna (Chameli)
4) A Anupama 5) A Sanghavati
6) A Khemavati 7) A Indravati
8) A Jayavati 9) A Danavati
10) A Tyagavati 11) AViryavati
12) A Shubhavati 13) A Ramavati
14) A Surammavati
15) A Hemavati 16) A Suppabhavati
17) A Supriya 18) A Amata
19) A Vannavati 20) A Suvannavati
08 Dharmashila Buddha Vihara Pokhara
1) Anagarika Karmashila
09 Gautami Vihara Lumbini
1) Anagarika Sujata 2) A Khamesi
10 IlayabahiTana Baha Lalitpur
1) A Shilaparami 2)AViryaparami
3) A Vineeta 4) A Shilachari
11 Int‟l Buddhist Meditation Centre Shankhamul
1) A Aggajnani 2) A Nirmalajnani
3) A Shantarakshita
12 Jaya Mangal ViharaTana Bahal-Patan
1) Anagarika Vijita 2) A Nekkhami
3) A Chittavati
13 Jyoti Vihara Chapagaun- Lalitpur
1) AnagarikaVirygautami
2) A Upeskshagautami
14 Kashivarna Buddha Vihara Panuati
1) Anagarika Satyaparami
15 Kindol Vihara Swayambhu
1) A Sumana 2) A Uttara
3) A Sumitra 4) A Molini
5) A Dhammavijaya 6) A Tejavati
7) A Shyamavati
16 Kunsa BahaHyumat
1) Anagarika Patachari 2) AUmavati
17 Mahabodhi Vihara Tansen
1) Anagarika Revati (Dhammadinna)
18 Muni Vihara Bhaktapur
1) A Sugandhavati 2) A Padmavati
19 Narsinharama Thaina-Patan
1) A Jnanashila 2) ASatyashila
3) AShilavati 4) A Yeshavati 5) A Dharani
6) A Jeenvati
7) A Shilpavatisushma
20 Padmachaitya Vihara Butwal
1) A Udayashila 2) A Santiwati
21 Padmakirti Vihara Kamalpokhari
1) A Kamala 2) A Karunavati
3) A Pabbhavati 4) A Dhyanavati
5) A Bhavanavati
22 Prajnanandarama Okubahal-Patan
1) Anagarika Jnanavati
23 Pranidhipurna Mahavihara Balambu
1) A Mudita 2) A Chandrashila bdquoB‟
24 SangharakshitaVihara Patan
1) Anagarika Abhaya 2) A Chandrashila
3) A Shilachari
25 Shanti Sukhavasa Chakupat-Patan
1) A Utpalavarna (Chini)
26 Shree Kirti Vihara Kirtipur
1) Anagarika Mina
27 SunandaramaThaina-Patan
1) A Madhavi 2) AMasukhi
3) A Mashobha 4) A Mashraddha
5) A Masudha
28 Sulakshanakirti Viahara Kirtipur
1) A Anoja 2) A Atula
3) A Anula
29 Sangharama ViharaDhalko-KTM
1) Anagarika Dharmarakshita
30 Vishwashanti Vihara New Baneshwar
1) A Shubha 2) A Khema
3) A Sudhamma
31 Vishwashanti Dharmakirti Vihara Basundhara
1) A Dhajavati (Kusum) 2) A Padmavati
3) A Bhadravati
32 Residing other Anagarikas
1) Anagarika Chandrajnani Patan
2) A Sraddhavati Shankhamul
3) A Amaravati Patan
4) A Dhammachari Patan
5) A Nanda Thasi
Some Prominent Personalities in the Theravada Movement1
Sanghamahanayakas of Nepal
1 Ven Pragyanand Mahasthavir 1930 ndash 1993 AD
2 Ven Sakyananda Mahasthavir 1993 - 1997 AD
3 Ven Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1997 - 2002 AD
4 Ven Subodhananda Mahasthavir 2002 - 2006 AD
5 Ven Buddhaghosa Mahasthavir 2006-
Amritananda Bhikkhu (1918-1990) original name Lal Kaji Sakya from Tansen
west Nepal he ordain as a novice in 1936 from ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara He studies and was ordained a monk in Sri Lanka in 1940 He
return to Nepal in 1942 and preached first publicly in Kathmandu He
formed Dharmodaya Sabha in 1944 and All Nepal Bhikkhu Mahasangha in
1951 and remained its unchallenged leader until his death He was well
known and traveled widely outside of Nepal because of his dynamism and
charisma He was also one of the greatest Buddhist scholars and writers of
Nepal
Aniruddha Bhikkhu (1915-2003) original name Gaja Ratna Tuladhar son of
Dasa Ratna Sahu (Later Ven Dhammaloka) He went to Sri Lanka in 1930
and ordained as samanera and studied there He had served many years in
Lumbini and third Sanghanayaka of Nepal
1 Sarah Levine and David N Gellner Rebuilding Buddhism The Theravada Movement in
Twentieth Century Nepal (UK Harvard University Press 2006) pp 293-296
Ashwaghosh Bhikkhu (1926- present) original name Buddha Ratna Sakya and
became a novice in 1944 and went to Sri Lanka for study where he took
higher ordination in 1949 he is known as bdquothe communist monk‟ and was a
nominee of the Unified Marxist-Leninist party one of Nepal‟s two main
political parites in the 1990s to the Upper House 1993-5 He had
established nepal‟s first Bhikkhu Training Center at Sangharama Dhalko
and became abbot of this vihara Presently he is abbot of Shrigha Vihara in
Kathmandu and of Dyanakuti Vihara Banepa
Buddhaghosh Bhikkhu (1921- present day) original name Sapta Ratna
Vajracharya in Kwa Baha Kathamandu The founder of Pariyatti Education
in Nepal and presently acting Sanghanayaka of Nepal (2006) and abbot of
Sri Sumangala Vihara in Lalitpur
Chandramani Bhikkhu (1876-1972) a Burmese monk who spent his life in
Kusinagara where he worked for the propagation of Buddhism until his
death He initiated with most of the early Nepalese Theravadins Monks and
Nuns He was the first president of Dharmodaya Sabha and father of
Theravadins of Nepal
Dharmachari Anagarika (1898-1978) born Laxmi Nani Tuladhar she
impressed by Ven Pragyananda in Kindol Vihara and took the precepts
from Chandramani in Kusinagara in 1934 and most prominent Nepali nun
She founded the first nunnery in Nepal at Kindol Vihara in 1947
Dhammaloka Bhikkhu (1891-1977) born Das Ratna Tuladhar Asan
kathamandu He traded in Lhasha went to Sri Lanka and taught Buddhism
as a layman Later became a monk in 1932 after his son Aniruddha ordain
in 1930 he established nepal‟s first Theravādin Vihara bdquoAnanda Kuti
Vihar‟ in Kathmandu
Dhammawati Anagarika (1925- present day) born as Ganesh Kumari Sakya in
Uku Baha lalitpur She ordain too precepts from Ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara and renamed as Dhammavati in 1950 She went to Burma for
study and return in 1963 after passed the Dhammacariya Examination She
was able to established Dhammakirti Nunnery Centre in 1965 and leader of
the Theravādin Nuns She has been re-ordained as Bhikkhuni according to
Mahayana tradition
Dharmaditya Dharmacharya (1902-1963) born as Jagat Man Vaidya in Chika
Bahi Lalitpur and the first Newar Buddhist modernist and the first newar
cultural nationalist He went to study in Calcutta where he became a
follower of anagarika Dhammapala the founder of Maha Bodhi Society
He had formed Buddhist revival foundation and published Buddhist
magazines etc
Nyanpurnika Bhikkhu (1936- present day) Born as Hera Lal Sakya in Tansen
He studied with Buddhaghosh in Lalitpur in Burma and in England He is
only monk who passed Dhammacariya examination of Burma He was the
founder of Vishwa Shanti Vihara and Vishwa Shanti Bauddha sikkyalaya
where train novices He is a prominent translator and writer
Kumar Kashyap Bhikkhu (1926- present day) born as Krishna Man Sakya he
was one of those who exiled to India by the Ranas in 1944 He went to
Study in Sri Lanka and hold nepal‟s first bdquoTripitaka acarya‟ Presently he is
president of All Nepal Bhikkhu Association and abbot of Ananda Kuti
Vihara
Mahapragya Bhikkhu (1901-1979) born Prem Bahadur (Nani Kaji ) Shrestha
He ordained into Tibetan tradition but exiled in 1926 and reordained as
novice in Theravada tradition one of the earlier Theravādin monks He
return to householderhood in Kalimpong in 1940s but then returned to
Kathmandu as a Buddhist sage (Bauddha Rishi) in the 1960s where he
taught until his death
Pragyananda Bhikkhu (1900-1993) born as Kul Man Singh Tuladhar in Itum
Baha Kathmandu a trader in Tibet where he met Ven Mahapragya and
impressed by him to ordained He became a Tibetan Gelung Karmasheel in
1928 and two years later a Theravādin under Ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara in 1930 He was nepal‟s first Sanghamahanayaka and well
respected monk
Shakyananda Bhikkhu (1909-1997) born as Chakra Dhan Sakya in Taksar
Bhojpur East Nepal He spent over forty years as a monk in Tansen outside
the Kathmandu and second sanghamahanayaka of Nepal
Subodhanand Bhikkhu (1916-2006) bor as Kul Raj Sakya in Taksar Bhojpur
East Nepal He was one of the monks exiled by the Ranas in 1944 He was
a prolific composer of Hymns in Nepal Bhasa In 2003 as the most senior
monk in Nepal he was the fourth Sanghanayaka of Nepal
Sudarshan Bhikkhu (1934-2002) born as Rudra Raj Sakya in Uku Baha
lalitpur He was famous a bdquothe boy monk‟ For many years he was a lecturer
in the culture Department of Tribhuvan University a prolific writer
preacher and abbot of Sri Kirti Vihara Kirtipur which is became multi-
cultural center and especially for Buddhist meetings and conferences He
was jailed for some months for Nepal Bhasa activities in the Panchayat
period He was a campaigner on Buddhist issues particularly to do with
Lumbini
Sumangal Bhikkhu (1929-1999) born Bhakta Krishna Shilpakar in Lalitpur He
was famous as ldquoDollar bhanterdquo He ordained in 1959 in Burma obtained a
master‟s degree in Buddhism from Rissho University Japan in 1972 and
was among the first monks to mobilize international connections for
Buddhist projects in Nepal He established Buddha Vihara in Bhrikuti
Mandap Kathmandu He helped raise funds from Thailand and Japan for
IBMc (1985) brought the Japanese healing movement Sei Mei Kyo to
Nepal and in 1993 opened an old people‟s home in Banepa
Glimpse of Theravādin activities in Nepal
Samanera ordination at Muni Vihara
Ordination Ceremony at Vishwa Shanti Vihara
Collecting Alms
Chanting Paritta in devotee‟s home
Giving Holy Thread to Devotees
Buddhist Art in Nepal
Main Buddha Image at Sri Kirti Vihara
Four holy places
Some of the Theravada Buddhist Viharas (Monasteries) in Nepal
Vihars In Kathmandu Valley Telephone No
1 Amarapura Buddha Vihar Bungamati 5551068
2 Anandakuti Vihar Swayambhu 4271420
3 Anandabhuwan Vihar Bhuikhyo 4270429
4 Ganamaha vihar Ganabaha 4253454
5 Gautam Buddha Vihar Panga co 4330576
6 Caturbrahma Vihar Matatirtha 4310558
7 Carumati Vihar Cabahil 4469897
8 Baudhajana Vihar Sunakothi co 5570209
9 Jitapur Gandhakuti Vihar khona Co 5542846
10 Jitawan Vihar Thankot 4311912
11 Jyoti udaya vihar Capagaun Co 5571459
12 Dhammavasa Vihar Khusibun 4358688
13 Dharmakirti Vihar Srigha Naghal 4259466
14 Dharmacakra vihar Bagbajar 4261976
15 Nagar Mandap Sri Kirti Vihar Kirtipur 4330836
16 Nagadesh Buddha Vihar Nagadesh Co 6635397
17 Nirvanmurti Anagarikaram Kindol 4285811
18 Padmasugandha Vihar Manjeshwori 4266255
19 Pranidhi Purna Mahavihar Balambu 43105924312455
20 Pati Vihar Thimi Co 6637601
21 Pippali Theravad Buddha Vihar Shiphal 4475066
22 Punya Udaya Vihar Jala Harisiddhi Co 5527456
23 Buddhabhoomi Mahavihar Tokha 4362514
24 Buddha Vihar Bhrikuti mandapa 4226702
25 Buddharatna Vihar Putalisadak 4244277
26 Bauddha samakrit Vihar Bhaktapur 6610842
27 Manimandap Vihar Patko Bhaktapur 5526517
28 Muni Vihar Bhaktapur 6616464
29 Yampi Mahavihar Ibahi Lalitpur 5539644
30 Yashodhara Baudha Bidyalaya Thaina Lalitpur 5521435
31 Biswo Shanti Vihar Baneshwor 4482384
32 Biswo Shanti Dharmakirti vihar Basundhara 4354251
33 Beluvanarama Vihar Theco Co 5570062
34 Sakyasingha Vihar Thaina Lalitpur 5524760
35 Santi Sukhawas Cakupat co 5523613
36 Siddhimangal Buddha Vihar Thasi 5581495
37 Sumangala Vihara Lagankhel 5531715
38 Sulakshan kirti Vihar Chobhar 4331718
39 Suwanrna Chatrapur Vihar Lubhu 5580430
40 Sangharama Vihar Dhalko Visnumati 4255960
41 Srigha Vihar Nagal 4259110
Vihars out side the Kathamandu Velley Telephone No
1 Ananda Vihar Tansen Co 075-520225520216
2 Citravan Vihar Narayangadha Co 056-521478
3 Taksar Vihar Tansen Co 075-520024
4 Dharmashila Buddha Vihar Phokhara 061-520517
5 Dyankuti Banepa Banepa 011-661244
6 Padma Chaitya Vihar Butawal 071-546470
7 Purwarama Vihar Dhulikhel 011-661979
8 Pragya Mahavihar Hetauda Co 057-520264520136
9 Buddha Vihar Dharan 025-520354
10 Buddha Vihar Biratnagar Co 021-522146530604
11 Beni Buddha Vihar Myagdi Co 069-520354
12 Bodhicharya vihar Banepa 011-661789
13 Lokachakra Buddha Vihar Dhan gadhi 091-622174
14 Sakyamuni Vihar Bhojpur Co 029-420260
15 Sugatapur Vihar Trisuli Co 010-560153
16 Sugandha Vihar Ridi Gulmi Co 079-529435
17 Swoyambhu Chetya Buddha Vihar Urlabari Co 021-540080
18 Swoyambhu Chetya Mahavihar Dharan Co 025-520190
19 Gyanodaya Buddha Vihar Baglung Co 068-520921520336
Footnotes
[1] This paper was written as a part of my MA thesis research on bdquoThe
Revival of Theravada Buddhism and its contribution to Nepalese Society‟ of
Mahachulalongkorn University Bangkok Thailand and would like to thank Mr
Dharma Sakya for every suggestion editing and help for the completion of this
article
[2] Nyanatiloka Buddhist Dictionary 3
rd ed The Free Distribution
version the Corporate Body of the Buddha education foundation Taiwan p
179
[3] Triratna Manandhar bdquoPresent of Buddhism in Nepal‟ (Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK Vol 8 May 2005) p 15
[4] helliphelliphelliphellip The New Encyclopedia of Britannica Vol24 (USA
Library of Congress Catalog 1993) p 781 Dhanabajra Vajracharya Cabahilko
Abhilekha (Inscription of Cabahil) The Charumati Voice (Kath Charumati
Buddhist Mission 2001) pp 17-20 Bhikkhu Sudarsan Mahasthavira Nepal
Upatyaka ma Ashokaki Chori Charumati (Charumati A daughter of
Ashoka in Nepal Valley) (The Charumati Vocie (Kath Charumati Buddhist
Mission 2001) p 20
[5] Beal Samuel Si Yu Ri Buddhist Records of the Western World
(New Delhi Motilal Banarsidass Publishers 1994) pp 80-81 Bhuwan Lal
Pradhan Nepalama Buddhadharma (Kath Nepal Rajkiya Pragyapratisthana
1988) pp 102 ndash 103
[6] NB Thapa A Short History of Nepal (Kath Ratna Pustak
bhandhar Nd) pp 30-33 Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ The
Nation Thailand‟s English Newspaper (Sunday special) Oct 18 1987
[7] Opcit NB Thapa p116
[8] David N Gellner Monk Householder and Tantric Priest Newar
Buddhism and its Hierarchy of Ritual (Cambridge University Press 1996) pp
41ff
[9] Bechert Heinz amp Jens-Uwe Hartmann ldquoObservation on the reform
of Buddhism in Nepalrdquo Journal of Nepal Research Centre vol VIII Kath
Kantipur Printing Press1988p 6
[10] Ria Kloppenborg Theravada Buddhism in Nepal‟ Kailash A
Journal of Himalayan Studies Vol 5 no 41977 p 302
[11] BP Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada Gukathan Wagu Kha (Kath
Hisi Press Nepal BS 20421985) pp44ff
[12] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p47ff
[13] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 51-53 Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal (BKK A Thesis of MA Mahamakut Graduate School
2001) p 97
[14] Bhikshu Sudarshan Mahasthavir bdquoRole of Theravada in the
Preservation of Newar Buddhism‟ wwwircnepalorgpapers
[15] Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 69-72
[16] Opcit Observation on the reform of Buddhism in Nepal p10ff
[17] Opcit Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ RV
Vandya Sanghanayaka Venerable Pragnananda Mahasthavir (Kath Nepal
Co-operative Press 1978) pp 11ff
[18] Bhkkhu Dharmaloka Mahasthavir A Pilgrimage in China (kath
published by Bhikkhu Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1999) p 13-15 Opcit Lacoul
Nepalay Sthavirvada p 74-75
[19] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka p 15
[20] Opcit Bhikkhu dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp16ff
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p100
[21] Ibit Bhikkhu Dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp 27-29
[22] See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A Homage
(Kath Anandakuti Vihar Trust 1992) Kuladharma Ratna Tuladhar Buddhism
in Nepal (Kath Dharmodaya Sabha 1986) pp15 Opcit Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 100
[23] Opcit K R Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal 16 RV Vandya
Sanghanayaka ven Pragnananda p 32 ff
[24] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka Pragnananda pp 34-35
Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthavirvada p 86
[25] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 18 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 101
[26] Bhikkhu Amritananda Mahasthavir A Short History of Theravada
Buddhism in Modern Nepal (Kath Anandakuti Vihar trust 1986) pp 8-9
Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir (Kath Anandakuti
Vihar Trust 1992) p 25
[27] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 19 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[28] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[29] Opcit Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir
p 26
[30] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit KR
Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 20
[31] Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha in Nepal
(BKK A Thesis of MA Buddhist Study Mahachulalongkorn University 2547)
p 23 [32]
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit Ratna
Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir p 26
[33] Amrit R Sthapit bdquowho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Aswaghosha‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 4 no 1 May 2001
p8
[34] helliphelliphelliphelliphellip bdquoWho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Nyanapurninka Mahasthavir‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 7
no 1 May 2004 p13 Viswo Shanti Vihar The Shanti Sandesh (Kath Viswo
Shanti Vihar 1998)
[35] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sumangala Mahasthavir
A monk who modernized Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the
LNBDS UK vol 2 no 1 May 1999 p10
[36] Opcit Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha
in Nepal pp 52ff
[37] Rina Tuladhara Dharmakirti 25 Years of Dharmakirti Buddhist
Study Circle A Glimpse (Kath Dharmakirti Vihar 1996) Mallika Sakya
bdquoWho is Who in Nepalese Buddhism Dhammavati Guruma‟ Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 5 no 1 May 2002 p10
[38] Opcit See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A
Homage Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 108
[39] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sudarshan Mahasthavir A
Gem of the Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol
6 no 1 May 2003 p13
9
Buddhist activities held in and near Kapilavatthu the Buddha‟s
hometown The Buddhist scriptures say that not only was the Buddha
born in what is now Nepal but also visited his home several times after
he had become the Buddha
Although the Buddha was born in Nepal the history of
Buddhism in Nepal is not very clear According to Buddhist literatures
he did visit Nepal gave discourses and ordained some monks and nuns
There are monasteries and stupas spread in different parts of the
country but due to lack of records or clear evidence it is difficult to say
when they were built Historians have identified the Stupa of Yogini in
Gumvihara at Sankhu Kathmandu as the oldest stupa in Kathmandu
Valley It is generally believed that the origin of this vihāra dates to
the time of the early introduction of Buddhism in ancient times around
the first century CE Harishchandra Lal Singha a historian says
ldquoTheravāda was the earliest form of Buddhism prevalent in Nepal as in
many countries of Asia where Buddhism flourishedrdquo However
traditional Theravāda texts do not contain any information about
Theravāda in Nepal The texts of other Buddhist schools nevertheless
10
say that some of the Buddha‟s disciples went to Nepal‟s Kathmandu
Valley
There is evidence that the King Asoka of Magadha visited
Lumbini in Nepal He was a great patron and staunch supporter of
Buddhism during his time It is said that in the 20th
year after his
accession to the throne of the Maurya Dynasty and following the Third
Buddhist Council the King made pilgrimages to historic places of
Buddhist interest and erected stone pillars He is also said to have
visited Nepal Valley Dr D Wright writes that the Emperor King
Ashoka visited Kathmandu Valley at the time of the fourteenth Kirati
King Sthungko of the Kirat dynasty with his spiritual guide Venerable
Upagupta Queen Tissyarakshita and a daughter named Carumati He
sent nine missionary groups to different places A group of four monks
led by Ven Majjima came to Nepal and succeeded in propagating
Buddhism in Nepal It was said that Buddhism was a well-know
religion then and practised by people in their daily life It is believed
that the Buddhism that was practised during King Asoka‟s time was
Theravada Buddhism Unfortunately for some unknown reason
popularity of Buddhism declined and its identity lost for many
11
centuries According to the recorded history of Nepal after the social
reforms carried out by King Jayasthiti Malla (1382-95 CE) Buddhism
went into decline and developed into Newār Buddhism However
Theravada Buddhism was re-introduced once again in Nepal in the
closing years of 19th
century by Nepalese who came in contact with the
Maha Bodhi society of India
Anagarika Dharmapala a Sri Lankan Buddhist founded this
Maha Bodhi Society Nepalese who came in contact with this society
took initial steps for revival of Theravada activities in Nepal Nearly a
century later Theravada once again gained foothold in Nepal
Presently there are number of Theravada Buddhist monasteries in the
country The numbers of Nepalese Buddhist monks and nuns have also
increased Some are resident in Nepal and others are studying and
carrying out dhamma work in Sri Lanka Thailand Myanmar and
other countries Beside dhamma work they are also engaged in various
charitable works like education health social welfare etc for the
upliftment of Nepali community wherever they are
12
Background
As I have mentioned earlier history of Buddhism in Nepal is
very vague There are some evidences that Buddhism was popular
during Buddha‟s time in Nepal There are also evidences that the
Buddha visited Nepal gave discourses to relatives and Buddhists and
ordained Bhikkhus and Bhikkhunis[3]
According to Buddhist scholar‟s
Theravada tradition existed in Nepal since the time of the Lord
Buddha
The evidence was more reliable from the account of King
Asoka The great emperor of ancient India King Asoka visited
Lumbini and erected stone pillar with inscription in Bramhi script
which in English reads bdquo Here the Buddha was born‟
(Hidabhagavamjāteti Lum minigāme) As mentioned before he also
sent Dhamma Missionary (Dhammaduta) to Nepal after third Buddhist
council (Sanghayana) which was held three hundred years after
Buddha‟s parinibbana Buddhist legends has it that one of King
Asoka‟s daughter Carumati married a Nepali called Devapal and
settled in Cabahil Katmandu where she constructed a temple- Cabahil
monastery and became a Bhikkhuni for the rest of her life[4]
Besides
13
these the records of Chinese travelers who visited Buddhist
pilgrimage sites in India and Nepal after King Ashoka‟s visit also gave
some information on existence of Theravada Buddhist monks who
practised and studied along with other Buddhist sects in Nepal[5]
According to historians Buddhism was a dominant religion
until the time of King Jayasthiti Malla who ruled Nepal during
medieval period (around 1382 CE) He imposed caste system in Nepal
according Manudharmasastra a Hindu holy book[6]
Buddhist culture
and tradition were banned the celibate monks were forced to disrobe
and forced to marry Vajrayana or Newar Buddhism was developed
following the demise of Theravada Buddhism The situation of
Buddhist became worse during the time of Rana government In 1846
the mantle of power of Nepal‟s government shifted from the monarchy
to autocratic isolationist Rana government The Shah kings of the
country were kept under tight control of Rana prime ministers[7]
The
country was closed from outside world and kept her eyes closed to
what was happening outside for nearly 104 years That was the age
when Buddhism was totally forgotten by non-Buddhist of Nepal It was
14
known and practised by only certain communities Vajracharyas
(Bajracharyas) Shakyas Tuladhars etc[8]
The Rana government
banned all Buddhist religious activities They also banned people
converting from Hindu religion to Buddhism but traditional Buddhists
were allowed to become Hindus
Theravada Revival Movement
In the early 1920s Dharmāditya Dharmācārya began his
campaign for the revival of Theravāda Buddhism teaching that Nepal
was the land of the Buddha‟s birth Meanwhile the Baisākha purnimā
celebration and publicing of ldquoBuddha Dhammardquo magazine by
Dharmāditya Dharmācārya had been inflaming the inner quest for
spirituality in Nepalewse society Furthermore simulteniously Tibeten
Buddhism had been inspiring Newari Society to walk the path that was
once nearly lost One of the well-known monks who came from Tibet
and preached the Dhamma to the Nepalese was Kyangtse Lama
Known in Nepal as Kyanchhe Lama he had come on pilgrimage to
Nepal His sermons and the publication of the Lalitavistara inspired
many to seek Buddhist ordination in the early period of the modern
15
history of Buddhism in Nepal It was the fortunate conjunction of
Nisthananda‟s translation of the Lalitavistara into the mother tongue
producing a Newāri version of the Buddha‟s life story Dharmāditya
Dharmācārya revivalism and the visits of Kyangtse Lama which
ensured that ldquothe Bud of the Dharmardquo planted by the Venerable Lama
should flower so quickly and produce such impressive fruit His
influence on Newāri scholars was significant One of them was
Yogbeer Sing Kansakar who was honoured for his efforts for the
preservation of the Newāri language The Lama also influenced the
first Theravāda monks Venerable Mahapragya and Venerable
Pragyānanda among others
The closing years of 19th
century saw reform movements in
many Buddhist countries with idea of modernizing Buddhist
movement The term bdquoBuddhist modernization‟ is used to refer to these
new reformist activities[9]
The aim of this movement was to bring
back Buddhism to India and Sri Lanka The Maha Bodhi Society was
founded in India under the leadership of Anagarika Dharmapala[10]
16
This organization was the first Buddhist organization established with
the aim of internationalizing Buddhism
The success of The Maha Bodhi Society encouraged Nepalese
who came in contact with this society They were mostly traditional
Buddhists (Newar Buddhists) of Nepal who were merchants and
pilgrims They played an important role in Theravada revival
movement in present day Nepal However it was students of Buddhism
who gave a kick-start to Theravada movements in modern Nepal
Mr Jagatman Vaidya a traditional Buddhist by birth went to
India for further studies He initiated the Theravada Buddhist revival
movement with the help of The Mahabodhi Society[11]
Mr Jagatman
who later became known as Dharmaditya Dharmacariya devoted most
of his time and energy to Buddhist Revivalism in Nepal by publishing
Buddhist journal in Newari Nepali Hindi English etc One of his
great deeds was to celebrate Baisakh day Buddha Jayanti or Swanya
Punhi in Nepal to commemorate Buddha‟s birth enlightenment and
death (Parinibbana) He established bdquoBuddha Dharma Uddhar
Sangharsquo lsquoBuddhopasaka Sangha‟ and other organizations for the
propagation of Buddhism in Nepal[12]
17
The Buddha Jayanti which he has initiated was celebrated for
the first time in the history of modern Nepal in 1926 after a long gap
Now a day this day is widely celebrated in Nepal Every year people
celebrate it with great joy and happiness[13]
He was also responsible
for stopping animal slaughter at Mayadevi temple in Lumbini and
renovation of Kindol Vihar in Kathmandu This Vihara became the
center for Theravada revival movement[14]
He published Buddhist
magazine entitled bdquoBuddha Dharmarsquo in Newari Language
(Nepalabhasa) emphasizing the importance of Buddha Jayanti
celebration and Theravadian views This was the starting point of
Theravada activities and promotion of Theravadian views in Nepal
after many centuries Some Nepalese youths took ordination according
to Theravada tradition in 1928 They were imprisoned for four days
The Government at the time was under the influence of Shaivait
Brahmins who were calling for a ban against Buddhism Later he was
arrested for his conversion from a Hindu to a Buddhist monk Three
new rules suppressing Buddhism had been issued
18
(1) Conversion to Buddhism from Hinduism (Shaivaism) to be
punished by one year in prison
(2) Acting as preceptor at a Buddhist ordination to be punished by
three years‟ imprisonment and
(3) Attempting to ordain into Buddhism to be punished by a six-
month imprisonment
They were exiled to India and all reordained into Theravada
tradition with ven U Kosala in Buddhagaya However certain reasons
they left the tradition The history speaks only on Ven Mahapragya but
rest of other four monks still under discovery The first Nepalese to
take ordination in Theravada tradition was venerable Mahapragna a
Hindu Shrestha by birth in 1926 After few years study in Tibet again
he went to India where he met Ven U Chandramani a Burmese monk
at Kusinagara[15]
He was impressed with Ven Chandramani and took
Theravada ordination from him This was the starting point for
Theravada ordination once again in the history of modern Nepal after
almost 600 years[16]
Since then Theravadin monastic order been settled
in modern Nepal
19
On the other hand Venerable Pragyananda (Karmasheel) who
converted from Gelung of Tibetan tradition to Theravada with Ven U
Chandramani at Kusinagara India was the first yellow-robed monk
who appeared in the street of Kathmandu valley at the end of 1930s[17]
He stayed at Kindol Vihar at the invitation of Dasaratna Shahu (later
Ven Dharmaloka) and gave discourses The attendance at his
discourses increased day by day and it worried then Rana government
and arrested all the members of Vihar They were imprisoned fined
and later released[18]
Fortunately Ven Pragnananda was in different
place and was not arrested He went on pilgrimage to India with some
devotees His four devotees took ordination under guidance of Ven U
Chandramani at Kusinagar They were Samanera Shasana Jyoti
Anagarika Ratna Pali Anagarika Dhamma Pali and Anagarika
Sangha Pali This was the first nun‟s ordination in Theravada
Buddhism in modern Nepal[19]
In the mean time Dasaratna Shahu
who was running Kindol Vihar brought Civar and bowl from Sri Lanka
for monk ceremonies Soon after his release from prison he took
ordination according to Theravada tradition at Kusinagar from Ven U
Chandramani and became Samanera Dhammaloka in 1932[20]
He
20
visited Nepal as a monk but was arrested immediately on his arrival in
Kathmandu and was imprisoned once again for six days and then
released without charging him with any offences Following his release
from prison he went to stay at Kindol Vihar and continued his
religious activities He was finally able to carry out religious activities
freely in Nepal He succeeded to propagate Theravada Buddhism in the
streets of Kathmandu valley[21]
Later he founded Nepal‟s first
Theravada Buddhist temple bdquoAnandakutirsquo at the foothill of Swayambhu
hill and it became the center for Theravada Sangha in modern Nepal
Venerable Amritananda was another well-known Buddhist
scholar and pioneer person for revival of Theravada Buddhism in
modern Nepa[22]
He was ordained under Ven U Chandramani at
Kusinagara in 1936 CE but was imprisoned along with Ven
Mahapragna at Bhojpur in 1937 In 1942 he came back to Nepal from
abroad after completing his study and gave discourses at the request of
Ven Dharmaloka in Swayambhu during vassavasa days (Three months
Buddhist lent) His public discourses impressed lay people and many
people came to listen to him Other Monks Samaneras and Nuns of
21
Nepal who were studying abroad also came back and joined him and
gave public discourses in different places of Kathmandu valley[23]
This
was a great breakthrough during isolationist Rana government Rana
government of the time banned any public assembly because of fear of
political unrest and demand for political reform in Nepal Because of
their religious activities they were arrested on 30th
July 1944 and
brought in front of then Prime Minister Juddha Shamsher Jung Bahadur
Rana for giving verdict on the charges of propagating the dhamma He
made rules to curtail the Buddhist activities Those who didn‟t follow
these rules were asked either to leave the country or return to worldly
life All the respected monks who were active in revival of Theravada
in Nepal refused to obey the order and were exiled once again from
Nepal The exiled monks this time included Ven Pragnananda Ven
Dharmaloka Ven Subhodhananda Ven Pragnarashmi Samanera
Pragnarasa Samanera Ratnajyoti Samanera Agga Dhamma and
Samanera Kumar The nuns were allowed to remain in the Vihar until
the end of the Vassavasa[24]
22
Development of Theravada Buddhism
The exiled monks formed bdquoDharmodaya Sabha‟ - Nepal‟s first
Buddhist organization with the help of other Buddhist organizations
and individuals on 30th
November 1944 in India under the
chairmanship of Ven U Chandramani Ven Amritananda was its
general secretary[25]
Immediately after establishment of bdquoDharmodaya
Sabha‟ Ven Amritananda wrote a protest letter to Nepalese
government and also appealed to other Buddhist organizations on
behalf of Dharmodaya Sabha He visited many places and various
countries to get support against the expulsion of Buddhist monks from
modern Nepal One of the countries he visited and undertook further
studies was Sri Lanka In Sri Lanka he also succeeded in bringing a
goodwill mission to Nepal in 1946 under the leadership of well-known
scholar Ven Narada Mahasthavir of Vajiraramaya Colombo The
members of this mission consisted of Ven Narada Ven Amritananda
Ven Priyadarshi Dr Ratna Surya and Prof Aryapal They were able
to meet the newly appointed Prime Minister Padma Shumsher J Rana
Ven Amritananda and leader of the mission Ven Narada requested his
23
Excellency to give permission for the exiled monks to return to Nepal
Prime Minister Padma Shamsher accepted their request and permitted
the exiled monks to return Ven Dharmaloka was the first one to come
back to Nepal immediately after receiving a letter from Ven
Amritananda and arrived in Kathmandu in June 1946 (Jesth Sukla 6
2003)[26]
Other monks also returned one by one and again started
propagating Theravada Buddhism in modern Nepal Ven Narada
visited Nepal three times and constructed a Sri Lankan Cetiya at
Anandakuti Vihar He brought a branch of Bodhi tree Buddha‟s relic
to Nepal He also established the first Sima (Uposatha) of Nepal for
Bhikkhus at the Vihara During his third visit he met then Prime
Minister Mohana Shamasher J Rana and requested him to declare
Baisakh Purnima or Buddha Day as a public holiday His Excellency
agreed and declared it as a public holiday for the Buddhist government
civil officers[27]
Since then Theravada Buddhism gained ground in
Nepalese society and made progress Theravada monks propagated
Buddhism by performing ceremonies giving Dharmadesana and
publishing Buddhist texts Many Viharas were built in and outside the
Kathmandu valley to propagate dhamma
24
In 1950 democracy replaced autocratic Rana regime under the
leadership of H M King Tribhuvan This heralded rapid development
of Theravada Buddhism Buddhist monks and nuns were able carry out
their duties freely without hindrances throughout the country The
office of bdquoDharmodaya Sabha‟ shifted from Kalimpong to Kathmandu
after the advent of democracy in 19501 In 1951 Bhikkhu Sangha led
by Ven Amritananda formed lsquoAkhil Nepal Bhikkhu Sangharsquo (All
Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha Council) for the further propagation of
Buddhism in Nepal Ven Amritananda played a great role in
propagation of Theravada Buddhism nationwide His close relationship
with their Majesties helped in his activities[28]
He visited many
countries on behalf of All Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha and Dharmodaya
Sabha In the same year Buddhists of Nepal succeeded in bringing the
relics of Ven Sariputta (Ven Sariputra) and Ven Maudhgalyana
(Ven Moggallana) the foremost disciples of the Buddha for the
exhibition in Nepal His Majesty King Tribhuvan chaired the reception
committee and a reception party was held in the Royal Palace[29]
Following year in 1952 Buddha Jayanti was celebrated throughout the
country with the support of HM King Tribhuvan On this occasion
25
HM King declared Baisakh Purnima or Buddha Jayanti day as a
public holiday throughout the kingdom[30]
In 1956 His late Majesty King Mahendra visited Lumbini the
birthplace of the Buddha and erected a Mahendra Pillar in Lumbini
zone In the same year during 2500th
Buddha Jayanti celebration HM
king banned animal slaughter on this auspicious day throughout the
kingdom[31]
Nepalese Buddhists led by All Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha
Council and Dharmodaya Sabha also organized the Fourth World
Fellowship of Buddhist Conference (WFB) in Kathmandu on this
year[32]
His Majesty‟s government cooperated fully and gave every
assistance for the success of the conference Gradually Theravada
Buddhist monasteries were founded Buddhist Education Buddhapuja
meditation public discourses publications of Buddhist texts and mass
ordination etc took place as a part of dhamma activities Burma Sri
Lanka Thailand and other countries helped Nepal in its effort for
Theravada revival Soon after Theravada Buddhist monks established
the first Bhikkhu training center- Sangharama Vihar and ordained
number of novices under the leadership of Ven Ashogosha
Mahasthavir[33]
Following their ordination they were sent to Sri
26
Lanka Burma and Thailand for their higher ordination and education
Many of these monks have returned to Nepal and are actively engaged
in propagation of dhamma Besides ordination of individual novices
mass ordinations for short periods were also held in different temple
After Anandakuti Vihar the Viswasanti Vihara also established
Vishwa Shanti Bauddha Shikshalaya a Buddhist School under Ven
Nyanapunnika Mahathavir[34]
It teaches both national and Buddhist
curriculum to the novices Now there are nearly 100 Theravada
temples more than four hundred monks and Samaneras and nearly 400
nuns in the country Present Sangha Nayaka is Most Ven
Subodhananda of Gana Mahavihara Kathmandu President of All
Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha is Kumar Kashyapa of Ananda Kuti Vihar
Swayambhu Kathmandu and the head office of All Nepal Bhikkhu
Sangha is in Viswo Santi Vihara New Baneshwor Kathmandu
27
Contribution to Nepalese society
Besides promoting Dhamma Theravada monks and nuns
(Anagarikas) are also involved in other welfare activities like
organising free health camps training centers either in the monasteries
or outside the monasteries They also founded center for old age and
Kindergarten Late Ven Sumangala Mahasthavira[35]
initiated free
clinic at Buddha Vihar a Buddhist home for the elderly at Benepa and
a Buddhist Kindergarten Free Clinics were popular because of lack of
adequate government run clinics in Nepal Many monasteries
organized free clinics Regular clinics like eye and Homeopathic were
run either on weekly or monthly basis Annual campaigns are also run
when it was felt necessary
In 1964 All Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha established a Theravada
education system Pariyatti Sikkha or Nepal Bauddha Pariyatti Siksa
(Buddhist Saturday School) Classes are run in Theravada Buddhist
monasteries Tibetan monasteries other Buddhist centers in public and
private schools There are more than 32 centers throughout the
28
country[36]
Presently its head office is at Viswo Santi Vihara in New
Baneswora Kathmandu
Besides Pariyatti Sikkha Ven Amritananda founded a
Buddhist school - bdquoAnandakuti Vidyapith Boarding School‟ and a
college- bdquoSiddharth Science Campus‟ Both Buddhist monks and lay
people used to teach in these institutions It was started as a Buddhist
school but for some reason it has become a private enterprise Besides
these many monks and nuns are also running other educational
institutions like bdquoNursery school (Siddhartha Shisu Niketan Buddha
Vihar) Primary school (Triple Gem Boarding School) and Higher
Schools There are some Higher Education institutes like Siddharth
University in Banepa International Buddhist University in Lumbini
etc Many Buddhist organizations were founded and they were also
running different classes and research centers like Dharmakirti
Buddhist Research Center Anagarika Dhammavati founded this centre
Later on Anagarika Dhammavati was ordained as Bhikkhuni
according to Taiwanese tradition She is one of the well-known nuns in
the Theravada Buddhism in Nepal[37]
29
The Buddhist temples and organizations bring out number of
publications annually monthly weekly and on special occasions
Dharmodaya Anandabhumi and Dharmakirti are the oldest
Buddhist journals in Nepal and still continued to be published
Ven Amritananda was one of the greatest Buddhist scholars of
Nepal He wrote and translated many books on Buddhism There are
still no other monks or nun in Nepal who can be compared with
him[38]
Late Ven Sudharsan Mahasthavir came close to him Ven
Sudharsan was a pillar of Theravada Buddhism after Ven
Amritananda He was famous for different reason His field of interest
beside dhamma work consisted literature language Archaeology etc
He was a resident monk at Srikirti Vihar Kirtipur and held the post of
professor in History Archaeology and Buddhist philosophy at
Tribhuvan University until his death in July 2002 Some of his books in
Buddhism became course book for BA and MA students in Nepal
He had special interest in archaeology of Lumbini and was an expert on
this subject[39]
30
Revival of Theravada Buddhism in Nepal also had profound
effect in cultural and religious way of life of Nepalese Daily chanting
or Buddhapuja short term ordination observing Sila (Moral code)
caste system celebration of Vesak day celibate life were introduced
In the month of Bhadra or Gunla days (AugustSeptember) Buddhist
hymns are chanted and public discourses are given
Late Ven Sudharshan Mahasthavir formed Sri Kirti Buddhist
center at Sri Kirti Vihar with the aim of introducing Buddhism to other
ethnic groups other than Newars- the original inhabitants of Katmandu
valley This project succeeded in bringing other ethic groups into
Theravada Buddhism As a result of this many ethnic groups who were
originally Buddhists have started organizing Buddhist conferences and
Buddhist activities Another important development is formation of
Gyanmala Bhajan Khala - a Buddhist hymn group This group sings
regularly especially during certain auspicious days at Swayambhu and
other Buddhist sites The songs they sing are based on Buddha‟s
teaching and has been successful in promoting Buddhism in simple
melodious hymns which attracts many people who visits these
religious places
31
Theravadin in Nepalese Society
For centuries Nepalese were aware of only Buddhist priest
(Bajracharya) from Newar Buddhism (Vajrayana) and Tibetan Lamas
They were unaware of Theravadian Buddhist monks and nuns
Bajracharyas are household monks They lead domestic lives and are
not celibate Not all Tibetan monks are celibate It depends on the
school they belong to For example monks from Sakya School of
Tibetan tradition do not have to be celibate Theravada monks wear
distinctive saffron coloured robes They are celibate and lead virtuous
monastic life These monks and nuns have different identity in the eyes
of Nepalese especially the inhabitants of Kathmandu valley Their
simple way of life their full dedication in their work for the benefit of
mankind easily understood Theravada Scriptures translated in different
languages eg in Nepal Bhasa (Newari) Nepali in Hindi and in
English for easy accessibility by different groups helped to gain the
heart of Nepalese people Although many lay people have played
pivotal roles in revival of Theravada Buddhism in Nepal the leadership
32
of monks and nuns were vital in further development and survival of
this tradition
The lay Buddhists of Nepal are pluralistic They participate in
Buddhist ceremonies such as Vesak day daily chanting etc At the
same time they also follow Hindu customs in their daily lives
Buddhism is different from Hinduism and it is not a branch of
Hinduism Hindus believe that Buddha was a reincarnation of Lord
Vishnu Buddha never claimed to be anything other than a human
being ndash although a unique one in the history of mankind
Buddhism in Nepal is unique because of existence of three
different Buddhist traditions - Newar Buddhism (Vajrayana)
Tibetan Buddhism (Mahayana) and Theravada Buddhism
Different Buddhist groups practised different traditions Although the
principle underlying all these traditions is the same they differ in
details Theravada Buddhist tradition is different from Tibetan or
Newar Buddhist traditions but it is developing side-by-side with them
It was not possible for Theravada Buddhism to develop in Nepal
without close co-relation with other traditions but later developed on its
own right These various Buddhist traditions are coexisting in present
33
day Nepal Although they have different cultural traditions and are
developing in their own ways but the followers are the same
Therefore there is no separate identity of Theravadian lay Buddhists
There are number of lay Buddhist organizations such as Dharmodaya
Sabha Dharmakirti Institute Young Buddhist Associations Female
Buddhist Associations more recently Sukhi Hotu Nepal which are
playing important role in promotion of Buddha Dhamma but they are
multi-cultural and multi religious in their daily practices
CONCLUSION
Theravada Buddhism was introduced to Nepal at the time when
public meetings were banned It faced many obstacles at the beginning
Strong dedications of monks and nuns made it possible for its revival in
Nepal after many centuries of neglect Even though the revival
movement of this tradition was started only about 80 years ago it has
already gained strong foot hold in Nepal and gaining popularity day by
day The reason for its popularity lies in many things - the simple and
easily understood way the teachings were given the simple way of life
of monks and nuns lead and various beneficial activities undertaken by
34
Viharas Theravadin Buddhist monks and nuns are well accepted by
people and their contribution in promoting Buddha‟s teachings is
widely recognized Although small in number in comparison to other
Asian countries like Thailand Sri Lanka and Burma both the number
of monks and nuns and monasteries of this tradition are increasing day
by day If this trend continues it will become one of the prominent
religious traditions in Nepal It is only natural that this oldest Buddhist
tradition should gain its place of honour it deserve in a country where
the founder of the religion was born
35
Theravada Records in Nepal
List of Monks Novices and Anagarikas studying abroad
MONKS AND NOVICES
I Thailand
1 Bhikkhu Anil Man Dhammasakiyo (Sugandha)
2 Bhikkhu Vipassi Dhammaramo
3 Bhikkhu Jit Bahadur Gurung
4 Bhikkhu Krishna Thapamagar
5 Bhikkhu Pannamurti
6 Bhikkhu Sujan Sujano
7 Bhikkhu Anil Sumankitti
8 Bhikkhu Santosh Santosho
9 Bhikkhu Khemik Suddhasilo
10 Bhikkhu Suman Rocano
11 Bhikkhu Sanu Maharajano
12 Bhikkhu Santamano Dhwajjoshi
13 Bhikkhu Suman Dhwajjoshi
14 Bhikkhu Bijit Khemasakko
15 Bhikkhu Supreme Shakyavanso
Samaneras
1 Samanera Buddharatna Maharjan
2 Samanera Dhammaratna Maharjan
3 Samanera Bipin Maharjan
4 Samanera Prajwal Shakya
5 Samanera Ukesh Sakya
6 Samanera Gopi Maharjan
7 Samanera Sudip Deshar
8 Samanera Sudat Deshar
9 Samanera Deepi Maharjan
10 Samanera Ramit Shrestha
11 Samanera Anup Deshar
12 Samanera Suman Bajracharya bdquoA‟
13 Samanera Rajendra Deshar
14 Samanera Kapila Maharjan
15 Samanera Arbin Shakya
36
16 Samanera Kabindra Bajracharya
17 Samanera Ujjawal Shakya
18 Samanera Satish Shakya
19 Samanera Bimal Gurung
20 Samanera Surya Gurung
21 Samanera Sameer Maharjan
22 Samanera Anup Shakya
23 Samanera Arjun Magar
24 Samanera Kiran Desahar
25 Samanera Dipesh Shrestha
26 Samanera Tejendra Tamang
27 Samanera Ashim Shakya
28 Samanera Jalap Bajracharya
29 Samanera Arya Dev Bajracharya
30 Samanera Sudarshan Maharjan
31 Samanera Sangharatna
32 Samanera Suman Bajracharya bdquoB‟
33 Samanera Kijan Maharjan
34 Samanera Ramesh Maharjan
35 Samanera Niroj Maharjan
36 Samanera Jen Maharjan
37 Samanera Denish Bajracharya
38 Samanera Pritam Bahadur Shakya
39 Samanera Abhishek Shakya
40 Samanera Bishal Shakya
41 Samanera Sajal Shakya
42 Samanera Suraj Bhakta Shrestha
43 Samanera Dinesh Chaudhary
44 Samanera Shiv Swatantra Tharu
45 Samanera Sambhu Lal Khang
46 Samanera Buddharatna Chaudhary
47 Samanera Mukesh Chaudhary
II Myanmar (Burma)
Bhikkhu Samaneras
1 Bhikkhu Panavimala
2 Bhikkhu Dhyanratna
3 Bhikkhu Adiccho
4 Bhikkhu Vimalbuddhi
5 Bhikkhu Shobhan
6 Samanera Amato
7 Samanera Jutimma
8 Samanera Buddhapiyo
9 Samanera Kavindo
10 Samanera Nagasena
11 Samanera Gyanavudho
III Taiwan(ROC) 1 Bhikkhu Mangala 2 Bhikkhu Vazirbuddhi
IV Australia 1 Bhikkhu Upatissa
V India
1 Bhikkhu Dharmajyoti 2 Bhikkhu Ashokakirti
3 Bhikkhu Narawang Tamang
VI United kingdom 1 Bhikkhu Suman
VII USA 1 Bhikkhu Pragnaloka
VIII Sri Lanka
Bhikkhus
Bhikkhu Nanda
Bhikkhu Vineeta
Bhikkhu Ashoka
Bhikkhu Triratna
Bhikkhu Sagara
Bhikkhu Sankicca
Bhikkhu Vajirasiri
Bhikkhu Sarada
Bhikkhu Veenit
Bhikkhu Ratana
Bhikkhu Tissa
Bhikkhu Vajira
Bhikkhu Pannawimal
Bhikkhu Medhankar
Bhikkhu Pannasara
SARAMANERAS
Saranankara
Piyadassi
Dil Bhadra
Chandima
Samita
Narada bdquoA‟
Piyaratna
Kusala
Lakkhana
Udit
Vibekanada
Pannananda
Mettananda
Chandananda
Yassari
Upali
Subodhi
Mahanama
Kashyapa
Dhammapala
Narada bdquoB‟
Nalaka bdquoA‟
Daywasa
Santa Sobhana
Santa Siddhartha
Santa Maitri
Santa Kosala
Santa Sakya
Suvaca
Sukama Sila
Siddhartha
Nanda bdquoA‟
Rahula
Sudheera
Kosala Dheera
Panna Wansa
Jina Wansa
Mahinda
Nanda bdquoB‟
Seewali
Mahapantha
Assaji
Sarada
Sumana
Ananda
Nalaka bdquoB‟
Aloka
Suwarna
Subodh
Udena
Sangharatna bdquoA‟
Gyanendra
Khema
Soma bdquoA‟
Punna
Panna Ransi
Soma bdquoB‟
Santa bdquoA‟
Kapila Wansa
Asita Wansa
Sumanananda bdquoa‟
Vijitananda
Khemananda
Silananda
Medhananda
Somaratna
Soratha
Pragyananda
Sumangala
Santa Citta
Yasa
Dhamma Kitti
Panna Kitti
Santa Dheera
Vijitananda
Sumanananda bdquob‟
Vajra Bodhi
Dhammika
Santa bdquoB‟
Anuruddha
Sumana bdquoB‟
Jinavamsa
Panna Vansa
Buddha Ratna
Dhamma Ratna
Ariya Ratna
Piyadassi bdquoB‟
Sila Ratna
Sangha Ratna bdquoB‟
List of Anagarikas studying in abroad
I Thailand
1 Anagarika Sirisuta Maharjan
2 Anagarika Ramsobha Shrestha
3 Anagarika Sunita Napit
II Myanmar
1 Anagarika Javanvati
2 Anagarika Vimalajnani
3 Anagarika Ambika
4 Anagarika Buddhapali
5 Anagarika Darshana
6 Anagarika Agrajnani
7 Anagarika Nandavati
bdquob‟
III India 1 Anagarika Rupashila
IV Taiwan
1 Anagarika Pannavati
2 Anagarika Sani
3 Anagarika Nima
V Sri Lanka
1 Anagarika Pannawati
2 Anagarika Mettawati
3 Anagarika Keshawati
4 Anagarika Prasnnawati
5 Anagarika Sukhawati
6 Anagarika Shobhawati
7 Anagarika Subhadra
8 Anagarika
Shraddhagautami
9 Anagarika Upananda
10 Anagarika Shantawati
11 Anagarika Suciwati
Residences of Theravādin Monks in Nepal
01 Abhinava Buddha Vihara Lumbini
1) Bhikkhu Vimalananda Mahathera
2) Samanera Sunanda
02 Anandakut Vihara Swayambhu Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Kumara Kassapa Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Dharmamurti 3) Samanera Kondanya
4) S Prajnaratna 5) S Asoka
6) S Kumarjeeva 7) S Assaji
03 Bauddha Samaskrita Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Bhikkhu Dharmashobhana Mahathera
04 Bodhicharya Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Bodhisena Mahathera
2) Samanera Bodhideepa
05 Buddha Vihara Bhrikuti Mandap-Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Kondanya 2) Bhikkhu Sushil
3) Samanera Anuyoga 3) S Javana
4) S Udena
06 Buddha Vihara Biratnagar
1) Bhikkhu Aloka
07 Buddha Vihara Dharan
1) Bhikkhu Maitri (Tamang)
2) Bhikkhu Chhavikirti
08 Chatubrahma Vihara Matatirtha
1) Bhikkhu Thansettho
2) Bhikkhu Samyakaratna
3) Bhikkhu Bodhananda
9 Charumati Stupa Vihara Chabahil Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Tapassi Dhamma
10 Dharmacakra Ashrama Bagbazar
1) Bhikkhu Milinda
11 Dharmashila Buddha Vihara Pokhara
1) Bhikkhu Subhadda 2) Bhikkhu Saddhananda
12 Dhyanakuti Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Ashwaghosha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Rahul 3) Samanera Gautama
13 Gana Maha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Sanghanayaka Bhikkhu Subodhanand Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sobhita
3) Bhikkhu Samvegakirti
4) Samanera Sugatananda
6) S Chandananda
7) S Somananda
8) S Sumanavamsha
9) S Somavamsha
10) S Sumanasiri
14 IlayabahiTanabaha Patan
1) Bhikkhu Vimalkirti
15 International Bauddha Pariyatti Vihara Butwal
1) Bhikkhu Jatila
2) Bhikkhu Bhaddiya bdquoB‟
3) Samanera Jnanashree 4) S Jotika
16 International Buddhist Society Lumbini
1) Bhikkhu Maitri Mahathera
2) Samanera Mahapanta
3) S Vimala
17 Jana Udaya Vihara Sunakothi-Lalitpura
1) Bhikkhu Dharmagupta
18 Jitavana Vihara Thankot
1) Bhikkhu Dharmavamsha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sugatamuni Mahathera
3) Samanera Sunita
19 Kuti Vihara Koteshwar-KTM
1) Bhikkhu Yeshdhammo
2) Samanera Wayamo
3) S Milindo 4) S Sunanalankara
20 Manimandapa Mahavihara Patan
1) Bhikshu Shilbhadra Mahathera
2) Samanera Paduma 3) S Nayako
21 Muni Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Samanera Tejendra 2) S Jalapa
3) S Asima 4) S Aryaputra
22 Padma Sugandha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Sumedha 2) Samanera Sudatta
23 Pati Vihara Nagadesh-Bhaktapur
1) Bhikkhu Varasambodhi
24 Pranidhi Purna Maha Vihara Balambu
1) Samanera Sukha
25 Pugatabhoomi Jetavana Vihara Bhairahawa
1) Samanera Jagaro 2) S Suvanno
26 Purvaram Vihara Dhulikhel
1) Bhikkhu Gunaghosha Mahathero
27 Sangharama Vihara Kshetrapati Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Saddhatissa
2) Bhikkhu Kolita
3) Bhikkhu Sangharakshita
28 Shakya Singha Vihara Patan
1) Bhikkhu Dharmapala Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sunanda Mahathera
3) Bhikkhu Dharmarakshita
29 Shikhalapura Vihara Dhulikhel
1) Bhikkhu Dhammananda Mahathera
30 Shree Kirti Vihara Kirtipur
1) Bhikkhu Kirtijyoti 2) Bhikkhu Ananda
3) Bhikkhu Prajnakirti
4) Bhikkhu Dharmakirti
5) Samanera Sundara 6) Bhikkhu Pamit
7) S Subhashkirti 8) S Uttarakirti
31 Shreegha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Dharmasagara
2) Bhikkhu Medhankara
32 Sudarshana Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Rastrapala
33Sumangala Vihara Patan
1) Sanghaupanayaka Bhikkhu Buddhaghosha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Shobhan
3) Bhikkhu Prajnaratna
34 Surya Mangala Vihara Kapilvastu
1) Bhikkhu Suryamangala
35 Tokha Buddha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Samanera Shobhana 2) S Jnanodaya
36 Veluvanarama Vihara Thecho-Lalitpura
1) Samanera Uttama 2) S Chandimo
37 Vishwa Shanti Vihara New Baneshwar
1) Bhikshu Jnanapurnik Mahathera
2) Bhikshu Bodhijnana
3) Bhikshu Nigrodha
4) Bhikshu Udayabhadra
Samaneras
1) S Janak 2) S Sujat
3) S Obhaso 4) S Subhaddo
5) S Nandiyo 6) S Mahindo
7) S Pajjoto 8) S Aloka
9) S Buddhadatta 10) S Panita
11) S Kashyapa 12)S Dharmaghosha
13) S Nagita 14) S Vinaya
15) S Suchitta 16) S Sudatto
17) S Nemindo 18) S Rohito
19) S Jayanto 20) S Meghiyo
21) S Indriyo 22) S Suppamedho
23) S Bhanusarana 24) S Saddhadeepa
25) S Kittimo 26) S Janeyyo
27) S Adicca 28) S Kosalla
29) S Nyanuttara 30) S Bhaddaco
31) S Pabhassaro 32) S Uttaro
38 Yampi Maha Vihara Patan
1) Bhikkhu Bhaddiya
39 Non residencial Monks
1) Bhikshu Samyaka Sambodhi Pranputra
2) Bhikshu Dhyanratna
3) Bhikkhu Chandragupta Balambu
Present Anagarikas and resident in NEPAL
01 Amarapura Vihara Bungamati
1) A Charujnani 2) A Sunita
3) A Palitajnani 4) A Pamitajnani
5) A Padumajnani 6) A Rupawati
02 Bauddha Samaskrit Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Anagarika Sanghashila
03 Buddha ViharaDharan
1) A Sumedhavati 2) A Sushilavati
3) A Kanchana 4) A Shasanavati
04 Bauddha Rishi Mahapragya Ashram Anamnagar
1) Anagarika Prajnavati
05 Chatubrahma Vihara Matatirtha
1) Anagarika Anu
06 Dhammavasa Vihara Khusibun
1) A Krishgautami 2) A Suchita
3) A Shilgautami 4) A Kshantigautami
5) A Shyamavati
07 Dharmakirti Vihara Naghal-Kathmandu
1) Anagarika RatnaManjari
2) A Dhammavati
3) A Dhammadinna (Chameli)
4) A Anupama 5) A Sanghavati
6) A Khemavati 7) A Indravati
8) A Jayavati 9) A Danavati
10) A Tyagavati 11) AViryavati
12) A Shubhavati 13) A Ramavati
14) A Surammavati
15) A Hemavati 16) A Suppabhavati
17) A Supriya 18) A Amata
19) A Vannavati 20) A Suvannavati
08 Dharmashila Buddha Vihara Pokhara
1) Anagarika Karmashila
09 Gautami Vihara Lumbini
1) Anagarika Sujata 2) A Khamesi
10 IlayabahiTana Baha Lalitpur
1) A Shilaparami 2)AViryaparami
3) A Vineeta 4) A Shilachari
11 Int‟l Buddhist Meditation Centre Shankhamul
1) A Aggajnani 2) A Nirmalajnani
3) A Shantarakshita
12 Jaya Mangal ViharaTana Bahal-Patan
1) Anagarika Vijita 2) A Nekkhami
3) A Chittavati
13 Jyoti Vihara Chapagaun- Lalitpur
1) AnagarikaVirygautami
2) A Upeskshagautami
14 Kashivarna Buddha Vihara Panuati
1) Anagarika Satyaparami
15 Kindol Vihara Swayambhu
1) A Sumana 2) A Uttara
3) A Sumitra 4) A Molini
5) A Dhammavijaya 6) A Tejavati
7) A Shyamavati
16 Kunsa BahaHyumat
1) Anagarika Patachari 2) AUmavati
17 Mahabodhi Vihara Tansen
1) Anagarika Revati (Dhammadinna)
18 Muni Vihara Bhaktapur
1) A Sugandhavati 2) A Padmavati
19 Narsinharama Thaina-Patan
1) A Jnanashila 2) ASatyashila
3) AShilavati 4) A Yeshavati 5) A Dharani
6) A Jeenvati
7) A Shilpavatisushma
20 Padmachaitya Vihara Butwal
1) A Udayashila 2) A Santiwati
21 Padmakirti Vihara Kamalpokhari
1) A Kamala 2) A Karunavati
3) A Pabbhavati 4) A Dhyanavati
5) A Bhavanavati
22 Prajnanandarama Okubahal-Patan
1) Anagarika Jnanavati
23 Pranidhipurna Mahavihara Balambu
1) A Mudita 2) A Chandrashila bdquoB‟
24 SangharakshitaVihara Patan
1) Anagarika Abhaya 2) A Chandrashila
3) A Shilachari
25 Shanti Sukhavasa Chakupat-Patan
1) A Utpalavarna (Chini)
26 Shree Kirti Vihara Kirtipur
1) Anagarika Mina
27 SunandaramaThaina-Patan
1) A Madhavi 2) AMasukhi
3) A Mashobha 4) A Mashraddha
5) A Masudha
28 Sulakshanakirti Viahara Kirtipur
1) A Anoja 2) A Atula
3) A Anula
29 Sangharama ViharaDhalko-KTM
1) Anagarika Dharmarakshita
30 Vishwashanti Vihara New Baneshwar
1) A Shubha 2) A Khema
3) A Sudhamma
31 Vishwashanti Dharmakirti Vihara Basundhara
1) A Dhajavati (Kusum) 2) A Padmavati
3) A Bhadravati
32 Residing other Anagarikas
1) Anagarika Chandrajnani Patan
2) A Sraddhavati Shankhamul
3) A Amaravati Patan
4) A Dhammachari Patan
5) A Nanda Thasi
Some Prominent Personalities in the Theravada Movement1
Sanghamahanayakas of Nepal
1 Ven Pragyanand Mahasthavir 1930 ndash 1993 AD
2 Ven Sakyananda Mahasthavir 1993 - 1997 AD
3 Ven Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1997 - 2002 AD
4 Ven Subodhananda Mahasthavir 2002 - 2006 AD
5 Ven Buddhaghosa Mahasthavir 2006-
Amritananda Bhikkhu (1918-1990) original name Lal Kaji Sakya from Tansen
west Nepal he ordain as a novice in 1936 from ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara He studies and was ordained a monk in Sri Lanka in 1940 He
return to Nepal in 1942 and preached first publicly in Kathmandu He
formed Dharmodaya Sabha in 1944 and All Nepal Bhikkhu Mahasangha in
1951 and remained its unchallenged leader until his death He was well
known and traveled widely outside of Nepal because of his dynamism and
charisma He was also one of the greatest Buddhist scholars and writers of
Nepal
Aniruddha Bhikkhu (1915-2003) original name Gaja Ratna Tuladhar son of
Dasa Ratna Sahu (Later Ven Dhammaloka) He went to Sri Lanka in 1930
and ordained as samanera and studied there He had served many years in
Lumbini and third Sanghanayaka of Nepal
1 Sarah Levine and David N Gellner Rebuilding Buddhism The Theravada Movement in
Twentieth Century Nepal (UK Harvard University Press 2006) pp 293-296
Ashwaghosh Bhikkhu (1926- present) original name Buddha Ratna Sakya and
became a novice in 1944 and went to Sri Lanka for study where he took
higher ordination in 1949 he is known as bdquothe communist monk‟ and was a
nominee of the Unified Marxist-Leninist party one of Nepal‟s two main
political parites in the 1990s to the Upper House 1993-5 He had
established nepal‟s first Bhikkhu Training Center at Sangharama Dhalko
and became abbot of this vihara Presently he is abbot of Shrigha Vihara in
Kathmandu and of Dyanakuti Vihara Banepa
Buddhaghosh Bhikkhu (1921- present day) original name Sapta Ratna
Vajracharya in Kwa Baha Kathamandu The founder of Pariyatti Education
in Nepal and presently acting Sanghanayaka of Nepal (2006) and abbot of
Sri Sumangala Vihara in Lalitpur
Chandramani Bhikkhu (1876-1972) a Burmese monk who spent his life in
Kusinagara where he worked for the propagation of Buddhism until his
death He initiated with most of the early Nepalese Theravadins Monks and
Nuns He was the first president of Dharmodaya Sabha and father of
Theravadins of Nepal
Dharmachari Anagarika (1898-1978) born Laxmi Nani Tuladhar she
impressed by Ven Pragyananda in Kindol Vihara and took the precepts
from Chandramani in Kusinagara in 1934 and most prominent Nepali nun
She founded the first nunnery in Nepal at Kindol Vihara in 1947
Dhammaloka Bhikkhu (1891-1977) born Das Ratna Tuladhar Asan
kathamandu He traded in Lhasha went to Sri Lanka and taught Buddhism
as a layman Later became a monk in 1932 after his son Aniruddha ordain
in 1930 he established nepal‟s first Theravādin Vihara bdquoAnanda Kuti
Vihar‟ in Kathmandu
Dhammawati Anagarika (1925- present day) born as Ganesh Kumari Sakya in
Uku Baha lalitpur She ordain too precepts from Ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara and renamed as Dhammavati in 1950 She went to Burma for
study and return in 1963 after passed the Dhammacariya Examination She
was able to established Dhammakirti Nunnery Centre in 1965 and leader of
the Theravādin Nuns She has been re-ordained as Bhikkhuni according to
Mahayana tradition
Dharmaditya Dharmacharya (1902-1963) born as Jagat Man Vaidya in Chika
Bahi Lalitpur and the first Newar Buddhist modernist and the first newar
cultural nationalist He went to study in Calcutta where he became a
follower of anagarika Dhammapala the founder of Maha Bodhi Society
He had formed Buddhist revival foundation and published Buddhist
magazines etc
Nyanpurnika Bhikkhu (1936- present day) Born as Hera Lal Sakya in Tansen
He studied with Buddhaghosh in Lalitpur in Burma and in England He is
only monk who passed Dhammacariya examination of Burma He was the
founder of Vishwa Shanti Vihara and Vishwa Shanti Bauddha sikkyalaya
where train novices He is a prominent translator and writer
Kumar Kashyap Bhikkhu (1926- present day) born as Krishna Man Sakya he
was one of those who exiled to India by the Ranas in 1944 He went to
Study in Sri Lanka and hold nepal‟s first bdquoTripitaka acarya‟ Presently he is
president of All Nepal Bhikkhu Association and abbot of Ananda Kuti
Vihara
Mahapragya Bhikkhu (1901-1979) born Prem Bahadur (Nani Kaji ) Shrestha
He ordained into Tibetan tradition but exiled in 1926 and reordained as
novice in Theravada tradition one of the earlier Theravādin monks He
return to householderhood in Kalimpong in 1940s but then returned to
Kathmandu as a Buddhist sage (Bauddha Rishi) in the 1960s where he
taught until his death
Pragyananda Bhikkhu (1900-1993) born as Kul Man Singh Tuladhar in Itum
Baha Kathmandu a trader in Tibet where he met Ven Mahapragya and
impressed by him to ordained He became a Tibetan Gelung Karmasheel in
1928 and two years later a Theravādin under Ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara in 1930 He was nepal‟s first Sanghamahanayaka and well
respected monk
Shakyananda Bhikkhu (1909-1997) born as Chakra Dhan Sakya in Taksar
Bhojpur East Nepal He spent over forty years as a monk in Tansen outside
the Kathmandu and second sanghamahanayaka of Nepal
Subodhanand Bhikkhu (1916-2006) bor as Kul Raj Sakya in Taksar Bhojpur
East Nepal He was one of the monks exiled by the Ranas in 1944 He was
a prolific composer of Hymns in Nepal Bhasa In 2003 as the most senior
monk in Nepal he was the fourth Sanghanayaka of Nepal
Sudarshan Bhikkhu (1934-2002) born as Rudra Raj Sakya in Uku Baha
lalitpur He was famous a bdquothe boy monk‟ For many years he was a lecturer
in the culture Department of Tribhuvan University a prolific writer
preacher and abbot of Sri Kirti Vihara Kirtipur which is became multi-
cultural center and especially for Buddhist meetings and conferences He
was jailed for some months for Nepal Bhasa activities in the Panchayat
period He was a campaigner on Buddhist issues particularly to do with
Lumbini
Sumangal Bhikkhu (1929-1999) born Bhakta Krishna Shilpakar in Lalitpur He
was famous as ldquoDollar bhanterdquo He ordained in 1959 in Burma obtained a
master‟s degree in Buddhism from Rissho University Japan in 1972 and
was among the first monks to mobilize international connections for
Buddhist projects in Nepal He established Buddha Vihara in Bhrikuti
Mandap Kathmandu He helped raise funds from Thailand and Japan for
IBMc (1985) brought the Japanese healing movement Sei Mei Kyo to
Nepal and in 1993 opened an old people‟s home in Banepa
Glimpse of Theravādin activities in Nepal
Samanera ordination at Muni Vihara
Ordination Ceremony at Vishwa Shanti Vihara
Collecting Alms
Chanting Paritta in devotee‟s home
Giving Holy Thread to Devotees
Buddhist Art in Nepal
Main Buddha Image at Sri Kirti Vihara
Four holy places
Some of the Theravada Buddhist Viharas (Monasteries) in Nepal
Vihars In Kathmandu Valley Telephone No
1 Amarapura Buddha Vihar Bungamati 5551068
2 Anandakuti Vihar Swayambhu 4271420
3 Anandabhuwan Vihar Bhuikhyo 4270429
4 Ganamaha vihar Ganabaha 4253454
5 Gautam Buddha Vihar Panga co 4330576
6 Caturbrahma Vihar Matatirtha 4310558
7 Carumati Vihar Cabahil 4469897
8 Baudhajana Vihar Sunakothi co 5570209
9 Jitapur Gandhakuti Vihar khona Co 5542846
10 Jitawan Vihar Thankot 4311912
11 Jyoti udaya vihar Capagaun Co 5571459
12 Dhammavasa Vihar Khusibun 4358688
13 Dharmakirti Vihar Srigha Naghal 4259466
14 Dharmacakra vihar Bagbajar 4261976
15 Nagar Mandap Sri Kirti Vihar Kirtipur 4330836
16 Nagadesh Buddha Vihar Nagadesh Co 6635397
17 Nirvanmurti Anagarikaram Kindol 4285811
18 Padmasugandha Vihar Manjeshwori 4266255
19 Pranidhi Purna Mahavihar Balambu 43105924312455
20 Pati Vihar Thimi Co 6637601
21 Pippali Theravad Buddha Vihar Shiphal 4475066
22 Punya Udaya Vihar Jala Harisiddhi Co 5527456
23 Buddhabhoomi Mahavihar Tokha 4362514
24 Buddha Vihar Bhrikuti mandapa 4226702
25 Buddharatna Vihar Putalisadak 4244277
26 Bauddha samakrit Vihar Bhaktapur 6610842
27 Manimandap Vihar Patko Bhaktapur 5526517
28 Muni Vihar Bhaktapur 6616464
29 Yampi Mahavihar Ibahi Lalitpur 5539644
30 Yashodhara Baudha Bidyalaya Thaina Lalitpur 5521435
31 Biswo Shanti Vihar Baneshwor 4482384
32 Biswo Shanti Dharmakirti vihar Basundhara 4354251
33 Beluvanarama Vihar Theco Co 5570062
34 Sakyasingha Vihar Thaina Lalitpur 5524760
35 Santi Sukhawas Cakupat co 5523613
36 Siddhimangal Buddha Vihar Thasi 5581495
37 Sumangala Vihara Lagankhel 5531715
38 Sulakshan kirti Vihar Chobhar 4331718
39 Suwanrna Chatrapur Vihar Lubhu 5580430
40 Sangharama Vihar Dhalko Visnumati 4255960
41 Srigha Vihar Nagal 4259110
Vihars out side the Kathamandu Velley Telephone No
1 Ananda Vihar Tansen Co 075-520225520216
2 Citravan Vihar Narayangadha Co 056-521478
3 Taksar Vihar Tansen Co 075-520024
4 Dharmashila Buddha Vihar Phokhara 061-520517
5 Dyankuti Banepa Banepa 011-661244
6 Padma Chaitya Vihar Butawal 071-546470
7 Purwarama Vihar Dhulikhel 011-661979
8 Pragya Mahavihar Hetauda Co 057-520264520136
9 Buddha Vihar Dharan 025-520354
10 Buddha Vihar Biratnagar Co 021-522146530604
11 Beni Buddha Vihar Myagdi Co 069-520354
12 Bodhicharya vihar Banepa 011-661789
13 Lokachakra Buddha Vihar Dhan gadhi 091-622174
14 Sakyamuni Vihar Bhojpur Co 029-420260
15 Sugatapur Vihar Trisuli Co 010-560153
16 Sugandha Vihar Ridi Gulmi Co 079-529435
17 Swoyambhu Chetya Buddha Vihar Urlabari Co 021-540080
18 Swoyambhu Chetya Mahavihar Dharan Co 025-520190
19 Gyanodaya Buddha Vihar Baglung Co 068-520921520336
Footnotes
[1] This paper was written as a part of my MA thesis research on bdquoThe
Revival of Theravada Buddhism and its contribution to Nepalese Society‟ of
Mahachulalongkorn University Bangkok Thailand and would like to thank Mr
Dharma Sakya for every suggestion editing and help for the completion of this
article
[2] Nyanatiloka Buddhist Dictionary 3
rd ed The Free Distribution
version the Corporate Body of the Buddha education foundation Taiwan p
179
[3] Triratna Manandhar bdquoPresent of Buddhism in Nepal‟ (Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK Vol 8 May 2005) p 15
[4] helliphelliphelliphellip The New Encyclopedia of Britannica Vol24 (USA
Library of Congress Catalog 1993) p 781 Dhanabajra Vajracharya Cabahilko
Abhilekha (Inscription of Cabahil) The Charumati Voice (Kath Charumati
Buddhist Mission 2001) pp 17-20 Bhikkhu Sudarsan Mahasthavira Nepal
Upatyaka ma Ashokaki Chori Charumati (Charumati A daughter of
Ashoka in Nepal Valley) (The Charumati Vocie (Kath Charumati Buddhist
Mission 2001) p 20
[5] Beal Samuel Si Yu Ri Buddhist Records of the Western World
(New Delhi Motilal Banarsidass Publishers 1994) pp 80-81 Bhuwan Lal
Pradhan Nepalama Buddhadharma (Kath Nepal Rajkiya Pragyapratisthana
1988) pp 102 ndash 103
[6] NB Thapa A Short History of Nepal (Kath Ratna Pustak
bhandhar Nd) pp 30-33 Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ The
Nation Thailand‟s English Newspaper (Sunday special) Oct 18 1987
[7] Opcit NB Thapa p116
[8] David N Gellner Monk Householder and Tantric Priest Newar
Buddhism and its Hierarchy of Ritual (Cambridge University Press 1996) pp
41ff
[9] Bechert Heinz amp Jens-Uwe Hartmann ldquoObservation on the reform
of Buddhism in Nepalrdquo Journal of Nepal Research Centre vol VIII Kath
Kantipur Printing Press1988p 6
[10] Ria Kloppenborg Theravada Buddhism in Nepal‟ Kailash A
Journal of Himalayan Studies Vol 5 no 41977 p 302
[11] BP Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada Gukathan Wagu Kha (Kath
Hisi Press Nepal BS 20421985) pp44ff
[12] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p47ff
[13] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 51-53 Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal (BKK A Thesis of MA Mahamakut Graduate School
2001) p 97
[14] Bhikshu Sudarshan Mahasthavir bdquoRole of Theravada in the
Preservation of Newar Buddhism‟ wwwircnepalorgpapers
[15] Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 69-72
[16] Opcit Observation on the reform of Buddhism in Nepal p10ff
[17] Opcit Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ RV
Vandya Sanghanayaka Venerable Pragnananda Mahasthavir (Kath Nepal
Co-operative Press 1978) pp 11ff
[18] Bhkkhu Dharmaloka Mahasthavir A Pilgrimage in China (kath
published by Bhikkhu Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1999) p 13-15 Opcit Lacoul
Nepalay Sthavirvada p 74-75
[19] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka p 15
[20] Opcit Bhikkhu dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp16ff
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p100
[21] Ibit Bhikkhu Dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp 27-29
[22] See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A Homage
(Kath Anandakuti Vihar Trust 1992) Kuladharma Ratna Tuladhar Buddhism
in Nepal (Kath Dharmodaya Sabha 1986) pp15 Opcit Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 100
[23] Opcit K R Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal 16 RV Vandya
Sanghanayaka ven Pragnananda p 32 ff
[24] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka Pragnananda pp 34-35
Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthavirvada p 86
[25] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 18 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 101
[26] Bhikkhu Amritananda Mahasthavir A Short History of Theravada
Buddhism in Modern Nepal (Kath Anandakuti Vihar trust 1986) pp 8-9
Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir (Kath Anandakuti
Vihar Trust 1992) p 25
[27] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 19 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[28] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[29] Opcit Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir
p 26
[30] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit KR
Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 20
[31] Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha in Nepal
(BKK A Thesis of MA Buddhist Study Mahachulalongkorn University 2547)
p 23 [32]
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit Ratna
Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir p 26
[33] Amrit R Sthapit bdquowho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Aswaghosha‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 4 no 1 May 2001
p8
[34] helliphelliphelliphelliphellip bdquoWho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Nyanapurninka Mahasthavir‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 7
no 1 May 2004 p13 Viswo Shanti Vihar The Shanti Sandesh (Kath Viswo
Shanti Vihar 1998)
[35] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sumangala Mahasthavir
A monk who modernized Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the
LNBDS UK vol 2 no 1 May 1999 p10
[36] Opcit Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha
in Nepal pp 52ff
[37] Rina Tuladhara Dharmakirti 25 Years of Dharmakirti Buddhist
Study Circle A Glimpse (Kath Dharmakirti Vihar 1996) Mallika Sakya
bdquoWho is Who in Nepalese Buddhism Dhammavati Guruma‟ Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 5 no 1 May 2002 p10
[38] Opcit See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A
Homage Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 108
[39] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sudarshan Mahasthavir A
Gem of the Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol
6 no 1 May 2003 p13
10
say that some of the Buddha‟s disciples went to Nepal‟s Kathmandu
Valley
There is evidence that the King Asoka of Magadha visited
Lumbini in Nepal He was a great patron and staunch supporter of
Buddhism during his time It is said that in the 20th
year after his
accession to the throne of the Maurya Dynasty and following the Third
Buddhist Council the King made pilgrimages to historic places of
Buddhist interest and erected stone pillars He is also said to have
visited Nepal Valley Dr D Wright writes that the Emperor King
Ashoka visited Kathmandu Valley at the time of the fourteenth Kirati
King Sthungko of the Kirat dynasty with his spiritual guide Venerable
Upagupta Queen Tissyarakshita and a daughter named Carumati He
sent nine missionary groups to different places A group of four monks
led by Ven Majjima came to Nepal and succeeded in propagating
Buddhism in Nepal It was said that Buddhism was a well-know
religion then and practised by people in their daily life It is believed
that the Buddhism that was practised during King Asoka‟s time was
Theravada Buddhism Unfortunately for some unknown reason
popularity of Buddhism declined and its identity lost for many
11
centuries According to the recorded history of Nepal after the social
reforms carried out by King Jayasthiti Malla (1382-95 CE) Buddhism
went into decline and developed into Newār Buddhism However
Theravada Buddhism was re-introduced once again in Nepal in the
closing years of 19th
century by Nepalese who came in contact with the
Maha Bodhi society of India
Anagarika Dharmapala a Sri Lankan Buddhist founded this
Maha Bodhi Society Nepalese who came in contact with this society
took initial steps for revival of Theravada activities in Nepal Nearly a
century later Theravada once again gained foothold in Nepal
Presently there are number of Theravada Buddhist monasteries in the
country The numbers of Nepalese Buddhist monks and nuns have also
increased Some are resident in Nepal and others are studying and
carrying out dhamma work in Sri Lanka Thailand Myanmar and
other countries Beside dhamma work they are also engaged in various
charitable works like education health social welfare etc for the
upliftment of Nepali community wherever they are
12
Background
As I have mentioned earlier history of Buddhism in Nepal is
very vague There are some evidences that Buddhism was popular
during Buddha‟s time in Nepal There are also evidences that the
Buddha visited Nepal gave discourses to relatives and Buddhists and
ordained Bhikkhus and Bhikkhunis[3]
According to Buddhist scholar‟s
Theravada tradition existed in Nepal since the time of the Lord
Buddha
The evidence was more reliable from the account of King
Asoka The great emperor of ancient India King Asoka visited
Lumbini and erected stone pillar with inscription in Bramhi script
which in English reads bdquo Here the Buddha was born‟
(Hidabhagavamjāteti Lum minigāme) As mentioned before he also
sent Dhamma Missionary (Dhammaduta) to Nepal after third Buddhist
council (Sanghayana) which was held three hundred years after
Buddha‟s parinibbana Buddhist legends has it that one of King
Asoka‟s daughter Carumati married a Nepali called Devapal and
settled in Cabahil Katmandu where she constructed a temple- Cabahil
monastery and became a Bhikkhuni for the rest of her life[4]
Besides
13
these the records of Chinese travelers who visited Buddhist
pilgrimage sites in India and Nepal after King Ashoka‟s visit also gave
some information on existence of Theravada Buddhist monks who
practised and studied along with other Buddhist sects in Nepal[5]
According to historians Buddhism was a dominant religion
until the time of King Jayasthiti Malla who ruled Nepal during
medieval period (around 1382 CE) He imposed caste system in Nepal
according Manudharmasastra a Hindu holy book[6]
Buddhist culture
and tradition were banned the celibate monks were forced to disrobe
and forced to marry Vajrayana or Newar Buddhism was developed
following the demise of Theravada Buddhism The situation of
Buddhist became worse during the time of Rana government In 1846
the mantle of power of Nepal‟s government shifted from the monarchy
to autocratic isolationist Rana government The Shah kings of the
country were kept under tight control of Rana prime ministers[7]
The
country was closed from outside world and kept her eyes closed to
what was happening outside for nearly 104 years That was the age
when Buddhism was totally forgotten by non-Buddhist of Nepal It was
14
known and practised by only certain communities Vajracharyas
(Bajracharyas) Shakyas Tuladhars etc[8]
The Rana government
banned all Buddhist religious activities They also banned people
converting from Hindu religion to Buddhism but traditional Buddhists
were allowed to become Hindus
Theravada Revival Movement
In the early 1920s Dharmāditya Dharmācārya began his
campaign for the revival of Theravāda Buddhism teaching that Nepal
was the land of the Buddha‟s birth Meanwhile the Baisākha purnimā
celebration and publicing of ldquoBuddha Dhammardquo magazine by
Dharmāditya Dharmācārya had been inflaming the inner quest for
spirituality in Nepalewse society Furthermore simulteniously Tibeten
Buddhism had been inspiring Newari Society to walk the path that was
once nearly lost One of the well-known monks who came from Tibet
and preached the Dhamma to the Nepalese was Kyangtse Lama
Known in Nepal as Kyanchhe Lama he had come on pilgrimage to
Nepal His sermons and the publication of the Lalitavistara inspired
many to seek Buddhist ordination in the early period of the modern
15
history of Buddhism in Nepal It was the fortunate conjunction of
Nisthananda‟s translation of the Lalitavistara into the mother tongue
producing a Newāri version of the Buddha‟s life story Dharmāditya
Dharmācārya revivalism and the visits of Kyangtse Lama which
ensured that ldquothe Bud of the Dharmardquo planted by the Venerable Lama
should flower so quickly and produce such impressive fruit His
influence on Newāri scholars was significant One of them was
Yogbeer Sing Kansakar who was honoured for his efforts for the
preservation of the Newāri language The Lama also influenced the
first Theravāda monks Venerable Mahapragya and Venerable
Pragyānanda among others
The closing years of 19th
century saw reform movements in
many Buddhist countries with idea of modernizing Buddhist
movement The term bdquoBuddhist modernization‟ is used to refer to these
new reformist activities[9]
The aim of this movement was to bring
back Buddhism to India and Sri Lanka The Maha Bodhi Society was
founded in India under the leadership of Anagarika Dharmapala[10]
16
This organization was the first Buddhist organization established with
the aim of internationalizing Buddhism
The success of The Maha Bodhi Society encouraged Nepalese
who came in contact with this society They were mostly traditional
Buddhists (Newar Buddhists) of Nepal who were merchants and
pilgrims They played an important role in Theravada revival
movement in present day Nepal However it was students of Buddhism
who gave a kick-start to Theravada movements in modern Nepal
Mr Jagatman Vaidya a traditional Buddhist by birth went to
India for further studies He initiated the Theravada Buddhist revival
movement with the help of The Mahabodhi Society[11]
Mr Jagatman
who later became known as Dharmaditya Dharmacariya devoted most
of his time and energy to Buddhist Revivalism in Nepal by publishing
Buddhist journal in Newari Nepali Hindi English etc One of his
great deeds was to celebrate Baisakh day Buddha Jayanti or Swanya
Punhi in Nepal to commemorate Buddha‟s birth enlightenment and
death (Parinibbana) He established bdquoBuddha Dharma Uddhar
Sangharsquo lsquoBuddhopasaka Sangha‟ and other organizations for the
propagation of Buddhism in Nepal[12]
17
The Buddha Jayanti which he has initiated was celebrated for
the first time in the history of modern Nepal in 1926 after a long gap
Now a day this day is widely celebrated in Nepal Every year people
celebrate it with great joy and happiness[13]
He was also responsible
for stopping animal slaughter at Mayadevi temple in Lumbini and
renovation of Kindol Vihar in Kathmandu This Vihara became the
center for Theravada revival movement[14]
He published Buddhist
magazine entitled bdquoBuddha Dharmarsquo in Newari Language
(Nepalabhasa) emphasizing the importance of Buddha Jayanti
celebration and Theravadian views This was the starting point of
Theravada activities and promotion of Theravadian views in Nepal
after many centuries Some Nepalese youths took ordination according
to Theravada tradition in 1928 They were imprisoned for four days
The Government at the time was under the influence of Shaivait
Brahmins who were calling for a ban against Buddhism Later he was
arrested for his conversion from a Hindu to a Buddhist monk Three
new rules suppressing Buddhism had been issued
18
(1) Conversion to Buddhism from Hinduism (Shaivaism) to be
punished by one year in prison
(2) Acting as preceptor at a Buddhist ordination to be punished by
three years‟ imprisonment and
(3) Attempting to ordain into Buddhism to be punished by a six-
month imprisonment
They were exiled to India and all reordained into Theravada
tradition with ven U Kosala in Buddhagaya However certain reasons
they left the tradition The history speaks only on Ven Mahapragya but
rest of other four monks still under discovery The first Nepalese to
take ordination in Theravada tradition was venerable Mahapragna a
Hindu Shrestha by birth in 1926 After few years study in Tibet again
he went to India where he met Ven U Chandramani a Burmese monk
at Kusinagara[15]
He was impressed with Ven Chandramani and took
Theravada ordination from him This was the starting point for
Theravada ordination once again in the history of modern Nepal after
almost 600 years[16]
Since then Theravadin monastic order been settled
in modern Nepal
19
On the other hand Venerable Pragyananda (Karmasheel) who
converted from Gelung of Tibetan tradition to Theravada with Ven U
Chandramani at Kusinagara India was the first yellow-robed monk
who appeared in the street of Kathmandu valley at the end of 1930s[17]
He stayed at Kindol Vihar at the invitation of Dasaratna Shahu (later
Ven Dharmaloka) and gave discourses The attendance at his
discourses increased day by day and it worried then Rana government
and arrested all the members of Vihar They were imprisoned fined
and later released[18]
Fortunately Ven Pragnananda was in different
place and was not arrested He went on pilgrimage to India with some
devotees His four devotees took ordination under guidance of Ven U
Chandramani at Kusinagar They were Samanera Shasana Jyoti
Anagarika Ratna Pali Anagarika Dhamma Pali and Anagarika
Sangha Pali This was the first nun‟s ordination in Theravada
Buddhism in modern Nepal[19]
In the mean time Dasaratna Shahu
who was running Kindol Vihar brought Civar and bowl from Sri Lanka
for monk ceremonies Soon after his release from prison he took
ordination according to Theravada tradition at Kusinagar from Ven U
Chandramani and became Samanera Dhammaloka in 1932[20]
He
20
visited Nepal as a monk but was arrested immediately on his arrival in
Kathmandu and was imprisoned once again for six days and then
released without charging him with any offences Following his release
from prison he went to stay at Kindol Vihar and continued his
religious activities He was finally able to carry out religious activities
freely in Nepal He succeeded to propagate Theravada Buddhism in the
streets of Kathmandu valley[21]
Later he founded Nepal‟s first
Theravada Buddhist temple bdquoAnandakutirsquo at the foothill of Swayambhu
hill and it became the center for Theravada Sangha in modern Nepal
Venerable Amritananda was another well-known Buddhist
scholar and pioneer person for revival of Theravada Buddhism in
modern Nepa[22]
He was ordained under Ven U Chandramani at
Kusinagara in 1936 CE but was imprisoned along with Ven
Mahapragna at Bhojpur in 1937 In 1942 he came back to Nepal from
abroad after completing his study and gave discourses at the request of
Ven Dharmaloka in Swayambhu during vassavasa days (Three months
Buddhist lent) His public discourses impressed lay people and many
people came to listen to him Other Monks Samaneras and Nuns of
21
Nepal who were studying abroad also came back and joined him and
gave public discourses in different places of Kathmandu valley[23]
This
was a great breakthrough during isolationist Rana government Rana
government of the time banned any public assembly because of fear of
political unrest and demand for political reform in Nepal Because of
their religious activities they were arrested on 30th
July 1944 and
brought in front of then Prime Minister Juddha Shamsher Jung Bahadur
Rana for giving verdict on the charges of propagating the dhamma He
made rules to curtail the Buddhist activities Those who didn‟t follow
these rules were asked either to leave the country or return to worldly
life All the respected monks who were active in revival of Theravada
in Nepal refused to obey the order and were exiled once again from
Nepal The exiled monks this time included Ven Pragnananda Ven
Dharmaloka Ven Subhodhananda Ven Pragnarashmi Samanera
Pragnarasa Samanera Ratnajyoti Samanera Agga Dhamma and
Samanera Kumar The nuns were allowed to remain in the Vihar until
the end of the Vassavasa[24]
22
Development of Theravada Buddhism
The exiled monks formed bdquoDharmodaya Sabha‟ - Nepal‟s first
Buddhist organization with the help of other Buddhist organizations
and individuals on 30th
November 1944 in India under the
chairmanship of Ven U Chandramani Ven Amritananda was its
general secretary[25]
Immediately after establishment of bdquoDharmodaya
Sabha‟ Ven Amritananda wrote a protest letter to Nepalese
government and also appealed to other Buddhist organizations on
behalf of Dharmodaya Sabha He visited many places and various
countries to get support against the expulsion of Buddhist monks from
modern Nepal One of the countries he visited and undertook further
studies was Sri Lanka In Sri Lanka he also succeeded in bringing a
goodwill mission to Nepal in 1946 under the leadership of well-known
scholar Ven Narada Mahasthavir of Vajiraramaya Colombo The
members of this mission consisted of Ven Narada Ven Amritananda
Ven Priyadarshi Dr Ratna Surya and Prof Aryapal They were able
to meet the newly appointed Prime Minister Padma Shumsher J Rana
Ven Amritananda and leader of the mission Ven Narada requested his
23
Excellency to give permission for the exiled monks to return to Nepal
Prime Minister Padma Shamsher accepted their request and permitted
the exiled monks to return Ven Dharmaloka was the first one to come
back to Nepal immediately after receiving a letter from Ven
Amritananda and arrived in Kathmandu in June 1946 (Jesth Sukla 6
2003)[26]
Other monks also returned one by one and again started
propagating Theravada Buddhism in modern Nepal Ven Narada
visited Nepal three times and constructed a Sri Lankan Cetiya at
Anandakuti Vihar He brought a branch of Bodhi tree Buddha‟s relic
to Nepal He also established the first Sima (Uposatha) of Nepal for
Bhikkhus at the Vihara During his third visit he met then Prime
Minister Mohana Shamasher J Rana and requested him to declare
Baisakh Purnima or Buddha Day as a public holiday His Excellency
agreed and declared it as a public holiday for the Buddhist government
civil officers[27]
Since then Theravada Buddhism gained ground in
Nepalese society and made progress Theravada monks propagated
Buddhism by performing ceremonies giving Dharmadesana and
publishing Buddhist texts Many Viharas were built in and outside the
Kathmandu valley to propagate dhamma
24
In 1950 democracy replaced autocratic Rana regime under the
leadership of H M King Tribhuvan This heralded rapid development
of Theravada Buddhism Buddhist monks and nuns were able carry out
their duties freely without hindrances throughout the country The
office of bdquoDharmodaya Sabha‟ shifted from Kalimpong to Kathmandu
after the advent of democracy in 19501 In 1951 Bhikkhu Sangha led
by Ven Amritananda formed lsquoAkhil Nepal Bhikkhu Sangharsquo (All
Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha Council) for the further propagation of
Buddhism in Nepal Ven Amritananda played a great role in
propagation of Theravada Buddhism nationwide His close relationship
with their Majesties helped in his activities[28]
He visited many
countries on behalf of All Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha and Dharmodaya
Sabha In the same year Buddhists of Nepal succeeded in bringing the
relics of Ven Sariputta (Ven Sariputra) and Ven Maudhgalyana
(Ven Moggallana) the foremost disciples of the Buddha for the
exhibition in Nepal His Majesty King Tribhuvan chaired the reception
committee and a reception party was held in the Royal Palace[29]
Following year in 1952 Buddha Jayanti was celebrated throughout the
country with the support of HM King Tribhuvan On this occasion
25
HM King declared Baisakh Purnima or Buddha Jayanti day as a
public holiday throughout the kingdom[30]
In 1956 His late Majesty King Mahendra visited Lumbini the
birthplace of the Buddha and erected a Mahendra Pillar in Lumbini
zone In the same year during 2500th
Buddha Jayanti celebration HM
king banned animal slaughter on this auspicious day throughout the
kingdom[31]
Nepalese Buddhists led by All Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha
Council and Dharmodaya Sabha also organized the Fourth World
Fellowship of Buddhist Conference (WFB) in Kathmandu on this
year[32]
His Majesty‟s government cooperated fully and gave every
assistance for the success of the conference Gradually Theravada
Buddhist monasteries were founded Buddhist Education Buddhapuja
meditation public discourses publications of Buddhist texts and mass
ordination etc took place as a part of dhamma activities Burma Sri
Lanka Thailand and other countries helped Nepal in its effort for
Theravada revival Soon after Theravada Buddhist monks established
the first Bhikkhu training center- Sangharama Vihar and ordained
number of novices under the leadership of Ven Ashogosha
Mahasthavir[33]
Following their ordination they were sent to Sri
26
Lanka Burma and Thailand for their higher ordination and education
Many of these monks have returned to Nepal and are actively engaged
in propagation of dhamma Besides ordination of individual novices
mass ordinations for short periods were also held in different temple
After Anandakuti Vihar the Viswasanti Vihara also established
Vishwa Shanti Bauddha Shikshalaya a Buddhist School under Ven
Nyanapunnika Mahathavir[34]
It teaches both national and Buddhist
curriculum to the novices Now there are nearly 100 Theravada
temples more than four hundred monks and Samaneras and nearly 400
nuns in the country Present Sangha Nayaka is Most Ven
Subodhananda of Gana Mahavihara Kathmandu President of All
Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha is Kumar Kashyapa of Ananda Kuti Vihar
Swayambhu Kathmandu and the head office of All Nepal Bhikkhu
Sangha is in Viswo Santi Vihara New Baneshwor Kathmandu
27
Contribution to Nepalese society
Besides promoting Dhamma Theravada monks and nuns
(Anagarikas) are also involved in other welfare activities like
organising free health camps training centers either in the monasteries
or outside the monasteries They also founded center for old age and
Kindergarten Late Ven Sumangala Mahasthavira[35]
initiated free
clinic at Buddha Vihar a Buddhist home for the elderly at Benepa and
a Buddhist Kindergarten Free Clinics were popular because of lack of
adequate government run clinics in Nepal Many monasteries
organized free clinics Regular clinics like eye and Homeopathic were
run either on weekly or monthly basis Annual campaigns are also run
when it was felt necessary
In 1964 All Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha established a Theravada
education system Pariyatti Sikkha or Nepal Bauddha Pariyatti Siksa
(Buddhist Saturday School) Classes are run in Theravada Buddhist
monasteries Tibetan monasteries other Buddhist centers in public and
private schools There are more than 32 centers throughout the
28
country[36]
Presently its head office is at Viswo Santi Vihara in New
Baneswora Kathmandu
Besides Pariyatti Sikkha Ven Amritananda founded a
Buddhist school - bdquoAnandakuti Vidyapith Boarding School‟ and a
college- bdquoSiddharth Science Campus‟ Both Buddhist monks and lay
people used to teach in these institutions It was started as a Buddhist
school but for some reason it has become a private enterprise Besides
these many monks and nuns are also running other educational
institutions like bdquoNursery school (Siddhartha Shisu Niketan Buddha
Vihar) Primary school (Triple Gem Boarding School) and Higher
Schools There are some Higher Education institutes like Siddharth
University in Banepa International Buddhist University in Lumbini
etc Many Buddhist organizations were founded and they were also
running different classes and research centers like Dharmakirti
Buddhist Research Center Anagarika Dhammavati founded this centre
Later on Anagarika Dhammavati was ordained as Bhikkhuni
according to Taiwanese tradition She is one of the well-known nuns in
the Theravada Buddhism in Nepal[37]
29
The Buddhist temples and organizations bring out number of
publications annually monthly weekly and on special occasions
Dharmodaya Anandabhumi and Dharmakirti are the oldest
Buddhist journals in Nepal and still continued to be published
Ven Amritananda was one of the greatest Buddhist scholars of
Nepal He wrote and translated many books on Buddhism There are
still no other monks or nun in Nepal who can be compared with
him[38]
Late Ven Sudharsan Mahasthavir came close to him Ven
Sudharsan was a pillar of Theravada Buddhism after Ven
Amritananda He was famous for different reason His field of interest
beside dhamma work consisted literature language Archaeology etc
He was a resident monk at Srikirti Vihar Kirtipur and held the post of
professor in History Archaeology and Buddhist philosophy at
Tribhuvan University until his death in July 2002 Some of his books in
Buddhism became course book for BA and MA students in Nepal
He had special interest in archaeology of Lumbini and was an expert on
this subject[39]
30
Revival of Theravada Buddhism in Nepal also had profound
effect in cultural and religious way of life of Nepalese Daily chanting
or Buddhapuja short term ordination observing Sila (Moral code)
caste system celebration of Vesak day celibate life were introduced
In the month of Bhadra or Gunla days (AugustSeptember) Buddhist
hymns are chanted and public discourses are given
Late Ven Sudharshan Mahasthavir formed Sri Kirti Buddhist
center at Sri Kirti Vihar with the aim of introducing Buddhism to other
ethnic groups other than Newars- the original inhabitants of Katmandu
valley This project succeeded in bringing other ethic groups into
Theravada Buddhism As a result of this many ethnic groups who were
originally Buddhists have started organizing Buddhist conferences and
Buddhist activities Another important development is formation of
Gyanmala Bhajan Khala - a Buddhist hymn group This group sings
regularly especially during certain auspicious days at Swayambhu and
other Buddhist sites The songs they sing are based on Buddha‟s
teaching and has been successful in promoting Buddhism in simple
melodious hymns which attracts many people who visits these
religious places
31
Theravadin in Nepalese Society
For centuries Nepalese were aware of only Buddhist priest
(Bajracharya) from Newar Buddhism (Vajrayana) and Tibetan Lamas
They were unaware of Theravadian Buddhist monks and nuns
Bajracharyas are household monks They lead domestic lives and are
not celibate Not all Tibetan monks are celibate It depends on the
school they belong to For example monks from Sakya School of
Tibetan tradition do not have to be celibate Theravada monks wear
distinctive saffron coloured robes They are celibate and lead virtuous
monastic life These monks and nuns have different identity in the eyes
of Nepalese especially the inhabitants of Kathmandu valley Their
simple way of life their full dedication in their work for the benefit of
mankind easily understood Theravada Scriptures translated in different
languages eg in Nepal Bhasa (Newari) Nepali in Hindi and in
English for easy accessibility by different groups helped to gain the
heart of Nepalese people Although many lay people have played
pivotal roles in revival of Theravada Buddhism in Nepal the leadership
32
of monks and nuns were vital in further development and survival of
this tradition
The lay Buddhists of Nepal are pluralistic They participate in
Buddhist ceremonies such as Vesak day daily chanting etc At the
same time they also follow Hindu customs in their daily lives
Buddhism is different from Hinduism and it is not a branch of
Hinduism Hindus believe that Buddha was a reincarnation of Lord
Vishnu Buddha never claimed to be anything other than a human
being ndash although a unique one in the history of mankind
Buddhism in Nepal is unique because of existence of three
different Buddhist traditions - Newar Buddhism (Vajrayana)
Tibetan Buddhism (Mahayana) and Theravada Buddhism
Different Buddhist groups practised different traditions Although the
principle underlying all these traditions is the same they differ in
details Theravada Buddhist tradition is different from Tibetan or
Newar Buddhist traditions but it is developing side-by-side with them
It was not possible for Theravada Buddhism to develop in Nepal
without close co-relation with other traditions but later developed on its
own right These various Buddhist traditions are coexisting in present
33
day Nepal Although they have different cultural traditions and are
developing in their own ways but the followers are the same
Therefore there is no separate identity of Theravadian lay Buddhists
There are number of lay Buddhist organizations such as Dharmodaya
Sabha Dharmakirti Institute Young Buddhist Associations Female
Buddhist Associations more recently Sukhi Hotu Nepal which are
playing important role in promotion of Buddha Dhamma but they are
multi-cultural and multi religious in their daily practices
CONCLUSION
Theravada Buddhism was introduced to Nepal at the time when
public meetings were banned It faced many obstacles at the beginning
Strong dedications of monks and nuns made it possible for its revival in
Nepal after many centuries of neglect Even though the revival
movement of this tradition was started only about 80 years ago it has
already gained strong foot hold in Nepal and gaining popularity day by
day The reason for its popularity lies in many things - the simple and
easily understood way the teachings were given the simple way of life
of monks and nuns lead and various beneficial activities undertaken by
34
Viharas Theravadin Buddhist monks and nuns are well accepted by
people and their contribution in promoting Buddha‟s teachings is
widely recognized Although small in number in comparison to other
Asian countries like Thailand Sri Lanka and Burma both the number
of monks and nuns and monasteries of this tradition are increasing day
by day If this trend continues it will become one of the prominent
religious traditions in Nepal It is only natural that this oldest Buddhist
tradition should gain its place of honour it deserve in a country where
the founder of the religion was born
35
Theravada Records in Nepal
List of Monks Novices and Anagarikas studying abroad
MONKS AND NOVICES
I Thailand
1 Bhikkhu Anil Man Dhammasakiyo (Sugandha)
2 Bhikkhu Vipassi Dhammaramo
3 Bhikkhu Jit Bahadur Gurung
4 Bhikkhu Krishna Thapamagar
5 Bhikkhu Pannamurti
6 Bhikkhu Sujan Sujano
7 Bhikkhu Anil Sumankitti
8 Bhikkhu Santosh Santosho
9 Bhikkhu Khemik Suddhasilo
10 Bhikkhu Suman Rocano
11 Bhikkhu Sanu Maharajano
12 Bhikkhu Santamano Dhwajjoshi
13 Bhikkhu Suman Dhwajjoshi
14 Bhikkhu Bijit Khemasakko
15 Bhikkhu Supreme Shakyavanso
Samaneras
1 Samanera Buddharatna Maharjan
2 Samanera Dhammaratna Maharjan
3 Samanera Bipin Maharjan
4 Samanera Prajwal Shakya
5 Samanera Ukesh Sakya
6 Samanera Gopi Maharjan
7 Samanera Sudip Deshar
8 Samanera Sudat Deshar
9 Samanera Deepi Maharjan
10 Samanera Ramit Shrestha
11 Samanera Anup Deshar
12 Samanera Suman Bajracharya bdquoA‟
13 Samanera Rajendra Deshar
14 Samanera Kapila Maharjan
15 Samanera Arbin Shakya
36
16 Samanera Kabindra Bajracharya
17 Samanera Ujjawal Shakya
18 Samanera Satish Shakya
19 Samanera Bimal Gurung
20 Samanera Surya Gurung
21 Samanera Sameer Maharjan
22 Samanera Anup Shakya
23 Samanera Arjun Magar
24 Samanera Kiran Desahar
25 Samanera Dipesh Shrestha
26 Samanera Tejendra Tamang
27 Samanera Ashim Shakya
28 Samanera Jalap Bajracharya
29 Samanera Arya Dev Bajracharya
30 Samanera Sudarshan Maharjan
31 Samanera Sangharatna
32 Samanera Suman Bajracharya bdquoB‟
33 Samanera Kijan Maharjan
34 Samanera Ramesh Maharjan
35 Samanera Niroj Maharjan
36 Samanera Jen Maharjan
37 Samanera Denish Bajracharya
38 Samanera Pritam Bahadur Shakya
39 Samanera Abhishek Shakya
40 Samanera Bishal Shakya
41 Samanera Sajal Shakya
42 Samanera Suraj Bhakta Shrestha
43 Samanera Dinesh Chaudhary
44 Samanera Shiv Swatantra Tharu
45 Samanera Sambhu Lal Khang
46 Samanera Buddharatna Chaudhary
47 Samanera Mukesh Chaudhary
II Myanmar (Burma)
Bhikkhu Samaneras
1 Bhikkhu Panavimala
2 Bhikkhu Dhyanratna
3 Bhikkhu Adiccho
4 Bhikkhu Vimalbuddhi
5 Bhikkhu Shobhan
6 Samanera Amato
7 Samanera Jutimma
8 Samanera Buddhapiyo
9 Samanera Kavindo
10 Samanera Nagasena
11 Samanera Gyanavudho
III Taiwan(ROC) 1 Bhikkhu Mangala 2 Bhikkhu Vazirbuddhi
IV Australia 1 Bhikkhu Upatissa
V India
1 Bhikkhu Dharmajyoti 2 Bhikkhu Ashokakirti
3 Bhikkhu Narawang Tamang
VI United kingdom 1 Bhikkhu Suman
VII USA 1 Bhikkhu Pragnaloka
VIII Sri Lanka
Bhikkhus
Bhikkhu Nanda
Bhikkhu Vineeta
Bhikkhu Ashoka
Bhikkhu Triratna
Bhikkhu Sagara
Bhikkhu Sankicca
Bhikkhu Vajirasiri
Bhikkhu Sarada
Bhikkhu Veenit
Bhikkhu Ratana
Bhikkhu Tissa
Bhikkhu Vajira
Bhikkhu Pannawimal
Bhikkhu Medhankar
Bhikkhu Pannasara
SARAMANERAS
Saranankara
Piyadassi
Dil Bhadra
Chandima
Samita
Narada bdquoA‟
Piyaratna
Kusala
Lakkhana
Udit
Vibekanada
Pannananda
Mettananda
Chandananda
Yassari
Upali
Subodhi
Mahanama
Kashyapa
Dhammapala
Narada bdquoB‟
Nalaka bdquoA‟
Daywasa
Santa Sobhana
Santa Siddhartha
Santa Maitri
Santa Kosala
Santa Sakya
Suvaca
Sukama Sila
Siddhartha
Nanda bdquoA‟
Rahula
Sudheera
Kosala Dheera
Panna Wansa
Jina Wansa
Mahinda
Nanda bdquoB‟
Seewali
Mahapantha
Assaji
Sarada
Sumana
Ananda
Nalaka bdquoB‟
Aloka
Suwarna
Subodh
Udena
Sangharatna bdquoA‟
Gyanendra
Khema
Soma bdquoA‟
Punna
Panna Ransi
Soma bdquoB‟
Santa bdquoA‟
Kapila Wansa
Asita Wansa
Sumanananda bdquoa‟
Vijitananda
Khemananda
Silananda
Medhananda
Somaratna
Soratha
Pragyananda
Sumangala
Santa Citta
Yasa
Dhamma Kitti
Panna Kitti
Santa Dheera
Vijitananda
Sumanananda bdquob‟
Vajra Bodhi
Dhammika
Santa bdquoB‟
Anuruddha
Sumana bdquoB‟
Jinavamsa
Panna Vansa
Buddha Ratna
Dhamma Ratna
Ariya Ratna
Piyadassi bdquoB‟
Sila Ratna
Sangha Ratna bdquoB‟
List of Anagarikas studying in abroad
I Thailand
1 Anagarika Sirisuta Maharjan
2 Anagarika Ramsobha Shrestha
3 Anagarika Sunita Napit
II Myanmar
1 Anagarika Javanvati
2 Anagarika Vimalajnani
3 Anagarika Ambika
4 Anagarika Buddhapali
5 Anagarika Darshana
6 Anagarika Agrajnani
7 Anagarika Nandavati
bdquob‟
III India 1 Anagarika Rupashila
IV Taiwan
1 Anagarika Pannavati
2 Anagarika Sani
3 Anagarika Nima
V Sri Lanka
1 Anagarika Pannawati
2 Anagarika Mettawati
3 Anagarika Keshawati
4 Anagarika Prasnnawati
5 Anagarika Sukhawati
6 Anagarika Shobhawati
7 Anagarika Subhadra
8 Anagarika
Shraddhagautami
9 Anagarika Upananda
10 Anagarika Shantawati
11 Anagarika Suciwati
Residences of Theravādin Monks in Nepal
01 Abhinava Buddha Vihara Lumbini
1) Bhikkhu Vimalananda Mahathera
2) Samanera Sunanda
02 Anandakut Vihara Swayambhu Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Kumara Kassapa Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Dharmamurti 3) Samanera Kondanya
4) S Prajnaratna 5) S Asoka
6) S Kumarjeeva 7) S Assaji
03 Bauddha Samaskrita Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Bhikkhu Dharmashobhana Mahathera
04 Bodhicharya Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Bodhisena Mahathera
2) Samanera Bodhideepa
05 Buddha Vihara Bhrikuti Mandap-Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Kondanya 2) Bhikkhu Sushil
3) Samanera Anuyoga 3) S Javana
4) S Udena
06 Buddha Vihara Biratnagar
1) Bhikkhu Aloka
07 Buddha Vihara Dharan
1) Bhikkhu Maitri (Tamang)
2) Bhikkhu Chhavikirti
08 Chatubrahma Vihara Matatirtha
1) Bhikkhu Thansettho
2) Bhikkhu Samyakaratna
3) Bhikkhu Bodhananda
9 Charumati Stupa Vihara Chabahil Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Tapassi Dhamma
10 Dharmacakra Ashrama Bagbazar
1) Bhikkhu Milinda
11 Dharmashila Buddha Vihara Pokhara
1) Bhikkhu Subhadda 2) Bhikkhu Saddhananda
12 Dhyanakuti Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Ashwaghosha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Rahul 3) Samanera Gautama
13 Gana Maha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Sanghanayaka Bhikkhu Subodhanand Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sobhita
3) Bhikkhu Samvegakirti
4) Samanera Sugatananda
6) S Chandananda
7) S Somananda
8) S Sumanavamsha
9) S Somavamsha
10) S Sumanasiri
14 IlayabahiTanabaha Patan
1) Bhikkhu Vimalkirti
15 International Bauddha Pariyatti Vihara Butwal
1) Bhikkhu Jatila
2) Bhikkhu Bhaddiya bdquoB‟
3) Samanera Jnanashree 4) S Jotika
16 International Buddhist Society Lumbini
1) Bhikkhu Maitri Mahathera
2) Samanera Mahapanta
3) S Vimala
17 Jana Udaya Vihara Sunakothi-Lalitpura
1) Bhikkhu Dharmagupta
18 Jitavana Vihara Thankot
1) Bhikkhu Dharmavamsha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sugatamuni Mahathera
3) Samanera Sunita
19 Kuti Vihara Koteshwar-KTM
1) Bhikkhu Yeshdhammo
2) Samanera Wayamo
3) S Milindo 4) S Sunanalankara
20 Manimandapa Mahavihara Patan
1) Bhikshu Shilbhadra Mahathera
2) Samanera Paduma 3) S Nayako
21 Muni Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Samanera Tejendra 2) S Jalapa
3) S Asima 4) S Aryaputra
22 Padma Sugandha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Sumedha 2) Samanera Sudatta
23 Pati Vihara Nagadesh-Bhaktapur
1) Bhikkhu Varasambodhi
24 Pranidhi Purna Maha Vihara Balambu
1) Samanera Sukha
25 Pugatabhoomi Jetavana Vihara Bhairahawa
1) Samanera Jagaro 2) S Suvanno
26 Purvaram Vihara Dhulikhel
1) Bhikkhu Gunaghosha Mahathero
27 Sangharama Vihara Kshetrapati Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Saddhatissa
2) Bhikkhu Kolita
3) Bhikkhu Sangharakshita
28 Shakya Singha Vihara Patan
1) Bhikkhu Dharmapala Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sunanda Mahathera
3) Bhikkhu Dharmarakshita
29 Shikhalapura Vihara Dhulikhel
1) Bhikkhu Dhammananda Mahathera
30 Shree Kirti Vihara Kirtipur
1) Bhikkhu Kirtijyoti 2) Bhikkhu Ananda
3) Bhikkhu Prajnakirti
4) Bhikkhu Dharmakirti
5) Samanera Sundara 6) Bhikkhu Pamit
7) S Subhashkirti 8) S Uttarakirti
31 Shreegha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Dharmasagara
2) Bhikkhu Medhankara
32 Sudarshana Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Rastrapala
33Sumangala Vihara Patan
1) Sanghaupanayaka Bhikkhu Buddhaghosha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Shobhan
3) Bhikkhu Prajnaratna
34 Surya Mangala Vihara Kapilvastu
1) Bhikkhu Suryamangala
35 Tokha Buddha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Samanera Shobhana 2) S Jnanodaya
36 Veluvanarama Vihara Thecho-Lalitpura
1) Samanera Uttama 2) S Chandimo
37 Vishwa Shanti Vihara New Baneshwar
1) Bhikshu Jnanapurnik Mahathera
2) Bhikshu Bodhijnana
3) Bhikshu Nigrodha
4) Bhikshu Udayabhadra
Samaneras
1) S Janak 2) S Sujat
3) S Obhaso 4) S Subhaddo
5) S Nandiyo 6) S Mahindo
7) S Pajjoto 8) S Aloka
9) S Buddhadatta 10) S Panita
11) S Kashyapa 12)S Dharmaghosha
13) S Nagita 14) S Vinaya
15) S Suchitta 16) S Sudatto
17) S Nemindo 18) S Rohito
19) S Jayanto 20) S Meghiyo
21) S Indriyo 22) S Suppamedho
23) S Bhanusarana 24) S Saddhadeepa
25) S Kittimo 26) S Janeyyo
27) S Adicca 28) S Kosalla
29) S Nyanuttara 30) S Bhaddaco
31) S Pabhassaro 32) S Uttaro
38 Yampi Maha Vihara Patan
1) Bhikkhu Bhaddiya
39 Non residencial Monks
1) Bhikshu Samyaka Sambodhi Pranputra
2) Bhikshu Dhyanratna
3) Bhikkhu Chandragupta Balambu
Present Anagarikas and resident in NEPAL
01 Amarapura Vihara Bungamati
1) A Charujnani 2) A Sunita
3) A Palitajnani 4) A Pamitajnani
5) A Padumajnani 6) A Rupawati
02 Bauddha Samaskrit Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Anagarika Sanghashila
03 Buddha ViharaDharan
1) A Sumedhavati 2) A Sushilavati
3) A Kanchana 4) A Shasanavati
04 Bauddha Rishi Mahapragya Ashram Anamnagar
1) Anagarika Prajnavati
05 Chatubrahma Vihara Matatirtha
1) Anagarika Anu
06 Dhammavasa Vihara Khusibun
1) A Krishgautami 2) A Suchita
3) A Shilgautami 4) A Kshantigautami
5) A Shyamavati
07 Dharmakirti Vihara Naghal-Kathmandu
1) Anagarika RatnaManjari
2) A Dhammavati
3) A Dhammadinna (Chameli)
4) A Anupama 5) A Sanghavati
6) A Khemavati 7) A Indravati
8) A Jayavati 9) A Danavati
10) A Tyagavati 11) AViryavati
12) A Shubhavati 13) A Ramavati
14) A Surammavati
15) A Hemavati 16) A Suppabhavati
17) A Supriya 18) A Amata
19) A Vannavati 20) A Suvannavati
08 Dharmashila Buddha Vihara Pokhara
1) Anagarika Karmashila
09 Gautami Vihara Lumbini
1) Anagarika Sujata 2) A Khamesi
10 IlayabahiTana Baha Lalitpur
1) A Shilaparami 2)AViryaparami
3) A Vineeta 4) A Shilachari
11 Int‟l Buddhist Meditation Centre Shankhamul
1) A Aggajnani 2) A Nirmalajnani
3) A Shantarakshita
12 Jaya Mangal ViharaTana Bahal-Patan
1) Anagarika Vijita 2) A Nekkhami
3) A Chittavati
13 Jyoti Vihara Chapagaun- Lalitpur
1) AnagarikaVirygautami
2) A Upeskshagautami
14 Kashivarna Buddha Vihara Panuati
1) Anagarika Satyaparami
15 Kindol Vihara Swayambhu
1) A Sumana 2) A Uttara
3) A Sumitra 4) A Molini
5) A Dhammavijaya 6) A Tejavati
7) A Shyamavati
16 Kunsa BahaHyumat
1) Anagarika Patachari 2) AUmavati
17 Mahabodhi Vihara Tansen
1) Anagarika Revati (Dhammadinna)
18 Muni Vihara Bhaktapur
1) A Sugandhavati 2) A Padmavati
19 Narsinharama Thaina-Patan
1) A Jnanashila 2) ASatyashila
3) AShilavati 4) A Yeshavati 5) A Dharani
6) A Jeenvati
7) A Shilpavatisushma
20 Padmachaitya Vihara Butwal
1) A Udayashila 2) A Santiwati
21 Padmakirti Vihara Kamalpokhari
1) A Kamala 2) A Karunavati
3) A Pabbhavati 4) A Dhyanavati
5) A Bhavanavati
22 Prajnanandarama Okubahal-Patan
1) Anagarika Jnanavati
23 Pranidhipurna Mahavihara Balambu
1) A Mudita 2) A Chandrashila bdquoB‟
24 SangharakshitaVihara Patan
1) Anagarika Abhaya 2) A Chandrashila
3) A Shilachari
25 Shanti Sukhavasa Chakupat-Patan
1) A Utpalavarna (Chini)
26 Shree Kirti Vihara Kirtipur
1) Anagarika Mina
27 SunandaramaThaina-Patan
1) A Madhavi 2) AMasukhi
3) A Mashobha 4) A Mashraddha
5) A Masudha
28 Sulakshanakirti Viahara Kirtipur
1) A Anoja 2) A Atula
3) A Anula
29 Sangharama ViharaDhalko-KTM
1) Anagarika Dharmarakshita
30 Vishwashanti Vihara New Baneshwar
1) A Shubha 2) A Khema
3) A Sudhamma
31 Vishwashanti Dharmakirti Vihara Basundhara
1) A Dhajavati (Kusum) 2) A Padmavati
3) A Bhadravati
32 Residing other Anagarikas
1) Anagarika Chandrajnani Patan
2) A Sraddhavati Shankhamul
3) A Amaravati Patan
4) A Dhammachari Patan
5) A Nanda Thasi
Some Prominent Personalities in the Theravada Movement1
Sanghamahanayakas of Nepal
1 Ven Pragyanand Mahasthavir 1930 ndash 1993 AD
2 Ven Sakyananda Mahasthavir 1993 - 1997 AD
3 Ven Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1997 - 2002 AD
4 Ven Subodhananda Mahasthavir 2002 - 2006 AD
5 Ven Buddhaghosa Mahasthavir 2006-
Amritananda Bhikkhu (1918-1990) original name Lal Kaji Sakya from Tansen
west Nepal he ordain as a novice in 1936 from ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara He studies and was ordained a monk in Sri Lanka in 1940 He
return to Nepal in 1942 and preached first publicly in Kathmandu He
formed Dharmodaya Sabha in 1944 and All Nepal Bhikkhu Mahasangha in
1951 and remained its unchallenged leader until his death He was well
known and traveled widely outside of Nepal because of his dynamism and
charisma He was also one of the greatest Buddhist scholars and writers of
Nepal
Aniruddha Bhikkhu (1915-2003) original name Gaja Ratna Tuladhar son of
Dasa Ratna Sahu (Later Ven Dhammaloka) He went to Sri Lanka in 1930
and ordained as samanera and studied there He had served many years in
Lumbini and third Sanghanayaka of Nepal
1 Sarah Levine and David N Gellner Rebuilding Buddhism The Theravada Movement in
Twentieth Century Nepal (UK Harvard University Press 2006) pp 293-296
Ashwaghosh Bhikkhu (1926- present) original name Buddha Ratna Sakya and
became a novice in 1944 and went to Sri Lanka for study where he took
higher ordination in 1949 he is known as bdquothe communist monk‟ and was a
nominee of the Unified Marxist-Leninist party one of Nepal‟s two main
political parites in the 1990s to the Upper House 1993-5 He had
established nepal‟s first Bhikkhu Training Center at Sangharama Dhalko
and became abbot of this vihara Presently he is abbot of Shrigha Vihara in
Kathmandu and of Dyanakuti Vihara Banepa
Buddhaghosh Bhikkhu (1921- present day) original name Sapta Ratna
Vajracharya in Kwa Baha Kathamandu The founder of Pariyatti Education
in Nepal and presently acting Sanghanayaka of Nepal (2006) and abbot of
Sri Sumangala Vihara in Lalitpur
Chandramani Bhikkhu (1876-1972) a Burmese monk who spent his life in
Kusinagara where he worked for the propagation of Buddhism until his
death He initiated with most of the early Nepalese Theravadins Monks and
Nuns He was the first president of Dharmodaya Sabha and father of
Theravadins of Nepal
Dharmachari Anagarika (1898-1978) born Laxmi Nani Tuladhar she
impressed by Ven Pragyananda in Kindol Vihara and took the precepts
from Chandramani in Kusinagara in 1934 and most prominent Nepali nun
She founded the first nunnery in Nepal at Kindol Vihara in 1947
Dhammaloka Bhikkhu (1891-1977) born Das Ratna Tuladhar Asan
kathamandu He traded in Lhasha went to Sri Lanka and taught Buddhism
as a layman Later became a monk in 1932 after his son Aniruddha ordain
in 1930 he established nepal‟s first Theravādin Vihara bdquoAnanda Kuti
Vihar‟ in Kathmandu
Dhammawati Anagarika (1925- present day) born as Ganesh Kumari Sakya in
Uku Baha lalitpur She ordain too precepts from Ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara and renamed as Dhammavati in 1950 She went to Burma for
study and return in 1963 after passed the Dhammacariya Examination She
was able to established Dhammakirti Nunnery Centre in 1965 and leader of
the Theravādin Nuns She has been re-ordained as Bhikkhuni according to
Mahayana tradition
Dharmaditya Dharmacharya (1902-1963) born as Jagat Man Vaidya in Chika
Bahi Lalitpur and the first Newar Buddhist modernist and the first newar
cultural nationalist He went to study in Calcutta where he became a
follower of anagarika Dhammapala the founder of Maha Bodhi Society
He had formed Buddhist revival foundation and published Buddhist
magazines etc
Nyanpurnika Bhikkhu (1936- present day) Born as Hera Lal Sakya in Tansen
He studied with Buddhaghosh in Lalitpur in Burma and in England He is
only monk who passed Dhammacariya examination of Burma He was the
founder of Vishwa Shanti Vihara and Vishwa Shanti Bauddha sikkyalaya
where train novices He is a prominent translator and writer
Kumar Kashyap Bhikkhu (1926- present day) born as Krishna Man Sakya he
was one of those who exiled to India by the Ranas in 1944 He went to
Study in Sri Lanka and hold nepal‟s first bdquoTripitaka acarya‟ Presently he is
president of All Nepal Bhikkhu Association and abbot of Ananda Kuti
Vihara
Mahapragya Bhikkhu (1901-1979) born Prem Bahadur (Nani Kaji ) Shrestha
He ordained into Tibetan tradition but exiled in 1926 and reordained as
novice in Theravada tradition one of the earlier Theravādin monks He
return to householderhood in Kalimpong in 1940s but then returned to
Kathmandu as a Buddhist sage (Bauddha Rishi) in the 1960s where he
taught until his death
Pragyananda Bhikkhu (1900-1993) born as Kul Man Singh Tuladhar in Itum
Baha Kathmandu a trader in Tibet where he met Ven Mahapragya and
impressed by him to ordained He became a Tibetan Gelung Karmasheel in
1928 and two years later a Theravādin under Ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara in 1930 He was nepal‟s first Sanghamahanayaka and well
respected monk
Shakyananda Bhikkhu (1909-1997) born as Chakra Dhan Sakya in Taksar
Bhojpur East Nepal He spent over forty years as a monk in Tansen outside
the Kathmandu and second sanghamahanayaka of Nepal
Subodhanand Bhikkhu (1916-2006) bor as Kul Raj Sakya in Taksar Bhojpur
East Nepal He was one of the monks exiled by the Ranas in 1944 He was
a prolific composer of Hymns in Nepal Bhasa In 2003 as the most senior
monk in Nepal he was the fourth Sanghanayaka of Nepal
Sudarshan Bhikkhu (1934-2002) born as Rudra Raj Sakya in Uku Baha
lalitpur He was famous a bdquothe boy monk‟ For many years he was a lecturer
in the culture Department of Tribhuvan University a prolific writer
preacher and abbot of Sri Kirti Vihara Kirtipur which is became multi-
cultural center and especially for Buddhist meetings and conferences He
was jailed for some months for Nepal Bhasa activities in the Panchayat
period He was a campaigner on Buddhist issues particularly to do with
Lumbini
Sumangal Bhikkhu (1929-1999) born Bhakta Krishna Shilpakar in Lalitpur He
was famous as ldquoDollar bhanterdquo He ordained in 1959 in Burma obtained a
master‟s degree in Buddhism from Rissho University Japan in 1972 and
was among the first monks to mobilize international connections for
Buddhist projects in Nepal He established Buddha Vihara in Bhrikuti
Mandap Kathmandu He helped raise funds from Thailand and Japan for
IBMc (1985) brought the Japanese healing movement Sei Mei Kyo to
Nepal and in 1993 opened an old people‟s home in Banepa
Glimpse of Theravādin activities in Nepal
Samanera ordination at Muni Vihara
Ordination Ceremony at Vishwa Shanti Vihara
Collecting Alms
Chanting Paritta in devotee‟s home
Giving Holy Thread to Devotees
Buddhist Art in Nepal
Main Buddha Image at Sri Kirti Vihara
Four holy places
Some of the Theravada Buddhist Viharas (Monasteries) in Nepal
Vihars In Kathmandu Valley Telephone No
1 Amarapura Buddha Vihar Bungamati 5551068
2 Anandakuti Vihar Swayambhu 4271420
3 Anandabhuwan Vihar Bhuikhyo 4270429
4 Ganamaha vihar Ganabaha 4253454
5 Gautam Buddha Vihar Panga co 4330576
6 Caturbrahma Vihar Matatirtha 4310558
7 Carumati Vihar Cabahil 4469897
8 Baudhajana Vihar Sunakothi co 5570209
9 Jitapur Gandhakuti Vihar khona Co 5542846
10 Jitawan Vihar Thankot 4311912
11 Jyoti udaya vihar Capagaun Co 5571459
12 Dhammavasa Vihar Khusibun 4358688
13 Dharmakirti Vihar Srigha Naghal 4259466
14 Dharmacakra vihar Bagbajar 4261976
15 Nagar Mandap Sri Kirti Vihar Kirtipur 4330836
16 Nagadesh Buddha Vihar Nagadesh Co 6635397
17 Nirvanmurti Anagarikaram Kindol 4285811
18 Padmasugandha Vihar Manjeshwori 4266255
19 Pranidhi Purna Mahavihar Balambu 43105924312455
20 Pati Vihar Thimi Co 6637601
21 Pippali Theravad Buddha Vihar Shiphal 4475066
22 Punya Udaya Vihar Jala Harisiddhi Co 5527456
23 Buddhabhoomi Mahavihar Tokha 4362514
24 Buddha Vihar Bhrikuti mandapa 4226702
25 Buddharatna Vihar Putalisadak 4244277
26 Bauddha samakrit Vihar Bhaktapur 6610842
27 Manimandap Vihar Patko Bhaktapur 5526517
28 Muni Vihar Bhaktapur 6616464
29 Yampi Mahavihar Ibahi Lalitpur 5539644
30 Yashodhara Baudha Bidyalaya Thaina Lalitpur 5521435
31 Biswo Shanti Vihar Baneshwor 4482384
32 Biswo Shanti Dharmakirti vihar Basundhara 4354251
33 Beluvanarama Vihar Theco Co 5570062
34 Sakyasingha Vihar Thaina Lalitpur 5524760
35 Santi Sukhawas Cakupat co 5523613
36 Siddhimangal Buddha Vihar Thasi 5581495
37 Sumangala Vihara Lagankhel 5531715
38 Sulakshan kirti Vihar Chobhar 4331718
39 Suwanrna Chatrapur Vihar Lubhu 5580430
40 Sangharama Vihar Dhalko Visnumati 4255960
41 Srigha Vihar Nagal 4259110
Vihars out side the Kathamandu Velley Telephone No
1 Ananda Vihar Tansen Co 075-520225520216
2 Citravan Vihar Narayangadha Co 056-521478
3 Taksar Vihar Tansen Co 075-520024
4 Dharmashila Buddha Vihar Phokhara 061-520517
5 Dyankuti Banepa Banepa 011-661244
6 Padma Chaitya Vihar Butawal 071-546470
7 Purwarama Vihar Dhulikhel 011-661979
8 Pragya Mahavihar Hetauda Co 057-520264520136
9 Buddha Vihar Dharan 025-520354
10 Buddha Vihar Biratnagar Co 021-522146530604
11 Beni Buddha Vihar Myagdi Co 069-520354
12 Bodhicharya vihar Banepa 011-661789
13 Lokachakra Buddha Vihar Dhan gadhi 091-622174
14 Sakyamuni Vihar Bhojpur Co 029-420260
15 Sugatapur Vihar Trisuli Co 010-560153
16 Sugandha Vihar Ridi Gulmi Co 079-529435
17 Swoyambhu Chetya Buddha Vihar Urlabari Co 021-540080
18 Swoyambhu Chetya Mahavihar Dharan Co 025-520190
19 Gyanodaya Buddha Vihar Baglung Co 068-520921520336
Footnotes
[1] This paper was written as a part of my MA thesis research on bdquoThe
Revival of Theravada Buddhism and its contribution to Nepalese Society‟ of
Mahachulalongkorn University Bangkok Thailand and would like to thank Mr
Dharma Sakya for every suggestion editing and help for the completion of this
article
[2] Nyanatiloka Buddhist Dictionary 3
rd ed The Free Distribution
version the Corporate Body of the Buddha education foundation Taiwan p
179
[3] Triratna Manandhar bdquoPresent of Buddhism in Nepal‟ (Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK Vol 8 May 2005) p 15
[4] helliphelliphelliphellip The New Encyclopedia of Britannica Vol24 (USA
Library of Congress Catalog 1993) p 781 Dhanabajra Vajracharya Cabahilko
Abhilekha (Inscription of Cabahil) The Charumati Voice (Kath Charumati
Buddhist Mission 2001) pp 17-20 Bhikkhu Sudarsan Mahasthavira Nepal
Upatyaka ma Ashokaki Chori Charumati (Charumati A daughter of
Ashoka in Nepal Valley) (The Charumati Vocie (Kath Charumati Buddhist
Mission 2001) p 20
[5] Beal Samuel Si Yu Ri Buddhist Records of the Western World
(New Delhi Motilal Banarsidass Publishers 1994) pp 80-81 Bhuwan Lal
Pradhan Nepalama Buddhadharma (Kath Nepal Rajkiya Pragyapratisthana
1988) pp 102 ndash 103
[6] NB Thapa A Short History of Nepal (Kath Ratna Pustak
bhandhar Nd) pp 30-33 Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ The
Nation Thailand‟s English Newspaper (Sunday special) Oct 18 1987
[7] Opcit NB Thapa p116
[8] David N Gellner Monk Householder and Tantric Priest Newar
Buddhism and its Hierarchy of Ritual (Cambridge University Press 1996) pp
41ff
[9] Bechert Heinz amp Jens-Uwe Hartmann ldquoObservation on the reform
of Buddhism in Nepalrdquo Journal of Nepal Research Centre vol VIII Kath
Kantipur Printing Press1988p 6
[10] Ria Kloppenborg Theravada Buddhism in Nepal‟ Kailash A
Journal of Himalayan Studies Vol 5 no 41977 p 302
[11] BP Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada Gukathan Wagu Kha (Kath
Hisi Press Nepal BS 20421985) pp44ff
[12] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p47ff
[13] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 51-53 Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal (BKK A Thesis of MA Mahamakut Graduate School
2001) p 97
[14] Bhikshu Sudarshan Mahasthavir bdquoRole of Theravada in the
Preservation of Newar Buddhism‟ wwwircnepalorgpapers
[15] Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 69-72
[16] Opcit Observation on the reform of Buddhism in Nepal p10ff
[17] Opcit Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ RV
Vandya Sanghanayaka Venerable Pragnananda Mahasthavir (Kath Nepal
Co-operative Press 1978) pp 11ff
[18] Bhkkhu Dharmaloka Mahasthavir A Pilgrimage in China (kath
published by Bhikkhu Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1999) p 13-15 Opcit Lacoul
Nepalay Sthavirvada p 74-75
[19] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka p 15
[20] Opcit Bhikkhu dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp16ff
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p100
[21] Ibit Bhikkhu Dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp 27-29
[22] See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A Homage
(Kath Anandakuti Vihar Trust 1992) Kuladharma Ratna Tuladhar Buddhism
in Nepal (Kath Dharmodaya Sabha 1986) pp15 Opcit Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 100
[23] Opcit K R Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal 16 RV Vandya
Sanghanayaka ven Pragnananda p 32 ff
[24] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka Pragnananda pp 34-35
Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthavirvada p 86
[25] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 18 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 101
[26] Bhikkhu Amritananda Mahasthavir A Short History of Theravada
Buddhism in Modern Nepal (Kath Anandakuti Vihar trust 1986) pp 8-9
Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir (Kath Anandakuti
Vihar Trust 1992) p 25
[27] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 19 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[28] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[29] Opcit Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir
p 26
[30] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit KR
Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 20
[31] Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha in Nepal
(BKK A Thesis of MA Buddhist Study Mahachulalongkorn University 2547)
p 23 [32]
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit Ratna
Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir p 26
[33] Amrit R Sthapit bdquowho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Aswaghosha‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 4 no 1 May 2001
p8
[34] helliphelliphelliphelliphellip bdquoWho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Nyanapurninka Mahasthavir‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 7
no 1 May 2004 p13 Viswo Shanti Vihar The Shanti Sandesh (Kath Viswo
Shanti Vihar 1998)
[35] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sumangala Mahasthavir
A monk who modernized Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the
LNBDS UK vol 2 no 1 May 1999 p10
[36] Opcit Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha
in Nepal pp 52ff
[37] Rina Tuladhara Dharmakirti 25 Years of Dharmakirti Buddhist
Study Circle A Glimpse (Kath Dharmakirti Vihar 1996) Mallika Sakya
bdquoWho is Who in Nepalese Buddhism Dhammavati Guruma‟ Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 5 no 1 May 2002 p10
[38] Opcit See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A
Homage Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 108
[39] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sudarshan Mahasthavir A
Gem of the Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol
6 no 1 May 2003 p13
11
centuries According to the recorded history of Nepal after the social
reforms carried out by King Jayasthiti Malla (1382-95 CE) Buddhism
went into decline and developed into Newār Buddhism However
Theravada Buddhism was re-introduced once again in Nepal in the
closing years of 19th
century by Nepalese who came in contact with the
Maha Bodhi society of India
Anagarika Dharmapala a Sri Lankan Buddhist founded this
Maha Bodhi Society Nepalese who came in contact with this society
took initial steps for revival of Theravada activities in Nepal Nearly a
century later Theravada once again gained foothold in Nepal
Presently there are number of Theravada Buddhist monasteries in the
country The numbers of Nepalese Buddhist monks and nuns have also
increased Some are resident in Nepal and others are studying and
carrying out dhamma work in Sri Lanka Thailand Myanmar and
other countries Beside dhamma work they are also engaged in various
charitable works like education health social welfare etc for the
upliftment of Nepali community wherever they are
12
Background
As I have mentioned earlier history of Buddhism in Nepal is
very vague There are some evidences that Buddhism was popular
during Buddha‟s time in Nepal There are also evidences that the
Buddha visited Nepal gave discourses to relatives and Buddhists and
ordained Bhikkhus and Bhikkhunis[3]
According to Buddhist scholar‟s
Theravada tradition existed in Nepal since the time of the Lord
Buddha
The evidence was more reliable from the account of King
Asoka The great emperor of ancient India King Asoka visited
Lumbini and erected stone pillar with inscription in Bramhi script
which in English reads bdquo Here the Buddha was born‟
(Hidabhagavamjāteti Lum minigāme) As mentioned before he also
sent Dhamma Missionary (Dhammaduta) to Nepal after third Buddhist
council (Sanghayana) which was held three hundred years after
Buddha‟s parinibbana Buddhist legends has it that one of King
Asoka‟s daughter Carumati married a Nepali called Devapal and
settled in Cabahil Katmandu where she constructed a temple- Cabahil
monastery and became a Bhikkhuni for the rest of her life[4]
Besides
13
these the records of Chinese travelers who visited Buddhist
pilgrimage sites in India and Nepal after King Ashoka‟s visit also gave
some information on existence of Theravada Buddhist monks who
practised and studied along with other Buddhist sects in Nepal[5]
According to historians Buddhism was a dominant religion
until the time of King Jayasthiti Malla who ruled Nepal during
medieval period (around 1382 CE) He imposed caste system in Nepal
according Manudharmasastra a Hindu holy book[6]
Buddhist culture
and tradition were banned the celibate monks were forced to disrobe
and forced to marry Vajrayana or Newar Buddhism was developed
following the demise of Theravada Buddhism The situation of
Buddhist became worse during the time of Rana government In 1846
the mantle of power of Nepal‟s government shifted from the monarchy
to autocratic isolationist Rana government The Shah kings of the
country were kept under tight control of Rana prime ministers[7]
The
country was closed from outside world and kept her eyes closed to
what was happening outside for nearly 104 years That was the age
when Buddhism was totally forgotten by non-Buddhist of Nepal It was
14
known and practised by only certain communities Vajracharyas
(Bajracharyas) Shakyas Tuladhars etc[8]
The Rana government
banned all Buddhist religious activities They also banned people
converting from Hindu religion to Buddhism but traditional Buddhists
were allowed to become Hindus
Theravada Revival Movement
In the early 1920s Dharmāditya Dharmācārya began his
campaign for the revival of Theravāda Buddhism teaching that Nepal
was the land of the Buddha‟s birth Meanwhile the Baisākha purnimā
celebration and publicing of ldquoBuddha Dhammardquo magazine by
Dharmāditya Dharmācārya had been inflaming the inner quest for
spirituality in Nepalewse society Furthermore simulteniously Tibeten
Buddhism had been inspiring Newari Society to walk the path that was
once nearly lost One of the well-known monks who came from Tibet
and preached the Dhamma to the Nepalese was Kyangtse Lama
Known in Nepal as Kyanchhe Lama he had come on pilgrimage to
Nepal His sermons and the publication of the Lalitavistara inspired
many to seek Buddhist ordination in the early period of the modern
15
history of Buddhism in Nepal It was the fortunate conjunction of
Nisthananda‟s translation of the Lalitavistara into the mother tongue
producing a Newāri version of the Buddha‟s life story Dharmāditya
Dharmācārya revivalism and the visits of Kyangtse Lama which
ensured that ldquothe Bud of the Dharmardquo planted by the Venerable Lama
should flower so quickly and produce such impressive fruit His
influence on Newāri scholars was significant One of them was
Yogbeer Sing Kansakar who was honoured for his efforts for the
preservation of the Newāri language The Lama also influenced the
first Theravāda monks Venerable Mahapragya and Venerable
Pragyānanda among others
The closing years of 19th
century saw reform movements in
many Buddhist countries with idea of modernizing Buddhist
movement The term bdquoBuddhist modernization‟ is used to refer to these
new reformist activities[9]
The aim of this movement was to bring
back Buddhism to India and Sri Lanka The Maha Bodhi Society was
founded in India under the leadership of Anagarika Dharmapala[10]
16
This organization was the first Buddhist organization established with
the aim of internationalizing Buddhism
The success of The Maha Bodhi Society encouraged Nepalese
who came in contact with this society They were mostly traditional
Buddhists (Newar Buddhists) of Nepal who were merchants and
pilgrims They played an important role in Theravada revival
movement in present day Nepal However it was students of Buddhism
who gave a kick-start to Theravada movements in modern Nepal
Mr Jagatman Vaidya a traditional Buddhist by birth went to
India for further studies He initiated the Theravada Buddhist revival
movement with the help of The Mahabodhi Society[11]
Mr Jagatman
who later became known as Dharmaditya Dharmacariya devoted most
of his time and energy to Buddhist Revivalism in Nepal by publishing
Buddhist journal in Newari Nepali Hindi English etc One of his
great deeds was to celebrate Baisakh day Buddha Jayanti or Swanya
Punhi in Nepal to commemorate Buddha‟s birth enlightenment and
death (Parinibbana) He established bdquoBuddha Dharma Uddhar
Sangharsquo lsquoBuddhopasaka Sangha‟ and other organizations for the
propagation of Buddhism in Nepal[12]
17
The Buddha Jayanti which he has initiated was celebrated for
the first time in the history of modern Nepal in 1926 after a long gap
Now a day this day is widely celebrated in Nepal Every year people
celebrate it with great joy and happiness[13]
He was also responsible
for stopping animal slaughter at Mayadevi temple in Lumbini and
renovation of Kindol Vihar in Kathmandu This Vihara became the
center for Theravada revival movement[14]
He published Buddhist
magazine entitled bdquoBuddha Dharmarsquo in Newari Language
(Nepalabhasa) emphasizing the importance of Buddha Jayanti
celebration and Theravadian views This was the starting point of
Theravada activities and promotion of Theravadian views in Nepal
after many centuries Some Nepalese youths took ordination according
to Theravada tradition in 1928 They were imprisoned for four days
The Government at the time was under the influence of Shaivait
Brahmins who were calling for a ban against Buddhism Later he was
arrested for his conversion from a Hindu to a Buddhist monk Three
new rules suppressing Buddhism had been issued
18
(1) Conversion to Buddhism from Hinduism (Shaivaism) to be
punished by one year in prison
(2) Acting as preceptor at a Buddhist ordination to be punished by
three years‟ imprisonment and
(3) Attempting to ordain into Buddhism to be punished by a six-
month imprisonment
They were exiled to India and all reordained into Theravada
tradition with ven U Kosala in Buddhagaya However certain reasons
they left the tradition The history speaks only on Ven Mahapragya but
rest of other four monks still under discovery The first Nepalese to
take ordination in Theravada tradition was venerable Mahapragna a
Hindu Shrestha by birth in 1926 After few years study in Tibet again
he went to India where he met Ven U Chandramani a Burmese monk
at Kusinagara[15]
He was impressed with Ven Chandramani and took
Theravada ordination from him This was the starting point for
Theravada ordination once again in the history of modern Nepal after
almost 600 years[16]
Since then Theravadin monastic order been settled
in modern Nepal
19
On the other hand Venerable Pragyananda (Karmasheel) who
converted from Gelung of Tibetan tradition to Theravada with Ven U
Chandramani at Kusinagara India was the first yellow-robed monk
who appeared in the street of Kathmandu valley at the end of 1930s[17]
He stayed at Kindol Vihar at the invitation of Dasaratna Shahu (later
Ven Dharmaloka) and gave discourses The attendance at his
discourses increased day by day and it worried then Rana government
and arrested all the members of Vihar They were imprisoned fined
and later released[18]
Fortunately Ven Pragnananda was in different
place and was not arrested He went on pilgrimage to India with some
devotees His four devotees took ordination under guidance of Ven U
Chandramani at Kusinagar They were Samanera Shasana Jyoti
Anagarika Ratna Pali Anagarika Dhamma Pali and Anagarika
Sangha Pali This was the first nun‟s ordination in Theravada
Buddhism in modern Nepal[19]
In the mean time Dasaratna Shahu
who was running Kindol Vihar brought Civar and bowl from Sri Lanka
for monk ceremonies Soon after his release from prison he took
ordination according to Theravada tradition at Kusinagar from Ven U
Chandramani and became Samanera Dhammaloka in 1932[20]
He
20
visited Nepal as a monk but was arrested immediately on his arrival in
Kathmandu and was imprisoned once again for six days and then
released without charging him with any offences Following his release
from prison he went to stay at Kindol Vihar and continued his
religious activities He was finally able to carry out religious activities
freely in Nepal He succeeded to propagate Theravada Buddhism in the
streets of Kathmandu valley[21]
Later he founded Nepal‟s first
Theravada Buddhist temple bdquoAnandakutirsquo at the foothill of Swayambhu
hill and it became the center for Theravada Sangha in modern Nepal
Venerable Amritananda was another well-known Buddhist
scholar and pioneer person for revival of Theravada Buddhism in
modern Nepa[22]
He was ordained under Ven U Chandramani at
Kusinagara in 1936 CE but was imprisoned along with Ven
Mahapragna at Bhojpur in 1937 In 1942 he came back to Nepal from
abroad after completing his study and gave discourses at the request of
Ven Dharmaloka in Swayambhu during vassavasa days (Three months
Buddhist lent) His public discourses impressed lay people and many
people came to listen to him Other Monks Samaneras and Nuns of
21
Nepal who were studying abroad also came back and joined him and
gave public discourses in different places of Kathmandu valley[23]
This
was a great breakthrough during isolationist Rana government Rana
government of the time banned any public assembly because of fear of
political unrest and demand for political reform in Nepal Because of
their religious activities they were arrested on 30th
July 1944 and
brought in front of then Prime Minister Juddha Shamsher Jung Bahadur
Rana for giving verdict on the charges of propagating the dhamma He
made rules to curtail the Buddhist activities Those who didn‟t follow
these rules were asked either to leave the country or return to worldly
life All the respected monks who were active in revival of Theravada
in Nepal refused to obey the order and were exiled once again from
Nepal The exiled monks this time included Ven Pragnananda Ven
Dharmaloka Ven Subhodhananda Ven Pragnarashmi Samanera
Pragnarasa Samanera Ratnajyoti Samanera Agga Dhamma and
Samanera Kumar The nuns were allowed to remain in the Vihar until
the end of the Vassavasa[24]
22
Development of Theravada Buddhism
The exiled monks formed bdquoDharmodaya Sabha‟ - Nepal‟s first
Buddhist organization with the help of other Buddhist organizations
and individuals on 30th
November 1944 in India under the
chairmanship of Ven U Chandramani Ven Amritananda was its
general secretary[25]
Immediately after establishment of bdquoDharmodaya
Sabha‟ Ven Amritananda wrote a protest letter to Nepalese
government and also appealed to other Buddhist organizations on
behalf of Dharmodaya Sabha He visited many places and various
countries to get support against the expulsion of Buddhist monks from
modern Nepal One of the countries he visited and undertook further
studies was Sri Lanka In Sri Lanka he also succeeded in bringing a
goodwill mission to Nepal in 1946 under the leadership of well-known
scholar Ven Narada Mahasthavir of Vajiraramaya Colombo The
members of this mission consisted of Ven Narada Ven Amritananda
Ven Priyadarshi Dr Ratna Surya and Prof Aryapal They were able
to meet the newly appointed Prime Minister Padma Shumsher J Rana
Ven Amritananda and leader of the mission Ven Narada requested his
23
Excellency to give permission for the exiled monks to return to Nepal
Prime Minister Padma Shamsher accepted their request and permitted
the exiled monks to return Ven Dharmaloka was the first one to come
back to Nepal immediately after receiving a letter from Ven
Amritananda and arrived in Kathmandu in June 1946 (Jesth Sukla 6
2003)[26]
Other monks also returned one by one and again started
propagating Theravada Buddhism in modern Nepal Ven Narada
visited Nepal three times and constructed a Sri Lankan Cetiya at
Anandakuti Vihar He brought a branch of Bodhi tree Buddha‟s relic
to Nepal He also established the first Sima (Uposatha) of Nepal for
Bhikkhus at the Vihara During his third visit he met then Prime
Minister Mohana Shamasher J Rana and requested him to declare
Baisakh Purnima or Buddha Day as a public holiday His Excellency
agreed and declared it as a public holiday for the Buddhist government
civil officers[27]
Since then Theravada Buddhism gained ground in
Nepalese society and made progress Theravada monks propagated
Buddhism by performing ceremonies giving Dharmadesana and
publishing Buddhist texts Many Viharas were built in and outside the
Kathmandu valley to propagate dhamma
24
In 1950 democracy replaced autocratic Rana regime under the
leadership of H M King Tribhuvan This heralded rapid development
of Theravada Buddhism Buddhist monks and nuns were able carry out
their duties freely without hindrances throughout the country The
office of bdquoDharmodaya Sabha‟ shifted from Kalimpong to Kathmandu
after the advent of democracy in 19501 In 1951 Bhikkhu Sangha led
by Ven Amritananda formed lsquoAkhil Nepal Bhikkhu Sangharsquo (All
Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha Council) for the further propagation of
Buddhism in Nepal Ven Amritananda played a great role in
propagation of Theravada Buddhism nationwide His close relationship
with their Majesties helped in his activities[28]
He visited many
countries on behalf of All Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha and Dharmodaya
Sabha In the same year Buddhists of Nepal succeeded in bringing the
relics of Ven Sariputta (Ven Sariputra) and Ven Maudhgalyana
(Ven Moggallana) the foremost disciples of the Buddha for the
exhibition in Nepal His Majesty King Tribhuvan chaired the reception
committee and a reception party was held in the Royal Palace[29]
Following year in 1952 Buddha Jayanti was celebrated throughout the
country with the support of HM King Tribhuvan On this occasion
25
HM King declared Baisakh Purnima or Buddha Jayanti day as a
public holiday throughout the kingdom[30]
In 1956 His late Majesty King Mahendra visited Lumbini the
birthplace of the Buddha and erected a Mahendra Pillar in Lumbini
zone In the same year during 2500th
Buddha Jayanti celebration HM
king banned animal slaughter on this auspicious day throughout the
kingdom[31]
Nepalese Buddhists led by All Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha
Council and Dharmodaya Sabha also organized the Fourth World
Fellowship of Buddhist Conference (WFB) in Kathmandu on this
year[32]
His Majesty‟s government cooperated fully and gave every
assistance for the success of the conference Gradually Theravada
Buddhist monasteries were founded Buddhist Education Buddhapuja
meditation public discourses publications of Buddhist texts and mass
ordination etc took place as a part of dhamma activities Burma Sri
Lanka Thailand and other countries helped Nepal in its effort for
Theravada revival Soon after Theravada Buddhist monks established
the first Bhikkhu training center- Sangharama Vihar and ordained
number of novices under the leadership of Ven Ashogosha
Mahasthavir[33]
Following their ordination they were sent to Sri
26
Lanka Burma and Thailand for their higher ordination and education
Many of these monks have returned to Nepal and are actively engaged
in propagation of dhamma Besides ordination of individual novices
mass ordinations for short periods were also held in different temple
After Anandakuti Vihar the Viswasanti Vihara also established
Vishwa Shanti Bauddha Shikshalaya a Buddhist School under Ven
Nyanapunnika Mahathavir[34]
It teaches both national and Buddhist
curriculum to the novices Now there are nearly 100 Theravada
temples more than four hundred monks and Samaneras and nearly 400
nuns in the country Present Sangha Nayaka is Most Ven
Subodhananda of Gana Mahavihara Kathmandu President of All
Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha is Kumar Kashyapa of Ananda Kuti Vihar
Swayambhu Kathmandu and the head office of All Nepal Bhikkhu
Sangha is in Viswo Santi Vihara New Baneshwor Kathmandu
27
Contribution to Nepalese society
Besides promoting Dhamma Theravada monks and nuns
(Anagarikas) are also involved in other welfare activities like
organising free health camps training centers either in the monasteries
or outside the monasteries They also founded center for old age and
Kindergarten Late Ven Sumangala Mahasthavira[35]
initiated free
clinic at Buddha Vihar a Buddhist home for the elderly at Benepa and
a Buddhist Kindergarten Free Clinics were popular because of lack of
adequate government run clinics in Nepal Many monasteries
organized free clinics Regular clinics like eye and Homeopathic were
run either on weekly or monthly basis Annual campaigns are also run
when it was felt necessary
In 1964 All Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha established a Theravada
education system Pariyatti Sikkha or Nepal Bauddha Pariyatti Siksa
(Buddhist Saturday School) Classes are run in Theravada Buddhist
monasteries Tibetan monasteries other Buddhist centers in public and
private schools There are more than 32 centers throughout the
28
country[36]
Presently its head office is at Viswo Santi Vihara in New
Baneswora Kathmandu
Besides Pariyatti Sikkha Ven Amritananda founded a
Buddhist school - bdquoAnandakuti Vidyapith Boarding School‟ and a
college- bdquoSiddharth Science Campus‟ Both Buddhist monks and lay
people used to teach in these institutions It was started as a Buddhist
school but for some reason it has become a private enterprise Besides
these many monks and nuns are also running other educational
institutions like bdquoNursery school (Siddhartha Shisu Niketan Buddha
Vihar) Primary school (Triple Gem Boarding School) and Higher
Schools There are some Higher Education institutes like Siddharth
University in Banepa International Buddhist University in Lumbini
etc Many Buddhist organizations were founded and they were also
running different classes and research centers like Dharmakirti
Buddhist Research Center Anagarika Dhammavati founded this centre
Later on Anagarika Dhammavati was ordained as Bhikkhuni
according to Taiwanese tradition She is one of the well-known nuns in
the Theravada Buddhism in Nepal[37]
29
The Buddhist temples and organizations bring out number of
publications annually monthly weekly and on special occasions
Dharmodaya Anandabhumi and Dharmakirti are the oldest
Buddhist journals in Nepal and still continued to be published
Ven Amritananda was one of the greatest Buddhist scholars of
Nepal He wrote and translated many books on Buddhism There are
still no other monks or nun in Nepal who can be compared with
him[38]
Late Ven Sudharsan Mahasthavir came close to him Ven
Sudharsan was a pillar of Theravada Buddhism after Ven
Amritananda He was famous for different reason His field of interest
beside dhamma work consisted literature language Archaeology etc
He was a resident monk at Srikirti Vihar Kirtipur and held the post of
professor in History Archaeology and Buddhist philosophy at
Tribhuvan University until his death in July 2002 Some of his books in
Buddhism became course book for BA and MA students in Nepal
He had special interest in archaeology of Lumbini and was an expert on
this subject[39]
30
Revival of Theravada Buddhism in Nepal also had profound
effect in cultural and religious way of life of Nepalese Daily chanting
or Buddhapuja short term ordination observing Sila (Moral code)
caste system celebration of Vesak day celibate life were introduced
In the month of Bhadra or Gunla days (AugustSeptember) Buddhist
hymns are chanted and public discourses are given
Late Ven Sudharshan Mahasthavir formed Sri Kirti Buddhist
center at Sri Kirti Vihar with the aim of introducing Buddhism to other
ethnic groups other than Newars- the original inhabitants of Katmandu
valley This project succeeded in bringing other ethic groups into
Theravada Buddhism As a result of this many ethnic groups who were
originally Buddhists have started organizing Buddhist conferences and
Buddhist activities Another important development is formation of
Gyanmala Bhajan Khala - a Buddhist hymn group This group sings
regularly especially during certain auspicious days at Swayambhu and
other Buddhist sites The songs they sing are based on Buddha‟s
teaching and has been successful in promoting Buddhism in simple
melodious hymns which attracts many people who visits these
religious places
31
Theravadin in Nepalese Society
For centuries Nepalese were aware of only Buddhist priest
(Bajracharya) from Newar Buddhism (Vajrayana) and Tibetan Lamas
They were unaware of Theravadian Buddhist monks and nuns
Bajracharyas are household monks They lead domestic lives and are
not celibate Not all Tibetan monks are celibate It depends on the
school they belong to For example monks from Sakya School of
Tibetan tradition do not have to be celibate Theravada monks wear
distinctive saffron coloured robes They are celibate and lead virtuous
monastic life These monks and nuns have different identity in the eyes
of Nepalese especially the inhabitants of Kathmandu valley Their
simple way of life their full dedication in their work for the benefit of
mankind easily understood Theravada Scriptures translated in different
languages eg in Nepal Bhasa (Newari) Nepali in Hindi and in
English for easy accessibility by different groups helped to gain the
heart of Nepalese people Although many lay people have played
pivotal roles in revival of Theravada Buddhism in Nepal the leadership
32
of monks and nuns were vital in further development and survival of
this tradition
The lay Buddhists of Nepal are pluralistic They participate in
Buddhist ceremonies such as Vesak day daily chanting etc At the
same time they also follow Hindu customs in their daily lives
Buddhism is different from Hinduism and it is not a branch of
Hinduism Hindus believe that Buddha was a reincarnation of Lord
Vishnu Buddha never claimed to be anything other than a human
being ndash although a unique one in the history of mankind
Buddhism in Nepal is unique because of existence of three
different Buddhist traditions - Newar Buddhism (Vajrayana)
Tibetan Buddhism (Mahayana) and Theravada Buddhism
Different Buddhist groups practised different traditions Although the
principle underlying all these traditions is the same they differ in
details Theravada Buddhist tradition is different from Tibetan or
Newar Buddhist traditions but it is developing side-by-side with them
It was not possible for Theravada Buddhism to develop in Nepal
without close co-relation with other traditions but later developed on its
own right These various Buddhist traditions are coexisting in present
33
day Nepal Although they have different cultural traditions and are
developing in their own ways but the followers are the same
Therefore there is no separate identity of Theravadian lay Buddhists
There are number of lay Buddhist organizations such as Dharmodaya
Sabha Dharmakirti Institute Young Buddhist Associations Female
Buddhist Associations more recently Sukhi Hotu Nepal which are
playing important role in promotion of Buddha Dhamma but they are
multi-cultural and multi religious in their daily practices
CONCLUSION
Theravada Buddhism was introduced to Nepal at the time when
public meetings were banned It faced many obstacles at the beginning
Strong dedications of monks and nuns made it possible for its revival in
Nepal after many centuries of neglect Even though the revival
movement of this tradition was started only about 80 years ago it has
already gained strong foot hold in Nepal and gaining popularity day by
day The reason for its popularity lies in many things - the simple and
easily understood way the teachings were given the simple way of life
of monks and nuns lead and various beneficial activities undertaken by
34
Viharas Theravadin Buddhist monks and nuns are well accepted by
people and their contribution in promoting Buddha‟s teachings is
widely recognized Although small in number in comparison to other
Asian countries like Thailand Sri Lanka and Burma both the number
of monks and nuns and monasteries of this tradition are increasing day
by day If this trend continues it will become one of the prominent
religious traditions in Nepal It is only natural that this oldest Buddhist
tradition should gain its place of honour it deserve in a country where
the founder of the religion was born
35
Theravada Records in Nepal
List of Monks Novices and Anagarikas studying abroad
MONKS AND NOVICES
I Thailand
1 Bhikkhu Anil Man Dhammasakiyo (Sugandha)
2 Bhikkhu Vipassi Dhammaramo
3 Bhikkhu Jit Bahadur Gurung
4 Bhikkhu Krishna Thapamagar
5 Bhikkhu Pannamurti
6 Bhikkhu Sujan Sujano
7 Bhikkhu Anil Sumankitti
8 Bhikkhu Santosh Santosho
9 Bhikkhu Khemik Suddhasilo
10 Bhikkhu Suman Rocano
11 Bhikkhu Sanu Maharajano
12 Bhikkhu Santamano Dhwajjoshi
13 Bhikkhu Suman Dhwajjoshi
14 Bhikkhu Bijit Khemasakko
15 Bhikkhu Supreme Shakyavanso
Samaneras
1 Samanera Buddharatna Maharjan
2 Samanera Dhammaratna Maharjan
3 Samanera Bipin Maharjan
4 Samanera Prajwal Shakya
5 Samanera Ukesh Sakya
6 Samanera Gopi Maharjan
7 Samanera Sudip Deshar
8 Samanera Sudat Deshar
9 Samanera Deepi Maharjan
10 Samanera Ramit Shrestha
11 Samanera Anup Deshar
12 Samanera Suman Bajracharya bdquoA‟
13 Samanera Rajendra Deshar
14 Samanera Kapila Maharjan
15 Samanera Arbin Shakya
36
16 Samanera Kabindra Bajracharya
17 Samanera Ujjawal Shakya
18 Samanera Satish Shakya
19 Samanera Bimal Gurung
20 Samanera Surya Gurung
21 Samanera Sameer Maharjan
22 Samanera Anup Shakya
23 Samanera Arjun Magar
24 Samanera Kiran Desahar
25 Samanera Dipesh Shrestha
26 Samanera Tejendra Tamang
27 Samanera Ashim Shakya
28 Samanera Jalap Bajracharya
29 Samanera Arya Dev Bajracharya
30 Samanera Sudarshan Maharjan
31 Samanera Sangharatna
32 Samanera Suman Bajracharya bdquoB‟
33 Samanera Kijan Maharjan
34 Samanera Ramesh Maharjan
35 Samanera Niroj Maharjan
36 Samanera Jen Maharjan
37 Samanera Denish Bajracharya
38 Samanera Pritam Bahadur Shakya
39 Samanera Abhishek Shakya
40 Samanera Bishal Shakya
41 Samanera Sajal Shakya
42 Samanera Suraj Bhakta Shrestha
43 Samanera Dinesh Chaudhary
44 Samanera Shiv Swatantra Tharu
45 Samanera Sambhu Lal Khang
46 Samanera Buddharatna Chaudhary
47 Samanera Mukesh Chaudhary
II Myanmar (Burma)
Bhikkhu Samaneras
1 Bhikkhu Panavimala
2 Bhikkhu Dhyanratna
3 Bhikkhu Adiccho
4 Bhikkhu Vimalbuddhi
5 Bhikkhu Shobhan
6 Samanera Amato
7 Samanera Jutimma
8 Samanera Buddhapiyo
9 Samanera Kavindo
10 Samanera Nagasena
11 Samanera Gyanavudho
III Taiwan(ROC) 1 Bhikkhu Mangala 2 Bhikkhu Vazirbuddhi
IV Australia 1 Bhikkhu Upatissa
V India
1 Bhikkhu Dharmajyoti 2 Bhikkhu Ashokakirti
3 Bhikkhu Narawang Tamang
VI United kingdom 1 Bhikkhu Suman
VII USA 1 Bhikkhu Pragnaloka
VIII Sri Lanka
Bhikkhus
Bhikkhu Nanda
Bhikkhu Vineeta
Bhikkhu Ashoka
Bhikkhu Triratna
Bhikkhu Sagara
Bhikkhu Sankicca
Bhikkhu Vajirasiri
Bhikkhu Sarada
Bhikkhu Veenit
Bhikkhu Ratana
Bhikkhu Tissa
Bhikkhu Vajira
Bhikkhu Pannawimal
Bhikkhu Medhankar
Bhikkhu Pannasara
SARAMANERAS
Saranankara
Piyadassi
Dil Bhadra
Chandima
Samita
Narada bdquoA‟
Piyaratna
Kusala
Lakkhana
Udit
Vibekanada
Pannananda
Mettananda
Chandananda
Yassari
Upali
Subodhi
Mahanama
Kashyapa
Dhammapala
Narada bdquoB‟
Nalaka bdquoA‟
Daywasa
Santa Sobhana
Santa Siddhartha
Santa Maitri
Santa Kosala
Santa Sakya
Suvaca
Sukama Sila
Siddhartha
Nanda bdquoA‟
Rahula
Sudheera
Kosala Dheera
Panna Wansa
Jina Wansa
Mahinda
Nanda bdquoB‟
Seewali
Mahapantha
Assaji
Sarada
Sumana
Ananda
Nalaka bdquoB‟
Aloka
Suwarna
Subodh
Udena
Sangharatna bdquoA‟
Gyanendra
Khema
Soma bdquoA‟
Punna
Panna Ransi
Soma bdquoB‟
Santa bdquoA‟
Kapila Wansa
Asita Wansa
Sumanananda bdquoa‟
Vijitananda
Khemananda
Silananda
Medhananda
Somaratna
Soratha
Pragyananda
Sumangala
Santa Citta
Yasa
Dhamma Kitti
Panna Kitti
Santa Dheera
Vijitananda
Sumanananda bdquob‟
Vajra Bodhi
Dhammika
Santa bdquoB‟
Anuruddha
Sumana bdquoB‟
Jinavamsa
Panna Vansa
Buddha Ratna
Dhamma Ratna
Ariya Ratna
Piyadassi bdquoB‟
Sila Ratna
Sangha Ratna bdquoB‟
List of Anagarikas studying in abroad
I Thailand
1 Anagarika Sirisuta Maharjan
2 Anagarika Ramsobha Shrestha
3 Anagarika Sunita Napit
II Myanmar
1 Anagarika Javanvati
2 Anagarika Vimalajnani
3 Anagarika Ambika
4 Anagarika Buddhapali
5 Anagarika Darshana
6 Anagarika Agrajnani
7 Anagarika Nandavati
bdquob‟
III India 1 Anagarika Rupashila
IV Taiwan
1 Anagarika Pannavati
2 Anagarika Sani
3 Anagarika Nima
V Sri Lanka
1 Anagarika Pannawati
2 Anagarika Mettawati
3 Anagarika Keshawati
4 Anagarika Prasnnawati
5 Anagarika Sukhawati
6 Anagarika Shobhawati
7 Anagarika Subhadra
8 Anagarika
Shraddhagautami
9 Anagarika Upananda
10 Anagarika Shantawati
11 Anagarika Suciwati
Residences of Theravādin Monks in Nepal
01 Abhinava Buddha Vihara Lumbini
1) Bhikkhu Vimalananda Mahathera
2) Samanera Sunanda
02 Anandakut Vihara Swayambhu Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Kumara Kassapa Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Dharmamurti 3) Samanera Kondanya
4) S Prajnaratna 5) S Asoka
6) S Kumarjeeva 7) S Assaji
03 Bauddha Samaskrita Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Bhikkhu Dharmashobhana Mahathera
04 Bodhicharya Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Bodhisena Mahathera
2) Samanera Bodhideepa
05 Buddha Vihara Bhrikuti Mandap-Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Kondanya 2) Bhikkhu Sushil
3) Samanera Anuyoga 3) S Javana
4) S Udena
06 Buddha Vihara Biratnagar
1) Bhikkhu Aloka
07 Buddha Vihara Dharan
1) Bhikkhu Maitri (Tamang)
2) Bhikkhu Chhavikirti
08 Chatubrahma Vihara Matatirtha
1) Bhikkhu Thansettho
2) Bhikkhu Samyakaratna
3) Bhikkhu Bodhananda
9 Charumati Stupa Vihara Chabahil Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Tapassi Dhamma
10 Dharmacakra Ashrama Bagbazar
1) Bhikkhu Milinda
11 Dharmashila Buddha Vihara Pokhara
1) Bhikkhu Subhadda 2) Bhikkhu Saddhananda
12 Dhyanakuti Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Ashwaghosha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Rahul 3) Samanera Gautama
13 Gana Maha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Sanghanayaka Bhikkhu Subodhanand Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sobhita
3) Bhikkhu Samvegakirti
4) Samanera Sugatananda
6) S Chandananda
7) S Somananda
8) S Sumanavamsha
9) S Somavamsha
10) S Sumanasiri
14 IlayabahiTanabaha Patan
1) Bhikkhu Vimalkirti
15 International Bauddha Pariyatti Vihara Butwal
1) Bhikkhu Jatila
2) Bhikkhu Bhaddiya bdquoB‟
3) Samanera Jnanashree 4) S Jotika
16 International Buddhist Society Lumbini
1) Bhikkhu Maitri Mahathera
2) Samanera Mahapanta
3) S Vimala
17 Jana Udaya Vihara Sunakothi-Lalitpura
1) Bhikkhu Dharmagupta
18 Jitavana Vihara Thankot
1) Bhikkhu Dharmavamsha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sugatamuni Mahathera
3) Samanera Sunita
19 Kuti Vihara Koteshwar-KTM
1) Bhikkhu Yeshdhammo
2) Samanera Wayamo
3) S Milindo 4) S Sunanalankara
20 Manimandapa Mahavihara Patan
1) Bhikshu Shilbhadra Mahathera
2) Samanera Paduma 3) S Nayako
21 Muni Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Samanera Tejendra 2) S Jalapa
3) S Asima 4) S Aryaputra
22 Padma Sugandha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Sumedha 2) Samanera Sudatta
23 Pati Vihara Nagadesh-Bhaktapur
1) Bhikkhu Varasambodhi
24 Pranidhi Purna Maha Vihara Balambu
1) Samanera Sukha
25 Pugatabhoomi Jetavana Vihara Bhairahawa
1) Samanera Jagaro 2) S Suvanno
26 Purvaram Vihara Dhulikhel
1) Bhikkhu Gunaghosha Mahathero
27 Sangharama Vihara Kshetrapati Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Saddhatissa
2) Bhikkhu Kolita
3) Bhikkhu Sangharakshita
28 Shakya Singha Vihara Patan
1) Bhikkhu Dharmapala Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sunanda Mahathera
3) Bhikkhu Dharmarakshita
29 Shikhalapura Vihara Dhulikhel
1) Bhikkhu Dhammananda Mahathera
30 Shree Kirti Vihara Kirtipur
1) Bhikkhu Kirtijyoti 2) Bhikkhu Ananda
3) Bhikkhu Prajnakirti
4) Bhikkhu Dharmakirti
5) Samanera Sundara 6) Bhikkhu Pamit
7) S Subhashkirti 8) S Uttarakirti
31 Shreegha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Dharmasagara
2) Bhikkhu Medhankara
32 Sudarshana Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Rastrapala
33Sumangala Vihara Patan
1) Sanghaupanayaka Bhikkhu Buddhaghosha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Shobhan
3) Bhikkhu Prajnaratna
34 Surya Mangala Vihara Kapilvastu
1) Bhikkhu Suryamangala
35 Tokha Buddha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Samanera Shobhana 2) S Jnanodaya
36 Veluvanarama Vihara Thecho-Lalitpura
1) Samanera Uttama 2) S Chandimo
37 Vishwa Shanti Vihara New Baneshwar
1) Bhikshu Jnanapurnik Mahathera
2) Bhikshu Bodhijnana
3) Bhikshu Nigrodha
4) Bhikshu Udayabhadra
Samaneras
1) S Janak 2) S Sujat
3) S Obhaso 4) S Subhaddo
5) S Nandiyo 6) S Mahindo
7) S Pajjoto 8) S Aloka
9) S Buddhadatta 10) S Panita
11) S Kashyapa 12)S Dharmaghosha
13) S Nagita 14) S Vinaya
15) S Suchitta 16) S Sudatto
17) S Nemindo 18) S Rohito
19) S Jayanto 20) S Meghiyo
21) S Indriyo 22) S Suppamedho
23) S Bhanusarana 24) S Saddhadeepa
25) S Kittimo 26) S Janeyyo
27) S Adicca 28) S Kosalla
29) S Nyanuttara 30) S Bhaddaco
31) S Pabhassaro 32) S Uttaro
38 Yampi Maha Vihara Patan
1) Bhikkhu Bhaddiya
39 Non residencial Monks
1) Bhikshu Samyaka Sambodhi Pranputra
2) Bhikshu Dhyanratna
3) Bhikkhu Chandragupta Balambu
Present Anagarikas and resident in NEPAL
01 Amarapura Vihara Bungamati
1) A Charujnani 2) A Sunita
3) A Palitajnani 4) A Pamitajnani
5) A Padumajnani 6) A Rupawati
02 Bauddha Samaskrit Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Anagarika Sanghashila
03 Buddha ViharaDharan
1) A Sumedhavati 2) A Sushilavati
3) A Kanchana 4) A Shasanavati
04 Bauddha Rishi Mahapragya Ashram Anamnagar
1) Anagarika Prajnavati
05 Chatubrahma Vihara Matatirtha
1) Anagarika Anu
06 Dhammavasa Vihara Khusibun
1) A Krishgautami 2) A Suchita
3) A Shilgautami 4) A Kshantigautami
5) A Shyamavati
07 Dharmakirti Vihara Naghal-Kathmandu
1) Anagarika RatnaManjari
2) A Dhammavati
3) A Dhammadinna (Chameli)
4) A Anupama 5) A Sanghavati
6) A Khemavati 7) A Indravati
8) A Jayavati 9) A Danavati
10) A Tyagavati 11) AViryavati
12) A Shubhavati 13) A Ramavati
14) A Surammavati
15) A Hemavati 16) A Suppabhavati
17) A Supriya 18) A Amata
19) A Vannavati 20) A Suvannavati
08 Dharmashila Buddha Vihara Pokhara
1) Anagarika Karmashila
09 Gautami Vihara Lumbini
1) Anagarika Sujata 2) A Khamesi
10 IlayabahiTana Baha Lalitpur
1) A Shilaparami 2)AViryaparami
3) A Vineeta 4) A Shilachari
11 Int‟l Buddhist Meditation Centre Shankhamul
1) A Aggajnani 2) A Nirmalajnani
3) A Shantarakshita
12 Jaya Mangal ViharaTana Bahal-Patan
1) Anagarika Vijita 2) A Nekkhami
3) A Chittavati
13 Jyoti Vihara Chapagaun- Lalitpur
1) AnagarikaVirygautami
2) A Upeskshagautami
14 Kashivarna Buddha Vihara Panuati
1) Anagarika Satyaparami
15 Kindol Vihara Swayambhu
1) A Sumana 2) A Uttara
3) A Sumitra 4) A Molini
5) A Dhammavijaya 6) A Tejavati
7) A Shyamavati
16 Kunsa BahaHyumat
1) Anagarika Patachari 2) AUmavati
17 Mahabodhi Vihara Tansen
1) Anagarika Revati (Dhammadinna)
18 Muni Vihara Bhaktapur
1) A Sugandhavati 2) A Padmavati
19 Narsinharama Thaina-Patan
1) A Jnanashila 2) ASatyashila
3) AShilavati 4) A Yeshavati 5) A Dharani
6) A Jeenvati
7) A Shilpavatisushma
20 Padmachaitya Vihara Butwal
1) A Udayashila 2) A Santiwati
21 Padmakirti Vihara Kamalpokhari
1) A Kamala 2) A Karunavati
3) A Pabbhavati 4) A Dhyanavati
5) A Bhavanavati
22 Prajnanandarama Okubahal-Patan
1) Anagarika Jnanavati
23 Pranidhipurna Mahavihara Balambu
1) A Mudita 2) A Chandrashila bdquoB‟
24 SangharakshitaVihara Patan
1) Anagarika Abhaya 2) A Chandrashila
3) A Shilachari
25 Shanti Sukhavasa Chakupat-Patan
1) A Utpalavarna (Chini)
26 Shree Kirti Vihara Kirtipur
1) Anagarika Mina
27 SunandaramaThaina-Patan
1) A Madhavi 2) AMasukhi
3) A Mashobha 4) A Mashraddha
5) A Masudha
28 Sulakshanakirti Viahara Kirtipur
1) A Anoja 2) A Atula
3) A Anula
29 Sangharama ViharaDhalko-KTM
1) Anagarika Dharmarakshita
30 Vishwashanti Vihara New Baneshwar
1) A Shubha 2) A Khema
3) A Sudhamma
31 Vishwashanti Dharmakirti Vihara Basundhara
1) A Dhajavati (Kusum) 2) A Padmavati
3) A Bhadravati
32 Residing other Anagarikas
1) Anagarika Chandrajnani Patan
2) A Sraddhavati Shankhamul
3) A Amaravati Patan
4) A Dhammachari Patan
5) A Nanda Thasi
Some Prominent Personalities in the Theravada Movement1
Sanghamahanayakas of Nepal
1 Ven Pragyanand Mahasthavir 1930 ndash 1993 AD
2 Ven Sakyananda Mahasthavir 1993 - 1997 AD
3 Ven Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1997 - 2002 AD
4 Ven Subodhananda Mahasthavir 2002 - 2006 AD
5 Ven Buddhaghosa Mahasthavir 2006-
Amritananda Bhikkhu (1918-1990) original name Lal Kaji Sakya from Tansen
west Nepal he ordain as a novice in 1936 from ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara He studies and was ordained a monk in Sri Lanka in 1940 He
return to Nepal in 1942 and preached first publicly in Kathmandu He
formed Dharmodaya Sabha in 1944 and All Nepal Bhikkhu Mahasangha in
1951 and remained its unchallenged leader until his death He was well
known and traveled widely outside of Nepal because of his dynamism and
charisma He was also one of the greatest Buddhist scholars and writers of
Nepal
Aniruddha Bhikkhu (1915-2003) original name Gaja Ratna Tuladhar son of
Dasa Ratna Sahu (Later Ven Dhammaloka) He went to Sri Lanka in 1930
and ordained as samanera and studied there He had served many years in
Lumbini and third Sanghanayaka of Nepal
1 Sarah Levine and David N Gellner Rebuilding Buddhism The Theravada Movement in
Twentieth Century Nepal (UK Harvard University Press 2006) pp 293-296
Ashwaghosh Bhikkhu (1926- present) original name Buddha Ratna Sakya and
became a novice in 1944 and went to Sri Lanka for study where he took
higher ordination in 1949 he is known as bdquothe communist monk‟ and was a
nominee of the Unified Marxist-Leninist party one of Nepal‟s two main
political parites in the 1990s to the Upper House 1993-5 He had
established nepal‟s first Bhikkhu Training Center at Sangharama Dhalko
and became abbot of this vihara Presently he is abbot of Shrigha Vihara in
Kathmandu and of Dyanakuti Vihara Banepa
Buddhaghosh Bhikkhu (1921- present day) original name Sapta Ratna
Vajracharya in Kwa Baha Kathamandu The founder of Pariyatti Education
in Nepal and presently acting Sanghanayaka of Nepal (2006) and abbot of
Sri Sumangala Vihara in Lalitpur
Chandramani Bhikkhu (1876-1972) a Burmese monk who spent his life in
Kusinagara where he worked for the propagation of Buddhism until his
death He initiated with most of the early Nepalese Theravadins Monks and
Nuns He was the first president of Dharmodaya Sabha and father of
Theravadins of Nepal
Dharmachari Anagarika (1898-1978) born Laxmi Nani Tuladhar she
impressed by Ven Pragyananda in Kindol Vihara and took the precepts
from Chandramani in Kusinagara in 1934 and most prominent Nepali nun
She founded the first nunnery in Nepal at Kindol Vihara in 1947
Dhammaloka Bhikkhu (1891-1977) born Das Ratna Tuladhar Asan
kathamandu He traded in Lhasha went to Sri Lanka and taught Buddhism
as a layman Later became a monk in 1932 after his son Aniruddha ordain
in 1930 he established nepal‟s first Theravādin Vihara bdquoAnanda Kuti
Vihar‟ in Kathmandu
Dhammawati Anagarika (1925- present day) born as Ganesh Kumari Sakya in
Uku Baha lalitpur She ordain too precepts from Ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara and renamed as Dhammavati in 1950 She went to Burma for
study and return in 1963 after passed the Dhammacariya Examination She
was able to established Dhammakirti Nunnery Centre in 1965 and leader of
the Theravādin Nuns She has been re-ordained as Bhikkhuni according to
Mahayana tradition
Dharmaditya Dharmacharya (1902-1963) born as Jagat Man Vaidya in Chika
Bahi Lalitpur and the first Newar Buddhist modernist and the first newar
cultural nationalist He went to study in Calcutta where he became a
follower of anagarika Dhammapala the founder of Maha Bodhi Society
He had formed Buddhist revival foundation and published Buddhist
magazines etc
Nyanpurnika Bhikkhu (1936- present day) Born as Hera Lal Sakya in Tansen
He studied with Buddhaghosh in Lalitpur in Burma and in England He is
only monk who passed Dhammacariya examination of Burma He was the
founder of Vishwa Shanti Vihara and Vishwa Shanti Bauddha sikkyalaya
where train novices He is a prominent translator and writer
Kumar Kashyap Bhikkhu (1926- present day) born as Krishna Man Sakya he
was one of those who exiled to India by the Ranas in 1944 He went to
Study in Sri Lanka and hold nepal‟s first bdquoTripitaka acarya‟ Presently he is
president of All Nepal Bhikkhu Association and abbot of Ananda Kuti
Vihara
Mahapragya Bhikkhu (1901-1979) born Prem Bahadur (Nani Kaji ) Shrestha
He ordained into Tibetan tradition but exiled in 1926 and reordained as
novice in Theravada tradition one of the earlier Theravādin monks He
return to householderhood in Kalimpong in 1940s but then returned to
Kathmandu as a Buddhist sage (Bauddha Rishi) in the 1960s where he
taught until his death
Pragyananda Bhikkhu (1900-1993) born as Kul Man Singh Tuladhar in Itum
Baha Kathmandu a trader in Tibet where he met Ven Mahapragya and
impressed by him to ordained He became a Tibetan Gelung Karmasheel in
1928 and two years later a Theravādin under Ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara in 1930 He was nepal‟s first Sanghamahanayaka and well
respected monk
Shakyananda Bhikkhu (1909-1997) born as Chakra Dhan Sakya in Taksar
Bhojpur East Nepal He spent over forty years as a monk in Tansen outside
the Kathmandu and second sanghamahanayaka of Nepal
Subodhanand Bhikkhu (1916-2006) bor as Kul Raj Sakya in Taksar Bhojpur
East Nepal He was one of the monks exiled by the Ranas in 1944 He was
a prolific composer of Hymns in Nepal Bhasa In 2003 as the most senior
monk in Nepal he was the fourth Sanghanayaka of Nepal
Sudarshan Bhikkhu (1934-2002) born as Rudra Raj Sakya in Uku Baha
lalitpur He was famous a bdquothe boy monk‟ For many years he was a lecturer
in the culture Department of Tribhuvan University a prolific writer
preacher and abbot of Sri Kirti Vihara Kirtipur which is became multi-
cultural center and especially for Buddhist meetings and conferences He
was jailed for some months for Nepal Bhasa activities in the Panchayat
period He was a campaigner on Buddhist issues particularly to do with
Lumbini
Sumangal Bhikkhu (1929-1999) born Bhakta Krishna Shilpakar in Lalitpur He
was famous as ldquoDollar bhanterdquo He ordained in 1959 in Burma obtained a
master‟s degree in Buddhism from Rissho University Japan in 1972 and
was among the first monks to mobilize international connections for
Buddhist projects in Nepal He established Buddha Vihara in Bhrikuti
Mandap Kathmandu He helped raise funds from Thailand and Japan for
IBMc (1985) brought the Japanese healing movement Sei Mei Kyo to
Nepal and in 1993 opened an old people‟s home in Banepa
Glimpse of Theravādin activities in Nepal
Samanera ordination at Muni Vihara
Ordination Ceremony at Vishwa Shanti Vihara
Collecting Alms
Chanting Paritta in devotee‟s home
Giving Holy Thread to Devotees
Buddhist Art in Nepal
Main Buddha Image at Sri Kirti Vihara
Four holy places
Some of the Theravada Buddhist Viharas (Monasteries) in Nepal
Vihars In Kathmandu Valley Telephone No
1 Amarapura Buddha Vihar Bungamati 5551068
2 Anandakuti Vihar Swayambhu 4271420
3 Anandabhuwan Vihar Bhuikhyo 4270429
4 Ganamaha vihar Ganabaha 4253454
5 Gautam Buddha Vihar Panga co 4330576
6 Caturbrahma Vihar Matatirtha 4310558
7 Carumati Vihar Cabahil 4469897
8 Baudhajana Vihar Sunakothi co 5570209
9 Jitapur Gandhakuti Vihar khona Co 5542846
10 Jitawan Vihar Thankot 4311912
11 Jyoti udaya vihar Capagaun Co 5571459
12 Dhammavasa Vihar Khusibun 4358688
13 Dharmakirti Vihar Srigha Naghal 4259466
14 Dharmacakra vihar Bagbajar 4261976
15 Nagar Mandap Sri Kirti Vihar Kirtipur 4330836
16 Nagadesh Buddha Vihar Nagadesh Co 6635397
17 Nirvanmurti Anagarikaram Kindol 4285811
18 Padmasugandha Vihar Manjeshwori 4266255
19 Pranidhi Purna Mahavihar Balambu 43105924312455
20 Pati Vihar Thimi Co 6637601
21 Pippali Theravad Buddha Vihar Shiphal 4475066
22 Punya Udaya Vihar Jala Harisiddhi Co 5527456
23 Buddhabhoomi Mahavihar Tokha 4362514
24 Buddha Vihar Bhrikuti mandapa 4226702
25 Buddharatna Vihar Putalisadak 4244277
26 Bauddha samakrit Vihar Bhaktapur 6610842
27 Manimandap Vihar Patko Bhaktapur 5526517
28 Muni Vihar Bhaktapur 6616464
29 Yampi Mahavihar Ibahi Lalitpur 5539644
30 Yashodhara Baudha Bidyalaya Thaina Lalitpur 5521435
31 Biswo Shanti Vihar Baneshwor 4482384
32 Biswo Shanti Dharmakirti vihar Basundhara 4354251
33 Beluvanarama Vihar Theco Co 5570062
34 Sakyasingha Vihar Thaina Lalitpur 5524760
35 Santi Sukhawas Cakupat co 5523613
36 Siddhimangal Buddha Vihar Thasi 5581495
37 Sumangala Vihara Lagankhel 5531715
38 Sulakshan kirti Vihar Chobhar 4331718
39 Suwanrna Chatrapur Vihar Lubhu 5580430
40 Sangharama Vihar Dhalko Visnumati 4255960
41 Srigha Vihar Nagal 4259110
Vihars out side the Kathamandu Velley Telephone No
1 Ananda Vihar Tansen Co 075-520225520216
2 Citravan Vihar Narayangadha Co 056-521478
3 Taksar Vihar Tansen Co 075-520024
4 Dharmashila Buddha Vihar Phokhara 061-520517
5 Dyankuti Banepa Banepa 011-661244
6 Padma Chaitya Vihar Butawal 071-546470
7 Purwarama Vihar Dhulikhel 011-661979
8 Pragya Mahavihar Hetauda Co 057-520264520136
9 Buddha Vihar Dharan 025-520354
10 Buddha Vihar Biratnagar Co 021-522146530604
11 Beni Buddha Vihar Myagdi Co 069-520354
12 Bodhicharya vihar Banepa 011-661789
13 Lokachakra Buddha Vihar Dhan gadhi 091-622174
14 Sakyamuni Vihar Bhojpur Co 029-420260
15 Sugatapur Vihar Trisuli Co 010-560153
16 Sugandha Vihar Ridi Gulmi Co 079-529435
17 Swoyambhu Chetya Buddha Vihar Urlabari Co 021-540080
18 Swoyambhu Chetya Mahavihar Dharan Co 025-520190
19 Gyanodaya Buddha Vihar Baglung Co 068-520921520336
Footnotes
[1] This paper was written as a part of my MA thesis research on bdquoThe
Revival of Theravada Buddhism and its contribution to Nepalese Society‟ of
Mahachulalongkorn University Bangkok Thailand and would like to thank Mr
Dharma Sakya for every suggestion editing and help for the completion of this
article
[2] Nyanatiloka Buddhist Dictionary 3
rd ed The Free Distribution
version the Corporate Body of the Buddha education foundation Taiwan p
179
[3] Triratna Manandhar bdquoPresent of Buddhism in Nepal‟ (Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK Vol 8 May 2005) p 15
[4] helliphelliphelliphellip The New Encyclopedia of Britannica Vol24 (USA
Library of Congress Catalog 1993) p 781 Dhanabajra Vajracharya Cabahilko
Abhilekha (Inscription of Cabahil) The Charumati Voice (Kath Charumati
Buddhist Mission 2001) pp 17-20 Bhikkhu Sudarsan Mahasthavira Nepal
Upatyaka ma Ashokaki Chori Charumati (Charumati A daughter of
Ashoka in Nepal Valley) (The Charumati Vocie (Kath Charumati Buddhist
Mission 2001) p 20
[5] Beal Samuel Si Yu Ri Buddhist Records of the Western World
(New Delhi Motilal Banarsidass Publishers 1994) pp 80-81 Bhuwan Lal
Pradhan Nepalama Buddhadharma (Kath Nepal Rajkiya Pragyapratisthana
1988) pp 102 ndash 103
[6] NB Thapa A Short History of Nepal (Kath Ratna Pustak
bhandhar Nd) pp 30-33 Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ The
Nation Thailand‟s English Newspaper (Sunday special) Oct 18 1987
[7] Opcit NB Thapa p116
[8] David N Gellner Monk Householder and Tantric Priest Newar
Buddhism and its Hierarchy of Ritual (Cambridge University Press 1996) pp
41ff
[9] Bechert Heinz amp Jens-Uwe Hartmann ldquoObservation on the reform
of Buddhism in Nepalrdquo Journal of Nepal Research Centre vol VIII Kath
Kantipur Printing Press1988p 6
[10] Ria Kloppenborg Theravada Buddhism in Nepal‟ Kailash A
Journal of Himalayan Studies Vol 5 no 41977 p 302
[11] BP Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada Gukathan Wagu Kha (Kath
Hisi Press Nepal BS 20421985) pp44ff
[12] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p47ff
[13] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 51-53 Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal (BKK A Thesis of MA Mahamakut Graduate School
2001) p 97
[14] Bhikshu Sudarshan Mahasthavir bdquoRole of Theravada in the
Preservation of Newar Buddhism‟ wwwircnepalorgpapers
[15] Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 69-72
[16] Opcit Observation on the reform of Buddhism in Nepal p10ff
[17] Opcit Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ RV
Vandya Sanghanayaka Venerable Pragnananda Mahasthavir (Kath Nepal
Co-operative Press 1978) pp 11ff
[18] Bhkkhu Dharmaloka Mahasthavir A Pilgrimage in China (kath
published by Bhikkhu Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1999) p 13-15 Opcit Lacoul
Nepalay Sthavirvada p 74-75
[19] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka p 15
[20] Opcit Bhikkhu dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp16ff
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p100
[21] Ibit Bhikkhu Dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp 27-29
[22] See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A Homage
(Kath Anandakuti Vihar Trust 1992) Kuladharma Ratna Tuladhar Buddhism
in Nepal (Kath Dharmodaya Sabha 1986) pp15 Opcit Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 100
[23] Opcit K R Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal 16 RV Vandya
Sanghanayaka ven Pragnananda p 32 ff
[24] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka Pragnananda pp 34-35
Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthavirvada p 86
[25] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 18 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 101
[26] Bhikkhu Amritananda Mahasthavir A Short History of Theravada
Buddhism in Modern Nepal (Kath Anandakuti Vihar trust 1986) pp 8-9
Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir (Kath Anandakuti
Vihar Trust 1992) p 25
[27] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 19 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[28] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[29] Opcit Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir
p 26
[30] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit KR
Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 20
[31] Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha in Nepal
(BKK A Thesis of MA Buddhist Study Mahachulalongkorn University 2547)
p 23 [32]
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit Ratna
Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir p 26
[33] Amrit R Sthapit bdquowho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Aswaghosha‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 4 no 1 May 2001
p8
[34] helliphelliphelliphelliphellip bdquoWho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Nyanapurninka Mahasthavir‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 7
no 1 May 2004 p13 Viswo Shanti Vihar The Shanti Sandesh (Kath Viswo
Shanti Vihar 1998)
[35] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sumangala Mahasthavir
A monk who modernized Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the
LNBDS UK vol 2 no 1 May 1999 p10
[36] Opcit Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha
in Nepal pp 52ff
[37] Rina Tuladhara Dharmakirti 25 Years of Dharmakirti Buddhist
Study Circle A Glimpse (Kath Dharmakirti Vihar 1996) Mallika Sakya
bdquoWho is Who in Nepalese Buddhism Dhammavati Guruma‟ Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 5 no 1 May 2002 p10
[38] Opcit See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A
Homage Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 108
[39] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sudarshan Mahasthavir A
Gem of the Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol
6 no 1 May 2003 p13
12
Background
As I have mentioned earlier history of Buddhism in Nepal is
very vague There are some evidences that Buddhism was popular
during Buddha‟s time in Nepal There are also evidences that the
Buddha visited Nepal gave discourses to relatives and Buddhists and
ordained Bhikkhus and Bhikkhunis[3]
According to Buddhist scholar‟s
Theravada tradition existed in Nepal since the time of the Lord
Buddha
The evidence was more reliable from the account of King
Asoka The great emperor of ancient India King Asoka visited
Lumbini and erected stone pillar with inscription in Bramhi script
which in English reads bdquo Here the Buddha was born‟
(Hidabhagavamjāteti Lum minigāme) As mentioned before he also
sent Dhamma Missionary (Dhammaduta) to Nepal after third Buddhist
council (Sanghayana) which was held three hundred years after
Buddha‟s parinibbana Buddhist legends has it that one of King
Asoka‟s daughter Carumati married a Nepali called Devapal and
settled in Cabahil Katmandu where she constructed a temple- Cabahil
monastery and became a Bhikkhuni for the rest of her life[4]
Besides
13
these the records of Chinese travelers who visited Buddhist
pilgrimage sites in India and Nepal after King Ashoka‟s visit also gave
some information on existence of Theravada Buddhist monks who
practised and studied along with other Buddhist sects in Nepal[5]
According to historians Buddhism was a dominant religion
until the time of King Jayasthiti Malla who ruled Nepal during
medieval period (around 1382 CE) He imposed caste system in Nepal
according Manudharmasastra a Hindu holy book[6]
Buddhist culture
and tradition were banned the celibate monks were forced to disrobe
and forced to marry Vajrayana or Newar Buddhism was developed
following the demise of Theravada Buddhism The situation of
Buddhist became worse during the time of Rana government In 1846
the mantle of power of Nepal‟s government shifted from the monarchy
to autocratic isolationist Rana government The Shah kings of the
country were kept under tight control of Rana prime ministers[7]
The
country was closed from outside world and kept her eyes closed to
what was happening outside for nearly 104 years That was the age
when Buddhism was totally forgotten by non-Buddhist of Nepal It was
14
known and practised by only certain communities Vajracharyas
(Bajracharyas) Shakyas Tuladhars etc[8]
The Rana government
banned all Buddhist religious activities They also banned people
converting from Hindu religion to Buddhism but traditional Buddhists
were allowed to become Hindus
Theravada Revival Movement
In the early 1920s Dharmāditya Dharmācārya began his
campaign for the revival of Theravāda Buddhism teaching that Nepal
was the land of the Buddha‟s birth Meanwhile the Baisākha purnimā
celebration and publicing of ldquoBuddha Dhammardquo magazine by
Dharmāditya Dharmācārya had been inflaming the inner quest for
spirituality in Nepalewse society Furthermore simulteniously Tibeten
Buddhism had been inspiring Newari Society to walk the path that was
once nearly lost One of the well-known monks who came from Tibet
and preached the Dhamma to the Nepalese was Kyangtse Lama
Known in Nepal as Kyanchhe Lama he had come on pilgrimage to
Nepal His sermons and the publication of the Lalitavistara inspired
many to seek Buddhist ordination in the early period of the modern
15
history of Buddhism in Nepal It was the fortunate conjunction of
Nisthananda‟s translation of the Lalitavistara into the mother tongue
producing a Newāri version of the Buddha‟s life story Dharmāditya
Dharmācārya revivalism and the visits of Kyangtse Lama which
ensured that ldquothe Bud of the Dharmardquo planted by the Venerable Lama
should flower so quickly and produce such impressive fruit His
influence on Newāri scholars was significant One of them was
Yogbeer Sing Kansakar who was honoured for his efforts for the
preservation of the Newāri language The Lama also influenced the
first Theravāda monks Venerable Mahapragya and Venerable
Pragyānanda among others
The closing years of 19th
century saw reform movements in
many Buddhist countries with idea of modernizing Buddhist
movement The term bdquoBuddhist modernization‟ is used to refer to these
new reformist activities[9]
The aim of this movement was to bring
back Buddhism to India and Sri Lanka The Maha Bodhi Society was
founded in India under the leadership of Anagarika Dharmapala[10]
16
This organization was the first Buddhist organization established with
the aim of internationalizing Buddhism
The success of The Maha Bodhi Society encouraged Nepalese
who came in contact with this society They were mostly traditional
Buddhists (Newar Buddhists) of Nepal who were merchants and
pilgrims They played an important role in Theravada revival
movement in present day Nepal However it was students of Buddhism
who gave a kick-start to Theravada movements in modern Nepal
Mr Jagatman Vaidya a traditional Buddhist by birth went to
India for further studies He initiated the Theravada Buddhist revival
movement with the help of The Mahabodhi Society[11]
Mr Jagatman
who later became known as Dharmaditya Dharmacariya devoted most
of his time and energy to Buddhist Revivalism in Nepal by publishing
Buddhist journal in Newari Nepali Hindi English etc One of his
great deeds was to celebrate Baisakh day Buddha Jayanti or Swanya
Punhi in Nepal to commemorate Buddha‟s birth enlightenment and
death (Parinibbana) He established bdquoBuddha Dharma Uddhar
Sangharsquo lsquoBuddhopasaka Sangha‟ and other organizations for the
propagation of Buddhism in Nepal[12]
17
The Buddha Jayanti which he has initiated was celebrated for
the first time in the history of modern Nepal in 1926 after a long gap
Now a day this day is widely celebrated in Nepal Every year people
celebrate it with great joy and happiness[13]
He was also responsible
for stopping animal slaughter at Mayadevi temple in Lumbini and
renovation of Kindol Vihar in Kathmandu This Vihara became the
center for Theravada revival movement[14]
He published Buddhist
magazine entitled bdquoBuddha Dharmarsquo in Newari Language
(Nepalabhasa) emphasizing the importance of Buddha Jayanti
celebration and Theravadian views This was the starting point of
Theravada activities and promotion of Theravadian views in Nepal
after many centuries Some Nepalese youths took ordination according
to Theravada tradition in 1928 They were imprisoned for four days
The Government at the time was under the influence of Shaivait
Brahmins who were calling for a ban against Buddhism Later he was
arrested for his conversion from a Hindu to a Buddhist monk Three
new rules suppressing Buddhism had been issued
18
(1) Conversion to Buddhism from Hinduism (Shaivaism) to be
punished by one year in prison
(2) Acting as preceptor at a Buddhist ordination to be punished by
three years‟ imprisonment and
(3) Attempting to ordain into Buddhism to be punished by a six-
month imprisonment
They were exiled to India and all reordained into Theravada
tradition with ven U Kosala in Buddhagaya However certain reasons
they left the tradition The history speaks only on Ven Mahapragya but
rest of other four monks still under discovery The first Nepalese to
take ordination in Theravada tradition was venerable Mahapragna a
Hindu Shrestha by birth in 1926 After few years study in Tibet again
he went to India where he met Ven U Chandramani a Burmese monk
at Kusinagara[15]
He was impressed with Ven Chandramani and took
Theravada ordination from him This was the starting point for
Theravada ordination once again in the history of modern Nepal after
almost 600 years[16]
Since then Theravadin monastic order been settled
in modern Nepal
19
On the other hand Venerable Pragyananda (Karmasheel) who
converted from Gelung of Tibetan tradition to Theravada with Ven U
Chandramani at Kusinagara India was the first yellow-robed monk
who appeared in the street of Kathmandu valley at the end of 1930s[17]
He stayed at Kindol Vihar at the invitation of Dasaratna Shahu (later
Ven Dharmaloka) and gave discourses The attendance at his
discourses increased day by day and it worried then Rana government
and arrested all the members of Vihar They were imprisoned fined
and later released[18]
Fortunately Ven Pragnananda was in different
place and was not arrested He went on pilgrimage to India with some
devotees His four devotees took ordination under guidance of Ven U
Chandramani at Kusinagar They were Samanera Shasana Jyoti
Anagarika Ratna Pali Anagarika Dhamma Pali and Anagarika
Sangha Pali This was the first nun‟s ordination in Theravada
Buddhism in modern Nepal[19]
In the mean time Dasaratna Shahu
who was running Kindol Vihar brought Civar and bowl from Sri Lanka
for monk ceremonies Soon after his release from prison he took
ordination according to Theravada tradition at Kusinagar from Ven U
Chandramani and became Samanera Dhammaloka in 1932[20]
He
20
visited Nepal as a monk but was arrested immediately on his arrival in
Kathmandu and was imprisoned once again for six days and then
released without charging him with any offences Following his release
from prison he went to stay at Kindol Vihar and continued his
religious activities He was finally able to carry out religious activities
freely in Nepal He succeeded to propagate Theravada Buddhism in the
streets of Kathmandu valley[21]
Later he founded Nepal‟s first
Theravada Buddhist temple bdquoAnandakutirsquo at the foothill of Swayambhu
hill and it became the center for Theravada Sangha in modern Nepal
Venerable Amritananda was another well-known Buddhist
scholar and pioneer person for revival of Theravada Buddhism in
modern Nepa[22]
He was ordained under Ven U Chandramani at
Kusinagara in 1936 CE but was imprisoned along with Ven
Mahapragna at Bhojpur in 1937 In 1942 he came back to Nepal from
abroad after completing his study and gave discourses at the request of
Ven Dharmaloka in Swayambhu during vassavasa days (Three months
Buddhist lent) His public discourses impressed lay people and many
people came to listen to him Other Monks Samaneras and Nuns of
21
Nepal who were studying abroad also came back and joined him and
gave public discourses in different places of Kathmandu valley[23]
This
was a great breakthrough during isolationist Rana government Rana
government of the time banned any public assembly because of fear of
political unrest and demand for political reform in Nepal Because of
their religious activities they were arrested on 30th
July 1944 and
brought in front of then Prime Minister Juddha Shamsher Jung Bahadur
Rana for giving verdict on the charges of propagating the dhamma He
made rules to curtail the Buddhist activities Those who didn‟t follow
these rules were asked either to leave the country or return to worldly
life All the respected monks who were active in revival of Theravada
in Nepal refused to obey the order and were exiled once again from
Nepal The exiled monks this time included Ven Pragnananda Ven
Dharmaloka Ven Subhodhananda Ven Pragnarashmi Samanera
Pragnarasa Samanera Ratnajyoti Samanera Agga Dhamma and
Samanera Kumar The nuns were allowed to remain in the Vihar until
the end of the Vassavasa[24]
22
Development of Theravada Buddhism
The exiled monks formed bdquoDharmodaya Sabha‟ - Nepal‟s first
Buddhist organization with the help of other Buddhist organizations
and individuals on 30th
November 1944 in India under the
chairmanship of Ven U Chandramani Ven Amritananda was its
general secretary[25]
Immediately after establishment of bdquoDharmodaya
Sabha‟ Ven Amritananda wrote a protest letter to Nepalese
government and also appealed to other Buddhist organizations on
behalf of Dharmodaya Sabha He visited many places and various
countries to get support against the expulsion of Buddhist monks from
modern Nepal One of the countries he visited and undertook further
studies was Sri Lanka In Sri Lanka he also succeeded in bringing a
goodwill mission to Nepal in 1946 under the leadership of well-known
scholar Ven Narada Mahasthavir of Vajiraramaya Colombo The
members of this mission consisted of Ven Narada Ven Amritananda
Ven Priyadarshi Dr Ratna Surya and Prof Aryapal They were able
to meet the newly appointed Prime Minister Padma Shumsher J Rana
Ven Amritananda and leader of the mission Ven Narada requested his
23
Excellency to give permission for the exiled monks to return to Nepal
Prime Minister Padma Shamsher accepted their request and permitted
the exiled monks to return Ven Dharmaloka was the first one to come
back to Nepal immediately after receiving a letter from Ven
Amritananda and arrived in Kathmandu in June 1946 (Jesth Sukla 6
2003)[26]
Other monks also returned one by one and again started
propagating Theravada Buddhism in modern Nepal Ven Narada
visited Nepal three times and constructed a Sri Lankan Cetiya at
Anandakuti Vihar He brought a branch of Bodhi tree Buddha‟s relic
to Nepal He also established the first Sima (Uposatha) of Nepal for
Bhikkhus at the Vihara During his third visit he met then Prime
Minister Mohana Shamasher J Rana and requested him to declare
Baisakh Purnima or Buddha Day as a public holiday His Excellency
agreed and declared it as a public holiday for the Buddhist government
civil officers[27]
Since then Theravada Buddhism gained ground in
Nepalese society and made progress Theravada monks propagated
Buddhism by performing ceremonies giving Dharmadesana and
publishing Buddhist texts Many Viharas were built in and outside the
Kathmandu valley to propagate dhamma
24
In 1950 democracy replaced autocratic Rana regime under the
leadership of H M King Tribhuvan This heralded rapid development
of Theravada Buddhism Buddhist monks and nuns were able carry out
their duties freely without hindrances throughout the country The
office of bdquoDharmodaya Sabha‟ shifted from Kalimpong to Kathmandu
after the advent of democracy in 19501 In 1951 Bhikkhu Sangha led
by Ven Amritananda formed lsquoAkhil Nepal Bhikkhu Sangharsquo (All
Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha Council) for the further propagation of
Buddhism in Nepal Ven Amritananda played a great role in
propagation of Theravada Buddhism nationwide His close relationship
with their Majesties helped in his activities[28]
He visited many
countries on behalf of All Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha and Dharmodaya
Sabha In the same year Buddhists of Nepal succeeded in bringing the
relics of Ven Sariputta (Ven Sariputra) and Ven Maudhgalyana
(Ven Moggallana) the foremost disciples of the Buddha for the
exhibition in Nepal His Majesty King Tribhuvan chaired the reception
committee and a reception party was held in the Royal Palace[29]
Following year in 1952 Buddha Jayanti was celebrated throughout the
country with the support of HM King Tribhuvan On this occasion
25
HM King declared Baisakh Purnima or Buddha Jayanti day as a
public holiday throughout the kingdom[30]
In 1956 His late Majesty King Mahendra visited Lumbini the
birthplace of the Buddha and erected a Mahendra Pillar in Lumbini
zone In the same year during 2500th
Buddha Jayanti celebration HM
king banned animal slaughter on this auspicious day throughout the
kingdom[31]
Nepalese Buddhists led by All Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha
Council and Dharmodaya Sabha also organized the Fourth World
Fellowship of Buddhist Conference (WFB) in Kathmandu on this
year[32]
His Majesty‟s government cooperated fully and gave every
assistance for the success of the conference Gradually Theravada
Buddhist monasteries were founded Buddhist Education Buddhapuja
meditation public discourses publications of Buddhist texts and mass
ordination etc took place as a part of dhamma activities Burma Sri
Lanka Thailand and other countries helped Nepal in its effort for
Theravada revival Soon after Theravada Buddhist monks established
the first Bhikkhu training center- Sangharama Vihar and ordained
number of novices under the leadership of Ven Ashogosha
Mahasthavir[33]
Following their ordination they were sent to Sri
26
Lanka Burma and Thailand for their higher ordination and education
Many of these monks have returned to Nepal and are actively engaged
in propagation of dhamma Besides ordination of individual novices
mass ordinations for short periods were also held in different temple
After Anandakuti Vihar the Viswasanti Vihara also established
Vishwa Shanti Bauddha Shikshalaya a Buddhist School under Ven
Nyanapunnika Mahathavir[34]
It teaches both national and Buddhist
curriculum to the novices Now there are nearly 100 Theravada
temples more than four hundred monks and Samaneras and nearly 400
nuns in the country Present Sangha Nayaka is Most Ven
Subodhananda of Gana Mahavihara Kathmandu President of All
Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha is Kumar Kashyapa of Ananda Kuti Vihar
Swayambhu Kathmandu and the head office of All Nepal Bhikkhu
Sangha is in Viswo Santi Vihara New Baneshwor Kathmandu
27
Contribution to Nepalese society
Besides promoting Dhamma Theravada monks and nuns
(Anagarikas) are also involved in other welfare activities like
organising free health camps training centers either in the monasteries
or outside the monasteries They also founded center for old age and
Kindergarten Late Ven Sumangala Mahasthavira[35]
initiated free
clinic at Buddha Vihar a Buddhist home for the elderly at Benepa and
a Buddhist Kindergarten Free Clinics were popular because of lack of
adequate government run clinics in Nepal Many monasteries
organized free clinics Regular clinics like eye and Homeopathic were
run either on weekly or monthly basis Annual campaigns are also run
when it was felt necessary
In 1964 All Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha established a Theravada
education system Pariyatti Sikkha or Nepal Bauddha Pariyatti Siksa
(Buddhist Saturday School) Classes are run in Theravada Buddhist
monasteries Tibetan monasteries other Buddhist centers in public and
private schools There are more than 32 centers throughout the
28
country[36]
Presently its head office is at Viswo Santi Vihara in New
Baneswora Kathmandu
Besides Pariyatti Sikkha Ven Amritananda founded a
Buddhist school - bdquoAnandakuti Vidyapith Boarding School‟ and a
college- bdquoSiddharth Science Campus‟ Both Buddhist monks and lay
people used to teach in these institutions It was started as a Buddhist
school but for some reason it has become a private enterprise Besides
these many monks and nuns are also running other educational
institutions like bdquoNursery school (Siddhartha Shisu Niketan Buddha
Vihar) Primary school (Triple Gem Boarding School) and Higher
Schools There are some Higher Education institutes like Siddharth
University in Banepa International Buddhist University in Lumbini
etc Many Buddhist organizations were founded and they were also
running different classes and research centers like Dharmakirti
Buddhist Research Center Anagarika Dhammavati founded this centre
Later on Anagarika Dhammavati was ordained as Bhikkhuni
according to Taiwanese tradition She is one of the well-known nuns in
the Theravada Buddhism in Nepal[37]
29
The Buddhist temples and organizations bring out number of
publications annually monthly weekly and on special occasions
Dharmodaya Anandabhumi and Dharmakirti are the oldest
Buddhist journals in Nepal and still continued to be published
Ven Amritananda was one of the greatest Buddhist scholars of
Nepal He wrote and translated many books on Buddhism There are
still no other monks or nun in Nepal who can be compared with
him[38]
Late Ven Sudharsan Mahasthavir came close to him Ven
Sudharsan was a pillar of Theravada Buddhism after Ven
Amritananda He was famous for different reason His field of interest
beside dhamma work consisted literature language Archaeology etc
He was a resident monk at Srikirti Vihar Kirtipur and held the post of
professor in History Archaeology and Buddhist philosophy at
Tribhuvan University until his death in July 2002 Some of his books in
Buddhism became course book for BA and MA students in Nepal
He had special interest in archaeology of Lumbini and was an expert on
this subject[39]
30
Revival of Theravada Buddhism in Nepal also had profound
effect in cultural and religious way of life of Nepalese Daily chanting
or Buddhapuja short term ordination observing Sila (Moral code)
caste system celebration of Vesak day celibate life were introduced
In the month of Bhadra or Gunla days (AugustSeptember) Buddhist
hymns are chanted and public discourses are given
Late Ven Sudharshan Mahasthavir formed Sri Kirti Buddhist
center at Sri Kirti Vihar with the aim of introducing Buddhism to other
ethnic groups other than Newars- the original inhabitants of Katmandu
valley This project succeeded in bringing other ethic groups into
Theravada Buddhism As a result of this many ethnic groups who were
originally Buddhists have started organizing Buddhist conferences and
Buddhist activities Another important development is formation of
Gyanmala Bhajan Khala - a Buddhist hymn group This group sings
regularly especially during certain auspicious days at Swayambhu and
other Buddhist sites The songs they sing are based on Buddha‟s
teaching and has been successful in promoting Buddhism in simple
melodious hymns which attracts many people who visits these
religious places
31
Theravadin in Nepalese Society
For centuries Nepalese were aware of only Buddhist priest
(Bajracharya) from Newar Buddhism (Vajrayana) and Tibetan Lamas
They were unaware of Theravadian Buddhist monks and nuns
Bajracharyas are household monks They lead domestic lives and are
not celibate Not all Tibetan monks are celibate It depends on the
school they belong to For example monks from Sakya School of
Tibetan tradition do not have to be celibate Theravada monks wear
distinctive saffron coloured robes They are celibate and lead virtuous
monastic life These monks and nuns have different identity in the eyes
of Nepalese especially the inhabitants of Kathmandu valley Their
simple way of life their full dedication in their work for the benefit of
mankind easily understood Theravada Scriptures translated in different
languages eg in Nepal Bhasa (Newari) Nepali in Hindi and in
English for easy accessibility by different groups helped to gain the
heart of Nepalese people Although many lay people have played
pivotal roles in revival of Theravada Buddhism in Nepal the leadership
32
of monks and nuns were vital in further development and survival of
this tradition
The lay Buddhists of Nepal are pluralistic They participate in
Buddhist ceremonies such as Vesak day daily chanting etc At the
same time they also follow Hindu customs in their daily lives
Buddhism is different from Hinduism and it is not a branch of
Hinduism Hindus believe that Buddha was a reincarnation of Lord
Vishnu Buddha never claimed to be anything other than a human
being ndash although a unique one in the history of mankind
Buddhism in Nepal is unique because of existence of three
different Buddhist traditions - Newar Buddhism (Vajrayana)
Tibetan Buddhism (Mahayana) and Theravada Buddhism
Different Buddhist groups practised different traditions Although the
principle underlying all these traditions is the same they differ in
details Theravada Buddhist tradition is different from Tibetan or
Newar Buddhist traditions but it is developing side-by-side with them
It was not possible for Theravada Buddhism to develop in Nepal
without close co-relation with other traditions but later developed on its
own right These various Buddhist traditions are coexisting in present
33
day Nepal Although they have different cultural traditions and are
developing in their own ways but the followers are the same
Therefore there is no separate identity of Theravadian lay Buddhists
There are number of lay Buddhist organizations such as Dharmodaya
Sabha Dharmakirti Institute Young Buddhist Associations Female
Buddhist Associations more recently Sukhi Hotu Nepal which are
playing important role in promotion of Buddha Dhamma but they are
multi-cultural and multi religious in their daily practices
CONCLUSION
Theravada Buddhism was introduced to Nepal at the time when
public meetings were banned It faced many obstacles at the beginning
Strong dedications of monks and nuns made it possible for its revival in
Nepal after many centuries of neglect Even though the revival
movement of this tradition was started only about 80 years ago it has
already gained strong foot hold in Nepal and gaining popularity day by
day The reason for its popularity lies in many things - the simple and
easily understood way the teachings were given the simple way of life
of monks and nuns lead and various beneficial activities undertaken by
34
Viharas Theravadin Buddhist monks and nuns are well accepted by
people and their contribution in promoting Buddha‟s teachings is
widely recognized Although small in number in comparison to other
Asian countries like Thailand Sri Lanka and Burma both the number
of monks and nuns and monasteries of this tradition are increasing day
by day If this trend continues it will become one of the prominent
religious traditions in Nepal It is only natural that this oldest Buddhist
tradition should gain its place of honour it deserve in a country where
the founder of the religion was born
35
Theravada Records in Nepal
List of Monks Novices and Anagarikas studying abroad
MONKS AND NOVICES
I Thailand
1 Bhikkhu Anil Man Dhammasakiyo (Sugandha)
2 Bhikkhu Vipassi Dhammaramo
3 Bhikkhu Jit Bahadur Gurung
4 Bhikkhu Krishna Thapamagar
5 Bhikkhu Pannamurti
6 Bhikkhu Sujan Sujano
7 Bhikkhu Anil Sumankitti
8 Bhikkhu Santosh Santosho
9 Bhikkhu Khemik Suddhasilo
10 Bhikkhu Suman Rocano
11 Bhikkhu Sanu Maharajano
12 Bhikkhu Santamano Dhwajjoshi
13 Bhikkhu Suman Dhwajjoshi
14 Bhikkhu Bijit Khemasakko
15 Bhikkhu Supreme Shakyavanso
Samaneras
1 Samanera Buddharatna Maharjan
2 Samanera Dhammaratna Maharjan
3 Samanera Bipin Maharjan
4 Samanera Prajwal Shakya
5 Samanera Ukesh Sakya
6 Samanera Gopi Maharjan
7 Samanera Sudip Deshar
8 Samanera Sudat Deshar
9 Samanera Deepi Maharjan
10 Samanera Ramit Shrestha
11 Samanera Anup Deshar
12 Samanera Suman Bajracharya bdquoA‟
13 Samanera Rajendra Deshar
14 Samanera Kapila Maharjan
15 Samanera Arbin Shakya
36
16 Samanera Kabindra Bajracharya
17 Samanera Ujjawal Shakya
18 Samanera Satish Shakya
19 Samanera Bimal Gurung
20 Samanera Surya Gurung
21 Samanera Sameer Maharjan
22 Samanera Anup Shakya
23 Samanera Arjun Magar
24 Samanera Kiran Desahar
25 Samanera Dipesh Shrestha
26 Samanera Tejendra Tamang
27 Samanera Ashim Shakya
28 Samanera Jalap Bajracharya
29 Samanera Arya Dev Bajracharya
30 Samanera Sudarshan Maharjan
31 Samanera Sangharatna
32 Samanera Suman Bajracharya bdquoB‟
33 Samanera Kijan Maharjan
34 Samanera Ramesh Maharjan
35 Samanera Niroj Maharjan
36 Samanera Jen Maharjan
37 Samanera Denish Bajracharya
38 Samanera Pritam Bahadur Shakya
39 Samanera Abhishek Shakya
40 Samanera Bishal Shakya
41 Samanera Sajal Shakya
42 Samanera Suraj Bhakta Shrestha
43 Samanera Dinesh Chaudhary
44 Samanera Shiv Swatantra Tharu
45 Samanera Sambhu Lal Khang
46 Samanera Buddharatna Chaudhary
47 Samanera Mukesh Chaudhary
II Myanmar (Burma)
Bhikkhu Samaneras
1 Bhikkhu Panavimala
2 Bhikkhu Dhyanratna
3 Bhikkhu Adiccho
4 Bhikkhu Vimalbuddhi
5 Bhikkhu Shobhan
6 Samanera Amato
7 Samanera Jutimma
8 Samanera Buddhapiyo
9 Samanera Kavindo
10 Samanera Nagasena
11 Samanera Gyanavudho
III Taiwan(ROC) 1 Bhikkhu Mangala 2 Bhikkhu Vazirbuddhi
IV Australia 1 Bhikkhu Upatissa
V India
1 Bhikkhu Dharmajyoti 2 Bhikkhu Ashokakirti
3 Bhikkhu Narawang Tamang
VI United kingdom 1 Bhikkhu Suman
VII USA 1 Bhikkhu Pragnaloka
VIII Sri Lanka
Bhikkhus
Bhikkhu Nanda
Bhikkhu Vineeta
Bhikkhu Ashoka
Bhikkhu Triratna
Bhikkhu Sagara
Bhikkhu Sankicca
Bhikkhu Vajirasiri
Bhikkhu Sarada
Bhikkhu Veenit
Bhikkhu Ratana
Bhikkhu Tissa
Bhikkhu Vajira
Bhikkhu Pannawimal
Bhikkhu Medhankar
Bhikkhu Pannasara
SARAMANERAS
Saranankara
Piyadassi
Dil Bhadra
Chandima
Samita
Narada bdquoA‟
Piyaratna
Kusala
Lakkhana
Udit
Vibekanada
Pannananda
Mettananda
Chandananda
Yassari
Upali
Subodhi
Mahanama
Kashyapa
Dhammapala
Narada bdquoB‟
Nalaka bdquoA‟
Daywasa
Santa Sobhana
Santa Siddhartha
Santa Maitri
Santa Kosala
Santa Sakya
Suvaca
Sukama Sila
Siddhartha
Nanda bdquoA‟
Rahula
Sudheera
Kosala Dheera
Panna Wansa
Jina Wansa
Mahinda
Nanda bdquoB‟
Seewali
Mahapantha
Assaji
Sarada
Sumana
Ananda
Nalaka bdquoB‟
Aloka
Suwarna
Subodh
Udena
Sangharatna bdquoA‟
Gyanendra
Khema
Soma bdquoA‟
Punna
Panna Ransi
Soma bdquoB‟
Santa bdquoA‟
Kapila Wansa
Asita Wansa
Sumanananda bdquoa‟
Vijitananda
Khemananda
Silananda
Medhananda
Somaratna
Soratha
Pragyananda
Sumangala
Santa Citta
Yasa
Dhamma Kitti
Panna Kitti
Santa Dheera
Vijitananda
Sumanananda bdquob‟
Vajra Bodhi
Dhammika
Santa bdquoB‟
Anuruddha
Sumana bdquoB‟
Jinavamsa
Panna Vansa
Buddha Ratna
Dhamma Ratna
Ariya Ratna
Piyadassi bdquoB‟
Sila Ratna
Sangha Ratna bdquoB‟
List of Anagarikas studying in abroad
I Thailand
1 Anagarika Sirisuta Maharjan
2 Anagarika Ramsobha Shrestha
3 Anagarika Sunita Napit
II Myanmar
1 Anagarika Javanvati
2 Anagarika Vimalajnani
3 Anagarika Ambika
4 Anagarika Buddhapali
5 Anagarika Darshana
6 Anagarika Agrajnani
7 Anagarika Nandavati
bdquob‟
III India 1 Anagarika Rupashila
IV Taiwan
1 Anagarika Pannavati
2 Anagarika Sani
3 Anagarika Nima
V Sri Lanka
1 Anagarika Pannawati
2 Anagarika Mettawati
3 Anagarika Keshawati
4 Anagarika Prasnnawati
5 Anagarika Sukhawati
6 Anagarika Shobhawati
7 Anagarika Subhadra
8 Anagarika
Shraddhagautami
9 Anagarika Upananda
10 Anagarika Shantawati
11 Anagarika Suciwati
Residences of Theravādin Monks in Nepal
01 Abhinava Buddha Vihara Lumbini
1) Bhikkhu Vimalananda Mahathera
2) Samanera Sunanda
02 Anandakut Vihara Swayambhu Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Kumara Kassapa Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Dharmamurti 3) Samanera Kondanya
4) S Prajnaratna 5) S Asoka
6) S Kumarjeeva 7) S Assaji
03 Bauddha Samaskrita Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Bhikkhu Dharmashobhana Mahathera
04 Bodhicharya Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Bodhisena Mahathera
2) Samanera Bodhideepa
05 Buddha Vihara Bhrikuti Mandap-Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Kondanya 2) Bhikkhu Sushil
3) Samanera Anuyoga 3) S Javana
4) S Udena
06 Buddha Vihara Biratnagar
1) Bhikkhu Aloka
07 Buddha Vihara Dharan
1) Bhikkhu Maitri (Tamang)
2) Bhikkhu Chhavikirti
08 Chatubrahma Vihara Matatirtha
1) Bhikkhu Thansettho
2) Bhikkhu Samyakaratna
3) Bhikkhu Bodhananda
9 Charumati Stupa Vihara Chabahil Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Tapassi Dhamma
10 Dharmacakra Ashrama Bagbazar
1) Bhikkhu Milinda
11 Dharmashila Buddha Vihara Pokhara
1) Bhikkhu Subhadda 2) Bhikkhu Saddhananda
12 Dhyanakuti Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Ashwaghosha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Rahul 3) Samanera Gautama
13 Gana Maha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Sanghanayaka Bhikkhu Subodhanand Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sobhita
3) Bhikkhu Samvegakirti
4) Samanera Sugatananda
6) S Chandananda
7) S Somananda
8) S Sumanavamsha
9) S Somavamsha
10) S Sumanasiri
14 IlayabahiTanabaha Patan
1) Bhikkhu Vimalkirti
15 International Bauddha Pariyatti Vihara Butwal
1) Bhikkhu Jatila
2) Bhikkhu Bhaddiya bdquoB‟
3) Samanera Jnanashree 4) S Jotika
16 International Buddhist Society Lumbini
1) Bhikkhu Maitri Mahathera
2) Samanera Mahapanta
3) S Vimala
17 Jana Udaya Vihara Sunakothi-Lalitpura
1) Bhikkhu Dharmagupta
18 Jitavana Vihara Thankot
1) Bhikkhu Dharmavamsha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sugatamuni Mahathera
3) Samanera Sunita
19 Kuti Vihara Koteshwar-KTM
1) Bhikkhu Yeshdhammo
2) Samanera Wayamo
3) S Milindo 4) S Sunanalankara
20 Manimandapa Mahavihara Patan
1) Bhikshu Shilbhadra Mahathera
2) Samanera Paduma 3) S Nayako
21 Muni Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Samanera Tejendra 2) S Jalapa
3) S Asima 4) S Aryaputra
22 Padma Sugandha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Sumedha 2) Samanera Sudatta
23 Pati Vihara Nagadesh-Bhaktapur
1) Bhikkhu Varasambodhi
24 Pranidhi Purna Maha Vihara Balambu
1) Samanera Sukha
25 Pugatabhoomi Jetavana Vihara Bhairahawa
1) Samanera Jagaro 2) S Suvanno
26 Purvaram Vihara Dhulikhel
1) Bhikkhu Gunaghosha Mahathero
27 Sangharama Vihara Kshetrapati Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Saddhatissa
2) Bhikkhu Kolita
3) Bhikkhu Sangharakshita
28 Shakya Singha Vihara Patan
1) Bhikkhu Dharmapala Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sunanda Mahathera
3) Bhikkhu Dharmarakshita
29 Shikhalapura Vihara Dhulikhel
1) Bhikkhu Dhammananda Mahathera
30 Shree Kirti Vihara Kirtipur
1) Bhikkhu Kirtijyoti 2) Bhikkhu Ananda
3) Bhikkhu Prajnakirti
4) Bhikkhu Dharmakirti
5) Samanera Sundara 6) Bhikkhu Pamit
7) S Subhashkirti 8) S Uttarakirti
31 Shreegha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Dharmasagara
2) Bhikkhu Medhankara
32 Sudarshana Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Rastrapala
33Sumangala Vihara Patan
1) Sanghaupanayaka Bhikkhu Buddhaghosha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Shobhan
3) Bhikkhu Prajnaratna
34 Surya Mangala Vihara Kapilvastu
1) Bhikkhu Suryamangala
35 Tokha Buddha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Samanera Shobhana 2) S Jnanodaya
36 Veluvanarama Vihara Thecho-Lalitpura
1) Samanera Uttama 2) S Chandimo
37 Vishwa Shanti Vihara New Baneshwar
1) Bhikshu Jnanapurnik Mahathera
2) Bhikshu Bodhijnana
3) Bhikshu Nigrodha
4) Bhikshu Udayabhadra
Samaneras
1) S Janak 2) S Sujat
3) S Obhaso 4) S Subhaddo
5) S Nandiyo 6) S Mahindo
7) S Pajjoto 8) S Aloka
9) S Buddhadatta 10) S Panita
11) S Kashyapa 12)S Dharmaghosha
13) S Nagita 14) S Vinaya
15) S Suchitta 16) S Sudatto
17) S Nemindo 18) S Rohito
19) S Jayanto 20) S Meghiyo
21) S Indriyo 22) S Suppamedho
23) S Bhanusarana 24) S Saddhadeepa
25) S Kittimo 26) S Janeyyo
27) S Adicca 28) S Kosalla
29) S Nyanuttara 30) S Bhaddaco
31) S Pabhassaro 32) S Uttaro
38 Yampi Maha Vihara Patan
1) Bhikkhu Bhaddiya
39 Non residencial Monks
1) Bhikshu Samyaka Sambodhi Pranputra
2) Bhikshu Dhyanratna
3) Bhikkhu Chandragupta Balambu
Present Anagarikas and resident in NEPAL
01 Amarapura Vihara Bungamati
1) A Charujnani 2) A Sunita
3) A Palitajnani 4) A Pamitajnani
5) A Padumajnani 6) A Rupawati
02 Bauddha Samaskrit Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Anagarika Sanghashila
03 Buddha ViharaDharan
1) A Sumedhavati 2) A Sushilavati
3) A Kanchana 4) A Shasanavati
04 Bauddha Rishi Mahapragya Ashram Anamnagar
1) Anagarika Prajnavati
05 Chatubrahma Vihara Matatirtha
1) Anagarika Anu
06 Dhammavasa Vihara Khusibun
1) A Krishgautami 2) A Suchita
3) A Shilgautami 4) A Kshantigautami
5) A Shyamavati
07 Dharmakirti Vihara Naghal-Kathmandu
1) Anagarika RatnaManjari
2) A Dhammavati
3) A Dhammadinna (Chameli)
4) A Anupama 5) A Sanghavati
6) A Khemavati 7) A Indravati
8) A Jayavati 9) A Danavati
10) A Tyagavati 11) AViryavati
12) A Shubhavati 13) A Ramavati
14) A Surammavati
15) A Hemavati 16) A Suppabhavati
17) A Supriya 18) A Amata
19) A Vannavati 20) A Suvannavati
08 Dharmashila Buddha Vihara Pokhara
1) Anagarika Karmashila
09 Gautami Vihara Lumbini
1) Anagarika Sujata 2) A Khamesi
10 IlayabahiTana Baha Lalitpur
1) A Shilaparami 2)AViryaparami
3) A Vineeta 4) A Shilachari
11 Int‟l Buddhist Meditation Centre Shankhamul
1) A Aggajnani 2) A Nirmalajnani
3) A Shantarakshita
12 Jaya Mangal ViharaTana Bahal-Patan
1) Anagarika Vijita 2) A Nekkhami
3) A Chittavati
13 Jyoti Vihara Chapagaun- Lalitpur
1) AnagarikaVirygautami
2) A Upeskshagautami
14 Kashivarna Buddha Vihara Panuati
1) Anagarika Satyaparami
15 Kindol Vihara Swayambhu
1) A Sumana 2) A Uttara
3) A Sumitra 4) A Molini
5) A Dhammavijaya 6) A Tejavati
7) A Shyamavati
16 Kunsa BahaHyumat
1) Anagarika Patachari 2) AUmavati
17 Mahabodhi Vihara Tansen
1) Anagarika Revati (Dhammadinna)
18 Muni Vihara Bhaktapur
1) A Sugandhavati 2) A Padmavati
19 Narsinharama Thaina-Patan
1) A Jnanashila 2) ASatyashila
3) AShilavati 4) A Yeshavati 5) A Dharani
6) A Jeenvati
7) A Shilpavatisushma
20 Padmachaitya Vihara Butwal
1) A Udayashila 2) A Santiwati
21 Padmakirti Vihara Kamalpokhari
1) A Kamala 2) A Karunavati
3) A Pabbhavati 4) A Dhyanavati
5) A Bhavanavati
22 Prajnanandarama Okubahal-Patan
1) Anagarika Jnanavati
23 Pranidhipurna Mahavihara Balambu
1) A Mudita 2) A Chandrashila bdquoB‟
24 SangharakshitaVihara Patan
1) Anagarika Abhaya 2) A Chandrashila
3) A Shilachari
25 Shanti Sukhavasa Chakupat-Patan
1) A Utpalavarna (Chini)
26 Shree Kirti Vihara Kirtipur
1) Anagarika Mina
27 SunandaramaThaina-Patan
1) A Madhavi 2) AMasukhi
3) A Mashobha 4) A Mashraddha
5) A Masudha
28 Sulakshanakirti Viahara Kirtipur
1) A Anoja 2) A Atula
3) A Anula
29 Sangharama ViharaDhalko-KTM
1) Anagarika Dharmarakshita
30 Vishwashanti Vihara New Baneshwar
1) A Shubha 2) A Khema
3) A Sudhamma
31 Vishwashanti Dharmakirti Vihara Basundhara
1) A Dhajavati (Kusum) 2) A Padmavati
3) A Bhadravati
32 Residing other Anagarikas
1) Anagarika Chandrajnani Patan
2) A Sraddhavati Shankhamul
3) A Amaravati Patan
4) A Dhammachari Patan
5) A Nanda Thasi
Some Prominent Personalities in the Theravada Movement1
Sanghamahanayakas of Nepal
1 Ven Pragyanand Mahasthavir 1930 ndash 1993 AD
2 Ven Sakyananda Mahasthavir 1993 - 1997 AD
3 Ven Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1997 - 2002 AD
4 Ven Subodhananda Mahasthavir 2002 - 2006 AD
5 Ven Buddhaghosa Mahasthavir 2006-
Amritananda Bhikkhu (1918-1990) original name Lal Kaji Sakya from Tansen
west Nepal he ordain as a novice in 1936 from ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara He studies and was ordained a monk in Sri Lanka in 1940 He
return to Nepal in 1942 and preached first publicly in Kathmandu He
formed Dharmodaya Sabha in 1944 and All Nepal Bhikkhu Mahasangha in
1951 and remained its unchallenged leader until his death He was well
known and traveled widely outside of Nepal because of his dynamism and
charisma He was also one of the greatest Buddhist scholars and writers of
Nepal
Aniruddha Bhikkhu (1915-2003) original name Gaja Ratna Tuladhar son of
Dasa Ratna Sahu (Later Ven Dhammaloka) He went to Sri Lanka in 1930
and ordained as samanera and studied there He had served many years in
Lumbini and third Sanghanayaka of Nepal
1 Sarah Levine and David N Gellner Rebuilding Buddhism The Theravada Movement in
Twentieth Century Nepal (UK Harvard University Press 2006) pp 293-296
Ashwaghosh Bhikkhu (1926- present) original name Buddha Ratna Sakya and
became a novice in 1944 and went to Sri Lanka for study where he took
higher ordination in 1949 he is known as bdquothe communist monk‟ and was a
nominee of the Unified Marxist-Leninist party one of Nepal‟s two main
political parites in the 1990s to the Upper House 1993-5 He had
established nepal‟s first Bhikkhu Training Center at Sangharama Dhalko
and became abbot of this vihara Presently he is abbot of Shrigha Vihara in
Kathmandu and of Dyanakuti Vihara Banepa
Buddhaghosh Bhikkhu (1921- present day) original name Sapta Ratna
Vajracharya in Kwa Baha Kathamandu The founder of Pariyatti Education
in Nepal and presently acting Sanghanayaka of Nepal (2006) and abbot of
Sri Sumangala Vihara in Lalitpur
Chandramani Bhikkhu (1876-1972) a Burmese monk who spent his life in
Kusinagara where he worked for the propagation of Buddhism until his
death He initiated with most of the early Nepalese Theravadins Monks and
Nuns He was the first president of Dharmodaya Sabha and father of
Theravadins of Nepal
Dharmachari Anagarika (1898-1978) born Laxmi Nani Tuladhar she
impressed by Ven Pragyananda in Kindol Vihara and took the precepts
from Chandramani in Kusinagara in 1934 and most prominent Nepali nun
She founded the first nunnery in Nepal at Kindol Vihara in 1947
Dhammaloka Bhikkhu (1891-1977) born Das Ratna Tuladhar Asan
kathamandu He traded in Lhasha went to Sri Lanka and taught Buddhism
as a layman Later became a monk in 1932 after his son Aniruddha ordain
in 1930 he established nepal‟s first Theravādin Vihara bdquoAnanda Kuti
Vihar‟ in Kathmandu
Dhammawati Anagarika (1925- present day) born as Ganesh Kumari Sakya in
Uku Baha lalitpur She ordain too precepts from Ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara and renamed as Dhammavati in 1950 She went to Burma for
study and return in 1963 after passed the Dhammacariya Examination She
was able to established Dhammakirti Nunnery Centre in 1965 and leader of
the Theravādin Nuns She has been re-ordained as Bhikkhuni according to
Mahayana tradition
Dharmaditya Dharmacharya (1902-1963) born as Jagat Man Vaidya in Chika
Bahi Lalitpur and the first Newar Buddhist modernist and the first newar
cultural nationalist He went to study in Calcutta where he became a
follower of anagarika Dhammapala the founder of Maha Bodhi Society
He had formed Buddhist revival foundation and published Buddhist
magazines etc
Nyanpurnika Bhikkhu (1936- present day) Born as Hera Lal Sakya in Tansen
He studied with Buddhaghosh in Lalitpur in Burma and in England He is
only monk who passed Dhammacariya examination of Burma He was the
founder of Vishwa Shanti Vihara and Vishwa Shanti Bauddha sikkyalaya
where train novices He is a prominent translator and writer
Kumar Kashyap Bhikkhu (1926- present day) born as Krishna Man Sakya he
was one of those who exiled to India by the Ranas in 1944 He went to
Study in Sri Lanka and hold nepal‟s first bdquoTripitaka acarya‟ Presently he is
president of All Nepal Bhikkhu Association and abbot of Ananda Kuti
Vihara
Mahapragya Bhikkhu (1901-1979) born Prem Bahadur (Nani Kaji ) Shrestha
He ordained into Tibetan tradition but exiled in 1926 and reordained as
novice in Theravada tradition one of the earlier Theravādin monks He
return to householderhood in Kalimpong in 1940s but then returned to
Kathmandu as a Buddhist sage (Bauddha Rishi) in the 1960s where he
taught until his death
Pragyananda Bhikkhu (1900-1993) born as Kul Man Singh Tuladhar in Itum
Baha Kathmandu a trader in Tibet where he met Ven Mahapragya and
impressed by him to ordained He became a Tibetan Gelung Karmasheel in
1928 and two years later a Theravādin under Ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara in 1930 He was nepal‟s first Sanghamahanayaka and well
respected monk
Shakyananda Bhikkhu (1909-1997) born as Chakra Dhan Sakya in Taksar
Bhojpur East Nepal He spent over forty years as a monk in Tansen outside
the Kathmandu and second sanghamahanayaka of Nepal
Subodhanand Bhikkhu (1916-2006) bor as Kul Raj Sakya in Taksar Bhojpur
East Nepal He was one of the monks exiled by the Ranas in 1944 He was
a prolific composer of Hymns in Nepal Bhasa In 2003 as the most senior
monk in Nepal he was the fourth Sanghanayaka of Nepal
Sudarshan Bhikkhu (1934-2002) born as Rudra Raj Sakya in Uku Baha
lalitpur He was famous a bdquothe boy monk‟ For many years he was a lecturer
in the culture Department of Tribhuvan University a prolific writer
preacher and abbot of Sri Kirti Vihara Kirtipur which is became multi-
cultural center and especially for Buddhist meetings and conferences He
was jailed for some months for Nepal Bhasa activities in the Panchayat
period He was a campaigner on Buddhist issues particularly to do with
Lumbini
Sumangal Bhikkhu (1929-1999) born Bhakta Krishna Shilpakar in Lalitpur He
was famous as ldquoDollar bhanterdquo He ordained in 1959 in Burma obtained a
master‟s degree in Buddhism from Rissho University Japan in 1972 and
was among the first monks to mobilize international connections for
Buddhist projects in Nepal He established Buddha Vihara in Bhrikuti
Mandap Kathmandu He helped raise funds from Thailand and Japan for
IBMc (1985) brought the Japanese healing movement Sei Mei Kyo to
Nepal and in 1993 opened an old people‟s home in Banepa
Glimpse of Theravādin activities in Nepal
Samanera ordination at Muni Vihara
Ordination Ceremony at Vishwa Shanti Vihara
Collecting Alms
Chanting Paritta in devotee‟s home
Giving Holy Thread to Devotees
Buddhist Art in Nepal
Main Buddha Image at Sri Kirti Vihara
Four holy places
Some of the Theravada Buddhist Viharas (Monasteries) in Nepal
Vihars In Kathmandu Valley Telephone No
1 Amarapura Buddha Vihar Bungamati 5551068
2 Anandakuti Vihar Swayambhu 4271420
3 Anandabhuwan Vihar Bhuikhyo 4270429
4 Ganamaha vihar Ganabaha 4253454
5 Gautam Buddha Vihar Panga co 4330576
6 Caturbrahma Vihar Matatirtha 4310558
7 Carumati Vihar Cabahil 4469897
8 Baudhajana Vihar Sunakothi co 5570209
9 Jitapur Gandhakuti Vihar khona Co 5542846
10 Jitawan Vihar Thankot 4311912
11 Jyoti udaya vihar Capagaun Co 5571459
12 Dhammavasa Vihar Khusibun 4358688
13 Dharmakirti Vihar Srigha Naghal 4259466
14 Dharmacakra vihar Bagbajar 4261976
15 Nagar Mandap Sri Kirti Vihar Kirtipur 4330836
16 Nagadesh Buddha Vihar Nagadesh Co 6635397
17 Nirvanmurti Anagarikaram Kindol 4285811
18 Padmasugandha Vihar Manjeshwori 4266255
19 Pranidhi Purna Mahavihar Balambu 43105924312455
20 Pati Vihar Thimi Co 6637601
21 Pippali Theravad Buddha Vihar Shiphal 4475066
22 Punya Udaya Vihar Jala Harisiddhi Co 5527456
23 Buddhabhoomi Mahavihar Tokha 4362514
24 Buddha Vihar Bhrikuti mandapa 4226702
25 Buddharatna Vihar Putalisadak 4244277
26 Bauddha samakrit Vihar Bhaktapur 6610842
27 Manimandap Vihar Patko Bhaktapur 5526517
28 Muni Vihar Bhaktapur 6616464
29 Yampi Mahavihar Ibahi Lalitpur 5539644
30 Yashodhara Baudha Bidyalaya Thaina Lalitpur 5521435
31 Biswo Shanti Vihar Baneshwor 4482384
32 Biswo Shanti Dharmakirti vihar Basundhara 4354251
33 Beluvanarama Vihar Theco Co 5570062
34 Sakyasingha Vihar Thaina Lalitpur 5524760
35 Santi Sukhawas Cakupat co 5523613
36 Siddhimangal Buddha Vihar Thasi 5581495
37 Sumangala Vihara Lagankhel 5531715
38 Sulakshan kirti Vihar Chobhar 4331718
39 Suwanrna Chatrapur Vihar Lubhu 5580430
40 Sangharama Vihar Dhalko Visnumati 4255960
41 Srigha Vihar Nagal 4259110
Vihars out side the Kathamandu Velley Telephone No
1 Ananda Vihar Tansen Co 075-520225520216
2 Citravan Vihar Narayangadha Co 056-521478
3 Taksar Vihar Tansen Co 075-520024
4 Dharmashila Buddha Vihar Phokhara 061-520517
5 Dyankuti Banepa Banepa 011-661244
6 Padma Chaitya Vihar Butawal 071-546470
7 Purwarama Vihar Dhulikhel 011-661979
8 Pragya Mahavihar Hetauda Co 057-520264520136
9 Buddha Vihar Dharan 025-520354
10 Buddha Vihar Biratnagar Co 021-522146530604
11 Beni Buddha Vihar Myagdi Co 069-520354
12 Bodhicharya vihar Banepa 011-661789
13 Lokachakra Buddha Vihar Dhan gadhi 091-622174
14 Sakyamuni Vihar Bhojpur Co 029-420260
15 Sugatapur Vihar Trisuli Co 010-560153
16 Sugandha Vihar Ridi Gulmi Co 079-529435
17 Swoyambhu Chetya Buddha Vihar Urlabari Co 021-540080
18 Swoyambhu Chetya Mahavihar Dharan Co 025-520190
19 Gyanodaya Buddha Vihar Baglung Co 068-520921520336
Footnotes
[1] This paper was written as a part of my MA thesis research on bdquoThe
Revival of Theravada Buddhism and its contribution to Nepalese Society‟ of
Mahachulalongkorn University Bangkok Thailand and would like to thank Mr
Dharma Sakya for every suggestion editing and help for the completion of this
article
[2] Nyanatiloka Buddhist Dictionary 3
rd ed The Free Distribution
version the Corporate Body of the Buddha education foundation Taiwan p
179
[3] Triratna Manandhar bdquoPresent of Buddhism in Nepal‟ (Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK Vol 8 May 2005) p 15
[4] helliphelliphelliphellip The New Encyclopedia of Britannica Vol24 (USA
Library of Congress Catalog 1993) p 781 Dhanabajra Vajracharya Cabahilko
Abhilekha (Inscription of Cabahil) The Charumati Voice (Kath Charumati
Buddhist Mission 2001) pp 17-20 Bhikkhu Sudarsan Mahasthavira Nepal
Upatyaka ma Ashokaki Chori Charumati (Charumati A daughter of
Ashoka in Nepal Valley) (The Charumati Vocie (Kath Charumati Buddhist
Mission 2001) p 20
[5] Beal Samuel Si Yu Ri Buddhist Records of the Western World
(New Delhi Motilal Banarsidass Publishers 1994) pp 80-81 Bhuwan Lal
Pradhan Nepalama Buddhadharma (Kath Nepal Rajkiya Pragyapratisthana
1988) pp 102 ndash 103
[6] NB Thapa A Short History of Nepal (Kath Ratna Pustak
bhandhar Nd) pp 30-33 Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ The
Nation Thailand‟s English Newspaper (Sunday special) Oct 18 1987
[7] Opcit NB Thapa p116
[8] David N Gellner Monk Householder and Tantric Priest Newar
Buddhism and its Hierarchy of Ritual (Cambridge University Press 1996) pp
41ff
[9] Bechert Heinz amp Jens-Uwe Hartmann ldquoObservation on the reform
of Buddhism in Nepalrdquo Journal of Nepal Research Centre vol VIII Kath
Kantipur Printing Press1988p 6
[10] Ria Kloppenborg Theravada Buddhism in Nepal‟ Kailash A
Journal of Himalayan Studies Vol 5 no 41977 p 302
[11] BP Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada Gukathan Wagu Kha (Kath
Hisi Press Nepal BS 20421985) pp44ff
[12] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p47ff
[13] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 51-53 Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal (BKK A Thesis of MA Mahamakut Graduate School
2001) p 97
[14] Bhikshu Sudarshan Mahasthavir bdquoRole of Theravada in the
Preservation of Newar Buddhism‟ wwwircnepalorgpapers
[15] Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 69-72
[16] Opcit Observation on the reform of Buddhism in Nepal p10ff
[17] Opcit Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ RV
Vandya Sanghanayaka Venerable Pragnananda Mahasthavir (Kath Nepal
Co-operative Press 1978) pp 11ff
[18] Bhkkhu Dharmaloka Mahasthavir A Pilgrimage in China (kath
published by Bhikkhu Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1999) p 13-15 Opcit Lacoul
Nepalay Sthavirvada p 74-75
[19] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka p 15
[20] Opcit Bhikkhu dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp16ff
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p100
[21] Ibit Bhikkhu Dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp 27-29
[22] See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A Homage
(Kath Anandakuti Vihar Trust 1992) Kuladharma Ratna Tuladhar Buddhism
in Nepal (Kath Dharmodaya Sabha 1986) pp15 Opcit Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 100
[23] Opcit K R Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal 16 RV Vandya
Sanghanayaka ven Pragnananda p 32 ff
[24] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka Pragnananda pp 34-35
Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthavirvada p 86
[25] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 18 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 101
[26] Bhikkhu Amritananda Mahasthavir A Short History of Theravada
Buddhism in Modern Nepal (Kath Anandakuti Vihar trust 1986) pp 8-9
Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir (Kath Anandakuti
Vihar Trust 1992) p 25
[27] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 19 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[28] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[29] Opcit Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir
p 26
[30] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit KR
Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 20
[31] Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha in Nepal
(BKK A Thesis of MA Buddhist Study Mahachulalongkorn University 2547)
p 23 [32]
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit Ratna
Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir p 26
[33] Amrit R Sthapit bdquowho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Aswaghosha‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 4 no 1 May 2001
p8
[34] helliphelliphelliphelliphellip bdquoWho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Nyanapurninka Mahasthavir‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 7
no 1 May 2004 p13 Viswo Shanti Vihar The Shanti Sandesh (Kath Viswo
Shanti Vihar 1998)
[35] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sumangala Mahasthavir
A monk who modernized Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the
LNBDS UK vol 2 no 1 May 1999 p10
[36] Opcit Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha
in Nepal pp 52ff
[37] Rina Tuladhara Dharmakirti 25 Years of Dharmakirti Buddhist
Study Circle A Glimpse (Kath Dharmakirti Vihar 1996) Mallika Sakya
bdquoWho is Who in Nepalese Buddhism Dhammavati Guruma‟ Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 5 no 1 May 2002 p10
[38] Opcit See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A
Homage Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 108
[39] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sudarshan Mahasthavir A
Gem of the Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol
6 no 1 May 2003 p13
13
these the records of Chinese travelers who visited Buddhist
pilgrimage sites in India and Nepal after King Ashoka‟s visit also gave
some information on existence of Theravada Buddhist monks who
practised and studied along with other Buddhist sects in Nepal[5]
According to historians Buddhism was a dominant religion
until the time of King Jayasthiti Malla who ruled Nepal during
medieval period (around 1382 CE) He imposed caste system in Nepal
according Manudharmasastra a Hindu holy book[6]
Buddhist culture
and tradition were banned the celibate monks were forced to disrobe
and forced to marry Vajrayana or Newar Buddhism was developed
following the demise of Theravada Buddhism The situation of
Buddhist became worse during the time of Rana government In 1846
the mantle of power of Nepal‟s government shifted from the monarchy
to autocratic isolationist Rana government The Shah kings of the
country were kept under tight control of Rana prime ministers[7]
The
country was closed from outside world and kept her eyes closed to
what was happening outside for nearly 104 years That was the age
when Buddhism was totally forgotten by non-Buddhist of Nepal It was
14
known and practised by only certain communities Vajracharyas
(Bajracharyas) Shakyas Tuladhars etc[8]
The Rana government
banned all Buddhist religious activities They also banned people
converting from Hindu religion to Buddhism but traditional Buddhists
were allowed to become Hindus
Theravada Revival Movement
In the early 1920s Dharmāditya Dharmācārya began his
campaign for the revival of Theravāda Buddhism teaching that Nepal
was the land of the Buddha‟s birth Meanwhile the Baisākha purnimā
celebration and publicing of ldquoBuddha Dhammardquo magazine by
Dharmāditya Dharmācārya had been inflaming the inner quest for
spirituality in Nepalewse society Furthermore simulteniously Tibeten
Buddhism had been inspiring Newari Society to walk the path that was
once nearly lost One of the well-known monks who came from Tibet
and preached the Dhamma to the Nepalese was Kyangtse Lama
Known in Nepal as Kyanchhe Lama he had come on pilgrimage to
Nepal His sermons and the publication of the Lalitavistara inspired
many to seek Buddhist ordination in the early period of the modern
15
history of Buddhism in Nepal It was the fortunate conjunction of
Nisthananda‟s translation of the Lalitavistara into the mother tongue
producing a Newāri version of the Buddha‟s life story Dharmāditya
Dharmācārya revivalism and the visits of Kyangtse Lama which
ensured that ldquothe Bud of the Dharmardquo planted by the Venerable Lama
should flower so quickly and produce such impressive fruit His
influence on Newāri scholars was significant One of them was
Yogbeer Sing Kansakar who was honoured for his efforts for the
preservation of the Newāri language The Lama also influenced the
first Theravāda monks Venerable Mahapragya and Venerable
Pragyānanda among others
The closing years of 19th
century saw reform movements in
many Buddhist countries with idea of modernizing Buddhist
movement The term bdquoBuddhist modernization‟ is used to refer to these
new reformist activities[9]
The aim of this movement was to bring
back Buddhism to India and Sri Lanka The Maha Bodhi Society was
founded in India under the leadership of Anagarika Dharmapala[10]
16
This organization was the first Buddhist organization established with
the aim of internationalizing Buddhism
The success of The Maha Bodhi Society encouraged Nepalese
who came in contact with this society They were mostly traditional
Buddhists (Newar Buddhists) of Nepal who were merchants and
pilgrims They played an important role in Theravada revival
movement in present day Nepal However it was students of Buddhism
who gave a kick-start to Theravada movements in modern Nepal
Mr Jagatman Vaidya a traditional Buddhist by birth went to
India for further studies He initiated the Theravada Buddhist revival
movement with the help of The Mahabodhi Society[11]
Mr Jagatman
who later became known as Dharmaditya Dharmacariya devoted most
of his time and energy to Buddhist Revivalism in Nepal by publishing
Buddhist journal in Newari Nepali Hindi English etc One of his
great deeds was to celebrate Baisakh day Buddha Jayanti or Swanya
Punhi in Nepal to commemorate Buddha‟s birth enlightenment and
death (Parinibbana) He established bdquoBuddha Dharma Uddhar
Sangharsquo lsquoBuddhopasaka Sangha‟ and other organizations for the
propagation of Buddhism in Nepal[12]
17
The Buddha Jayanti which he has initiated was celebrated for
the first time in the history of modern Nepal in 1926 after a long gap
Now a day this day is widely celebrated in Nepal Every year people
celebrate it with great joy and happiness[13]
He was also responsible
for stopping animal slaughter at Mayadevi temple in Lumbini and
renovation of Kindol Vihar in Kathmandu This Vihara became the
center for Theravada revival movement[14]
He published Buddhist
magazine entitled bdquoBuddha Dharmarsquo in Newari Language
(Nepalabhasa) emphasizing the importance of Buddha Jayanti
celebration and Theravadian views This was the starting point of
Theravada activities and promotion of Theravadian views in Nepal
after many centuries Some Nepalese youths took ordination according
to Theravada tradition in 1928 They were imprisoned for four days
The Government at the time was under the influence of Shaivait
Brahmins who were calling for a ban against Buddhism Later he was
arrested for his conversion from a Hindu to a Buddhist monk Three
new rules suppressing Buddhism had been issued
18
(1) Conversion to Buddhism from Hinduism (Shaivaism) to be
punished by one year in prison
(2) Acting as preceptor at a Buddhist ordination to be punished by
three years‟ imprisonment and
(3) Attempting to ordain into Buddhism to be punished by a six-
month imprisonment
They were exiled to India and all reordained into Theravada
tradition with ven U Kosala in Buddhagaya However certain reasons
they left the tradition The history speaks only on Ven Mahapragya but
rest of other four monks still under discovery The first Nepalese to
take ordination in Theravada tradition was venerable Mahapragna a
Hindu Shrestha by birth in 1926 After few years study in Tibet again
he went to India where he met Ven U Chandramani a Burmese monk
at Kusinagara[15]
He was impressed with Ven Chandramani and took
Theravada ordination from him This was the starting point for
Theravada ordination once again in the history of modern Nepal after
almost 600 years[16]
Since then Theravadin monastic order been settled
in modern Nepal
19
On the other hand Venerable Pragyananda (Karmasheel) who
converted from Gelung of Tibetan tradition to Theravada with Ven U
Chandramani at Kusinagara India was the first yellow-robed monk
who appeared in the street of Kathmandu valley at the end of 1930s[17]
He stayed at Kindol Vihar at the invitation of Dasaratna Shahu (later
Ven Dharmaloka) and gave discourses The attendance at his
discourses increased day by day and it worried then Rana government
and arrested all the members of Vihar They were imprisoned fined
and later released[18]
Fortunately Ven Pragnananda was in different
place and was not arrested He went on pilgrimage to India with some
devotees His four devotees took ordination under guidance of Ven U
Chandramani at Kusinagar They were Samanera Shasana Jyoti
Anagarika Ratna Pali Anagarika Dhamma Pali and Anagarika
Sangha Pali This was the first nun‟s ordination in Theravada
Buddhism in modern Nepal[19]
In the mean time Dasaratna Shahu
who was running Kindol Vihar brought Civar and bowl from Sri Lanka
for monk ceremonies Soon after his release from prison he took
ordination according to Theravada tradition at Kusinagar from Ven U
Chandramani and became Samanera Dhammaloka in 1932[20]
He
20
visited Nepal as a monk but was arrested immediately on his arrival in
Kathmandu and was imprisoned once again for six days and then
released without charging him with any offences Following his release
from prison he went to stay at Kindol Vihar and continued his
religious activities He was finally able to carry out religious activities
freely in Nepal He succeeded to propagate Theravada Buddhism in the
streets of Kathmandu valley[21]
Later he founded Nepal‟s first
Theravada Buddhist temple bdquoAnandakutirsquo at the foothill of Swayambhu
hill and it became the center for Theravada Sangha in modern Nepal
Venerable Amritananda was another well-known Buddhist
scholar and pioneer person for revival of Theravada Buddhism in
modern Nepa[22]
He was ordained under Ven U Chandramani at
Kusinagara in 1936 CE but was imprisoned along with Ven
Mahapragna at Bhojpur in 1937 In 1942 he came back to Nepal from
abroad after completing his study and gave discourses at the request of
Ven Dharmaloka in Swayambhu during vassavasa days (Three months
Buddhist lent) His public discourses impressed lay people and many
people came to listen to him Other Monks Samaneras and Nuns of
21
Nepal who were studying abroad also came back and joined him and
gave public discourses in different places of Kathmandu valley[23]
This
was a great breakthrough during isolationist Rana government Rana
government of the time banned any public assembly because of fear of
political unrest and demand for political reform in Nepal Because of
their religious activities they were arrested on 30th
July 1944 and
brought in front of then Prime Minister Juddha Shamsher Jung Bahadur
Rana for giving verdict on the charges of propagating the dhamma He
made rules to curtail the Buddhist activities Those who didn‟t follow
these rules were asked either to leave the country or return to worldly
life All the respected monks who were active in revival of Theravada
in Nepal refused to obey the order and were exiled once again from
Nepal The exiled monks this time included Ven Pragnananda Ven
Dharmaloka Ven Subhodhananda Ven Pragnarashmi Samanera
Pragnarasa Samanera Ratnajyoti Samanera Agga Dhamma and
Samanera Kumar The nuns were allowed to remain in the Vihar until
the end of the Vassavasa[24]
22
Development of Theravada Buddhism
The exiled monks formed bdquoDharmodaya Sabha‟ - Nepal‟s first
Buddhist organization with the help of other Buddhist organizations
and individuals on 30th
November 1944 in India under the
chairmanship of Ven U Chandramani Ven Amritananda was its
general secretary[25]
Immediately after establishment of bdquoDharmodaya
Sabha‟ Ven Amritananda wrote a protest letter to Nepalese
government and also appealed to other Buddhist organizations on
behalf of Dharmodaya Sabha He visited many places and various
countries to get support against the expulsion of Buddhist monks from
modern Nepal One of the countries he visited and undertook further
studies was Sri Lanka In Sri Lanka he also succeeded in bringing a
goodwill mission to Nepal in 1946 under the leadership of well-known
scholar Ven Narada Mahasthavir of Vajiraramaya Colombo The
members of this mission consisted of Ven Narada Ven Amritananda
Ven Priyadarshi Dr Ratna Surya and Prof Aryapal They were able
to meet the newly appointed Prime Minister Padma Shumsher J Rana
Ven Amritananda and leader of the mission Ven Narada requested his
23
Excellency to give permission for the exiled monks to return to Nepal
Prime Minister Padma Shamsher accepted their request and permitted
the exiled monks to return Ven Dharmaloka was the first one to come
back to Nepal immediately after receiving a letter from Ven
Amritananda and arrived in Kathmandu in June 1946 (Jesth Sukla 6
2003)[26]
Other monks also returned one by one and again started
propagating Theravada Buddhism in modern Nepal Ven Narada
visited Nepal three times and constructed a Sri Lankan Cetiya at
Anandakuti Vihar He brought a branch of Bodhi tree Buddha‟s relic
to Nepal He also established the first Sima (Uposatha) of Nepal for
Bhikkhus at the Vihara During his third visit he met then Prime
Minister Mohana Shamasher J Rana and requested him to declare
Baisakh Purnima or Buddha Day as a public holiday His Excellency
agreed and declared it as a public holiday for the Buddhist government
civil officers[27]
Since then Theravada Buddhism gained ground in
Nepalese society and made progress Theravada monks propagated
Buddhism by performing ceremonies giving Dharmadesana and
publishing Buddhist texts Many Viharas were built in and outside the
Kathmandu valley to propagate dhamma
24
In 1950 democracy replaced autocratic Rana regime under the
leadership of H M King Tribhuvan This heralded rapid development
of Theravada Buddhism Buddhist monks and nuns were able carry out
their duties freely without hindrances throughout the country The
office of bdquoDharmodaya Sabha‟ shifted from Kalimpong to Kathmandu
after the advent of democracy in 19501 In 1951 Bhikkhu Sangha led
by Ven Amritananda formed lsquoAkhil Nepal Bhikkhu Sangharsquo (All
Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha Council) for the further propagation of
Buddhism in Nepal Ven Amritananda played a great role in
propagation of Theravada Buddhism nationwide His close relationship
with their Majesties helped in his activities[28]
He visited many
countries on behalf of All Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha and Dharmodaya
Sabha In the same year Buddhists of Nepal succeeded in bringing the
relics of Ven Sariputta (Ven Sariputra) and Ven Maudhgalyana
(Ven Moggallana) the foremost disciples of the Buddha for the
exhibition in Nepal His Majesty King Tribhuvan chaired the reception
committee and a reception party was held in the Royal Palace[29]
Following year in 1952 Buddha Jayanti was celebrated throughout the
country with the support of HM King Tribhuvan On this occasion
25
HM King declared Baisakh Purnima or Buddha Jayanti day as a
public holiday throughout the kingdom[30]
In 1956 His late Majesty King Mahendra visited Lumbini the
birthplace of the Buddha and erected a Mahendra Pillar in Lumbini
zone In the same year during 2500th
Buddha Jayanti celebration HM
king banned animal slaughter on this auspicious day throughout the
kingdom[31]
Nepalese Buddhists led by All Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha
Council and Dharmodaya Sabha also organized the Fourth World
Fellowship of Buddhist Conference (WFB) in Kathmandu on this
year[32]
His Majesty‟s government cooperated fully and gave every
assistance for the success of the conference Gradually Theravada
Buddhist monasteries were founded Buddhist Education Buddhapuja
meditation public discourses publications of Buddhist texts and mass
ordination etc took place as a part of dhamma activities Burma Sri
Lanka Thailand and other countries helped Nepal in its effort for
Theravada revival Soon after Theravada Buddhist monks established
the first Bhikkhu training center- Sangharama Vihar and ordained
number of novices under the leadership of Ven Ashogosha
Mahasthavir[33]
Following their ordination they were sent to Sri
26
Lanka Burma and Thailand for their higher ordination and education
Many of these monks have returned to Nepal and are actively engaged
in propagation of dhamma Besides ordination of individual novices
mass ordinations for short periods were also held in different temple
After Anandakuti Vihar the Viswasanti Vihara also established
Vishwa Shanti Bauddha Shikshalaya a Buddhist School under Ven
Nyanapunnika Mahathavir[34]
It teaches both national and Buddhist
curriculum to the novices Now there are nearly 100 Theravada
temples more than four hundred monks and Samaneras and nearly 400
nuns in the country Present Sangha Nayaka is Most Ven
Subodhananda of Gana Mahavihara Kathmandu President of All
Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha is Kumar Kashyapa of Ananda Kuti Vihar
Swayambhu Kathmandu and the head office of All Nepal Bhikkhu
Sangha is in Viswo Santi Vihara New Baneshwor Kathmandu
27
Contribution to Nepalese society
Besides promoting Dhamma Theravada monks and nuns
(Anagarikas) are also involved in other welfare activities like
organising free health camps training centers either in the monasteries
or outside the monasteries They also founded center for old age and
Kindergarten Late Ven Sumangala Mahasthavira[35]
initiated free
clinic at Buddha Vihar a Buddhist home for the elderly at Benepa and
a Buddhist Kindergarten Free Clinics were popular because of lack of
adequate government run clinics in Nepal Many monasteries
organized free clinics Regular clinics like eye and Homeopathic were
run either on weekly or monthly basis Annual campaigns are also run
when it was felt necessary
In 1964 All Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha established a Theravada
education system Pariyatti Sikkha or Nepal Bauddha Pariyatti Siksa
(Buddhist Saturday School) Classes are run in Theravada Buddhist
monasteries Tibetan monasteries other Buddhist centers in public and
private schools There are more than 32 centers throughout the
28
country[36]
Presently its head office is at Viswo Santi Vihara in New
Baneswora Kathmandu
Besides Pariyatti Sikkha Ven Amritananda founded a
Buddhist school - bdquoAnandakuti Vidyapith Boarding School‟ and a
college- bdquoSiddharth Science Campus‟ Both Buddhist monks and lay
people used to teach in these institutions It was started as a Buddhist
school but for some reason it has become a private enterprise Besides
these many monks and nuns are also running other educational
institutions like bdquoNursery school (Siddhartha Shisu Niketan Buddha
Vihar) Primary school (Triple Gem Boarding School) and Higher
Schools There are some Higher Education institutes like Siddharth
University in Banepa International Buddhist University in Lumbini
etc Many Buddhist organizations were founded and they were also
running different classes and research centers like Dharmakirti
Buddhist Research Center Anagarika Dhammavati founded this centre
Later on Anagarika Dhammavati was ordained as Bhikkhuni
according to Taiwanese tradition She is one of the well-known nuns in
the Theravada Buddhism in Nepal[37]
29
The Buddhist temples and organizations bring out number of
publications annually monthly weekly and on special occasions
Dharmodaya Anandabhumi and Dharmakirti are the oldest
Buddhist journals in Nepal and still continued to be published
Ven Amritananda was one of the greatest Buddhist scholars of
Nepal He wrote and translated many books on Buddhism There are
still no other monks or nun in Nepal who can be compared with
him[38]
Late Ven Sudharsan Mahasthavir came close to him Ven
Sudharsan was a pillar of Theravada Buddhism after Ven
Amritananda He was famous for different reason His field of interest
beside dhamma work consisted literature language Archaeology etc
He was a resident monk at Srikirti Vihar Kirtipur and held the post of
professor in History Archaeology and Buddhist philosophy at
Tribhuvan University until his death in July 2002 Some of his books in
Buddhism became course book for BA and MA students in Nepal
He had special interest in archaeology of Lumbini and was an expert on
this subject[39]
30
Revival of Theravada Buddhism in Nepal also had profound
effect in cultural and religious way of life of Nepalese Daily chanting
or Buddhapuja short term ordination observing Sila (Moral code)
caste system celebration of Vesak day celibate life were introduced
In the month of Bhadra or Gunla days (AugustSeptember) Buddhist
hymns are chanted and public discourses are given
Late Ven Sudharshan Mahasthavir formed Sri Kirti Buddhist
center at Sri Kirti Vihar with the aim of introducing Buddhism to other
ethnic groups other than Newars- the original inhabitants of Katmandu
valley This project succeeded in bringing other ethic groups into
Theravada Buddhism As a result of this many ethnic groups who were
originally Buddhists have started organizing Buddhist conferences and
Buddhist activities Another important development is formation of
Gyanmala Bhajan Khala - a Buddhist hymn group This group sings
regularly especially during certain auspicious days at Swayambhu and
other Buddhist sites The songs they sing are based on Buddha‟s
teaching and has been successful in promoting Buddhism in simple
melodious hymns which attracts many people who visits these
religious places
31
Theravadin in Nepalese Society
For centuries Nepalese were aware of only Buddhist priest
(Bajracharya) from Newar Buddhism (Vajrayana) and Tibetan Lamas
They were unaware of Theravadian Buddhist monks and nuns
Bajracharyas are household monks They lead domestic lives and are
not celibate Not all Tibetan monks are celibate It depends on the
school they belong to For example monks from Sakya School of
Tibetan tradition do not have to be celibate Theravada monks wear
distinctive saffron coloured robes They are celibate and lead virtuous
monastic life These monks and nuns have different identity in the eyes
of Nepalese especially the inhabitants of Kathmandu valley Their
simple way of life their full dedication in their work for the benefit of
mankind easily understood Theravada Scriptures translated in different
languages eg in Nepal Bhasa (Newari) Nepali in Hindi and in
English for easy accessibility by different groups helped to gain the
heart of Nepalese people Although many lay people have played
pivotal roles in revival of Theravada Buddhism in Nepal the leadership
32
of monks and nuns were vital in further development and survival of
this tradition
The lay Buddhists of Nepal are pluralistic They participate in
Buddhist ceremonies such as Vesak day daily chanting etc At the
same time they also follow Hindu customs in their daily lives
Buddhism is different from Hinduism and it is not a branch of
Hinduism Hindus believe that Buddha was a reincarnation of Lord
Vishnu Buddha never claimed to be anything other than a human
being ndash although a unique one in the history of mankind
Buddhism in Nepal is unique because of existence of three
different Buddhist traditions - Newar Buddhism (Vajrayana)
Tibetan Buddhism (Mahayana) and Theravada Buddhism
Different Buddhist groups practised different traditions Although the
principle underlying all these traditions is the same they differ in
details Theravada Buddhist tradition is different from Tibetan or
Newar Buddhist traditions but it is developing side-by-side with them
It was not possible for Theravada Buddhism to develop in Nepal
without close co-relation with other traditions but later developed on its
own right These various Buddhist traditions are coexisting in present
33
day Nepal Although they have different cultural traditions and are
developing in their own ways but the followers are the same
Therefore there is no separate identity of Theravadian lay Buddhists
There are number of lay Buddhist organizations such as Dharmodaya
Sabha Dharmakirti Institute Young Buddhist Associations Female
Buddhist Associations more recently Sukhi Hotu Nepal which are
playing important role in promotion of Buddha Dhamma but they are
multi-cultural and multi religious in their daily practices
CONCLUSION
Theravada Buddhism was introduced to Nepal at the time when
public meetings were banned It faced many obstacles at the beginning
Strong dedications of monks and nuns made it possible for its revival in
Nepal after many centuries of neglect Even though the revival
movement of this tradition was started only about 80 years ago it has
already gained strong foot hold in Nepal and gaining popularity day by
day The reason for its popularity lies in many things - the simple and
easily understood way the teachings were given the simple way of life
of monks and nuns lead and various beneficial activities undertaken by
34
Viharas Theravadin Buddhist monks and nuns are well accepted by
people and their contribution in promoting Buddha‟s teachings is
widely recognized Although small in number in comparison to other
Asian countries like Thailand Sri Lanka and Burma both the number
of monks and nuns and monasteries of this tradition are increasing day
by day If this trend continues it will become one of the prominent
religious traditions in Nepal It is only natural that this oldest Buddhist
tradition should gain its place of honour it deserve in a country where
the founder of the religion was born
35
Theravada Records in Nepal
List of Monks Novices and Anagarikas studying abroad
MONKS AND NOVICES
I Thailand
1 Bhikkhu Anil Man Dhammasakiyo (Sugandha)
2 Bhikkhu Vipassi Dhammaramo
3 Bhikkhu Jit Bahadur Gurung
4 Bhikkhu Krishna Thapamagar
5 Bhikkhu Pannamurti
6 Bhikkhu Sujan Sujano
7 Bhikkhu Anil Sumankitti
8 Bhikkhu Santosh Santosho
9 Bhikkhu Khemik Suddhasilo
10 Bhikkhu Suman Rocano
11 Bhikkhu Sanu Maharajano
12 Bhikkhu Santamano Dhwajjoshi
13 Bhikkhu Suman Dhwajjoshi
14 Bhikkhu Bijit Khemasakko
15 Bhikkhu Supreme Shakyavanso
Samaneras
1 Samanera Buddharatna Maharjan
2 Samanera Dhammaratna Maharjan
3 Samanera Bipin Maharjan
4 Samanera Prajwal Shakya
5 Samanera Ukesh Sakya
6 Samanera Gopi Maharjan
7 Samanera Sudip Deshar
8 Samanera Sudat Deshar
9 Samanera Deepi Maharjan
10 Samanera Ramit Shrestha
11 Samanera Anup Deshar
12 Samanera Suman Bajracharya bdquoA‟
13 Samanera Rajendra Deshar
14 Samanera Kapila Maharjan
15 Samanera Arbin Shakya
36
16 Samanera Kabindra Bajracharya
17 Samanera Ujjawal Shakya
18 Samanera Satish Shakya
19 Samanera Bimal Gurung
20 Samanera Surya Gurung
21 Samanera Sameer Maharjan
22 Samanera Anup Shakya
23 Samanera Arjun Magar
24 Samanera Kiran Desahar
25 Samanera Dipesh Shrestha
26 Samanera Tejendra Tamang
27 Samanera Ashim Shakya
28 Samanera Jalap Bajracharya
29 Samanera Arya Dev Bajracharya
30 Samanera Sudarshan Maharjan
31 Samanera Sangharatna
32 Samanera Suman Bajracharya bdquoB‟
33 Samanera Kijan Maharjan
34 Samanera Ramesh Maharjan
35 Samanera Niroj Maharjan
36 Samanera Jen Maharjan
37 Samanera Denish Bajracharya
38 Samanera Pritam Bahadur Shakya
39 Samanera Abhishek Shakya
40 Samanera Bishal Shakya
41 Samanera Sajal Shakya
42 Samanera Suraj Bhakta Shrestha
43 Samanera Dinesh Chaudhary
44 Samanera Shiv Swatantra Tharu
45 Samanera Sambhu Lal Khang
46 Samanera Buddharatna Chaudhary
47 Samanera Mukesh Chaudhary
II Myanmar (Burma)
Bhikkhu Samaneras
1 Bhikkhu Panavimala
2 Bhikkhu Dhyanratna
3 Bhikkhu Adiccho
4 Bhikkhu Vimalbuddhi
5 Bhikkhu Shobhan
6 Samanera Amato
7 Samanera Jutimma
8 Samanera Buddhapiyo
9 Samanera Kavindo
10 Samanera Nagasena
11 Samanera Gyanavudho
III Taiwan(ROC) 1 Bhikkhu Mangala 2 Bhikkhu Vazirbuddhi
IV Australia 1 Bhikkhu Upatissa
V India
1 Bhikkhu Dharmajyoti 2 Bhikkhu Ashokakirti
3 Bhikkhu Narawang Tamang
VI United kingdom 1 Bhikkhu Suman
VII USA 1 Bhikkhu Pragnaloka
VIII Sri Lanka
Bhikkhus
Bhikkhu Nanda
Bhikkhu Vineeta
Bhikkhu Ashoka
Bhikkhu Triratna
Bhikkhu Sagara
Bhikkhu Sankicca
Bhikkhu Vajirasiri
Bhikkhu Sarada
Bhikkhu Veenit
Bhikkhu Ratana
Bhikkhu Tissa
Bhikkhu Vajira
Bhikkhu Pannawimal
Bhikkhu Medhankar
Bhikkhu Pannasara
SARAMANERAS
Saranankara
Piyadassi
Dil Bhadra
Chandima
Samita
Narada bdquoA‟
Piyaratna
Kusala
Lakkhana
Udit
Vibekanada
Pannananda
Mettananda
Chandananda
Yassari
Upali
Subodhi
Mahanama
Kashyapa
Dhammapala
Narada bdquoB‟
Nalaka bdquoA‟
Daywasa
Santa Sobhana
Santa Siddhartha
Santa Maitri
Santa Kosala
Santa Sakya
Suvaca
Sukama Sila
Siddhartha
Nanda bdquoA‟
Rahula
Sudheera
Kosala Dheera
Panna Wansa
Jina Wansa
Mahinda
Nanda bdquoB‟
Seewali
Mahapantha
Assaji
Sarada
Sumana
Ananda
Nalaka bdquoB‟
Aloka
Suwarna
Subodh
Udena
Sangharatna bdquoA‟
Gyanendra
Khema
Soma bdquoA‟
Punna
Panna Ransi
Soma bdquoB‟
Santa bdquoA‟
Kapila Wansa
Asita Wansa
Sumanananda bdquoa‟
Vijitananda
Khemananda
Silananda
Medhananda
Somaratna
Soratha
Pragyananda
Sumangala
Santa Citta
Yasa
Dhamma Kitti
Panna Kitti
Santa Dheera
Vijitananda
Sumanananda bdquob‟
Vajra Bodhi
Dhammika
Santa bdquoB‟
Anuruddha
Sumana bdquoB‟
Jinavamsa
Panna Vansa
Buddha Ratna
Dhamma Ratna
Ariya Ratna
Piyadassi bdquoB‟
Sila Ratna
Sangha Ratna bdquoB‟
List of Anagarikas studying in abroad
I Thailand
1 Anagarika Sirisuta Maharjan
2 Anagarika Ramsobha Shrestha
3 Anagarika Sunita Napit
II Myanmar
1 Anagarika Javanvati
2 Anagarika Vimalajnani
3 Anagarika Ambika
4 Anagarika Buddhapali
5 Anagarika Darshana
6 Anagarika Agrajnani
7 Anagarika Nandavati
bdquob‟
III India 1 Anagarika Rupashila
IV Taiwan
1 Anagarika Pannavati
2 Anagarika Sani
3 Anagarika Nima
V Sri Lanka
1 Anagarika Pannawati
2 Anagarika Mettawati
3 Anagarika Keshawati
4 Anagarika Prasnnawati
5 Anagarika Sukhawati
6 Anagarika Shobhawati
7 Anagarika Subhadra
8 Anagarika
Shraddhagautami
9 Anagarika Upananda
10 Anagarika Shantawati
11 Anagarika Suciwati
Residences of Theravādin Monks in Nepal
01 Abhinava Buddha Vihara Lumbini
1) Bhikkhu Vimalananda Mahathera
2) Samanera Sunanda
02 Anandakut Vihara Swayambhu Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Kumara Kassapa Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Dharmamurti 3) Samanera Kondanya
4) S Prajnaratna 5) S Asoka
6) S Kumarjeeva 7) S Assaji
03 Bauddha Samaskrita Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Bhikkhu Dharmashobhana Mahathera
04 Bodhicharya Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Bodhisena Mahathera
2) Samanera Bodhideepa
05 Buddha Vihara Bhrikuti Mandap-Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Kondanya 2) Bhikkhu Sushil
3) Samanera Anuyoga 3) S Javana
4) S Udena
06 Buddha Vihara Biratnagar
1) Bhikkhu Aloka
07 Buddha Vihara Dharan
1) Bhikkhu Maitri (Tamang)
2) Bhikkhu Chhavikirti
08 Chatubrahma Vihara Matatirtha
1) Bhikkhu Thansettho
2) Bhikkhu Samyakaratna
3) Bhikkhu Bodhananda
9 Charumati Stupa Vihara Chabahil Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Tapassi Dhamma
10 Dharmacakra Ashrama Bagbazar
1) Bhikkhu Milinda
11 Dharmashila Buddha Vihara Pokhara
1) Bhikkhu Subhadda 2) Bhikkhu Saddhananda
12 Dhyanakuti Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Ashwaghosha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Rahul 3) Samanera Gautama
13 Gana Maha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Sanghanayaka Bhikkhu Subodhanand Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sobhita
3) Bhikkhu Samvegakirti
4) Samanera Sugatananda
6) S Chandananda
7) S Somananda
8) S Sumanavamsha
9) S Somavamsha
10) S Sumanasiri
14 IlayabahiTanabaha Patan
1) Bhikkhu Vimalkirti
15 International Bauddha Pariyatti Vihara Butwal
1) Bhikkhu Jatila
2) Bhikkhu Bhaddiya bdquoB‟
3) Samanera Jnanashree 4) S Jotika
16 International Buddhist Society Lumbini
1) Bhikkhu Maitri Mahathera
2) Samanera Mahapanta
3) S Vimala
17 Jana Udaya Vihara Sunakothi-Lalitpura
1) Bhikkhu Dharmagupta
18 Jitavana Vihara Thankot
1) Bhikkhu Dharmavamsha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sugatamuni Mahathera
3) Samanera Sunita
19 Kuti Vihara Koteshwar-KTM
1) Bhikkhu Yeshdhammo
2) Samanera Wayamo
3) S Milindo 4) S Sunanalankara
20 Manimandapa Mahavihara Patan
1) Bhikshu Shilbhadra Mahathera
2) Samanera Paduma 3) S Nayako
21 Muni Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Samanera Tejendra 2) S Jalapa
3) S Asima 4) S Aryaputra
22 Padma Sugandha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Sumedha 2) Samanera Sudatta
23 Pati Vihara Nagadesh-Bhaktapur
1) Bhikkhu Varasambodhi
24 Pranidhi Purna Maha Vihara Balambu
1) Samanera Sukha
25 Pugatabhoomi Jetavana Vihara Bhairahawa
1) Samanera Jagaro 2) S Suvanno
26 Purvaram Vihara Dhulikhel
1) Bhikkhu Gunaghosha Mahathero
27 Sangharama Vihara Kshetrapati Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Saddhatissa
2) Bhikkhu Kolita
3) Bhikkhu Sangharakshita
28 Shakya Singha Vihara Patan
1) Bhikkhu Dharmapala Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sunanda Mahathera
3) Bhikkhu Dharmarakshita
29 Shikhalapura Vihara Dhulikhel
1) Bhikkhu Dhammananda Mahathera
30 Shree Kirti Vihara Kirtipur
1) Bhikkhu Kirtijyoti 2) Bhikkhu Ananda
3) Bhikkhu Prajnakirti
4) Bhikkhu Dharmakirti
5) Samanera Sundara 6) Bhikkhu Pamit
7) S Subhashkirti 8) S Uttarakirti
31 Shreegha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Dharmasagara
2) Bhikkhu Medhankara
32 Sudarshana Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Rastrapala
33Sumangala Vihara Patan
1) Sanghaupanayaka Bhikkhu Buddhaghosha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Shobhan
3) Bhikkhu Prajnaratna
34 Surya Mangala Vihara Kapilvastu
1) Bhikkhu Suryamangala
35 Tokha Buddha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Samanera Shobhana 2) S Jnanodaya
36 Veluvanarama Vihara Thecho-Lalitpura
1) Samanera Uttama 2) S Chandimo
37 Vishwa Shanti Vihara New Baneshwar
1) Bhikshu Jnanapurnik Mahathera
2) Bhikshu Bodhijnana
3) Bhikshu Nigrodha
4) Bhikshu Udayabhadra
Samaneras
1) S Janak 2) S Sujat
3) S Obhaso 4) S Subhaddo
5) S Nandiyo 6) S Mahindo
7) S Pajjoto 8) S Aloka
9) S Buddhadatta 10) S Panita
11) S Kashyapa 12)S Dharmaghosha
13) S Nagita 14) S Vinaya
15) S Suchitta 16) S Sudatto
17) S Nemindo 18) S Rohito
19) S Jayanto 20) S Meghiyo
21) S Indriyo 22) S Suppamedho
23) S Bhanusarana 24) S Saddhadeepa
25) S Kittimo 26) S Janeyyo
27) S Adicca 28) S Kosalla
29) S Nyanuttara 30) S Bhaddaco
31) S Pabhassaro 32) S Uttaro
38 Yampi Maha Vihara Patan
1) Bhikkhu Bhaddiya
39 Non residencial Monks
1) Bhikshu Samyaka Sambodhi Pranputra
2) Bhikshu Dhyanratna
3) Bhikkhu Chandragupta Balambu
Present Anagarikas and resident in NEPAL
01 Amarapura Vihara Bungamati
1) A Charujnani 2) A Sunita
3) A Palitajnani 4) A Pamitajnani
5) A Padumajnani 6) A Rupawati
02 Bauddha Samaskrit Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Anagarika Sanghashila
03 Buddha ViharaDharan
1) A Sumedhavati 2) A Sushilavati
3) A Kanchana 4) A Shasanavati
04 Bauddha Rishi Mahapragya Ashram Anamnagar
1) Anagarika Prajnavati
05 Chatubrahma Vihara Matatirtha
1) Anagarika Anu
06 Dhammavasa Vihara Khusibun
1) A Krishgautami 2) A Suchita
3) A Shilgautami 4) A Kshantigautami
5) A Shyamavati
07 Dharmakirti Vihara Naghal-Kathmandu
1) Anagarika RatnaManjari
2) A Dhammavati
3) A Dhammadinna (Chameli)
4) A Anupama 5) A Sanghavati
6) A Khemavati 7) A Indravati
8) A Jayavati 9) A Danavati
10) A Tyagavati 11) AViryavati
12) A Shubhavati 13) A Ramavati
14) A Surammavati
15) A Hemavati 16) A Suppabhavati
17) A Supriya 18) A Amata
19) A Vannavati 20) A Suvannavati
08 Dharmashila Buddha Vihara Pokhara
1) Anagarika Karmashila
09 Gautami Vihara Lumbini
1) Anagarika Sujata 2) A Khamesi
10 IlayabahiTana Baha Lalitpur
1) A Shilaparami 2)AViryaparami
3) A Vineeta 4) A Shilachari
11 Int‟l Buddhist Meditation Centre Shankhamul
1) A Aggajnani 2) A Nirmalajnani
3) A Shantarakshita
12 Jaya Mangal ViharaTana Bahal-Patan
1) Anagarika Vijita 2) A Nekkhami
3) A Chittavati
13 Jyoti Vihara Chapagaun- Lalitpur
1) AnagarikaVirygautami
2) A Upeskshagautami
14 Kashivarna Buddha Vihara Panuati
1) Anagarika Satyaparami
15 Kindol Vihara Swayambhu
1) A Sumana 2) A Uttara
3) A Sumitra 4) A Molini
5) A Dhammavijaya 6) A Tejavati
7) A Shyamavati
16 Kunsa BahaHyumat
1) Anagarika Patachari 2) AUmavati
17 Mahabodhi Vihara Tansen
1) Anagarika Revati (Dhammadinna)
18 Muni Vihara Bhaktapur
1) A Sugandhavati 2) A Padmavati
19 Narsinharama Thaina-Patan
1) A Jnanashila 2) ASatyashila
3) AShilavati 4) A Yeshavati 5) A Dharani
6) A Jeenvati
7) A Shilpavatisushma
20 Padmachaitya Vihara Butwal
1) A Udayashila 2) A Santiwati
21 Padmakirti Vihara Kamalpokhari
1) A Kamala 2) A Karunavati
3) A Pabbhavati 4) A Dhyanavati
5) A Bhavanavati
22 Prajnanandarama Okubahal-Patan
1) Anagarika Jnanavati
23 Pranidhipurna Mahavihara Balambu
1) A Mudita 2) A Chandrashila bdquoB‟
24 SangharakshitaVihara Patan
1) Anagarika Abhaya 2) A Chandrashila
3) A Shilachari
25 Shanti Sukhavasa Chakupat-Patan
1) A Utpalavarna (Chini)
26 Shree Kirti Vihara Kirtipur
1) Anagarika Mina
27 SunandaramaThaina-Patan
1) A Madhavi 2) AMasukhi
3) A Mashobha 4) A Mashraddha
5) A Masudha
28 Sulakshanakirti Viahara Kirtipur
1) A Anoja 2) A Atula
3) A Anula
29 Sangharama ViharaDhalko-KTM
1) Anagarika Dharmarakshita
30 Vishwashanti Vihara New Baneshwar
1) A Shubha 2) A Khema
3) A Sudhamma
31 Vishwashanti Dharmakirti Vihara Basundhara
1) A Dhajavati (Kusum) 2) A Padmavati
3) A Bhadravati
32 Residing other Anagarikas
1) Anagarika Chandrajnani Patan
2) A Sraddhavati Shankhamul
3) A Amaravati Patan
4) A Dhammachari Patan
5) A Nanda Thasi
Some Prominent Personalities in the Theravada Movement1
Sanghamahanayakas of Nepal
1 Ven Pragyanand Mahasthavir 1930 ndash 1993 AD
2 Ven Sakyananda Mahasthavir 1993 - 1997 AD
3 Ven Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1997 - 2002 AD
4 Ven Subodhananda Mahasthavir 2002 - 2006 AD
5 Ven Buddhaghosa Mahasthavir 2006-
Amritananda Bhikkhu (1918-1990) original name Lal Kaji Sakya from Tansen
west Nepal he ordain as a novice in 1936 from ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara He studies and was ordained a monk in Sri Lanka in 1940 He
return to Nepal in 1942 and preached first publicly in Kathmandu He
formed Dharmodaya Sabha in 1944 and All Nepal Bhikkhu Mahasangha in
1951 and remained its unchallenged leader until his death He was well
known and traveled widely outside of Nepal because of his dynamism and
charisma He was also one of the greatest Buddhist scholars and writers of
Nepal
Aniruddha Bhikkhu (1915-2003) original name Gaja Ratna Tuladhar son of
Dasa Ratna Sahu (Later Ven Dhammaloka) He went to Sri Lanka in 1930
and ordained as samanera and studied there He had served many years in
Lumbini and third Sanghanayaka of Nepal
1 Sarah Levine and David N Gellner Rebuilding Buddhism The Theravada Movement in
Twentieth Century Nepal (UK Harvard University Press 2006) pp 293-296
Ashwaghosh Bhikkhu (1926- present) original name Buddha Ratna Sakya and
became a novice in 1944 and went to Sri Lanka for study where he took
higher ordination in 1949 he is known as bdquothe communist monk‟ and was a
nominee of the Unified Marxist-Leninist party one of Nepal‟s two main
political parites in the 1990s to the Upper House 1993-5 He had
established nepal‟s first Bhikkhu Training Center at Sangharama Dhalko
and became abbot of this vihara Presently he is abbot of Shrigha Vihara in
Kathmandu and of Dyanakuti Vihara Banepa
Buddhaghosh Bhikkhu (1921- present day) original name Sapta Ratna
Vajracharya in Kwa Baha Kathamandu The founder of Pariyatti Education
in Nepal and presently acting Sanghanayaka of Nepal (2006) and abbot of
Sri Sumangala Vihara in Lalitpur
Chandramani Bhikkhu (1876-1972) a Burmese monk who spent his life in
Kusinagara where he worked for the propagation of Buddhism until his
death He initiated with most of the early Nepalese Theravadins Monks and
Nuns He was the first president of Dharmodaya Sabha and father of
Theravadins of Nepal
Dharmachari Anagarika (1898-1978) born Laxmi Nani Tuladhar she
impressed by Ven Pragyananda in Kindol Vihara and took the precepts
from Chandramani in Kusinagara in 1934 and most prominent Nepali nun
She founded the first nunnery in Nepal at Kindol Vihara in 1947
Dhammaloka Bhikkhu (1891-1977) born Das Ratna Tuladhar Asan
kathamandu He traded in Lhasha went to Sri Lanka and taught Buddhism
as a layman Later became a monk in 1932 after his son Aniruddha ordain
in 1930 he established nepal‟s first Theravādin Vihara bdquoAnanda Kuti
Vihar‟ in Kathmandu
Dhammawati Anagarika (1925- present day) born as Ganesh Kumari Sakya in
Uku Baha lalitpur She ordain too precepts from Ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara and renamed as Dhammavati in 1950 She went to Burma for
study and return in 1963 after passed the Dhammacariya Examination She
was able to established Dhammakirti Nunnery Centre in 1965 and leader of
the Theravādin Nuns She has been re-ordained as Bhikkhuni according to
Mahayana tradition
Dharmaditya Dharmacharya (1902-1963) born as Jagat Man Vaidya in Chika
Bahi Lalitpur and the first Newar Buddhist modernist and the first newar
cultural nationalist He went to study in Calcutta where he became a
follower of anagarika Dhammapala the founder of Maha Bodhi Society
He had formed Buddhist revival foundation and published Buddhist
magazines etc
Nyanpurnika Bhikkhu (1936- present day) Born as Hera Lal Sakya in Tansen
He studied with Buddhaghosh in Lalitpur in Burma and in England He is
only monk who passed Dhammacariya examination of Burma He was the
founder of Vishwa Shanti Vihara and Vishwa Shanti Bauddha sikkyalaya
where train novices He is a prominent translator and writer
Kumar Kashyap Bhikkhu (1926- present day) born as Krishna Man Sakya he
was one of those who exiled to India by the Ranas in 1944 He went to
Study in Sri Lanka and hold nepal‟s first bdquoTripitaka acarya‟ Presently he is
president of All Nepal Bhikkhu Association and abbot of Ananda Kuti
Vihara
Mahapragya Bhikkhu (1901-1979) born Prem Bahadur (Nani Kaji ) Shrestha
He ordained into Tibetan tradition but exiled in 1926 and reordained as
novice in Theravada tradition one of the earlier Theravādin monks He
return to householderhood in Kalimpong in 1940s but then returned to
Kathmandu as a Buddhist sage (Bauddha Rishi) in the 1960s where he
taught until his death
Pragyananda Bhikkhu (1900-1993) born as Kul Man Singh Tuladhar in Itum
Baha Kathmandu a trader in Tibet where he met Ven Mahapragya and
impressed by him to ordained He became a Tibetan Gelung Karmasheel in
1928 and two years later a Theravādin under Ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara in 1930 He was nepal‟s first Sanghamahanayaka and well
respected monk
Shakyananda Bhikkhu (1909-1997) born as Chakra Dhan Sakya in Taksar
Bhojpur East Nepal He spent over forty years as a monk in Tansen outside
the Kathmandu and second sanghamahanayaka of Nepal
Subodhanand Bhikkhu (1916-2006) bor as Kul Raj Sakya in Taksar Bhojpur
East Nepal He was one of the monks exiled by the Ranas in 1944 He was
a prolific composer of Hymns in Nepal Bhasa In 2003 as the most senior
monk in Nepal he was the fourth Sanghanayaka of Nepal
Sudarshan Bhikkhu (1934-2002) born as Rudra Raj Sakya in Uku Baha
lalitpur He was famous a bdquothe boy monk‟ For many years he was a lecturer
in the culture Department of Tribhuvan University a prolific writer
preacher and abbot of Sri Kirti Vihara Kirtipur which is became multi-
cultural center and especially for Buddhist meetings and conferences He
was jailed for some months for Nepal Bhasa activities in the Panchayat
period He was a campaigner on Buddhist issues particularly to do with
Lumbini
Sumangal Bhikkhu (1929-1999) born Bhakta Krishna Shilpakar in Lalitpur He
was famous as ldquoDollar bhanterdquo He ordained in 1959 in Burma obtained a
master‟s degree in Buddhism from Rissho University Japan in 1972 and
was among the first monks to mobilize international connections for
Buddhist projects in Nepal He established Buddha Vihara in Bhrikuti
Mandap Kathmandu He helped raise funds from Thailand and Japan for
IBMc (1985) brought the Japanese healing movement Sei Mei Kyo to
Nepal and in 1993 opened an old people‟s home in Banepa
Glimpse of Theravādin activities in Nepal
Samanera ordination at Muni Vihara
Ordination Ceremony at Vishwa Shanti Vihara
Collecting Alms
Chanting Paritta in devotee‟s home
Giving Holy Thread to Devotees
Buddhist Art in Nepal
Main Buddha Image at Sri Kirti Vihara
Four holy places
Some of the Theravada Buddhist Viharas (Monasteries) in Nepal
Vihars In Kathmandu Valley Telephone No
1 Amarapura Buddha Vihar Bungamati 5551068
2 Anandakuti Vihar Swayambhu 4271420
3 Anandabhuwan Vihar Bhuikhyo 4270429
4 Ganamaha vihar Ganabaha 4253454
5 Gautam Buddha Vihar Panga co 4330576
6 Caturbrahma Vihar Matatirtha 4310558
7 Carumati Vihar Cabahil 4469897
8 Baudhajana Vihar Sunakothi co 5570209
9 Jitapur Gandhakuti Vihar khona Co 5542846
10 Jitawan Vihar Thankot 4311912
11 Jyoti udaya vihar Capagaun Co 5571459
12 Dhammavasa Vihar Khusibun 4358688
13 Dharmakirti Vihar Srigha Naghal 4259466
14 Dharmacakra vihar Bagbajar 4261976
15 Nagar Mandap Sri Kirti Vihar Kirtipur 4330836
16 Nagadesh Buddha Vihar Nagadesh Co 6635397
17 Nirvanmurti Anagarikaram Kindol 4285811
18 Padmasugandha Vihar Manjeshwori 4266255
19 Pranidhi Purna Mahavihar Balambu 43105924312455
20 Pati Vihar Thimi Co 6637601
21 Pippali Theravad Buddha Vihar Shiphal 4475066
22 Punya Udaya Vihar Jala Harisiddhi Co 5527456
23 Buddhabhoomi Mahavihar Tokha 4362514
24 Buddha Vihar Bhrikuti mandapa 4226702
25 Buddharatna Vihar Putalisadak 4244277
26 Bauddha samakrit Vihar Bhaktapur 6610842
27 Manimandap Vihar Patko Bhaktapur 5526517
28 Muni Vihar Bhaktapur 6616464
29 Yampi Mahavihar Ibahi Lalitpur 5539644
30 Yashodhara Baudha Bidyalaya Thaina Lalitpur 5521435
31 Biswo Shanti Vihar Baneshwor 4482384
32 Biswo Shanti Dharmakirti vihar Basundhara 4354251
33 Beluvanarama Vihar Theco Co 5570062
34 Sakyasingha Vihar Thaina Lalitpur 5524760
35 Santi Sukhawas Cakupat co 5523613
36 Siddhimangal Buddha Vihar Thasi 5581495
37 Sumangala Vihara Lagankhel 5531715
38 Sulakshan kirti Vihar Chobhar 4331718
39 Suwanrna Chatrapur Vihar Lubhu 5580430
40 Sangharama Vihar Dhalko Visnumati 4255960
41 Srigha Vihar Nagal 4259110
Vihars out side the Kathamandu Velley Telephone No
1 Ananda Vihar Tansen Co 075-520225520216
2 Citravan Vihar Narayangadha Co 056-521478
3 Taksar Vihar Tansen Co 075-520024
4 Dharmashila Buddha Vihar Phokhara 061-520517
5 Dyankuti Banepa Banepa 011-661244
6 Padma Chaitya Vihar Butawal 071-546470
7 Purwarama Vihar Dhulikhel 011-661979
8 Pragya Mahavihar Hetauda Co 057-520264520136
9 Buddha Vihar Dharan 025-520354
10 Buddha Vihar Biratnagar Co 021-522146530604
11 Beni Buddha Vihar Myagdi Co 069-520354
12 Bodhicharya vihar Banepa 011-661789
13 Lokachakra Buddha Vihar Dhan gadhi 091-622174
14 Sakyamuni Vihar Bhojpur Co 029-420260
15 Sugatapur Vihar Trisuli Co 010-560153
16 Sugandha Vihar Ridi Gulmi Co 079-529435
17 Swoyambhu Chetya Buddha Vihar Urlabari Co 021-540080
18 Swoyambhu Chetya Mahavihar Dharan Co 025-520190
19 Gyanodaya Buddha Vihar Baglung Co 068-520921520336
Footnotes
[1] This paper was written as a part of my MA thesis research on bdquoThe
Revival of Theravada Buddhism and its contribution to Nepalese Society‟ of
Mahachulalongkorn University Bangkok Thailand and would like to thank Mr
Dharma Sakya for every suggestion editing and help for the completion of this
article
[2] Nyanatiloka Buddhist Dictionary 3
rd ed The Free Distribution
version the Corporate Body of the Buddha education foundation Taiwan p
179
[3] Triratna Manandhar bdquoPresent of Buddhism in Nepal‟ (Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK Vol 8 May 2005) p 15
[4] helliphelliphelliphellip The New Encyclopedia of Britannica Vol24 (USA
Library of Congress Catalog 1993) p 781 Dhanabajra Vajracharya Cabahilko
Abhilekha (Inscription of Cabahil) The Charumati Voice (Kath Charumati
Buddhist Mission 2001) pp 17-20 Bhikkhu Sudarsan Mahasthavira Nepal
Upatyaka ma Ashokaki Chori Charumati (Charumati A daughter of
Ashoka in Nepal Valley) (The Charumati Vocie (Kath Charumati Buddhist
Mission 2001) p 20
[5] Beal Samuel Si Yu Ri Buddhist Records of the Western World
(New Delhi Motilal Banarsidass Publishers 1994) pp 80-81 Bhuwan Lal
Pradhan Nepalama Buddhadharma (Kath Nepal Rajkiya Pragyapratisthana
1988) pp 102 ndash 103
[6] NB Thapa A Short History of Nepal (Kath Ratna Pustak
bhandhar Nd) pp 30-33 Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ The
Nation Thailand‟s English Newspaper (Sunday special) Oct 18 1987
[7] Opcit NB Thapa p116
[8] David N Gellner Monk Householder and Tantric Priest Newar
Buddhism and its Hierarchy of Ritual (Cambridge University Press 1996) pp
41ff
[9] Bechert Heinz amp Jens-Uwe Hartmann ldquoObservation on the reform
of Buddhism in Nepalrdquo Journal of Nepal Research Centre vol VIII Kath
Kantipur Printing Press1988p 6
[10] Ria Kloppenborg Theravada Buddhism in Nepal‟ Kailash A
Journal of Himalayan Studies Vol 5 no 41977 p 302
[11] BP Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada Gukathan Wagu Kha (Kath
Hisi Press Nepal BS 20421985) pp44ff
[12] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p47ff
[13] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 51-53 Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal (BKK A Thesis of MA Mahamakut Graduate School
2001) p 97
[14] Bhikshu Sudarshan Mahasthavir bdquoRole of Theravada in the
Preservation of Newar Buddhism‟ wwwircnepalorgpapers
[15] Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 69-72
[16] Opcit Observation on the reform of Buddhism in Nepal p10ff
[17] Opcit Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ RV
Vandya Sanghanayaka Venerable Pragnananda Mahasthavir (Kath Nepal
Co-operative Press 1978) pp 11ff
[18] Bhkkhu Dharmaloka Mahasthavir A Pilgrimage in China (kath
published by Bhikkhu Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1999) p 13-15 Opcit Lacoul
Nepalay Sthavirvada p 74-75
[19] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka p 15
[20] Opcit Bhikkhu dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp16ff
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p100
[21] Ibit Bhikkhu Dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp 27-29
[22] See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A Homage
(Kath Anandakuti Vihar Trust 1992) Kuladharma Ratna Tuladhar Buddhism
in Nepal (Kath Dharmodaya Sabha 1986) pp15 Opcit Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 100
[23] Opcit K R Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal 16 RV Vandya
Sanghanayaka ven Pragnananda p 32 ff
[24] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka Pragnananda pp 34-35
Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthavirvada p 86
[25] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 18 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 101
[26] Bhikkhu Amritananda Mahasthavir A Short History of Theravada
Buddhism in Modern Nepal (Kath Anandakuti Vihar trust 1986) pp 8-9
Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir (Kath Anandakuti
Vihar Trust 1992) p 25
[27] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 19 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[28] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[29] Opcit Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir
p 26
[30] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit KR
Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 20
[31] Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha in Nepal
(BKK A Thesis of MA Buddhist Study Mahachulalongkorn University 2547)
p 23 [32]
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit Ratna
Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir p 26
[33] Amrit R Sthapit bdquowho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Aswaghosha‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 4 no 1 May 2001
p8
[34] helliphelliphelliphelliphellip bdquoWho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Nyanapurninka Mahasthavir‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 7
no 1 May 2004 p13 Viswo Shanti Vihar The Shanti Sandesh (Kath Viswo
Shanti Vihar 1998)
[35] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sumangala Mahasthavir
A monk who modernized Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the
LNBDS UK vol 2 no 1 May 1999 p10
[36] Opcit Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha
in Nepal pp 52ff
[37] Rina Tuladhara Dharmakirti 25 Years of Dharmakirti Buddhist
Study Circle A Glimpse (Kath Dharmakirti Vihar 1996) Mallika Sakya
bdquoWho is Who in Nepalese Buddhism Dhammavati Guruma‟ Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 5 no 1 May 2002 p10
[38] Opcit See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A
Homage Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 108
[39] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sudarshan Mahasthavir A
Gem of the Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol
6 no 1 May 2003 p13
14
known and practised by only certain communities Vajracharyas
(Bajracharyas) Shakyas Tuladhars etc[8]
The Rana government
banned all Buddhist religious activities They also banned people
converting from Hindu religion to Buddhism but traditional Buddhists
were allowed to become Hindus
Theravada Revival Movement
In the early 1920s Dharmāditya Dharmācārya began his
campaign for the revival of Theravāda Buddhism teaching that Nepal
was the land of the Buddha‟s birth Meanwhile the Baisākha purnimā
celebration and publicing of ldquoBuddha Dhammardquo magazine by
Dharmāditya Dharmācārya had been inflaming the inner quest for
spirituality in Nepalewse society Furthermore simulteniously Tibeten
Buddhism had been inspiring Newari Society to walk the path that was
once nearly lost One of the well-known monks who came from Tibet
and preached the Dhamma to the Nepalese was Kyangtse Lama
Known in Nepal as Kyanchhe Lama he had come on pilgrimage to
Nepal His sermons and the publication of the Lalitavistara inspired
many to seek Buddhist ordination in the early period of the modern
15
history of Buddhism in Nepal It was the fortunate conjunction of
Nisthananda‟s translation of the Lalitavistara into the mother tongue
producing a Newāri version of the Buddha‟s life story Dharmāditya
Dharmācārya revivalism and the visits of Kyangtse Lama which
ensured that ldquothe Bud of the Dharmardquo planted by the Venerable Lama
should flower so quickly and produce such impressive fruit His
influence on Newāri scholars was significant One of them was
Yogbeer Sing Kansakar who was honoured for his efforts for the
preservation of the Newāri language The Lama also influenced the
first Theravāda monks Venerable Mahapragya and Venerable
Pragyānanda among others
The closing years of 19th
century saw reform movements in
many Buddhist countries with idea of modernizing Buddhist
movement The term bdquoBuddhist modernization‟ is used to refer to these
new reformist activities[9]
The aim of this movement was to bring
back Buddhism to India and Sri Lanka The Maha Bodhi Society was
founded in India under the leadership of Anagarika Dharmapala[10]
16
This organization was the first Buddhist organization established with
the aim of internationalizing Buddhism
The success of The Maha Bodhi Society encouraged Nepalese
who came in contact with this society They were mostly traditional
Buddhists (Newar Buddhists) of Nepal who were merchants and
pilgrims They played an important role in Theravada revival
movement in present day Nepal However it was students of Buddhism
who gave a kick-start to Theravada movements in modern Nepal
Mr Jagatman Vaidya a traditional Buddhist by birth went to
India for further studies He initiated the Theravada Buddhist revival
movement with the help of The Mahabodhi Society[11]
Mr Jagatman
who later became known as Dharmaditya Dharmacariya devoted most
of his time and energy to Buddhist Revivalism in Nepal by publishing
Buddhist journal in Newari Nepali Hindi English etc One of his
great deeds was to celebrate Baisakh day Buddha Jayanti or Swanya
Punhi in Nepal to commemorate Buddha‟s birth enlightenment and
death (Parinibbana) He established bdquoBuddha Dharma Uddhar
Sangharsquo lsquoBuddhopasaka Sangha‟ and other organizations for the
propagation of Buddhism in Nepal[12]
17
The Buddha Jayanti which he has initiated was celebrated for
the first time in the history of modern Nepal in 1926 after a long gap
Now a day this day is widely celebrated in Nepal Every year people
celebrate it with great joy and happiness[13]
He was also responsible
for stopping animal slaughter at Mayadevi temple in Lumbini and
renovation of Kindol Vihar in Kathmandu This Vihara became the
center for Theravada revival movement[14]
He published Buddhist
magazine entitled bdquoBuddha Dharmarsquo in Newari Language
(Nepalabhasa) emphasizing the importance of Buddha Jayanti
celebration and Theravadian views This was the starting point of
Theravada activities and promotion of Theravadian views in Nepal
after many centuries Some Nepalese youths took ordination according
to Theravada tradition in 1928 They were imprisoned for four days
The Government at the time was under the influence of Shaivait
Brahmins who were calling for a ban against Buddhism Later he was
arrested for his conversion from a Hindu to a Buddhist monk Three
new rules suppressing Buddhism had been issued
18
(1) Conversion to Buddhism from Hinduism (Shaivaism) to be
punished by one year in prison
(2) Acting as preceptor at a Buddhist ordination to be punished by
three years‟ imprisonment and
(3) Attempting to ordain into Buddhism to be punished by a six-
month imprisonment
They were exiled to India and all reordained into Theravada
tradition with ven U Kosala in Buddhagaya However certain reasons
they left the tradition The history speaks only on Ven Mahapragya but
rest of other four monks still under discovery The first Nepalese to
take ordination in Theravada tradition was venerable Mahapragna a
Hindu Shrestha by birth in 1926 After few years study in Tibet again
he went to India where he met Ven U Chandramani a Burmese monk
at Kusinagara[15]
He was impressed with Ven Chandramani and took
Theravada ordination from him This was the starting point for
Theravada ordination once again in the history of modern Nepal after
almost 600 years[16]
Since then Theravadin monastic order been settled
in modern Nepal
19
On the other hand Venerable Pragyananda (Karmasheel) who
converted from Gelung of Tibetan tradition to Theravada with Ven U
Chandramani at Kusinagara India was the first yellow-robed monk
who appeared in the street of Kathmandu valley at the end of 1930s[17]
He stayed at Kindol Vihar at the invitation of Dasaratna Shahu (later
Ven Dharmaloka) and gave discourses The attendance at his
discourses increased day by day and it worried then Rana government
and arrested all the members of Vihar They were imprisoned fined
and later released[18]
Fortunately Ven Pragnananda was in different
place and was not arrested He went on pilgrimage to India with some
devotees His four devotees took ordination under guidance of Ven U
Chandramani at Kusinagar They were Samanera Shasana Jyoti
Anagarika Ratna Pali Anagarika Dhamma Pali and Anagarika
Sangha Pali This was the first nun‟s ordination in Theravada
Buddhism in modern Nepal[19]
In the mean time Dasaratna Shahu
who was running Kindol Vihar brought Civar and bowl from Sri Lanka
for monk ceremonies Soon after his release from prison he took
ordination according to Theravada tradition at Kusinagar from Ven U
Chandramani and became Samanera Dhammaloka in 1932[20]
He
20
visited Nepal as a monk but was arrested immediately on his arrival in
Kathmandu and was imprisoned once again for six days and then
released without charging him with any offences Following his release
from prison he went to stay at Kindol Vihar and continued his
religious activities He was finally able to carry out religious activities
freely in Nepal He succeeded to propagate Theravada Buddhism in the
streets of Kathmandu valley[21]
Later he founded Nepal‟s first
Theravada Buddhist temple bdquoAnandakutirsquo at the foothill of Swayambhu
hill and it became the center for Theravada Sangha in modern Nepal
Venerable Amritananda was another well-known Buddhist
scholar and pioneer person for revival of Theravada Buddhism in
modern Nepa[22]
He was ordained under Ven U Chandramani at
Kusinagara in 1936 CE but was imprisoned along with Ven
Mahapragna at Bhojpur in 1937 In 1942 he came back to Nepal from
abroad after completing his study and gave discourses at the request of
Ven Dharmaloka in Swayambhu during vassavasa days (Three months
Buddhist lent) His public discourses impressed lay people and many
people came to listen to him Other Monks Samaneras and Nuns of
21
Nepal who were studying abroad also came back and joined him and
gave public discourses in different places of Kathmandu valley[23]
This
was a great breakthrough during isolationist Rana government Rana
government of the time banned any public assembly because of fear of
political unrest and demand for political reform in Nepal Because of
their religious activities they were arrested on 30th
July 1944 and
brought in front of then Prime Minister Juddha Shamsher Jung Bahadur
Rana for giving verdict on the charges of propagating the dhamma He
made rules to curtail the Buddhist activities Those who didn‟t follow
these rules were asked either to leave the country or return to worldly
life All the respected monks who were active in revival of Theravada
in Nepal refused to obey the order and were exiled once again from
Nepal The exiled monks this time included Ven Pragnananda Ven
Dharmaloka Ven Subhodhananda Ven Pragnarashmi Samanera
Pragnarasa Samanera Ratnajyoti Samanera Agga Dhamma and
Samanera Kumar The nuns were allowed to remain in the Vihar until
the end of the Vassavasa[24]
22
Development of Theravada Buddhism
The exiled monks formed bdquoDharmodaya Sabha‟ - Nepal‟s first
Buddhist organization with the help of other Buddhist organizations
and individuals on 30th
November 1944 in India under the
chairmanship of Ven U Chandramani Ven Amritananda was its
general secretary[25]
Immediately after establishment of bdquoDharmodaya
Sabha‟ Ven Amritananda wrote a protest letter to Nepalese
government and also appealed to other Buddhist organizations on
behalf of Dharmodaya Sabha He visited many places and various
countries to get support against the expulsion of Buddhist monks from
modern Nepal One of the countries he visited and undertook further
studies was Sri Lanka In Sri Lanka he also succeeded in bringing a
goodwill mission to Nepal in 1946 under the leadership of well-known
scholar Ven Narada Mahasthavir of Vajiraramaya Colombo The
members of this mission consisted of Ven Narada Ven Amritananda
Ven Priyadarshi Dr Ratna Surya and Prof Aryapal They were able
to meet the newly appointed Prime Minister Padma Shumsher J Rana
Ven Amritananda and leader of the mission Ven Narada requested his
23
Excellency to give permission for the exiled monks to return to Nepal
Prime Minister Padma Shamsher accepted their request and permitted
the exiled monks to return Ven Dharmaloka was the first one to come
back to Nepal immediately after receiving a letter from Ven
Amritananda and arrived in Kathmandu in June 1946 (Jesth Sukla 6
2003)[26]
Other monks also returned one by one and again started
propagating Theravada Buddhism in modern Nepal Ven Narada
visited Nepal three times and constructed a Sri Lankan Cetiya at
Anandakuti Vihar He brought a branch of Bodhi tree Buddha‟s relic
to Nepal He also established the first Sima (Uposatha) of Nepal for
Bhikkhus at the Vihara During his third visit he met then Prime
Minister Mohana Shamasher J Rana and requested him to declare
Baisakh Purnima or Buddha Day as a public holiday His Excellency
agreed and declared it as a public holiday for the Buddhist government
civil officers[27]
Since then Theravada Buddhism gained ground in
Nepalese society and made progress Theravada monks propagated
Buddhism by performing ceremonies giving Dharmadesana and
publishing Buddhist texts Many Viharas were built in and outside the
Kathmandu valley to propagate dhamma
24
In 1950 democracy replaced autocratic Rana regime under the
leadership of H M King Tribhuvan This heralded rapid development
of Theravada Buddhism Buddhist monks and nuns were able carry out
their duties freely without hindrances throughout the country The
office of bdquoDharmodaya Sabha‟ shifted from Kalimpong to Kathmandu
after the advent of democracy in 19501 In 1951 Bhikkhu Sangha led
by Ven Amritananda formed lsquoAkhil Nepal Bhikkhu Sangharsquo (All
Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha Council) for the further propagation of
Buddhism in Nepal Ven Amritananda played a great role in
propagation of Theravada Buddhism nationwide His close relationship
with their Majesties helped in his activities[28]
He visited many
countries on behalf of All Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha and Dharmodaya
Sabha In the same year Buddhists of Nepal succeeded in bringing the
relics of Ven Sariputta (Ven Sariputra) and Ven Maudhgalyana
(Ven Moggallana) the foremost disciples of the Buddha for the
exhibition in Nepal His Majesty King Tribhuvan chaired the reception
committee and a reception party was held in the Royal Palace[29]
Following year in 1952 Buddha Jayanti was celebrated throughout the
country with the support of HM King Tribhuvan On this occasion
25
HM King declared Baisakh Purnima or Buddha Jayanti day as a
public holiday throughout the kingdom[30]
In 1956 His late Majesty King Mahendra visited Lumbini the
birthplace of the Buddha and erected a Mahendra Pillar in Lumbini
zone In the same year during 2500th
Buddha Jayanti celebration HM
king banned animal slaughter on this auspicious day throughout the
kingdom[31]
Nepalese Buddhists led by All Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha
Council and Dharmodaya Sabha also organized the Fourth World
Fellowship of Buddhist Conference (WFB) in Kathmandu on this
year[32]
His Majesty‟s government cooperated fully and gave every
assistance for the success of the conference Gradually Theravada
Buddhist monasteries were founded Buddhist Education Buddhapuja
meditation public discourses publications of Buddhist texts and mass
ordination etc took place as a part of dhamma activities Burma Sri
Lanka Thailand and other countries helped Nepal in its effort for
Theravada revival Soon after Theravada Buddhist monks established
the first Bhikkhu training center- Sangharama Vihar and ordained
number of novices under the leadership of Ven Ashogosha
Mahasthavir[33]
Following their ordination they were sent to Sri
26
Lanka Burma and Thailand for their higher ordination and education
Many of these monks have returned to Nepal and are actively engaged
in propagation of dhamma Besides ordination of individual novices
mass ordinations for short periods were also held in different temple
After Anandakuti Vihar the Viswasanti Vihara also established
Vishwa Shanti Bauddha Shikshalaya a Buddhist School under Ven
Nyanapunnika Mahathavir[34]
It teaches both national and Buddhist
curriculum to the novices Now there are nearly 100 Theravada
temples more than four hundred monks and Samaneras and nearly 400
nuns in the country Present Sangha Nayaka is Most Ven
Subodhananda of Gana Mahavihara Kathmandu President of All
Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha is Kumar Kashyapa of Ananda Kuti Vihar
Swayambhu Kathmandu and the head office of All Nepal Bhikkhu
Sangha is in Viswo Santi Vihara New Baneshwor Kathmandu
27
Contribution to Nepalese society
Besides promoting Dhamma Theravada monks and nuns
(Anagarikas) are also involved in other welfare activities like
organising free health camps training centers either in the monasteries
or outside the monasteries They also founded center for old age and
Kindergarten Late Ven Sumangala Mahasthavira[35]
initiated free
clinic at Buddha Vihar a Buddhist home for the elderly at Benepa and
a Buddhist Kindergarten Free Clinics were popular because of lack of
adequate government run clinics in Nepal Many monasteries
organized free clinics Regular clinics like eye and Homeopathic were
run either on weekly or monthly basis Annual campaigns are also run
when it was felt necessary
In 1964 All Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha established a Theravada
education system Pariyatti Sikkha or Nepal Bauddha Pariyatti Siksa
(Buddhist Saturday School) Classes are run in Theravada Buddhist
monasteries Tibetan monasteries other Buddhist centers in public and
private schools There are more than 32 centers throughout the
28
country[36]
Presently its head office is at Viswo Santi Vihara in New
Baneswora Kathmandu
Besides Pariyatti Sikkha Ven Amritananda founded a
Buddhist school - bdquoAnandakuti Vidyapith Boarding School‟ and a
college- bdquoSiddharth Science Campus‟ Both Buddhist monks and lay
people used to teach in these institutions It was started as a Buddhist
school but for some reason it has become a private enterprise Besides
these many monks and nuns are also running other educational
institutions like bdquoNursery school (Siddhartha Shisu Niketan Buddha
Vihar) Primary school (Triple Gem Boarding School) and Higher
Schools There are some Higher Education institutes like Siddharth
University in Banepa International Buddhist University in Lumbini
etc Many Buddhist organizations were founded and they were also
running different classes and research centers like Dharmakirti
Buddhist Research Center Anagarika Dhammavati founded this centre
Later on Anagarika Dhammavati was ordained as Bhikkhuni
according to Taiwanese tradition She is one of the well-known nuns in
the Theravada Buddhism in Nepal[37]
29
The Buddhist temples and organizations bring out number of
publications annually monthly weekly and on special occasions
Dharmodaya Anandabhumi and Dharmakirti are the oldest
Buddhist journals in Nepal and still continued to be published
Ven Amritananda was one of the greatest Buddhist scholars of
Nepal He wrote and translated many books on Buddhism There are
still no other monks or nun in Nepal who can be compared with
him[38]
Late Ven Sudharsan Mahasthavir came close to him Ven
Sudharsan was a pillar of Theravada Buddhism after Ven
Amritananda He was famous for different reason His field of interest
beside dhamma work consisted literature language Archaeology etc
He was a resident monk at Srikirti Vihar Kirtipur and held the post of
professor in History Archaeology and Buddhist philosophy at
Tribhuvan University until his death in July 2002 Some of his books in
Buddhism became course book for BA and MA students in Nepal
He had special interest in archaeology of Lumbini and was an expert on
this subject[39]
30
Revival of Theravada Buddhism in Nepal also had profound
effect in cultural and religious way of life of Nepalese Daily chanting
or Buddhapuja short term ordination observing Sila (Moral code)
caste system celebration of Vesak day celibate life were introduced
In the month of Bhadra or Gunla days (AugustSeptember) Buddhist
hymns are chanted and public discourses are given
Late Ven Sudharshan Mahasthavir formed Sri Kirti Buddhist
center at Sri Kirti Vihar with the aim of introducing Buddhism to other
ethnic groups other than Newars- the original inhabitants of Katmandu
valley This project succeeded in bringing other ethic groups into
Theravada Buddhism As a result of this many ethnic groups who were
originally Buddhists have started organizing Buddhist conferences and
Buddhist activities Another important development is formation of
Gyanmala Bhajan Khala - a Buddhist hymn group This group sings
regularly especially during certain auspicious days at Swayambhu and
other Buddhist sites The songs they sing are based on Buddha‟s
teaching and has been successful in promoting Buddhism in simple
melodious hymns which attracts many people who visits these
religious places
31
Theravadin in Nepalese Society
For centuries Nepalese were aware of only Buddhist priest
(Bajracharya) from Newar Buddhism (Vajrayana) and Tibetan Lamas
They were unaware of Theravadian Buddhist monks and nuns
Bajracharyas are household monks They lead domestic lives and are
not celibate Not all Tibetan monks are celibate It depends on the
school they belong to For example monks from Sakya School of
Tibetan tradition do not have to be celibate Theravada monks wear
distinctive saffron coloured robes They are celibate and lead virtuous
monastic life These monks and nuns have different identity in the eyes
of Nepalese especially the inhabitants of Kathmandu valley Their
simple way of life their full dedication in their work for the benefit of
mankind easily understood Theravada Scriptures translated in different
languages eg in Nepal Bhasa (Newari) Nepali in Hindi and in
English for easy accessibility by different groups helped to gain the
heart of Nepalese people Although many lay people have played
pivotal roles in revival of Theravada Buddhism in Nepal the leadership
32
of monks and nuns were vital in further development and survival of
this tradition
The lay Buddhists of Nepal are pluralistic They participate in
Buddhist ceremonies such as Vesak day daily chanting etc At the
same time they also follow Hindu customs in their daily lives
Buddhism is different from Hinduism and it is not a branch of
Hinduism Hindus believe that Buddha was a reincarnation of Lord
Vishnu Buddha never claimed to be anything other than a human
being ndash although a unique one in the history of mankind
Buddhism in Nepal is unique because of existence of three
different Buddhist traditions - Newar Buddhism (Vajrayana)
Tibetan Buddhism (Mahayana) and Theravada Buddhism
Different Buddhist groups practised different traditions Although the
principle underlying all these traditions is the same they differ in
details Theravada Buddhist tradition is different from Tibetan or
Newar Buddhist traditions but it is developing side-by-side with them
It was not possible for Theravada Buddhism to develop in Nepal
without close co-relation with other traditions but later developed on its
own right These various Buddhist traditions are coexisting in present
33
day Nepal Although they have different cultural traditions and are
developing in their own ways but the followers are the same
Therefore there is no separate identity of Theravadian lay Buddhists
There are number of lay Buddhist organizations such as Dharmodaya
Sabha Dharmakirti Institute Young Buddhist Associations Female
Buddhist Associations more recently Sukhi Hotu Nepal which are
playing important role in promotion of Buddha Dhamma but they are
multi-cultural and multi religious in their daily practices
CONCLUSION
Theravada Buddhism was introduced to Nepal at the time when
public meetings were banned It faced many obstacles at the beginning
Strong dedications of monks and nuns made it possible for its revival in
Nepal after many centuries of neglect Even though the revival
movement of this tradition was started only about 80 years ago it has
already gained strong foot hold in Nepal and gaining popularity day by
day The reason for its popularity lies in many things - the simple and
easily understood way the teachings were given the simple way of life
of monks and nuns lead and various beneficial activities undertaken by
34
Viharas Theravadin Buddhist monks and nuns are well accepted by
people and their contribution in promoting Buddha‟s teachings is
widely recognized Although small in number in comparison to other
Asian countries like Thailand Sri Lanka and Burma both the number
of monks and nuns and monasteries of this tradition are increasing day
by day If this trend continues it will become one of the prominent
religious traditions in Nepal It is only natural that this oldest Buddhist
tradition should gain its place of honour it deserve in a country where
the founder of the religion was born
35
Theravada Records in Nepal
List of Monks Novices and Anagarikas studying abroad
MONKS AND NOVICES
I Thailand
1 Bhikkhu Anil Man Dhammasakiyo (Sugandha)
2 Bhikkhu Vipassi Dhammaramo
3 Bhikkhu Jit Bahadur Gurung
4 Bhikkhu Krishna Thapamagar
5 Bhikkhu Pannamurti
6 Bhikkhu Sujan Sujano
7 Bhikkhu Anil Sumankitti
8 Bhikkhu Santosh Santosho
9 Bhikkhu Khemik Suddhasilo
10 Bhikkhu Suman Rocano
11 Bhikkhu Sanu Maharajano
12 Bhikkhu Santamano Dhwajjoshi
13 Bhikkhu Suman Dhwajjoshi
14 Bhikkhu Bijit Khemasakko
15 Bhikkhu Supreme Shakyavanso
Samaneras
1 Samanera Buddharatna Maharjan
2 Samanera Dhammaratna Maharjan
3 Samanera Bipin Maharjan
4 Samanera Prajwal Shakya
5 Samanera Ukesh Sakya
6 Samanera Gopi Maharjan
7 Samanera Sudip Deshar
8 Samanera Sudat Deshar
9 Samanera Deepi Maharjan
10 Samanera Ramit Shrestha
11 Samanera Anup Deshar
12 Samanera Suman Bajracharya bdquoA‟
13 Samanera Rajendra Deshar
14 Samanera Kapila Maharjan
15 Samanera Arbin Shakya
36
16 Samanera Kabindra Bajracharya
17 Samanera Ujjawal Shakya
18 Samanera Satish Shakya
19 Samanera Bimal Gurung
20 Samanera Surya Gurung
21 Samanera Sameer Maharjan
22 Samanera Anup Shakya
23 Samanera Arjun Magar
24 Samanera Kiran Desahar
25 Samanera Dipesh Shrestha
26 Samanera Tejendra Tamang
27 Samanera Ashim Shakya
28 Samanera Jalap Bajracharya
29 Samanera Arya Dev Bajracharya
30 Samanera Sudarshan Maharjan
31 Samanera Sangharatna
32 Samanera Suman Bajracharya bdquoB‟
33 Samanera Kijan Maharjan
34 Samanera Ramesh Maharjan
35 Samanera Niroj Maharjan
36 Samanera Jen Maharjan
37 Samanera Denish Bajracharya
38 Samanera Pritam Bahadur Shakya
39 Samanera Abhishek Shakya
40 Samanera Bishal Shakya
41 Samanera Sajal Shakya
42 Samanera Suraj Bhakta Shrestha
43 Samanera Dinesh Chaudhary
44 Samanera Shiv Swatantra Tharu
45 Samanera Sambhu Lal Khang
46 Samanera Buddharatna Chaudhary
47 Samanera Mukesh Chaudhary
II Myanmar (Burma)
Bhikkhu Samaneras
1 Bhikkhu Panavimala
2 Bhikkhu Dhyanratna
3 Bhikkhu Adiccho
4 Bhikkhu Vimalbuddhi
5 Bhikkhu Shobhan
6 Samanera Amato
7 Samanera Jutimma
8 Samanera Buddhapiyo
9 Samanera Kavindo
10 Samanera Nagasena
11 Samanera Gyanavudho
III Taiwan(ROC) 1 Bhikkhu Mangala 2 Bhikkhu Vazirbuddhi
IV Australia 1 Bhikkhu Upatissa
V India
1 Bhikkhu Dharmajyoti 2 Bhikkhu Ashokakirti
3 Bhikkhu Narawang Tamang
VI United kingdom 1 Bhikkhu Suman
VII USA 1 Bhikkhu Pragnaloka
VIII Sri Lanka
Bhikkhus
Bhikkhu Nanda
Bhikkhu Vineeta
Bhikkhu Ashoka
Bhikkhu Triratna
Bhikkhu Sagara
Bhikkhu Sankicca
Bhikkhu Vajirasiri
Bhikkhu Sarada
Bhikkhu Veenit
Bhikkhu Ratana
Bhikkhu Tissa
Bhikkhu Vajira
Bhikkhu Pannawimal
Bhikkhu Medhankar
Bhikkhu Pannasara
SARAMANERAS
Saranankara
Piyadassi
Dil Bhadra
Chandima
Samita
Narada bdquoA‟
Piyaratna
Kusala
Lakkhana
Udit
Vibekanada
Pannananda
Mettananda
Chandananda
Yassari
Upali
Subodhi
Mahanama
Kashyapa
Dhammapala
Narada bdquoB‟
Nalaka bdquoA‟
Daywasa
Santa Sobhana
Santa Siddhartha
Santa Maitri
Santa Kosala
Santa Sakya
Suvaca
Sukama Sila
Siddhartha
Nanda bdquoA‟
Rahula
Sudheera
Kosala Dheera
Panna Wansa
Jina Wansa
Mahinda
Nanda bdquoB‟
Seewali
Mahapantha
Assaji
Sarada
Sumana
Ananda
Nalaka bdquoB‟
Aloka
Suwarna
Subodh
Udena
Sangharatna bdquoA‟
Gyanendra
Khema
Soma bdquoA‟
Punna
Panna Ransi
Soma bdquoB‟
Santa bdquoA‟
Kapila Wansa
Asita Wansa
Sumanananda bdquoa‟
Vijitananda
Khemananda
Silananda
Medhananda
Somaratna
Soratha
Pragyananda
Sumangala
Santa Citta
Yasa
Dhamma Kitti
Panna Kitti
Santa Dheera
Vijitananda
Sumanananda bdquob‟
Vajra Bodhi
Dhammika
Santa bdquoB‟
Anuruddha
Sumana bdquoB‟
Jinavamsa
Panna Vansa
Buddha Ratna
Dhamma Ratna
Ariya Ratna
Piyadassi bdquoB‟
Sila Ratna
Sangha Ratna bdquoB‟
List of Anagarikas studying in abroad
I Thailand
1 Anagarika Sirisuta Maharjan
2 Anagarika Ramsobha Shrestha
3 Anagarika Sunita Napit
II Myanmar
1 Anagarika Javanvati
2 Anagarika Vimalajnani
3 Anagarika Ambika
4 Anagarika Buddhapali
5 Anagarika Darshana
6 Anagarika Agrajnani
7 Anagarika Nandavati
bdquob‟
III India 1 Anagarika Rupashila
IV Taiwan
1 Anagarika Pannavati
2 Anagarika Sani
3 Anagarika Nima
V Sri Lanka
1 Anagarika Pannawati
2 Anagarika Mettawati
3 Anagarika Keshawati
4 Anagarika Prasnnawati
5 Anagarika Sukhawati
6 Anagarika Shobhawati
7 Anagarika Subhadra
8 Anagarika
Shraddhagautami
9 Anagarika Upananda
10 Anagarika Shantawati
11 Anagarika Suciwati
Residences of Theravādin Monks in Nepal
01 Abhinava Buddha Vihara Lumbini
1) Bhikkhu Vimalananda Mahathera
2) Samanera Sunanda
02 Anandakut Vihara Swayambhu Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Kumara Kassapa Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Dharmamurti 3) Samanera Kondanya
4) S Prajnaratna 5) S Asoka
6) S Kumarjeeva 7) S Assaji
03 Bauddha Samaskrita Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Bhikkhu Dharmashobhana Mahathera
04 Bodhicharya Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Bodhisena Mahathera
2) Samanera Bodhideepa
05 Buddha Vihara Bhrikuti Mandap-Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Kondanya 2) Bhikkhu Sushil
3) Samanera Anuyoga 3) S Javana
4) S Udena
06 Buddha Vihara Biratnagar
1) Bhikkhu Aloka
07 Buddha Vihara Dharan
1) Bhikkhu Maitri (Tamang)
2) Bhikkhu Chhavikirti
08 Chatubrahma Vihara Matatirtha
1) Bhikkhu Thansettho
2) Bhikkhu Samyakaratna
3) Bhikkhu Bodhananda
9 Charumati Stupa Vihara Chabahil Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Tapassi Dhamma
10 Dharmacakra Ashrama Bagbazar
1) Bhikkhu Milinda
11 Dharmashila Buddha Vihara Pokhara
1) Bhikkhu Subhadda 2) Bhikkhu Saddhananda
12 Dhyanakuti Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Ashwaghosha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Rahul 3) Samanera Gautama
13 Gana Maha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Sanghanayaka Bhikkhu Subodhanand Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sobhita
3) Bhikkhu Samvegakirti
4) Samanera Sugatananda
6) S Chandananda
7) S Somananda
8) S Sumanavamsha
9) S Somavamsha
10) S Sumanasiri
14 IlayabahiTanabaha Patan
1) Bhikkhu Vimalkirti
15 International Bauddha Pariyatti Vihara Butwal
1) Bhikkhu Jatila
2) Bhikkhu Bhaddiya bdquoB‟
3) Samanera Jnanashree 4) S Jotika
16 International Buddhist Society Lumbini
1) Bhikkhu Maitri Mahathera
2) Samanera Mahapanta
3) S Vimala
17 Jana Udaya Vihara Sunakothi-Lalitpura
1) Bhikkhu Dharmagupta
18 Jitavana Vihara Thankot
1) Bhikkhu Dharmavamsha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sugatamuni Mahathera
3) Samanera Sunita
19 Kuti Vihara Koteshwar-KTM
1) Bhikkhu Yeshdhammo
2) Samanera Wayamo
3) S Milindo 4) S Sunanalankara
20 Manimandapa Mahavihara Patan
1) Bhikshu Shilbhadra Mahathera
2) Samanera Paduma 3) S Nayako
21 Muni Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Samanera Tejendra 2) S Jalapa
3) S Asima 4) S Aryaputra
22 Padma Sugandha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Sumedha 2) Samanera Sudatta
23 Pati Vihara Nagadesh-Bhaktapur
1) Bhikkhu Varasambodhi
24 Pranidhi Purna Maha Vihara Balambu
1) Samanera Sukha
25 Pugatabhoomi Jetavana Vihara Bhairahawa
1) Samanera Jagaro 2) S Suvanno
26 Purvaram Vihara Dhulikhel
1) Bhikkhu Gunaghosha Mahathero
27 Sangharama Vihara Kshetrapati Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Saddhatissa
2) Bhikkhu Kolita
3) Bhikkhu Sangharakshita
28 Shakya Singha Vihara Patan
1) Bhikkhu Dharmapala Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sunanda Mahathera
3) Bhikkhu Dharmarakshita
29 Shikhalapura Vihara Dhulikhel
1) Bhikkhu Dhammananda Mahathera
30 Shree Kirti Vihara Kirtipur
1) Bhikkhu Kirtijyoti 2) Bhikkhu Ananda
3) Bhikkhu Prajnakirti
4) Bhikkhu Dharmakirti
5) Samanera Sundara 6) Bhikkhu Pamit
7) S Subhashkirti 8) S Uttarakirti
31 Shreegha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Dharmasagara
2) Bhikkhu Medhankara
32 Sudarshana Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Rastrapala
33Sumangala Vihara Patan
1) Sanghaupanayaka Bhikkhu Buddhaghosha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Shobhan
3) Bhikkhu Prajnaratna
34 Surya Mangala Vihara Kapilvastu
1) Bhikkhu Suryamangala
35 Tokha Buddha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Samanera Shobhana 2) S Jnanodaya
36 Veluvanarama Vihara Thecho-Lalitpura
1) Samanera Uttama 2) S Chandimo
37 Vishwa Shanti Vihara New Baneshwar
1) Bhikshu Jnanapurnik Mahathera
2) Bhikshu Bodhijnana
3) Bhikshu Nigrodha
4) Bhikshu Udayabhadra
Samaneras
1) S Janak 2) S Sujat
3) S Obhaso 4) S Subhaddo
5) S Nandiyo 6) S Mahindo
7) S Pajjoto 8) S Aloka
9) S Buddhadatta 10) S Panita
11) S Kashyapa 12)S Dharmaghosha
13) S Nagita 14) S Vinaya
15) S Suchitta 16) S Sudatto
17) S Nemindo 18) S Rohito
19) S Jayanto 20) S Meghiyo
21) S Indriyo 22) S Suppamedho
23) S Bhanusarana 24) S Saddhadeepa
25) S Kittimo 26) S Janeyyo
27) S Adicca 28) S Kosalla
29) S Nyanuttara 30) S Bhaddaco
31) S Pabhassaro 32) S Uttaro
38 Yampi Maha Vihara Patan
1) Bhikkhu Bhaddiya
39 Non residencial Monks
1) Bhikshu Samyaka Sambodhi Pranputra
2) Bhikshu Dhyanratna
3) Bhikkhu Chandragupta Balambu
Present Anagarikas and resident in NEPAL
01 Amarapura Vihara Bungamati
1) A Charujnani 2) A Sunita
3) A Palitajnani 4) A Pamitajnani
5) A Padumajnani 6) A Rupawati
02 Bauddha Samaskrit Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Anagarika Sanghashila
03 Buddha ViharaDharan
1) A Sumedhavati 2) A Sushilavati
3) A Kanchana 4) A Shasanavati
04 Bauddha Rishi Mahapragya Ashram Anamnagar
1) Anagarika Prajnavati
05 Chatubrahma Vihara Matatirtha
1) Anagarika Anu
06 Dhammavasa Vihara Khusibun
1) A Krishgautami 2) A Suchita
3) A Shilgautami 4) A Kshantigautami
5) A Shyamavati
07 Dharmakirti Vihara Naghal-Kathmandu
1) Anagarika RatnaManjari
2) A Dhammavati
3) A Dhammadinna (Chameli)
4) A Anupama 5) A Sanghavati
6) A Khemavati 7) A Indravati
8) A Jayavati 9) A Danavati
10) A Tyagavati 11) AViryavati
12) A Shubhavati 13) A Ramavati
14) A Surammavati
15) A Hemavati 16) A Suppabhavati
17) A Supriya 18) A Amata
19) A Vannavati 20) A Suvannavati
08 Dharmashila Buddha Vihara Pokhara
1) Anagarika Karmashila
09 Gautami Vihara Lumbini
1) Anagarika Sujata 2) A Khamesi
10 IlayabahiTana Baha Lalitpur
1) A Shilaparami 2)AViryaparami
3) A Vineeta 4) A Shilachari
11 Int‟l Buddhist Meditation Centre Shankhamul
1) A Aggajnani 2) A Nirmalajnani
3) A Shantarakshita
12 Jaya Mangal ViharaTana Bahal-Patan
1) Anagarika Vijita 2) A Nekkhami
3) A Chittavati
13 Jyoti Vihara Chapagaun- Lalitpur
1) AnagarikaVirygautami
2) A Upeskshagautami
14 Kashivarna Buddha Vihara Panuati
1) Anagarika Satyaparami
15 Kindol Vihara Swayambhu
1) A Sumana 2) A Uttara
3) A Sumitra 4) A Molini
5) A Dhammavijaya 6) A Tejavati
7) A Shyamavati
16 Kunsa BahaHyumat
1) Anagarika Patachari 2) AUmavati
17 Mahabodhi Vihara Tansen
1) Anagarika Revati (Dhammadinna)
18 Muni Vihara Bhaktapur
1) A Sugandhavati 2) A Padmavati
19 Narsinharama Thaina-Patan
1) A Jnanashila 2) ASatyashila
3) AShilavati 4) A Yeshavati 5) A Dharani
6) A Jeenvati
7) A Shilpavatisushma
20 Padmachaitya Vihara Butwal
1) A Udayashila 2) A Santiwati
21 Padmakirti Vihara Kamalpokhari
1) A Kamala 2) A Karunavati
3) A Pabbhavati 4) A Dhyanavati
5) A Bhavanavati
22 Prajnanandarama Okubahal-Patan
1) Anagarika Jnanavati
23 Pranidhipurna Mahavihara Balambu
1) A Mudita 2) A Chandrashila bdquoB‟
24 SangharakshitaVihara Patan
1) Anagarika Abhaya 2) A Chandrashila
3) A Shilachari
25 Shanti Sukhavasa Chakupat-Patan
1) A Utpalavarna (Chini)
26 Shree Kirti Vihara Kirtipur
1) Anagarika Mina
27 SunandaramaThaina-Patan
1) A Madhavi 2) AMasukhi
3) A Mashobha 4) A Mashraddha
5) A Masudha
28 Sulakshanakirti Viahara Kirtipur
1) A Anoja 2) A Atula
3) A Anula
29 Sangharama ViharaDhalko-KTM
1) Anagarika Dharmarakshita
30 Vishwashanti Vihara New Baneshwar
1) A Shubha 2) A Khema
3) A Sudhamma
31 Vishwashanti Dharmakirti Vihara Basundhara
1) A Dhajavati (Kusum) 2) A Padmavati
3) A Bhadravati
32 Residing other Anagarikas
1) Anagarika Chandrajnani Patan
2) A Sraddhavati Shankhamul
3) A Amaravati Patan
4) A Dhammachari Patan
5) A Nanda Thasi
Some Prominent Personalities in the Theravada Movement1
Sanghamahanayakas of Nepal
1 Ven Pragyanand Mahasthavir 1930 ndash 1993 AD
2 Ven Sakyananda Mahasthavir 1993 - 1997 AD
3 Ven Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1997 - 2002 AD
4 Ven Subodhananda Mahasthavir 2002 - 2006 AD
5 Ven Buddhaghosa Mahasthavir 2006-
Amritananda Bhikkhu (1918-1990) original name Lal Kaji Sakya from Tansen
west Nepal he ordain as a novice in 1936 from ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara He studies and was ordained a monk in Sri Lanka in 1940 He
return to Nepal in 1942 and preached first publicly in Kathmandu He
formed Dharmodaya Sabha in 1944 and All Nepal Bhikkhu Mahasangha in
1951 and remained its unchallenged leader until his death He was well
known and traveled widely outside of Nepal because of his dynamism and
charisma He was also one of the greatest Buddhist scholars and writers of
Nepal
Aniruddha Bhikkhu (1915-2003) original name Gaja Ratna Tuladhar son of
Dasa Ratna Sahu (Later Ven Dhammaloka) He went to Sri Lanka in 1930
and ordained as samanera and studied there He had served many years in
Lumbini and third Sanghanayaka of Nepal
1 Sarah Levine and David N Gellner Rebuilding Buddhism The Theravada Movement in
Twentieth Century Nepal (UK Harvard University Press 2006) pp 293-296
Ashwaghosh Bhikkhu (1926- present) original name Buddha Ratna Sakya and
became a novice in 1944 and went to Sri Lanka for study where he took
higher ordination in 1949 he is known as bdquothe communist monk‟ and was a
nominee of the Unified Marxist-Leninist party one of Nepal‟s two main
political parites in the 1990s to the Upper House 1993-5 He had
established nepal‟s first Bhikkhu Training Center at Sangharama Dhalko
and became abbot of this vihara Presently he is abbot of Shrigha Vihara in
Kathmandu and of Dyanakuti Vihara Banepa
Buddhaghosh Bhikkhu (1921- present day) original name Sapta Ratna
Vajracharya in Kwa Baha Kathamandu The founder of Pariyatti Education
in Nepal and presently acting Sanghanayaka of Nepal (2006) and abbot of
Sri Sumangala Vihara in Lalitpur
Chandramani Bhikkhu (1876-1972) a Burmese monk who spent his life in
Kusinagara where he worked for the propagation of Buddhism until his
death He initiated with most of the early Nepalese Theravadins Monks and
Nuns He was the first president of Dharmodaya Sabha and father of
Theravadins of Nepal
Dharmachari Anagarika (1898-1978) born Laxmi Nani Tuladhar she
impressed by Ven Pragyananda in Kindol Vihara and took the precepts
from Chandramani in Kusinagara in 1934 and most prominent Nepali nun
She founded the first nunnery in Nepal at Kindol Vihara in 1947
Dhammaloka Bhikkhu (1891-1977) born Das Ratna Tuladhar Asan
kathamandu He traded in Lhasha went to Sri Lanka and taught Buddhism
as a layman Later became a monk in 1932 after his son Aniruddha ordain
in 1930 he established nepal‟s first Theravādin Vihara bdquoAnanda Kuti
Vihar‟ in Kathmandu
Dhammawati Anagarika (1925- present day) born as Ganesh Kumari Sakya in
Uku Baha lalitpur She ordain too precepts from Ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara and renamed as Dhammavati in 1950 She went to Burma for
study and return in 1963 after passed the Dhammacariya Examination She
was able to established Dhammakirti Nunnery Centre in 1965 and leader of
the Theravādin Nuns She has been re-ordained as Bhikkhuni according to
Mahayana tradition
Dharmaditya Dharmacharya (1902-1963) born as Jagat Man Vaidya in Chika
Bahi Lalitpur and the first Newar Buddhist modernist and the first newar
cultural nationalist He went to study in Calcutta where he became a
follower of anagarika Dhammapala the founder of Maha Bodhi Society
He had formed Buddhist revival foundation and published Buddhist
magazines etc
Nyanpurnika Bhikkhu (1936- present day) Born as Hera Lal Sakya in Tansen
He studied with Buddhaghosh in Lalitpur in Burma and in England He is
only monk who passed Dhammacariya examination of Burma He was the
founder of Vishwa Shanti Vihara and Vishwa Shanti Bauddha sikkyalaya
where train novices He is a prominent translator and writer
Kumar Kashyap Bhikkhu (1926- present day) born as Krishna Man Sakya he
was one of those who exiled to India by the Ranas in 1944 He went to
Study in Sri Lanka and hold nepal‟s first bdquoTripitaka acarya‟ Presently he is
president of All Nepal Bhikkhu Association and abbot of Ananda Kuti
Vihara
Mahapragya Bhikkhu (1901-1979) born Prem Bahadur (Nani Kaji ) Shrestha
He ordained into Tibetan tradition but exiled in 1926 and reordained as
novice in Theravada tradition one of the earlier Theravādin monks He
return to householderhood in Kalimpong in 1940s but then returned to
Kathmandu as a Buddhist sage (Bauddha Rishi) in the 1960s where he
taught until his death
Pragyananda Bhikkhu (1900-1993) born as Kul Man Singh Tuladhar in Itum
Baha Kathmandu a trader in Tibet where he met Ven Mahapragya and
impressed by him to ordained He became a Tibetan Gelung Karmasheel in
1928 and two years later a Theravādin under Ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara in 1930 He was nepal‟s first Sanghamahanayaka and well
respected monk
Shakyananda Bhikkhu (1909-1997) born as Chakra Dhan Sakya in Taksar
Bhojpur East Nepal He spent over forty years as a monk in Tansen outside
the Kathmandu and second sanghamahanayaka of Nepal
Subodhanand Bhikkhu (1916-2006) bor as Kul Raj Sakya in Taksar Bhojpur
East Nepal He was one of the monks exiled by the Ranas in 1944 He was
a prolific composer of Hymns in Nepal Bhasa In 2003 as the most senior
monk in Nepal he was the fourth Sanghanayaka of Nepal
Sudarshan Bhikkhu (1934-2002) born as Rudra Raj Sakya in Uku Baha
lalitpur He was famous a bdquothe boy monk‟ For many years he was a lecturer
in the culture Department of Tribhuvan University a prolific writer
preacher and abbot of Sri Kirti Vihara Kirtipur which is became multi-
cultural center and especially for Buddhist meetings and conferences He
was jailed for some months for Nepal Bhasa activities in the Panchayat
period He was a campaigner on Buddhist issues particularly to do with
Lumbini
Sumangal Bhikkhu (1929-1999) born Bhakta Krishna Shilpakar in Lalitpur He
was famous as ldquoDollar bhanterdquo He ordained in 1959 in Burma obtained a
master‟s degree in Buddhism from Rissho University Japan in 1972 and
was among the first monks to mobilize international connections for
Buddhist projects in Nepal He established Buddha Vihara in Bhrikuti
Mandap Kathmandu He helped raise funds from Thailand and Japan for
IBMc (1985) brought the Japanese healing movement Sei Mei Kyo to
Nepal and in 1993 opened an old people‟s home in Banepa
Glimpse of Theravādin activities in Nepal
Samanera ordination at Muni Vihara
Ordination Ceremony at Vishwa Shanti Vihara
Collecting Alms
Chanting Paritta in devotee‟s home
Giving Holy Thread to Devotees
Buddhist Art in Nepal
Main Buddha Image at Sri Kirti Vihara
Four holy places
Some of the Theravada Buddhist Viharas (Monasteries) in Nepal
Vihars In Kathmandu Valley Telephone No
1 Amarapura Buddha Vihar Bungamati 5551068
2 Anandakuti Vihar Swayambhu 4271420
3 Anandabhuwan Vihar Bhuikhyo 4270429
4 Ganamaha vihar Ganabaha 4253454
5 Gautam Buddha Vihar Panga co 4330576
6 Caturbrahma Vihar Matatirtha 4310558
7 Carumati Vihar Cabahil 4469897
8 Baudhajana Vihar Sunakothi co 5570209
9 Jitapur Gandhakuti Vihar khona Co 5542846
10 Jitawan Vihar Thankot 4311912
11 Jyoti udaya vihar Capagaun Co 5571459
12 Dhammavasa Vihar Khusibun 4358688
13 Dharmakirti Vihar Srigha Naghal 4259466
14 Dharmacakra vihar Bagbajar 4261976
15 Nagar Mandap Sri Kirti Vihar Kirtipur 4330836
16 Nagadesh Buddha Vihar Nagadesh Co 6635397
17 Nirvanmurti Anagarikaram Kindol 4285811
18 Padmasugandha Vihar Manjeshwori 4266255
19 Pranidhi Purna Mahavihar Balambu 43105924312455
20 Pati Vihar Thimi Co 6637601
21 Pippali Theravad Buddha Vihar Shiphal 4475066
22 Punya Udaya Vihar Jala Harisiddhi Co 5527456
23 Buddhabhoomi Mahavihar Tokha 4362514
24 Buddha Vihar Bhrikuti mandapa 4226702
25 Buddharatna Vihar Putalisadak 4244277
26 Bauddha samakrit Vihar Bhaktapur 6610842
27 Manimandap Vihar Patko Bhaktapur 5526517
28 Muni Vihar Bhaktapur 6616464
29 Yampi Mahavihar Ibahi Lalitpur 5539644
30 Yashodhara Baudha Bidyalaya Thaina Lalitpur 5521435
31 Biswo Shanti Vihar Baneshwor 4482384
32 Biswo Shanti Dharmakirti vihar Basundhara 4354251
33 Beluvanarama Vihar Theco Co 5570062
34 Sakyasingha Vihar Thaina Lalitpur 5524760
35 Santi Sukhawas Cakupat co 5523613
36 Siddhimangal Buddha Vihar Thasi 5581495
37 Sumangala Vihara Lagankhel 5531715
38 Sulakshan kirti Vihar Chobhar 4331718
39 Suwanrna Chatrapur Vihar Lubhu 5580430
40 Sangharama Vihar Dhalko Visnumati 4255960
41 Srigha Vihar Nagal 4259110
Vihars out side the Kathamandu Velley Telephone No
1 Ananda Vihar Tansen Co 075-520225520216
2 Citravan Vihar Narayangadha Co 056-521478
3 Taksar Vihar Tansen Co 075-520024
4 Dharmashila Buddha Vihar Phokhara 061-520517
5 Dyankuti Banepa Banepa 011-661244
6 Padma Chaitya Vihar Butawal 071-546470
7 Purwarama Vihar Dhulikhel 011-661979
8 Pragya Mahavihar Hetauda Co 057-520264520136
9 Buddha Vihar Dharan 025-520354
10 Buddha Vihar Biratnagar Co 021-522146530604
11 Beni Buddha Vihar Myagdi Co 069-520354
12 Bodhicharya vihar Banepa 011-661789
13 Lokachakra Buddha Vihar Dhan gadhi 091-622174
14 Sakyamuni Vihar Bhojpur Co 029-420260
15 Sugatapur Vihar Trisuli Co 010-560153
16 Sugandha Vihar Ridi Gulmi Co 079-529435
17 Swoyambhu Chetya Buddha Vihar Urlabari Co 021-540080
18 Swoyambhu Chetya Mahavihar Dharan Co 025-520190
19 Gyanodaya Buddha Vihar Baglung Co 068-520921520336
Footnotes
[1] This paper was written as a part of my MA thesis research on bdquoThe
Revival of Theravada Buddhism and its contribution to Nepalese Society‟ of
Mahachulalongkorn University Bangkok Thailand and would like to thank Mr
Dharma Sakya for every suggestion editing and help for the completion of this
article
[2] Nyanatiloka Buddhist Dictionary 3
rd ed The Free Distribution
version the Corporate Body of the Buddha education foundation Taiwan p
179
[3] Triratna Manandhar bdquoPresent of Buddhism in Nepal‟ (Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK Vol 8 May 2005) p 15
[4] helliphelliphelliphellip The New Encyclopedia of Britannica Vol24 (USA
Library of Congress Catalog 1993) p 781 Dhanabajra Vajracharya Cabahilko
Abhilekha (Inscription of Cabahil) The Charumati Voice (Kath Charumati
Buddhist Mission 2001) pp 17-20 Bhikkhu Sudarsan Mahasthavira Nepal
Upatyaka ma Ashokaki Chori Charumati (Charumati A daughter of
Ashoka in Nepal Valley) (The Charumati Vocie (Kath Charumati Buddhist
Mission 2001) p 20
[5] Beal Samuel Si Yu Ri Buddhist Records of the Western World
(New Delhi Motilal Banarsidass Publishers 1994) pp 80-81 Bhuwan Lal
Pradhan Nepalama Buddhadharma (Kath Nepal Rajkiya Pragyapratisthana
1988) pp 102 ndash 103
[6] NB Thapa A Short History of Nepal (Kath Ratna Pustak
bhandhar Nd) pp 30-33 Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ The
Nation Thailand‟s English Newspaper (Sunday special) Oct 18 1987
[7] Opcit NB Thapa p116
[8] David N Gellner Monk Householder and Tantric Priest Newar
Buddhism and its Hierarchy of Ritual (Cambridge University Press 1996) pp
41ff
[9] Bechert Heinz amp Jens-Uwe Hartmann ldquoObservation on the reform
of Buddhism in Nepalrdquo Journal of Nepal Research Centre vol VIII Kath
Kantipur Printing Press1988p 6
[10] Ria Kloppenborg Theravada Buddhism in Nepal‟ Kailash A
Journal of Himalayan Studies Vol 5 no 41977 p 302
[11] BP Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada Gukathan Wagu Kha (Kath
Hisi Press Nepal BS 20421985) pp44ff
[12] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p47ff
[13] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 51-53 Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal (BKK A Thesis of MA Mahamakut Graduate School
2001) p 97
[14] Bhikshu Sudarshan Mahasthavir bdquoRole of Theravada in the
Preservation of Newar Buddhism‟ wwwircnepalorgpapers
[15] Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 69-72
[16] Opcit Observation on the reform of Buddhism in Nepal p10ff
[17] Opcit Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ RV
Vandya Sanghanayaka Venerable Pragnananda Mahasthavir (Kath Nepal
Co-operative Press 1978) pp 11ff
[18] Bhkkhu Dharmaloka Mahasthavir A Pilgrimage in China (kath
published by Bhikkhu Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1999) p 13-15 Opcit Lacoul
Nepalay Sthavirvada p 74-75
[19] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka p 15
[20] Opcit Bhikkhu dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp16ff
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p100
[21] Ibit Bhikkhu Dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp 27-29
[22] See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A Homage
(Kath Anandakuti Vihar Trust 1992) Kuladharma Ratna Tuladhar Buddhism
in Nepal (Kath Dharmodaya Sabha 1986) pp15 Opcit Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 100
[23] Opcit K R Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal 16 RV Vandya
Sanghanayaka ven Pragnananda p 32 ff
[24] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka Pragnananda pp 34-35
Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthavirvada p 86
[25] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 18 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 101
[26] Bhikkhu Amritananda Mahasthavir A Short History of Theravada
Buddhism in Modern Nepal (Kath Anandakuti Vihar trust 1986) pp 8-9
Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir (Kath Anandakuti
Vihar Trust 1992) p 25
[27] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 19 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[28] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[29] Opcit Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir
p 26
[30] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit KR
Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 20
[31] Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha in Nepal
(BKK A Thesis of MA Buddhist Study Mahachulalongkorn University 2547)
p 23 [32]
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit Ratna
Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir p 26
[33] Amrit R Sthapit bdquowho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Aswaghosha‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 4 no 1 May 2001
p8
[34] helliphelliphelliphelliphellip bdquoWho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Nyanapurninka Mahasthavir‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 7
no 1 May 2004 p13 Viswo Shanti Vihar The Shanti Sandesh (Kath Viswo
Shanti Vihar 1998)
[35] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sumangala Mahasthavir
A monk who modernized Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the
LNBDS UK vol 2 no 1 May 1999 p10
[36] Opcit Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha
in Nepal pp 52ff
[37] Rina Tuladhara Dharmakirti 25 Years of Dharmakirti Buddhist
Study Circle A Glimpse (Kath Dharmakirti Vihar 1996) Mallika Sakya
bdquoWho is Who in Nepalese Buddhism Dhammavati Guruma‟ Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 5 no 1 May 2002 p10
[38] Opcit See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A
Homage Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 108
[39] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sudarshan Mahasthavir A
Gem of the Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol
6 no 1 May 2003 p13
15
history of Buddhism in Nepal It was the fortunate conjunction of
Nisthananda‟s translation of the Lalitavistara into the mother tongue
producing a Newāri version of the Buddha‟s life story Dharmāditya
Dharmācārya revivalism and the visits of Kyangtse Lama which
ensured that ldquothe Bud of the Dharmardquo planted by the Venerable Lama
should flower so quickly and produce such impressive fruit His
influence on Newāri scholars was significant One of them was
Yogbeer Sing Kansakar who was honoured for his efforts for the
preservation of the Newāri language The Lama also influenced the
first Theravāda monks Venerable Mahapragya and Venerable
Pragyānanda among others
The closing years of 19th
century saw reform movements in
many Buddhist countries with idea of modernizing Buddhist
movement The term bdquoBuddhist modernization‟ is used to refer to these
new reformist activities[9]
The aim of this movement was to bring
back Buddhism to India and Sri Lanka The Maha Bodhi Society was
founded in India under the leadership of Anagarika Dharmapala[10]
16
This organization was the first Buddhist organization established with
the aim of internationalizing Buddhism
The success of The Maha Bodhi Society encouraged Nepalese
who came in contact with this society They were mostly traditional
Buddhists (Newar Buddhists) of Nepal who were merchants and
pilgrims They played an important role in Theravada revival
movement in present day Nepal However it was students of Buddhism
who gave a kick-start to Theravada movements in modern Nepal
Mr Jagatman Vaidya a traditional Buddhist by birth went to
India for further studies He initiated the Theravada Buddhist revival
movement with the help of The Mahabodhi Society[11]
Mr Jagatman
who later became known as Dharmaditya Dharmacariya devoted most
of his time and energy to Buddhist Revivalism in Nepal by publishing
Buddhist journal in Newari Nepali Hindi English etc One of his
great deeds was to celebrate Baisakh day Buddha Jayanti or Swanya
Punhi in Nepal to commemorate Buddha‟s birth enlightenment and
death (Parinibbana) He established bdquoBuddha Dharma Uddhar
Sangharsquo lsquoBuddhopasaka Sangha‟ and other organizations for the
propagation of Buddhism in Nepal[12]
17
The Buddha Jayanti which he has initiated was celebrated for
the first time in the history of modern Nepal in 1926 after a long gap
Now a day this day is widely celebrated in Nepal Every year people
celebrate it with great joy and happiness[13]
He was also responsible
for stopping animal slaughter at Mayadevi temple in Lumbini and
renovation of Kindol Vihar in Kathmandu This Vihara became the
center for Theravada revival movement[14]
He published Buddhist
magazine entitled bdquoBuddha Dharmarsquo in Newari Language
(Nepalabhasa) emphasizing the importance of Buddha Jayanti
celebration and Theravadian views This was the starting point of
Theravada activities and promotion of Theravadian views in Nepal
after many centuries Some Nepalese youths took ordination according
to Theravada tradition in 1928 They were imprisoned for four days
The Government at the time was under the influence of Shaivait
Brahmins who were calling for a ban against Buddhism Later he was
arrested for his conversion from a Hindu to a Buddhist monk Three
new rules suppressing Buddhism had been issued
18
(1) Conversion to Buddhism from Hinduism (Shaivaism) to be
punished by one year in prison
(2) Acting as preceptor at a Buddhist ordination to be punished by
three years‟ imprisonment and
(3) Attempting to ordain into Buddhism to be punished by a six-
month imprisonment
They were exiled to India and all reordained into Theravada
tradition with ven U Kosala in Buddhagaya However certain reasons
they left the tradition The history speaks only on Ven Mahapragya but
rest of other four monks still under discovery The first Nepalese to
take ordination in Theravada tradition was venerable Mahapragna a
Hindu Shrestha by birth in 1926 After few years study in Tibet again
he went to India where he met Ven U Chandramani a Burmese monk
at Kusinagara[15]
He was impressed with Ven Chandramani and took
Theravada ordination from him This was the starting point for
Theravada ordination once again in the history of modern Nepal after
almost 600 years[16]
Since then Theravadin monastic order been settled
in modern Nepal
19
On the other hand Venerable Pragyananda (Karmasheel) who
converted from Gelung of Tibetan tradition to Theravada with Ven U
Chandramani at Kusinagara India was the first yellow-robed monk
who appeared in the street of Kathmandu valley at the end of 1930s[17]
He stayed at Kindol Vihar at the invitation of Dasaratna Shahu (later
Ven Dharmaloka) and gave discourses The attendance at his
discourses increased day by day and it worried then Rana government
and arrested all the members of Vihar They were imprisoned fined
and later released[18]
Fortunately Ven Pragnananda was in different
place and was not arrested He went on pilgrimage to India with some
devotees His four devotees took ordination under guidance of Ven U
Chandramani at Kusinagar They were Samanera Shasana Jyoti
Anagarika Ratna Pali Anagarika Dhamma Pali and Anagarika
Sangha Pali This was the first nun‟s ordination in Theravada
Buddhism in modern Nepal[19]
In the mean time Dasaratna Shahu
who was running Kindol Vihar brought Civar and bowl from Sri Lanka
for monk ceremonies Soon after his release from prison he took
ordination according to Theravada tradition at Kusinagar from Ven U
Chandramani and became Samanera Dhammaloka in 1932[20]
He
20
visited Nepal as a monk but was arrested immediately on his arrival in
Kathmandu and was imprisoned once again for six days and then
released without charging him with any offences Following his release
from prison he went to stay at Kindol Vihar and continued his
religious activities He was finally able to carry out religious activities
freely in Nepal He succeeded to propagate Theravada Buddhism in the
streets of Kathmandu valley[21]
Later he founded Nepal‟s first
Theravada Buddhist temple bdquoAnandakutirsquo at the foothill of Swayambhu
hill and it became the center for Theravada Sangha in modern Nepal
Venerable Amritananda was another well-known Buddhist
scholar and pioneer person for revival of Theravada Buddhism in
modern Nepa[22]
He was ordained under Ven U Chandramani at
Kusinagara in 1936 CE but was imprisoned along with Ven
Mahapragna at Bhojpur in 1937 In 1942 he came back to Nepal from
abroad after completing his study and gave discourses at the request of
Ven Dharmaloka in Swayambhu during vassavasa days (Three months
Buddhist lent) His public discourses impressed lay people and many
people came to listen to him Other Monks Samaneras and Nuns of
21
Nepal who were studying abroad also came back and joined him and
gave public discourses in different places of Kathmandu valley[23]
This
was a great breakthrough during isolationist Rana government Rana
government of the time banned any public assembly because of fear of
political unrest and demand for political reform in Nepal Because of
their religious activities they were arrested on 30th
July 1944 and
brought in front of then Prime Minister Juddha Shamsher Jung Bahadur
Rana for giving verdict on the charges of propagating the dhamma He
made rules to curtail the Buddhist activities Those who didn‟t follow
these rules were asked either to leave the country or return to worldly
life All the respected monks who were active in revival of Theravada
in Nepal refused to obey the order and were exiled once again from
Nepal The exiled monks this time included Ven Pragnananda Ven
Dharmaloka Ven Subhodhananda Ven Pragnarashmi Samanera
Pragnarasa Samanera Ratnajyoti Samanera Agga Dhamma and
Samanera Kumar The nuns were allowed to remain in the Vihar until
the end of the Vassavasa[24]
22
Development of Theravada Buddhism
The exiled monks formed bdquoDharmodaya Sabha‟ - Nepal‟s first
Buddhist organization with the help of other Buddhist organizations
and individuals on 30th
November 1944 in India under the
chairmanship of Ven U Chandramani Ven Amritananda was its
general secretary[25]
Immediately after establishment of bdquoDharmodaya
Sabha‟ Ven Amritananda wrote a protest letter to Nepalese
government and also appealed to other Buddhist organizations on
behalf of Dharmodaya Sabha He visited many places and various
countries to get support against the expulsion of Buddhist monks from
modern Nepal One of the countries he visited and undertook further
studies was Sri Lanka In Sri Lanka he also succeeded in bringing a
goodwill mission to Nepal in 1946 under the leadership of well-known
scholar Ven Narada Mahasthavir of Vajiraramaya Colombo The
members of this mission consisted of Ven Narada Ven Amritananda
Ven Priyadarshi Dr Ratna Surya and Prof Aryapal They were able
to meet the newly appointed Prime Minister Padma Shumsher J Rana
Ven Amritananda and leader of the mission Ven Narada requested his
23
Excellency to give permission for the exiled monks to return to Nepal
Prime Minister Padma Shamsher accepted their request and permitted
the exiled monks to return Ven Dharmaloka was the first one to come
back to Nepal immediately after receiving a letter from Ven
Amritananda and arrived in Kathmandu in June 1946 (Jesth Sukla 6
2003)[26]
Other monks also returned one by one and again started
propagating Theravada Buddhism in modern Nepal Ven Narada
visited Nepal three times and constructed a Sri Lankan Cetiya at
Anandakuti Vihar He brought a branch of Bodhi tree Buddha‟s relic
to Nepal He also established the first Sima (Uposatha) of Nepal for
Bhikkhus at the Vihara During his third visit he met then Prime
Minister Mohana Shamasher J Rana and requested him to declare
Baisakh Purnima or Buddha Day as a public holiday His Excellency
agreed and declared it as a public holiday for the Buddhist government
civil officers[27]
Since then Theravada Buddhism gained ground in
Nepalese society and made progress Theravada monks propagated
Buddhism by performing ceremonies giving Dharmadesana and
publishing Buddhist texts Many Viharas were built in and outside the
Kathmandu valley to propagate dhamma
24
In 1950 democracy replaced autocratic Rana regime under the
leadership of H M King Tribhuvan This heralded rapid development
of Theravada Buddhism Buddhist monks and nuns were able carry out
their duties freely without hindrances throughout the country The
office of bdquoDharmodaya Sabha‟ shifted from Kalimpong to Kathmandu
after the advent of democracy in 19501 In 1951 Bhikkhu Sangha led
by Ven Amritananda formed lsquoAkhil Nepal Bhikkhu Sangharsquo (All
Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha Council) for the further propagation of
Buddhism in Nepal Ven Amritananda played a great role in
propagation of Theravada Buddhism nationwide His close relationship
with their Majesties helped in his activities[28]
He visited many
countries on behalf of All Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha and Dharmodaya
Sabha In the same year Buddhists of Nepal succeeded in bringing the
relics of Ven Sariputta (Ven Sariputra) and Ven Maudhgalyana
(Ven Moggallana) the foremost disciples of the Buddha for the
exhibition in Nepal His Majesty King Tribhuvan chaired the reception
committee and a reception party was held in the Royal Palace[29]
Following year in 1952 Buddha Jayanti was celebrated throughout the
country with the support of HM King Tribhuvan On this occasion
25
HM King declared Baisakh Purnima or Buddha Jayanti day as a
public holiday throughout the kingdom[30]
In 1956 His late Majesty King Mahendra visited Lumbini the
birthplace of the Buddha and erected a Mahendra Pillar in Lumbini
zone In the same year during 2500th
Buddha Jayanti celebration HM
king banned animal slaughter on this auspicious day throughout the
kingdom[31]
Nepalese Buddhists led by All Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha
Council and Dharmodaya Sabha also organized the Fourth World
Fellowship of Buddhist Conference (WFB) in Kathmandu on this
year[32]
His Majesty‟s government cooperated fully and gave every
assistance for the success of the conference Gradually Theravada
Buddhist monasteries were founded Buddhist Education Buddhapuja
meditation public discourses publications of Buddhist texts and mass
ordination etc took place as a part of dhamma activities Burma Sri
Lanka Thailand and other countries helped Nepal in its effort for
Theravada revival Soon after Theravada Buddhist monks established
the first Bhikkhu training center- Sangharama Vihar and ordained
number of novices under the leadership of Ven Ashogosha
Mahasthavir[33]
Following their ordination they were sent to Sri
26
Lanka Burma and Thailand for their higher ordination and education
Many of these monks have returned to Nepal and are actively engaged
in propagation of dhamma Besides ordination of individual novices
mass ordinations for short periods were also held in different temple
After Anandakuti Vihar the Viswasanti Vihara also established
Vishwa Shanti Bauddha Shikshalaya a Buddhist School under Ven
Nyanapunnika Mahathavir[34]
It teaches both national and Buddhist
curriculum to the novices Now there are nearly 100 Theravada
temples more than four hundred monks and Samaneras and nearly 400
nuns in the country Present Sangha Nayaka is Most Ven
Subodhananda of Gana Mahavihara Kathmandu President of All
Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha is Kumar Kashyapa of Ananda Kuti Vihar
Swayambhu Kathmandu and the head office of All Nepal Bhikkhu
Sangha is in Viswo Santi Vihara New Baneshwor Kathmandu
27
Contribution to Nepalese society
Besides promoting Dhamma Theravada monks and nuns
(Anagarikas) are also involved in other welfare activities like
organising free health camps training centers either in the monasteries
or outside the monasteries They also founded center for old age and
Kindergarten Late Ven Sumangala Mahasthavira[35]
initiated free
clinic at Buddha Vihar a Buddhist home for the elderly at Benepa and
a Buddhist Kindergarten Free Clinics were popular because of lack of
adequate government run clinics in Nepal Many monasteries
organized free clinics Regular clinics like eye and Homeopathic were
run either on weekly or monthly basis Annual campaigns are also run
when it was felt necessary
In 1964 All Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha established a Theravada
education system Pariyatti Sikkha or Nepal Bauddha Pariyatti Siksa
(Buddhist Saturday School) Classes are run in Theravada Buddhist
monasteries Tibetan monasteries other Buddhist centers in public and
private schools There are more than 32 centers throughout the
28
country[36]
Presently its head office is at Viswo Santi Vihara in New
Baneswora Kathmandu
Besides Pariyatti Sikkha Ven Amritananda founded a
Buddhist school - bdquoAnandakuti Vidyapith Boarding School‟ and a
college- bdquoSiddharth Science Campus‟ Both Buddhist monks and lay
people used to teach in these institutions It was started as a Buddhist
school but for some reason it has become a private enterprise Besides
these many monks and nuns are also running other educational
institutions like bdquoNursery school (Siddhartha Shisu Niketan Buddha
Vihar) Primary school (Triple Gem Boarding School) and Higher
Schools There are some Higher Education institutes like Siddharth
University in Banepa International Buddhist University in Lumbini
etc Many Buddhist organizations were founded and they were also
running different classes and research centers like Dharmakirti
Buddhist Research Center Anagarika Dhammavati founded this centre
Later on Anagarika Dhammavati was ordained as Bhikkhuni
according to Taiwanese tradition She is one of the well-known nuns in
the Theravada Buddhism in Nepal[37]
29
The Buddhist temples and organizations bring out number of
publications annually monthly weekly and on special occasions
Dharmodaya Anandabhumi and Dharmakirti are the oldest
Buddhist journals in Nepal and still continued to be published
Ven Amritananda was one of the greatest Buddhist scholars of
Nepal He wrote and translated many books on Buddhism There are
still no other monks or nun in Nepal who can be compared with
him[38]
Late Ven Sudharsan Mahasthavir came close to him Ven
Sudharsan was a pillar of Theravada Buddhism after Ven
Amritananda He was famous for different reason His field of interest
beside dhamma work consisted literature language Archaeology etc
He was a resident monk at Srikirti Vihar Kirtipur and held the post of
professor in History Archaeology and Buddhist philosophy at
Tribhuvan University until his death in July 2002 Some of his books in
Buddhism became course book for BA and MA students in Nepal
He had special interest in archaeology of Lumbini and was an expert on
this subject[39]
30
Revival of Theravada Buddhism in Nepal also had profound
effect in cultural and religious way of life of Nepalese Daily chanting
or Buddhapuja short term ordination observing Sila (Moral code)
caste system celebration of Vesak day celibate life were introduced
In the month of Bhadra or Gunla days (AugustSeptember) Buddhist
hymns are chanted and public discourses are given
Late Ven Sudharshan Mahasthavir formed Sri Kirti Buddhist
center at Sri Kirti Vihar with the aim of introducing Buddhism to other
ethnic groups other than Newars- the original inhabitants of Katmandu
valley This project succeeded in bringing other ethic groups into
Theravada Buddhism As a result of this many ethnic groups who were
originally Buddhists have started organizing Buddhist conferences and
Buddhist activities Another important development is formation of
Gyanmala Bhajan Khala - a Buddhist hymn group This group sings
regularly especially during certain auspicious days at Swayambhu and
other Buddhist sites The songs they sing are based on Buddha‟s
teaching and has been successful in promoting Buddhism in simple
melodious hymns which attracts many people who visits these
religious places
31
Theravadin in Nepalese Society
For centuries Nepalese were aware of only Buddhist priest
(Bajracharya) from Newar Buddhism (Vajrayana) and Tibetan Lamas
They were unaware of Theravadian Buddhist monks and nuns
Bajracharyas are household monks They lead domestic lives and are
not celibate Not all Tibetan monks are celibate It depends on the
school they belong to For example monks from Sakya School of
Tibetan tradition do not have to be celibate Theravada monks wear
distinctive saffron coloured robes They are celibate and lead virtuous
monastic life These monks and nuns have different identity in the eyes
of Nepalese especially the inhabitants of Kathmandu valley Their
simple way of life their full dedication in their work for the benefit of
mankind easily understood Theravada Scriptures translated in different
languages eg in Nepal Bhasa (Newari) Nepali in Hindi and in
English for easy accessibility by different groups helped to gain the
heart of Nepalese people Although many lay people have played
pivotal roles in revival of Theravada Buddhism in Nepal the leadership
32
of monks and nuns were vital in further development and survival of
this tradition
The lay Buddhists of Nepal are pluralistic They participate in
Buddhist ceremonies such as Vesak day daily chanting etc At the
same time they also follow Hindu customs in their daily lives
Buddhism is different from Hinduism and it is not a branch of
Hinduism Hindus believe that Buddha was a reincarnation of Lord
Vishnu Buddha never claimed to be anything other than a human
being ndash although a unique one in the history of mankind
Buddhism in Nepal is unique because of existence of three
different Buddhist traditions - Newar Buddhism (Vajrayana)
Tibetan Buddhism (Mahayana) and Theravada Buddhism
Different Buddhist groups practised different traditions Although the
principle underlying all these traditions is the same they differ in
details Theravada Buddhist tradition is different from Tibetan or
Newar Buddhist traditions but it is developing side-by-side with them
It was not possible for Theravada Buddhism to develop in Nepal
without close co-relation with other traditions but later developed on its
own right These various Buddhist traditions are coexisting in present
33
day Nepal Although they have different cultural traditions and are
developing in their own ways but the followers are the same
Therefore there is no separate identity of Theravadian lay Buddhists
There are number of lay Buddhist organizations such as Dharmodaya
Sabha Dharmakirti Institute Young Buddhist Associations Female
Buddhist Associations more recently Sukhi Hotu Nepal which are
playing important role in promotion of Buddha Dhamma but they are
multi-cultural and multi religious in their daily practices
CONCLUSION
Theravada Buddhism was introduced to Nepal at the time when
public meetings were banned It faced many obstacles at the beginning
Strong dedications of monks and nuns made it possible for its revival in
Nepal after many centuries of neglect Even though the revival
movement of this tradition was started only about 80 years ago it has
already gained strong foot hold in Nepal and gaining popularity day by
day The reason for its popularity lies in many things - the simple and
easily understood way the teachings were given the simple way of life
of monks and nuns lead and various beneficial activities undertaken by
34
Viharas Theravadin Buddhist monks and nuns are well accepted by
people and their contribution in promoting Buddha‟s teachings is
widely recognized Although small in number in comparison to other
Asian countries like Thailand Sri Lanka and Burma both the number
of monks and nuns and monasteries of this tradition are increasing day
by day If this trend continues it will become one of the prominent
religious traditions in Nepal It is only natural that this oldest Buddhist
tradition should gain its place of honour it deserve in a country where
the founder of the religion was born
35
Theravada Records in Nepal
List of Monks Novices and Anagarikas studying abroad
MONKS AND NOVICES
I Thailand
1 Bhikkhu Anil Man Dhammasakiyo (Sugandha)
2 Bhikkhu Vipassi Dhammaramo
3 Bhikkhu Jit Bahadur Gurung
4 Bhikkhu Krishna Thapamagar
5 Bhikkhu Pannamurti
6 Bhikkhu Sujan Sujano
7 Bhikkhu Anil Sumankitti
8 Bhikkhu Santosh Santosho
9 Bhikkhu Khemik Suddhasilo
10 Bhikkhu Suman Rocano
11 Bhikkhu Sanu Maharajano
12 Bhikkhu Santamano Dhwajjoshi
13 Bhikkhu Suman Dhwajjoshi
14 Bhikkhu Bijit Khemasakko
15 Bhikkhu Supreme Shakyavanso
Samaneras
1 Samanera Buddharatna Maharjan
2 Samanera Dhammaratna Maharjan
3 Samanera Bipin Maharjan
4 Samanera Prajwal Shakya
5 Samanera Ukesh Sakya
6 Samanera Gopi Maharjan
7 Samanera Sudip Deshar
8 Samanera Sudat Deshar
9 Samanera Deepi Maharjan
10 Samanera Ramit Shrestha
11 Samanera Anup Deshar
12 Samanera Suman Bajracharya bdquoA‟
13 Samanera Rajendra Deshar
14 Samanera Kapila Maharjan
15 Samanera Arbin Shakya
36
16 Samanera Kabindra Bajracharya
17 Samanera Ujjawal Shakya
18 Samanera Satish Shakya
19 Samanera Bimal Gurung
20 Samanera Surya Gurung
21 Samanera Sameer Maharjan
22 Samanera Anup Shakya
23 Samanera Arjun Magar
24 Samanera Kiran Desahar
25 Samanera Dipesh Shrestha
26 Samanera Tejendra Tamang
27 Samanera Ashim Shakya
28 Samanera Jalap Bajracharya
29 Samanera Arya Dev Bajracharya
30 Samanera Sudarshan Maharjan
31 Samanera Sangharatna
32 Samanera Suman Bajracharya bdquoB‟
33 Samanera Kijan Maharjan
34 Samanera Ramesh Maharjan
35 Samanera Niroj Maharjan
36 Samanera Jen Maharjan
37 Samanera Denish Bajracharya
38 Samanera Pritam Bahadur Shakya
39 Samanera Abhishek Shakya
40 Samanera Bishal Shakya
41 Samanera Sajal Shakya
42 Samanera Suraj Bhakta Shrestha
43 Samanera Dinesh Chaudhary
44 Samanera Shiv Swatantra Tharu
45 Samanera Sambhu Lal Khang
46 Samanera Buddharatna Chaudhary
47 Samanera Mukesh Chaudhary
II Myanmar (Burma)
Bhikkhu Samaneras
1 Bhikkhu Panavimala
2 Bhikkhu Dhyanratna
3 Bhikkhu Adiccho
4 Bhikkhu Vimalbuddhi
5 Bhikkhu Shobhan
6 Samanera Amato
7 Samanera Jutimma
8 Samanera Buddhapiyo
9 Samanera Kavindo
10 Samanera Nagasena
11 Samanera Gyanavudho
III Taiwan(ROC) 1 Bhikkhu Mangala 2 Bhikkhu Vazirbuddhi
IV Australia 1 Bhikkhu Upatissa
V India
1 Bhikkhu Dharmajyoti 2 Bhikkhu Ashokakirti
3 Bhikkhu Narawang Tamang
VI United kingdom 1 Bhikkhu Suman
VII USA 1 Bhikkhu Pragnaloka
VIII Sri Lanka
Bhikkhus
Bhikkhu Nanda
Bhikkhu Vineeta
Bhikkhu Ashoka
Bhikkhu Triratna
Bhikkhu Sagara
Bhikkhu Sankicca
Bhikkhu Vajirasiri
Bhikkhu Sarada
Bhikkhu Veenit
Bhikkhu Ratana
Bhikkhu Tissa
Bhikkhu Vajira
Bhikkhu Pannawimal
Bhikkhu Medhankar
Bhikkhu Pannasara
SARAMANERAS
Saranankara
Piyadassi
Dil Bhadra
Chandima
Samita
Narada bdquoA‟
Piyaratna
Kusala
Lakkhana
Udit
Vibekanada
Pannananda
Mettananda
Chandananda
Yassari
Upali
Subodhi
Mahanama
Kashyapa
Dhammapala
Narada bdquoB‟
Nalaka bdquoA‟
Daywasa
Santa Sobhana
Santa Siddhartha
Santa Maitri
Santa Kosala
Santa Sakya
Suvaca
Sukama Sila
Siddhartha
Nanda bdquoA‟
Rahula
Sudheera
Kosala Dheera
Panna Wansa
Jina Wansa
Mahinda
Nanda bdquoB‟
Seewali
Mahapantha
Assaji
Sarada
Sumana
Ananda
Nalaka bdquoB‟
Aloka
Suwarna
Subodh
Udena
Sangharatna bdquoA‟
Gyanendra
Khema
Soma bdquoA‟
Punna
Panna Ransi
Soma bdquoB‟
Santa bdquoA‟
Kapila Wansa
Asita Wansa
Sumanananda bdquoa‟
Vijitananda
Khemananda
Silananda
Medhananda
Somaratna
Soratha
Pragyananda
Sumangala
Santa Citta
Yasa
Dhamma Kitti
Panna Kitti
Santa Dheera
Vijitananda
Sumanananda bdquob‟
Vajra Bodhi
Dhammika
Santa bdquoB‟
Anuruddha
Sumana bdquoB‟
Jinavamsa
Panna Vansa
Buddha Ratna
Dhamma Ratna
Ariya Ratna
Piyadassi bdquoB‟
Sila Ratna
Sangha Ratna bdquoB‟
List of Anagarikas studying in abroad
I Thailand
1 Anagarika Sirisuta Maharjan
2 Anagarika Ramsobha Shrestha
3 Anagarika Sunita Napit
II Myanmar
1 Anagarika Javanvati
2 Anagarika Vimalajnani
3 Anagarika Ambika
4 Anagarika Buddhapali
5 Anagarika Darshana
6 Anagarika Agrajnani
7 Anagarika Nandavati
bdquob‟
III India 1 Anagarika Rupashila
IV Taiwan
1 Anagarika Pannavati
2 Anagarika Sani
3 Anagarika Nima
V Sri Lanka
1 Anagarika Pannawati
2 Anagarika Mettawati
3 Anagarika Keshawati
4 Anagarika Prasnnawati
5 Anagarika Sukhawati
6 Anagarika Shobhawati
7 Anagarika Subhadra
8 Anagarika
Shraddhagautami
9 Anagarika Upananda
10 Anagarika Shantawati
11 Anagarika Suciwati
Residences of Theravādin Monks in Nepal
01 Abhinava Buddha Vihara Lumbini
1) Bhikkhu Vimalananda Mahathera
2) Samanera Sunanda
02 Anandakut Vihara Swayambhu Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Kumara Kassapa Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Dharmamurti 3) Samanera Kondanya
4) S Prajnaratna 5) S Asoka
6) S Kumarjeeva 7) S Assaji
03 Bauddha Samaskrita Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Bhikkhu Dharmashobhana Mahathera
04 Bodhicharya Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Bodhisena Mahathera
2) Samanera Bodhideepa
05 Buddha Vihara Bhrikuti Mandap-Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Kondanya 2) Bhikkhu Sushil
3) Samanera Anuyoga 3) S Javana
4) S Udena
06 Buddha Vihara Biratnagar
1) Bhikkhu Aloka
07 Buddha Vihara Dharan
1) Bhikkhu Maitri (Tamang)
2) Bhikkhu Chhavikirti
08 Chatubrahma Vihara Matatirtha
1) Bhikkhu Thansettho
2) Bhikkhu Samyakaratna
3) Bhikkhu Bodhananda
9 Charumati Stupa Vihara Chabahil Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Tapassi Dhamma
10 Dharmacakra Ashrama Bagbazar
1) Bhikkhu Milinda
11 Dharmashila Buddha Vihara Pokhara
1) Bhikkhu Subhadda 2) Bhikkhu Saddhananda
12 Dhyanakuti Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Ashwaghosha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Rahul 3) Samanera Gautama
13 Gana Maha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Sanghanayaka Bhikkhu Subodhanand Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sobhita
3) Bhikkhu Samvegakirti
4) Samanera Sugatananda
6) S Chandananda
7) S Somananda
8) S Sumanavamsha
9) S Somavamsha
10) S Sumanasiri
14 IlayabahiTanabaha Patan
1) Bhikkhu Vimalkirti
15 International Bauddha Pariyatti Vihara Butwal
1) Bhikkhu Jatila
2) Bhikkhu Bhaddiya bdquoB‟
3) Samanera Jnanashree 4) S Jotika
16 International Buddhist Society Lumbini
1) Bhikkhu Maitri Mahathera
2) Samanera Mahapanta
3) S Vimala
17 Jana Udaya Vihara Sunakothi-Lalitpura
1) Bhikkhu Dharmagupta
18 Jitavana Vihara Thankot
1) Bhikkhu Dharmavamsha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sugatamuni Mahathera
3) Samanera Sunita
19 Kuti Vihara Koteshwar-KTM
1) Bhikkhu Yeshdhammo
2) Samanera Wayamo
3) S Milindo 4) S Sunanalankara
20 Manimandapa Mahavihara Patan
1) Bhikshu Shilbhadra Mahathera
2) Samanera Paduma 3) S Nayako
21 Muni Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Samanera Tejendra 2) S Jalapa
3) S Asima 4) S Aryaputra
22 Padma Sugandha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Sumedha 2) Samanera Sudatta
23 Pati Vihara Nagadesh-Bhaktapur
1) Bhikkhu Varasambodhi
24 Pranidhi Purna Maha Vihara Balambu
1) Samanera Sukha
25 Pugatabhoomi Jetavana Vihara Bhairahawa
1) Samanera Jagaro 2) S Suvanno
26 Purvaram Vihara Dhulikhel
1) Bhikkhu Gunaghosha Mahathero
27 Sangharama Vihara Kshetrapati Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Saddhatissa
2) Bhikkhu Kolita
3) Bhikkhu Sangharakshita
28 Shakya Singha Vihara Patan
1) Bhikkhu Dharmapala Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sunanda Mahathera
3) Bhikkhu Dharmarakshita
29 Shikhalapura Vihara Dhulikhel
1) Bhikkhu Dhammananda Mahathera
30 Shree Kirti Vihara Kirtipur
1) Bhikkhu Kirtijyoti 2) Bhikkhu Ananda
3) Bhikkhu Prajnakirti
4) Bhikkhu Dharmakirti
5) Samanera Sundara 6) Bhikkhu Pamit
7) S Subhashkirti 8) S Uttarakirti
31 Shreegha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Dharmasagara
2) Bhikkhu Medhankara
32 Sudarshana Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Rastrapala
33Sumangala Vihara Patan
1) Sanghaupanayaka Bhikkhu Buddhaghosha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Shobhan
3) Bhikkhu Prajnaratna
34 Surya Mangala Vihara Kapilvastu
1) Bhikkhu Suryamangala
35 Tokha Buddha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Samanera Shobhana 2) S Jnanodaya
36 Veluvanarama Vihara Thecho-Lalitpura
1) Samanera Uttama 2) S Chandimo
37 Vishwa Shanti Vihara New Baneshwar
1) Bhikshu Jnanapurnik Mahathera
2) Bhikshu Bodhijnana
3) Bhikshu Nigrodha
4) Bhikshu Udayabhadra
Samaneras
1) S Janak 2) S Sujat
3) S Obhaso 4) S Subhaddo
5) S Nandiyo 6) S Mahindo
7) S Pajjoto 8) S Aloka
9) S Buddhadatta 10) S Panita
11) S Kashyapa 12)S Dharmaghosha
13) S Nagita 14) S Vinaya
15) S Suchitta 16) S Sudatto
17) S Nemindo 18) S Rohito
19) S Jayanto 20) S Meghiyo
21) S Indriyo 22) S Suppamedho
23) S Bhanusarana 24) S Saddhadeepa
25) S Kittimo 26) S Janeyyo
27) S Adicca 28) S Kosalla
29) S Nyanuttara 30) S Bhaddaco
31) S Pabhassaro 32) S Uttaro
38 Yampi Maha Vihara Patan
1) Bhikkhu Bhaddiya
39 Non residencial Monks
1) Bhikshu Samyaka Sambodhi Pranputra
2) Bhikshu Dhyanratna
3) Bhikkhu Chandragupta Balambu
Present Anagarikas and resident in NEPAL
01 Amarapura Vihara Bungamati
1) A Charujnani 2) A Sunita
3) A Palitajnani 4) A Pamitajnani
5) A Padumajnani 6) A Rupawati
02 Bauddha Samaskrit Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Anagarika Sanghashila
03 Buddha ViharaDharan
1) A Sumedhavati 2) A Sushilavati
3) A Kanchana 4) A Shasanavati
04 Bauddha Rishi Mahapragya Ashram Anamnagar
1) Anagarika Prajnavati
05 Chatubrahma Vihara Matatirtha
1) Anagarika Anu
06 Dhammavasa Vihara Khusibun
1) A Krishgautami 2) A Suchita
3) A Shilgautami 4) A Kshantigautami
5) A Shyamavati
07 Dharmakirti Vihara Naghal-Kathmandu
1) Anagarika RatnaManjari
2) A Dhammavati
3) A Dhammadinna (Chameli)
4) A Anupama 5) A Sanghavati
6) A Khemavati 7) A Indravati
8) A Jayavati 9) A Danavati
10) A Tyagavati 11) AViryavati
12) A Shubhavati 13) A Ramavati
14) A Surammavati
15) A Hemavati 16) A Suppabhavati
17) A Supriya 18) A Amata
19) A Vannavati 20) A Suvannavati
08 Dharmashila Buddha Vihara Pokhara
1) Anagarika Karmashila
09 Gautami Vihara Lumbini
1) Anagarika Sujata 2) A Khamesi
10 IlayabahiTana Baha Lalitpur
1) A Shilaparami 2)AViryaparami
3) A Vineeta 4) A Shilachari
11 Int‟l Buddhist Meditation Centre Shankhamul
1) A Aggajnani 2) A Nirmalajnani
3) A Shantarakshita
12 Jaya Mangal ViharaTana Bahal-Patan
1) Anagarika Vijita 2) A Nekkhami
3) A Chittavati
13 Jyoti Vihara Chapagaun- Lalitpur
1) AnagarikaVirygautami
2) A Upeskshagautami
14 Kashivarna Buddha Vihara Panuati
1) Anagarika Satyaparami
15 Kindol Vihara Swayambhu
1) A Sumana 2) A Uttara
3) A Sumitra 4) A Molini
5) A Dhammavijaya 6) A Tejavati
7) A Shyamavati
16 Kunsa BahaHyumat
1) Anagarika Patachari 2) AUmavati
17 Mahabodhi Vihara Tansen
1) Anagarika Revati (Dhammadinna)
18 Muni Vihara Bhaktapur
1) A Sugandhavati 2) A Padmavati
19 Narsinharama Thaina-Patan
1) A Jnanashila 2) ASatyashila
3) AShilavati 4) A Yeshavati 5) A Dharani
6) A Jeenvati
7) A Shilpavatisushma
20 Padmachaitya Vihara Butwal
1) A Udayashila 2) A Santiwati
21 Padmakirti Vihara Kamalpokhari
1) A Kamala 2) A Karunavati
3) A Pabbhavati 4) A Dhyanavati
5) A Bhavanavati
22 Prajnanandarama Okubahal-Patan
1) Anagarika Jnanavati
23 Pranidhipurna Mahavihara Balambu
1) A Mudita 2) A Chandrashila bdquoB‟
24 SangharakshitaVihara Patan
1) Anagarika Abhaya 2) A Chandrashila
3) A Shilachari
25 Shanti Sukhavasa Chakupat-Patan
1) A Utpalavarna (Chini)
26 Shree Kirti Vihara Kirtipur
1) Anagarika Mina
27 SunandaramaThaina-Patan
1) A Madhavi 2) AMasukhi
3) A Mashobha 4) A Mashraddha
5) A Masudha
28 Sulakshanakirti Viahara Kirtipur
1) A Anoja 2) A Atula
3) A Anula
29 Sangharama ViharaDhalko-KTM
1) Anagarika Dharmarakshita
30 Vishwashanti Vihara New Baneshwar
1) A Shubha 2) A Khema
3) A Sudhamma
31 Vishwashanti Dharmakirti Vihara Basundhara
1) A Dhajavati (Kusum) 2) A Padmavati
3) A Bhadravati
32 Residing other Anagarikas
1) Anagarika Chandrajnani Patan
2) A Sraddhavati Shankhamul
3) A Amaravati Patan
4) A Dhammachari Patan
5) A Nanda Thasi
Some Prominent Personalities in the Theravada Movement1
Sanghamahanayakas of Nepal
1 Ven Pragyanand Mahasthavir 1930 ndash 1993 AD
2 Ven Sakyananda Mahasthavir 1993 - 1997 AD
3 Ven Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1997 - 2002 AD
4 Ven Subodhananda Mahasthavir 2002 - 2006 AD
5 Ven Buddhaghosa Mahasthavir 2006-
Amritananda Bhikkhu (1918-1990) original name Lal Kaji Sakya from Tansen
west Nepal he ordain as a novice in 1936 from ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara He studies and was ordained a monk in Sri Lanka in 1940 He
return to Nepal in 1942 and preached first publicly in Kathmandu He
formed Dharmodaya Sabha in 1944 and All Nepal Bhikkhu Mahasangha in
1951 and remained its unchallenged leader until his death He was well
known and traveled widely outside of Nepal because of his dynamism and
charisma He was also one of the greatest Buddhist scholars and writers of
Nepal
Aniruddha Bhikkhu (1915-2003) original name Gaja Ratna Tuladhar son of
Dasa Ratna Sahu (Later Ven Dhammaloka) He went to Sri Lanka in 1930
and ordained as samanera and studied there He had served many years in
Lumbini and third Sanghanayaka of Nepal
1 Sarah Levine and David N Gellner Rebuilding Buddhism The Theravada Movement in
Twentieth Century Nepal (UK Harvard University Press 2006) pp 293-296
Ashwaghosh Bhikkhu (1926- present) original name Buddha Ratna Sakya and
became a novice in 1944 and went to Sri Lanka for study where he took
higher ordination in 1949 he is known as bdquothe communist monk‟ and was a
nominee of the Unified Marxist-Leninist party one of Nepal‟s two main
political parites in the 1990s to the Upper House 1993-5 He had
established nepal‟s first Bhikkhu Training Center at Sangharama Dhalko
and became abbot of this vihara Presently he is abbot of Shrigha Vihara in
Kathmandu and of Dyanakuti Vihara Banepa
Buddhaghosh Bhikkhu (1921- present day) original name Sapta Ratna
Vajracharya in Kwa Baha Kathamandu The founder of Pariyatti Education
in Nepal and presently acting Sanghanayaka of Nepal (2006) and abbot of
Sri Sumangala Vihara in Lalitpur
Chandramani Bhikkhu (1876-1972) a Burmese monk who spent his life in
Kusinagara where he worked for the propagation of Buddhism until his
death He initiated with most of the early Nepalese Theravadins Monks and
Nuns He was the first president of Dharmodaya Sabha and father of
Theravadins of Nepal
Dharmachari Anagarika (1898-1978) born Laxmi Nani Tuladhar she
impressed by Ven Pragyananda in Kindol Vihara and took the precepts
from Chandramani in Kusinagara in 1934 and most prominent Nepali nun
She founded the first nunnery in Nepal at Kindol Vihara in 1947
Dhammaloka Bhikkhu (1891-1977) born Das Ratna Tuladhar Asan
kathamandu He traded in Lhasha went to Sri Lanka and taught Buddhism
as a layman Later became a monk in 1932 after his son Aniruddha ordain
in 1930 he established nepal‟s first Theravādin Vihara bdquoAnanda Kuti
Vihar‟ in Kathmandu
Dhammawati Anagarika (1925- present day) born as Ganesh Kumari Sakya in
Uku Baha lalitpur She ordain too precepts from Ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara and renamed as Dhammavati in 1950 She went to Burma for
study and return in 1963 after passed the Dhammacariya Examination She
was able to established Dhammakirti Nunnery Centre in 1965 and leader of
the Theravādin Nuns She has been re-ordained as Bhikkhuni according to
Mahayana tradition
Dharmaditya Dharmacharya (1902-1963) born as Jagat Man Vaidya in Chika
Bahi Lalitpur and the first Newar Buddhist modernist and the first newar
cultural nationalist He went to study in Calcutta where he became a
follower of anagarika Dhammapala the founder of Maha Bodhi Society
He had formed Buddhist revival foundation and published Buddhist
magazines etc
Nyanpurnika Bhikkhu (1936- present day) Born as Hera Lal Sakya in Tansen
He studied with Buddhaghosh in Lalitpur in Burma and in England He is
only monk who passed Dhammacariya examination of Burma He was the
founder of Vishwa Shanti Vihara and Vishwa Shanti Bauddha sikkyalaya
where train novices He is a prominent translator and writer
Kumar Kashyap Bhikkhu (1926- present day) born as Krishna Man Sakya he
was one of those who exiled to India by the Ranas in 1944 He went to
Study in Sri Lanka and hold nepal‟s first bdquoTripitaka acarya‟ Presently he is
president of All Nepal Bhikkhu Association and abbot of Ananda Kuti
Vihara
Mahapragya Bhikkhu (1901-1979) born Prem Bahadur (Nani Kaji ) Shrestha
He ordained into Tibetan tradition but exiled in 1926 and reordained as
novice in Theravada tradition one of the earlier Theravādin monks He
return to householderhood in Kalimpong in 1940s but then returned to
Kathmandu as a Buddhist sage (Bauddha Rishi) in the 1960s where he
taught until his death
Pragyananda Bhikkhu (1900-1993) born as Kul Man Singh Tuladhar in Itum
Baha Kathmandu a trader in Tibet where he met Ven Mahapragya and
impressed by him to ordained He became a Tibetan Gelung Karmasheel in
1928 and two years later a Theravādin under Ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara in 1930 He was nepal‟s first Sanghamahanayaka and well
respected monk
Shakyananda Bhikkhu (1909-1997) born as Chakra Dhan Sakya in Taksar
Bhojpur East Nepal He spent over forty years as a monk in Tansen outside
the Kathmandu and second sanghamahanayaka of Nepal
Subodhanand Bhikkhu (1916-2006) bor as Kul Raj Sakya in Taksar Bhojpur
East Nepal He was one of the monks exiled by the Ranas in 1944 He was
a prolific composer of Hymns in Nepal Bhasa In 2003 as the most senior
monk in Nepal he was the fourth Sanghanayaka of Nepal
Sudarshan Bhikkhu (1934-2002) born as Rudra Raj Sakya in Uku Baha
lalitpur He was famous a bdquothe boy monk‟ For many years he was a lecturer
in the culture Department of Tribhuvan University a prolific writer
preacher and abbot of Sri Kirti Vihara Kirtipur which is became multi-
cultural center and especially for Buddhist meetings and conferences He
was jailed for some months for Nepal Bhasa activities in the Panchayat
period He was a campaigner on Buddhist issues particularly to do with
Lumbini
Sumangal Bhikkhu (1929-1999) born Bhakta Krishna Shilpakar in Lalitpur He
was famous as ldquoDollar bhanterdquo He ordained in 1959 in Burma obtained a
master‟s degree in Buddhism from Rissho University Japan in 1972 and
was among the first monks to mobilize international connections for
Buddhist projects in Nepal He established Buddha Vihara in Bhrikuti
Mandap Kathmandu He helped raise funds from Thailand and Japan for
IBMc (1985) brought the Japanese healing movement Sei Mei Kyo to
Nepal and in 1993 opened an old people‟s home in Banepa
Glimpse of Theravādin activities in Nepal
Samanera ordination at Muni Vihara
Ordination Ceremony at Vishwa Shanti Vihara
Collecting Alms
Chanting Paritta in devotee‟s home
Giving Holy Thread to Devotees
Buddhist Art in Nepal
Main Buddha Image at Sri Kirti Vihara
Four holy places
Some of the Theravada Buddhist Viharas (Monasteries) in Nepal
Vihars In Kathmandu Valley Telephone No
1 Amarapura Buddha Vihar Bungamati 5551068
2 Anandakuti Vihar Swayambhu 4271420
3 Anandabhuwan Vihar Bhuikhyo 4270429
4 Ganamaha vihar Ganabaha 4253454
5 Gautam Buddha Vihar Panga co 4330576
6 Caturbrahma Vihar Matatirtha 4310558
7 Carumati Vihar Cabahil 4469897
8 Baudhajana Vihar Sunakothi co 5570209
9 Jitapur Gandhakuti Vihar khona Co 5542846
10 Jitawan Vihar Thankot 4311912
11 Jyoti udaya vihar Capagaun Co 5571459
12 Dhammavasa Vihar Khusibun 4358688
13 Dharmakirti Vihar Srigha Naghal 4259466
14 Dharmacakra vihar Bagbajar 4261976
15 Nagar Mandap Sri Kirti Vihar Kirtipur 4330836
16 Nagadesh Buddha Vihar Nagadesh Co 6635397
17 Nirvanmurti Anagarikaram Kindol 4285811
18 Padmasugandha Vihar Manjeshwori 4266255
19 Pranidhi Purna Mahavihar Balambu 43105924312455
20 Pati Vihar Thimi Co 6637601
21 Pippali Theravad Buddha Vihar Shiphal 4475066
22 Punya Udaya Vihar Jala Harisiddhi Co 5527456
23 Buddhabhoomi Mahavihar Tokha 4362514
24 Buddha Vihar Bhrikuti mandapa 4226702
25 Buddharatna Vihar Putalisadak 4244277
26 Bauddha samakrit Vihar Bhaktapur 6610842
27 Manimandap Vihar Patko Bhaktapur 5526517
28 Muni Vihar Bhaktapur 6616464
29 Yampi Mahavihar Ibahi Lalitpur 5539644
30 Yashodhara Baudha Bidyalaya Thaina Lalitpur 5521435
31 Biswo Shanti Vihar Baneshwor 4482384
32 Biswo Shanti Dharmakirti vihar Basundhara 4354251
33 Beluvanarama Vihar Theco Co 5570062
34 Sakyasingha Vihar Thaina Lalitpur 5524760
35 Santi Sukhawas Cakupat co 5523613
36 Siddhimangal Buddha Vihar Thasi 5581495
37 Sumangala Vihara Lagankhel 5531715
38 Sulakshan kirti Vihar Chobhar 4331718
39 Suwanrna Chatrapur Vihar Lubhu 5580430
40 Sangharama Vihar Dhalko Visnumati 4255960
41 Srigha Vihar Nagal 4259110
Vihars out side the Kathamandu Velley Telephone No
1 Ananda Vihar Tansen Co 075-520225520216
2 Citravan Vihar Narayangadha Co 056-521478
3 Taksar Vihar Tansen Co 075-520024
4 Dharmashila Buddha Vihar Phokhara 061-520517
5 Dyankuti Banepa Banepa 011-661244
6 Padma Chaitya Vihar Butawal 071-546470
7 Purwarama Vihar Dhulikhel 011-661979
8 Pragya Mahavihar Hetauda Co 057-520264520136
9 Buddha Vihar Dharan 025-520354
10 Buddha Vihar Biratnagar Co 021-522146530604
11 Beni Buddha Vihar Myagdi Co 069-520354
12 Bodhicharya vihar Banepa 011-661789
13 Lokachakra Buddha Vihar Dhan gadhi 091-622174
14 Sakyamuni Vihar Bhojpur Co 029-420260
15 Sugatapur Vihar Trisuli Co 010-560153
16 Sugandha Vihar Ridi Gulmi Co 079-529435
17 Swoyambhu Chetya Buddha Vihar Urlabari Co 021-540080
18 Swoyambhu Chetya Mahavihar Dharan Co 025-520190
19 Gyanodaya Buddha Vihar Baglung Co 068-520921520336
Footnotes
[1] This paper was written as a part of my MA thesis research on bdquoThe
Revival of Theravada Buddhism and its contribution to Nepalese Society‟ of
Mahachulalongkorn University Bangkok Thailand and would like to thank Mr
Dharma Sakya for every suggestion editing and help for the completion of this
article
[2] Nyanatiloka Buddhist Dictionary 3
rd ed The Free Distribution
version the Corporate Body of the Buddha education foundation Taiwan p
179
[3] Triratna Manandhar bdquoPresent of Buddhism in Nepal‟ (Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK Vol 8 May 2005) p 15
[4] helliphelliphelliphellip The New Encyclopedia of Britannica Vol24 (USA
Library of Congress Catalog 1993) p 781 Dhanabajra Vajracharya Cabahilko
Abhilekha (Inscription of Cabahil) The Charumati Voice (Kath Charumati
Buddhist Mission 2001) pp 17-20 Bhikkhu Sudarsan Mahasthavira Nepal
Upatyaka ma Ashokaki Chori Charumati (Charumati A daughter of
Ashoka in Nepal Valley) (The Charumati Vocie (Kath Charumati Buddhist
Mission 2001) p 20
[5] Beal Samuel Si Yu Ri Buddhist Records of the Western World
(New Delhi Motilal Banarsidass Publishers 1994) pp 80-81 Bhuwan Lal
Pradhan Nepalama Buddhadharma (Kath Nepal Rajkiya Pragyapratisthana
1988) pp 102 ndash 103
[6] NB Thapa A Short History of Nepal (Kath Ratna Pustak
bhandhar Nd) pp 30-33 Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ The
Nation Thailand‟s English Newspaper (Sunday special) Oct 18 1987
[7] Opcit NB Thapa p116
[8] David N Gellner Monk Householder and Tantric Priest Newar
Buddhism and its Hierarchy of Ritual (Cambridge University Press 1996) pp
41ff
[9] Bechert Heinz amp Jens-Uwe Hartmann ldquoObservation on the reform
of Buddhism in Nepalrdquo Journal of Nepal Research Centre vol VIII Kath
Kantipur Printing Press1988p 6
[10] Ria Kloppenborg Theravada Buddhism in Nepal‟ Kailash A
Journal of Himalayan Studies Vol 5 no 41977 p 302
[11] BP Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada Gukathan Wagu Kha (Kath
Hisi Press Nepal BS 20421985) pp44ff
[12] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p47ff
[13] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 51-53 Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal (BKK A Thesis of MA Mahamakut Graduate School
2001) p 97
[14] Bhikshu Sudarshan Mahasthavir bdquoRole of Theravada in the
Preservation of Newar Buddhism‟ wwwircnepalorgpapers
[15] Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 69-72
[16] Opcit Observation on the reform of Buddhism in Nepal p10ff
[17] Opcit Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ RV
Vandya Sanghanayaka Venerable Pragnananda Mahasthavir (Kath Nepal
Co-operative Press 1978) pp 11ff
[18] Bhkkhu Dharmaloka Mahasthavir A Pilgrimage in China (kath
published by Bhikkhu Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1999) p 13-15 Opcit Lacoul
Nepalay Sthavirvada p 74-75
[19] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka p 15
[20] Opcit Bhikkhu dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp16ff
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p100
[21] Ibit Bhikkhu Dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp 27-29
[22] See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A Homage
(Kath Anandakuti Vihar Trust 1992) Kuladharma Ratna Tuladhar Buddhism
in Nepal (Kath Dharmodaya Sabha 1986) pp15 Opcit Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 100
[23] Opcit K R Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal 16 RV Vandya
Sanghanayaka ven Pragnananda p 32 ff
[24] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka Pragnananda pp 34-35
Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthavirvada p 86
[25] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 18 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 101
[26] Bhikkhu Amritananda Mahasthavir A Short History of Theravada
Buddhism in Modern Nepal (Kath Anandakuti Vihar trust 1986) pp 8-9
Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir (Kath Anandakuti
Vihar Trust 1992) p 25
[27] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 19 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[28] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[29] Opcit Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir
p 26
[30] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit KR
Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 20
[31] Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha in Nepal
(BKK A Thesis of MA Buddhist Study Mahachulalongkorn University 2547)
p 23 [32]
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit Ratna
Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir p 26
[33] Amrit R Sthapit bdquowho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Aswaghosha‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 4 no 1 May 2001
p8
[34] helliphelliphelliphelliphellip bdquoWho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Nyanapurninka Mahasthavir‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 7
no 1 May 2004 p13 Viswo Shanti Vihar The Shanti Sandesh (Kath Viswo
Shanti Vihar 1998)
[35] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sumangala Mahasthavir
A monk who modernized Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the
LNBDS UK vol 2 no 1 May 1999 p10
[36] Opcit Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha
in Nepal pp 52ff
[37] Rina Tuladhara Dharmakirti 25 Years of Dharmakirti Buddhist
Study Circle A Glimpse (Kath Dharmakirti Vihar 1996) Mallika Sakya
bdquoWho is Who in Nepalese Buddhism Dhammavati Guruma‟ Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 5 no 1 May 2002 p10
[38] Opcit See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A
Homage Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 108
[39] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sudarshan Mahasthavir A
Gem of the Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol
6 no 1 May 2003 p13
16
This organization was the first Buddhist organization established with
the aim of internationalizing Buddhism
The success of The Maha Bodhi Society encouraged Nepalese
who came in contact with this society They were mostly traditional
Buddhists (Newar Buddhists) of Nepal who were merchants and
pilgrims They played an important role in Theravada revival
movement in present day Nepal However it was students of Buddhism
who gave a kick-start to Theravada movements in modern Nepal
Mr Jagatman Vaidya a traditional Buddhist by birth went to
India for further studies He initiated the Theravada Buddhist revival
movement with the help of The Mahabodhi Society[11]
Mr Jagatman
who later became known as Dharmaditya Dharmacariya devoted most
of his time and energy to Buddhist Revivalism in Nepal by publishing
Buddhist journal in Newari Nepali Hindi English etc One of his
great deeds was to celebrate Baisakh day Buddha Jayanti or Swanya
Punhi in Nepal to commemorate Buddha‟s birth enlightenment and
death (Parinibbana) He established bdquoBuddha Dharma Uddhar
Sangharsquo lsquoBuddhopasaka Sangha‟ and other organizations for the
propagation of Buddhism in Nepal[12]
17
The Buddha Jayanti which he has initiated was celebrated for
the first time in the history of modern Nepal in 1926 after a long gap
Now a day this day is widely celebrated in Nepal Every year people
celebrate it with great joy and happiness[13]
He was also responsible
for stopping animal slaughter at Mayadevi temple in Lumbini and
renovation of Kindol Vihar in Kathmandu This Vihara became the
center for Theravada revival movement[14]
He published Buddhist
magazine entitled bdquoBuddha Dharmarsquo in Newari Language
(Nepalabhasa) emphasizing the importance of Buddha Jayanti
celebration and Theravadian views This was the starting point of
Theravada activities and promotion of Theravadian views in Nepal
after many centuries Some Nepalese youths took ordination according
to Theravada tradition in 1928 They were imprisoned for four days
The Government at the time was under the influence of Shaivait
Brahmins who were calling for a ban against Buddhism Later he was
arrested for his conversion from a Hindu to a Buddhist monk Three
new rules suppressing Buddhism had been issued
18
(1) Conversion to Buddhism from Hinduism (Shaivaism) to be
punished by one year in prison
(2) Acting as preceptor at a Buddhist ordination to be punished by
three years‟ imprisonment and
(3) Attempting to ordain into Buddhism to be punished by a six-
month imprisonment
They were exiled to India and all reordained into Theravada
tradition with ven U Kosala in Buddhagaya However certain reasons
they left the tradition The history speaks only on Ven Mahapragya but
rest of other four monks still under discovery The first Nepalese to
take ordination in Theravada tradition was venerable Mahapragna a
Hindu Shrestha by birth in 1926 After few years study in Tibet again
he went to India where he met Ven U Chandramani a Burmese monk
at Kusinagara[15]
He was impressed with Ven Chandramani and took
Theravada ordination from him This was the starting point for
Theravada ordination once again in the history of modern Nepal after
almost 600 years[16]
Since then Theravadin monastic order been settled
in modern Nepal
19
On the other hand Venerable Pragyananda (Karmasheel) who
converted from Gelung of Tibetan tradition to Theravada with Ven U
Chandramani at Kusinagara India was the first yellow-robed monk
who appeared in the street of Kathmandu valley at the end of 1930s[17]
He stayed at Kindol Vihar at the invitation of Dasaratna Shahu (later
Ven Dharmaloka) and gave discourses The attendance at his
discourses increased day by day and it worried then Rana government
and arrested all the members of Vihar They were imprisoned fined
and later released[18]
Fortunately Ven Pragnananda was in different
place and was not arrested He went on pilgrimage to India with some
devotees His four devotees took ordination under guidance of Ven U
Chandramani at Kusinagar They were Samanera Shasana Jyoti
Anagarika Ratna Pali Anagarika Dhamma Pali and Anagarika
Sangha Pali This was the first nun‟s ordination in Theravada
Buddhism in modern Nepal[19]
In the mean time Dasaratna Shahu
who was running Kindol Vihar brought Civar and bowl from Sri Lanka
for monk ceremonies Soon after his release from prison he took
ordination according to Theravada tradition at Kusinagar from Ven U
Chandramani and became Samanera Dhammaloka in 1932[20]
He
20
visited Nepal as a monk but was arrested immediately on his arrival in
Kathmandu and was imprisoned once again for six days and then
released without charging him with any offences Following his release
from prison he went to stay at Kindol Vihar and continued his
religious activities He was finally able to carry out religious activities
freely in Nepal He succeeded to propagate Theravada Buddhism in the
streets of Kathmandu valley[21]
Later he founded Nepal‟s first
Theravada Buddhist temple bdquoAnandakutirsquo at the foothill of Swayambhu
hill and it became the center for Theravada Sangha in modern Nepal
Venerable Amritananda was another well-known Buddhist
scholar and pioneer person for revival of Theravada Buddhism in
modern Nepa[22]
He was ordained under Ven U Chandramani at
Kusinagara in 1936 CE but was imprisoned along with Ven
Mahapragna at Bhojpur in 1937 In 1942 he came back to Nepal from
abroad after completing his study and gave discourses at the request of
Ven Dharmaloka in Swayambhu during vassavasa days (Three months
Buddhist lent) His public discourses impressed lay people and many
people came to listen to him Other Monks Samaneras and Nuns of
21
Nepal who were studying abroad also came back and joined him and
gave public discourses in different places of Kathmandu valley[23]
This
was a great breakthrough during isolationist Rana government Rana
government of the time banned any public assembly because of fear of
political unrest and demand for political reform in Nepal Because of
their religious activities they were arrested on 30th
July 1944 and
brought in front of then Prime Minister Juddha Shamsher Jung Bahadur
Rana for giving verdict on the charges of propagating the dhamma He
made rules to curtail the Buddhist activities Those who didn‟t follow
these rules were asked either to leave the country or return to worldly
life All the respected monks who were active in revival of Theravada
in Nepal refused to obey the order and were exiled once again from
Nepal The exiled monks this time included Ven Pragnananda Ven
Dharmaloka Ven Subhodhananda Ven Pragnarashmi Samanera
Pragnarasa Samanera Ratnajyoti Samanera Agga Dhamma and
Samanera Kumar The nuns were allowed to remain in the Vihar until
the end of the Vassavasa[24]
22
Development of Theravada Buddhism
The exiled monks formed bdquoDharmodaya Sabha‟ - Nepal‟s first
Buddhist organization with the help of other Buddhist organizations
and individuals on 30th
November 1944 in India under the
chairmanship of Ven U Chandramani Ven Amritananda was its
general secretary[25]
Immediately after establishment of bdquoDharmodaya
Sabha‟ Ven Amritananda wrote a protest letter to Nepalese
government and also appealed to other Buddhist organizations on
behalf of Dharmodaya Sabha He visited many places and various
countries to get support against the expulsion of Buddhist monks from
modern Nepal One of the countries he visited and undertook further
studies was Sri Lanka In Sri Lanka he also succeeded in bringing a
goodwill mission to Nepal in 1946 under the leadership of well-known
scholar Ven Narada Mahasthavir of Vajiraramaya Colombo The
members of this mission consisted of Ven Narada Ven Amritananda
Ven Priyadarshi Dr Ratna Surya and Prof Aryapal They were able
to meet the newly appointed Prime Minister Padma Shumsher J Rana
Ven Amritananda and leader of the mission Ven Narada requested his
23
Excellency to give permission for the exiled monks to return to Nepal
Prime Minister Padma Shamsher accepted their request and permitted
the exiled monks to return Ven Dharmaloka was the first one to come
back to Nepal immediately after receiving a letter from Ven
Amritananda and arrived in Kathmandu in June 1946 (Jesth Sukla 6
2003)[26]
Other monks also returned one by one and again started
propagating Theravada Buddhism in modern Nepal Ven Narada
visited Nepal three times and constructed a Sri Lankan Cetiya at
Anandakuti Vihar He brought a branch of Bodhi tree Buddha‟s relic
to Nepal He also established the first Sima (Uposatha) of Nepal for
Bhikkhus at the Vihara During his third visit he met then Prime
Minister Mohana Shamasher J Rana and requested him to declare
Baisakh Purnima or Buddha Day as a public holiday His Excellency
agreed and declared it as a public holiday for the Buddhist government
civil officers[27]
Since then Theravada Buddhism gained ground in
Nepalese society and made progress Theravada monks propagated
Buddhism by performing ceremonies giving Dharmadesana and
publishing Buddhist texts Many Viharas were built in and outside the
Kathmandu valley to propagate dhamma
24
In 1950 democracy replaced autocratic Rana regime under the
leadership of H M King Tribhuvan This heralded rapid development
of Theravada Buddhism Buddhist monks and nuns were able carry out
their duties freely without hindrances throughout the country The
office of bdquoDharmodaya Sabha‟ shifted from Kalimpong to Kathmandu
after the advent of democracy in 19501 In 1951 Bhikkhu Sangha led
by Ven Amritananda formed lsquoAkhil Nepal Bhikkhu Sangharsquo (All
Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha Council) for the further propagation of
Buddhism in Nepal Ven Amritananda played a great role in
propagation of Theravada Buddhism nationwide His close relationship
with their Majesties helped in his activities[28]
He visited many
countries on behalf of All Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha and Dharmodaya
Sabha In the same year Buddhists of Nepal succeeded in bringing the
relics of Ven Sariputta (Ven Sariputra) and Ven Maudhgalyana
(Ven Moggallana) the foremost disciples of the Buddha for the
exhibition in Nepal His Majesty King Tribhuvan chaired the reception
committee and a reception party was held in the Royal Palace[29]
Following year in 1952 Buddha Jayanti was celebrated throughout the
country with the support of HM King Tribhuvan On this occasion
25
HM King declared Baisakh Purnima or Buddha Jayanti day as a
public holiday throughout the kingdom[30]
In 1956 His late Majesty King Mahendra visited Lumbini the
birthplace of the Buddha and erected a Mahendra Pillar in Lumbini
zone In the same year during 2500th
Buddha Jayanti celebration HM
king banned animal slaughter on this auspicious day throughout the
kingdom[31]
Nepalese Buddhists led by All Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha
Council and Dharmodaya Sabha also organized the Fourth World
Fellowship of Buddhist Conference (WFB) in Kathmandu on this
year[32]
His Majesty‟s government cooperated fully and gave every
assistance for the success of the conference Gradually Theravada
Buddhist monasteries were founded Buddhist Education Buddhapuja
meditation public discourses publications of Buddhist texts and mass
ordination etc took place as a part of dhamma activities Burma Sri
Lanka Thailand and other countries helped Nepal in its effort for
Theravada revival Soon after Theravada Buddhist monks established
the first Bhikkhu training center- Sangharama Vihar and ordained
number of novices under the leadership of Ven Ashogosha
Mahasthavir[33]
Following their ordination they were sent to Sri
26
Lanka Burma and Thailand for their higher ordination and education
Many of these monks have returned to Nepal and are actively engaged
in propagation of dhamma Besides ordination of individual novices
mass ordinations for short periods were also held in different temple
After Anandakuti Vihar the Viswasanti Vihara also established
Vishwa Shanti Bauddha Shikshalaya a Buddhist School under Ven
Nyanapunnika Mahathavir[34]
It teaches both national and Buddhist
curriculum to the novices Now there are nearly 100 Theravada
temples more than four hundred monks and Samaneras and nearly 400
nuns in the country Present Sangha Nayaka is Most Ven
Subodhananda of Gana Mahavihara Kathmandu President of All
Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha is Kumar Kashyapa of Ananda Kuti Vihar
Swayambhu Kathmandu and the head office of All Nepal Bhikkhu
Sangha is in Viswo Santi Vihara New Baneshwor Kathmandu
27
Contribution to Nepalese society
Besides promoting Dhamma Theravada monks and nuns
(Anagarikas) are also involved in other welfare activities like
organising free health camps training centers either in the monasteries
or outside the monasteries They also founded center for old age and
Kindergarten Late Ven Sumangala Mahasthavira[35]
initiated free
clinic at Buddha Vihar a Buddhist home for the elderly at Benepa and
a Buddhist Kindergarten Free Clinics were popular because of lack of
adequate government run clinics in Nepal Many monasteries
organized free clinics Regular clinics like eye and Homeopathic were
run either on weekly or monthly basis Annual campaigns are also run
when it was felt necessary
In 1964 All Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha established a Theravada
education system Pariyatti Sikkha or Nepal Bauddha Pariyatti Siksa
(Buddhist Saturday School) Classes are run in Theravada Buddhist
monasteries Tibetan monasteries other Buddhist centers in public and
private schools There are more than 32 centers throughout the
28
country[36]
Presently its head office is at Viswo Santi Vihara in New
Baneswora Kathmandu
Besides Pariyatti Sikkha Ven Amritananda founded a
Buddhist school - bdquoAnandakuti Vidyapith Boarding School‟ and a
college- bdquoSiddharth Science Campus‟ Both Buddhist monks and lay
people used to teach in these institutions It was started as a Buddhist
school but for some reason it has become a private enterprise Besides
these many monks and nuns are also running other educational
institutions like bdquoNursery school (Siddhartha Shisu Niketan Buddha
Vihar) Primary school (Triple Gem Boarding School) and Higher
Schools There are some Higher Education institutes like Siddharth
University in Banepa International Buddhist University in Lumbini
etc Many Buddhist organizations were founded and they were also
running different classes and research centers like Dharmakirti
Buddhist Research Center Anagarika Dhammavati founded this centre
Later on Anagarika Dhammavati was ordained as Bhikkhuni
according to Taiwanese tradition She is one of the well-known nuns in
the Theravada Buddhism in Nepal[37]
29
The Buddhist temples and organizations bring out number of
publications annually monthly weekly and on special occasions
Dharmodaya Anandabhumi and Dharmakirti are the oldest
Buddhist journals in Nepal and still continued to be published
Ven Amritananda was one of the greatest Buddhist scholars of
Nepal He wrote and translated many books on Buddhism There are
still no other monks or nun in Nepal who can be compared with
him[38]
Late Ven Sudharsan Mahasthavir came close to him Ven
Sudharsan was a pillar of Theravada Buddhism after Ven
Amritananda He was famous for different reason His field of interest
beside dhamma work consisted literature language Archaeology etc
He was a resident monk at Srikirti Vihar Kirtipur and held the post of
professor in History Archaeology and Buddhist philosophy at
Tribhuvan University until his death in July 2002 Some of his books in
Buddhism became course book for BA and MA students in Nepal
He had special interest in archaeology of Lumbini and was an expert on
this subject[39]
30
Revival of Theravada Buddhism in Nepal also had profound
effect in cultural and religious way of life of Nepalese Daily chanting
or Buddhapuja short term ordination observing Sila (Moral code)
caste system celebration of Vesak day celibate life were introduced
In the month of Bhadra or Gunla days (AugustSeptember) Buddhist
hymns are chanted and public discourses are given
Late Ven Sudharshan Mahasthavir formed Sri Kirti Buddhist
center at Sri Kirti Vihar with the aim of introducing Buddhism to other
ethnic groups other than Newars- the original inhabitants of Katmandu
valley This project succeeded in bringing other ethic groups into
Theravada Buddhism As a result of this many ethnic groups who were
originally Buddhists have started organizing Buddhist conferences and
Buddhist activities Another important development is formation of
Gyanmala Bhajan Khala - a Buddhist hymn group This group sings
regularly especially during certain auspicious days at Swayambhu and
other Buddhist sites The songs they sing are based on Buddha‟s
teaching and has been successful in promoting Buddhism in simple
melodious hymns which attracts many people who visits these
religious places
31
Theravadin in Nepalese Society
For centuries Nepalese were aware of only Buddhist priest
(Bajracharya) from Newar Buddhism (Vajrayana) and Tibetan Lamas
They were unaware of Theravadian Buddhist monks and nuns
Bajracharyas are household monks They lead domestic lives and are
not celibate Not all Tibetan monks are celibate It depends on the
school they belong to For example monks from Sakya School of
Tibetan tradition do not have to be celibate Theravada monks wear
distinctive saffron coloured robes They are celibate and lead virtuous
monastic life These monks and nuns have different identity in the eyes
of Nepalese especially the inhabitants of Kathmandu valley Their
simple way of life their full dedication in their work for the benefit of
mankind easily understood Theravada Scriptures translated in different
languages eg in Nepal Bhasa (Newari) Nepali in Hindi and in
English for easy accessibility by different groups helped to gain the
heart of Nepalese people Although many lay people have played
pivotal roles in revival of Theravada Buddhism in Nepal the leadership
32
of monks and nuns were vital in further development and survival of
this tradition
The lay Buddhists of Nepal are pluralistic They participate in
Buddhist ceremonies such as Vesak day daily chanting etc At the
same time they also follow Hindu customs in their daily lives
Buddhism is different from Hinduism and it is not a branch of
Hinduism Hindus believe that Buddha was a reincarnation of Lord
Vishnu Buddha never claimed to be anything other than a human
being ndash although a unique one in the history of mankind
Buddhism in Nepal is unique because of existence of three
different Buddhist traditions - Newar Buddhism (Vajrayana)
Tibetan Buddhism (Mahayana) and Theravada Buddhism
Different Buddhist groups practised different traditions Although the
principle underlying all these traditions is the same they differ in
details Theravada Buddhist tradition is different from Tibetan or
Newar Buddhist traditions but it is developing side-by-side with them
It was not possible for Theravada Buddhism to develop in Nepal
without close co-relation with other traditions but later developed on its
own right These various Buddhist traditions are coexisting in present
33
day Nepal Although they have different cultural traditions and are
developing in their own ways but the followers are the same
Therefore there is no separate identity of Theravadian lay Buddhists
There are number of lay Buddhist organizations such as Dharmodaya
Sabha Dharmakirti Institute Young Buddhist Associations Female
Buddhist Associations more recently Sukhi Hotu Nepal which are
playing important role in promotion of Buddha Dhamma but they are
multi-cultural and multi religious in their daily practices
CONCLUSION
Theravada Buddhism was introduced to Nepal at the time when
public meetings were banned It faced many obstacles at the beginning
Strong dedications of monks and nuns made it possible for its revival in
Nepal after many centuries of neglect Even though the revival
movement of this tradition was started only about 80 years ago it has
already gained strong foot hold in Nepal and gaining popularity day by
day The reason for its popularity lies in many things - the simple and
easily understood way the teachings were given the simple way of life
of monks and nuns lead and various beneficial activities undertaken by
34
Viharas Theravadin Buddhist monks and nuns are well accepted by
people and their contribution in promoting Buddha‟s teachings is
widely recognized Although small in number in comparison to other
Asian countries like Thailand Sri Lanka and Burma both the number
of monks and nuns and monasteries of this tradition are increasing day
by day If this trend continues it will become one of the prominent
religious traditions in Nepal It is only natural that this oldest Buddhist
tradition should gain its place of honour it deserve in a country where
the founder of the religion was born
35
Theravada Records in Nepal
List of Monks Novices and Anagarikas studying abroad
MONKS AND NOVICES
I Thailand
1 Bhikkhu Anil Man Dhammasakiyo (Sugandha)
2 Bhikkhu Vipassi Dhammaramo
3 Bhikkhu Jit Bahadur Gurung
4 Bhikkhu Krishna Thapamagar
5 Bhikkhu Pannamurti
6 Bhikkhu Sujan Sujano
7 Bhikkhu Anil Sumankitti
8 Bhikkhu Santosh Santosho
9 Bhikkhu Khemik Suddhasilo
10 Bhikkhu Suman Rocano
11 Bhikkhu Sanu Maharajano
12 Bhikkhu Santamano Dhwajjoshi
13 Bhikkhu Suman Dhwajjoshi
14 Bhikkhu Bijit Khemasakko
15 Bhikkhu Supreme Shakyavanso
Samaneras
1 Samanera Buddharatna Maharjan
2 Samanera Dhammaratna Maharjan
3 Samanera Bipin Maharjan
4 Samanera Prajwal Shakya
5 Samanera Ukesh Sakya
6 Samanera Gopi Maharjan
7 Samanera Sudip Deshar
8 Samanera Sudat Deshar
9 Samanera Deepi Maharjan
10 Samanera Ramit Shrestha
11 Samanera Anup Deshar
12 Samanera Suman Bajracharya bdquoA‟
13 Samanera Rajendra Deshar
14 Samanera Kapila Maharjan
15 Samanera Arbin Shakya
36
16 Samanera Kabindra Bajracharya
17 Samanera Ujjawal Shakya
18 Samanera Satish Shakya
19 Samanera Bimal Gurung
20 Samanera Surya Gurung
21 Samanera Sameer Maharjan
22 Samanera Anup Shakya
23 Samanera Arjun Magar
24 Samanera Kiran Desahar
25 Samanera Dipesh Shrestha
26 Samanera Tejendra Tamang
27 Samanera Ashim Shakya
28 Samanera Jalap Bajracharya
29 Samanera Arya Dev Bajracharya
30 Samanera Sudarshan Maharjan
31 Samanera Sangharatna
32 Samanera Suman Bajracharya bdquoB‟
33 Samanera Kijan Maharjan
34 Samanera Ramesh Maharjan
35 Samanera Niroj Maharjan
36 Samanera Jen Maharjan
37 Samanera Denish Bajracharya
38 Samanera Pritam Bahadur Shakya
39 Samanera Abhishek Shakya
40 Samanera Bishal Shakya
41 Samanera Sajal Shakya
42 Samanera Suraj Bhakta Shrestha
43 Samanera Dinesh Chaudhary
44 Samanera Shiv Swatantra Tharu
45 Samanera Sambhu Lal Khang
46 Samanera Buddharatna Chaudhary
47 Samanera Mukesh Chaudhary
II Myanmar (Burma)
Bhikkhu Samaneras
1 Bhikkhu Panavimala
2 Bhikkhu Dhyanratna
3 Bhikkhu Adiccho
4 Bhikkhu Vimalbuddhi
5 Bhikkhu Shobhan
6 Samanera Amato
7 Samanera Jutimma
8 Samanera Buddhapiyo
9 Samanera Kavindo
10 Samanera Nagasena
11 Samanera Gyanavudho
III Taiwan(ROC) 1 Bhikkhu Mangala 2 Bhikkhu Vazirbuddhi
IV Australia 1 Bhikkhu Upatissa
V India
1 Bhikkhu Dharmajyoti 2 Bhikkhu Ashokakirti
3 Bhikkhu Narawang Tamang
VI United kingdom 1 Bhikkhu Suman
VII USA 1 Bhikkhu Pragnaloka
VIII Sri Lanka
Bhikkhus
Bhikkhu Nanda
Bhikkhu Vineeta
Bhikkhu Ashoka
Bhikkhu Triratna
Bhikkhu Sagara
Bhikkhu Sankicca
Bhikkhu Vajirasiri
Bhikkhu Sarada
Bhikkhu Veenit
Bhikkhu Ratana
Bhikkhu Tissa
Bhikkhu Vajira
Bhikkhu Pannawimal
Bhikkhu Medhankar
Bhikkhu Pannasara
SARAMANERAS
Saranankara
Piyadassi
Dil Bhadra
Chandima
Samita
Narada bdquoA‟
Piyaratna
Kusala
Lakkhana
Udit
Vibekanada
Pannananda
Mettananda
Chandananda
Yassari
Upali
Subodhi
Mahanama
Kashyapa
Dhammapala
Narada bdquoB‟
Nalaka bdquoA‟
Daywasa
Santa Sobhana
Santa Siddhartha
Santa Maitri
Santa Kosala
Santa Sakya
Suvaca
Sukama Sila
Siddhartha
Nanda bdquoA‟
Rahula
Sudheera
Kosala Dheera
Panna Wansa
Jina Wansa
Mahinda
Nanda bdquoB‟
Seewali
Mahapantha
Assaji
Sarada
Sumana
Ananda
Nalaka bdquoB‟
Aloka
Suwarna
Subodh
Udena
Sangharatna bdquoA‟
Gyanendra
Khema
Soma bdquoA‟
Punna
Panna Ransi
Soma bdquoB‟
Santa bdquoA‟
Kapila Wansa
Asita Wansa
Sumanananda bdquoa‟
Vijitananda
Khemananda
Silananda
Medhananda
Somaratna
Soratha
Pragyananda
Sumangala
Santa Citta
Yasa
Dhamma Kitti
Panna Kitti
Santa Dheera
Vijitananda
Sumanananda bdquob‟
Vajra Bodhi
Dhammika
Santa bdquoB‟
Anuruddha
Sumana bdquoB‟
Jinavamsa
Panna Vansa
Buddha Ratna
Dhamma Ratna
Ariya Ratna
Piyadassi bdquoB‟
Sila Ratna
Sangha Ratna bdquoB‟
List of Anagarikas studying in abroad
I Thailand
1 Anagarika Sirisuta Maharjan
2 Anagarika Ramsobha Shrestha
3 Anagarika Sunita Napit
II Myanmar
1 Anagarika Javanvati
2 Anagarika Vimalajnani
3 Anagarika Ambika
4 Anagarika Buddhapali
5 Anagarika Darshana
6 Anagarika Agrajnani
7 Anagarika Nandavati
bdquob‟
III India 1 Anagarika Rupashila
IV Taiwan
1 Anagarika Pannavati
2 Anagarika Sani
3 Anagarika Nima
V Sri Lanka
1 Anagarika Pannawati
2 Anagarika Mettawati
3 Anagarika Keshawati
4 Anagarika Prasnnawati
5 Anagarika Sukhawati
6 Anagarika Shobhawati
7 Anagarika Subhadra
8 Anagarika
Shraddhagautami
9 Anagarika Upananda
10 Anagarika Shantawati
11 Anagarika Suciwati
Residences of Theravādin Monks in Nepal
01 Abhinava Buddha Vihara Lumbini
1) Bhikkhu Vimalananda Mahathera
2) Samanera Sunanda
02 Anandakut Vihara Swayambhu Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Kumara Kassapa Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Dharmamurti 3) Samanera Kondanya
4) S Prajnaratna 5) S Asoka
6) S Kumarjeeva 7) S Assaji
03 Bauddha Samaskrita Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Bhikkhu Dharmashobhana Mahathera
04 Bodhicharya Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Bodhisena Mahathera
2) Samanera Bodhideepa
05 Buddha Vihara Bhrikuti Mandap-Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Kondanya 2) Bhikkhu Sushil
3) Samanera Anuyoga 3) S Javana
4) S Udena
06 Buddha Vihara Biratnagar
1) Bhikkhu Aloka
07 Buddha Vihara Dharan
1) Bhikkhu Maitri (Tamang)
2) Bhikkhu Chhavikirti
08 Chatubrahma Vihara Matatirtha
1) Bhikkhu Thansettho
2) Bhikkhu Samyakaratna
3) Bhikkhu Bodhananda
9 Charumati Stupa Vihara Chabahil Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Tapassi Dhamma
10 Dharmacakra Ashrama Bagbazar
1) Bhikkhu Milinda
11 Dharmashila Buddha Vihara Pokhara
1) Bhikkhu Subhadda 2) Bhikkhu Saddhananda
12 Dhyanakuti Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Ashwaghosha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Rahul 3) Samanera Gautama
13 Gana Maha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Sanghanayaka Bhikkhu Subodhanand Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sobhita
3) Bhikkhu Samvegakirti
4) Samanera Sugatananda
6) S Chandananda
7) S Somananda
8) S Sumanavamsha
9) S Somavamsha
10) S Sumanasiri
14 IlayabahiTanabaha Patan
1) Bhikkhu Vimalkirti
15 International Bauddha Pariyatti Vihara Butwal
1) Bhikkhu Jatila
2) Bhikkhu Bhaddiya bdquoB‟
3) Samanera Jnanashree 4) S Jotika
16 International Buddhist Society Lumbini
1) Bhikkhu Maitri Mahathera
2) Samanera Mahapanta
3) S Vimala
17 Jana Udaya Vihara Sunakothi-Lalitpura
1) Bhikkhu Dharmagupta
18 Jitavana Vihara Thankot
1) Bhikkhu Dharmavamsha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sugatamuni Mahathera
3) Samanera Sunita
19 Kuti Vihara Koteshwar-KTM
1) Bhikkhu Yeshdhammo
2) Samanera Wayamo
3) S Milindo 4) S Sunanalankara
20 Manimandapa Mahavihara Patan
1) Bhikshu Shilbhadra Mahathera
2) Samanera Paduma 3) S Nayako
21 Muni Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Samanera Tejendra 2) S Jalapa
3) S Asima 4) S Aryaputra
22 Padma Sugandha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Sumedha 2) Samanera Sudatta
23 Pati Vihara Nagadesh-Bhaktapur
1) Bhikkhu Varasambodhi
24 Pranidhi Purna Maha Vihara Balambu
1) Samanera Sukha
25 Pugatabhoomi Jetavana Vihara Bhairahawa
1) Samanera Jagaro 2) S Suvanno
26 Purvaram Vihara Dhulikhel
1) Bhikkhu Gunaghosha Mahathero
27 Sangharama Vihara Kshetrapati Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Saddhatissa
2) Bhikkhu Kolita
3) Bhikkhu Sangharakshita
28 Shakya Singha Vihara Patan
1) Bhikkhu Dharmapala Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sunanda Mahathera
3) Bhikkhu Dharmarakshita
29 Shikhalapura Vihara Dhulikhel
1) Bhikkhu Dhammananda Mahathera
30 Shree Kirti Vihara Kirtipur
1) Bhikkhu Kirtijyoti 2) Bhikkhu Ananda
3) Bhikkhu Prajnakirti
4) Bhikkhu Dharmakirti
5) Samanera Sundara 6) Bhikkhu Pamit
7) S Subhashkirti 8) S Uttarakirti
31 Shreegha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Dharmasagara
2) Bhikkhu Medhankara
32 Sudarshana Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Rastrapala
33Sumangala Vihara Patan
1) Sanghaupanayaka Bhikkhu Buddhaghosha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Shobhan
3) Bhikkhu Prajnaratna
34 Surya Mangala Vihara Kapilvastu
1) Bhikkhu Suryamangala
35 Tokha Buddha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Samanera Shobhana 2) S Jnanodaya
36 Veluvanarama Vihara Thecho-Lalitpura
1) Samanera Uttama 2) S Chandimo
37 Vishwa Shanti Vihara New Baneshwar
1) Bhikshu Jnanapurnik Mahathera
2) Bhikshu Bodhijnana
3) Bhikshu Nigrodha
4) Bhikshu Udayabhadra
Samaneras
1) S Janak 2) S Sujat
3) S Obhaso 4) S Subhaddo
5) S Nandiyo 6) S Mahindo
7) S Pajjoto 8) S Aloka
9) S Buddhadatta 10) S Panita
11) S Kashyapa 12)S Dharmaghosha
13) S Nagita 14) S Vinaya
15) S Suchitta 16) S Sudatto
17) S Nemindo 18) S Rohito
19) S Jayanto 20) S Meghiyo
21) S Indriyo 22) S Suppamedho
23) S Bhanusarana 24) S Saddhadeepa
25) S Kittimo 26) S Janeyyo
27) S Adicca 28) S Kosalla
29) S Nyanuttara 30) S Bhaddaco
31) S Pabhassaro 32) S Uttaro
38 Yampi Maha Vihara Patan
1) Bhikkhu Bhaddiya
39 Non residencial Monks
1) Bhikshu Samyaka Sambodhi Pranputra
2) Bhikshu Dhyanratna
3) Bhikkhu Chandragupta Balambu
Present Anagarikas and resident in NEPAL
01 Amarapura Vihara Bungamati
1) A Charujnani 2) A Sunita
3) A Palitajnani 4) A Pamitajnani
5) A Padumajnani 6) A Rupawati
02 Bauddha Samaskrit Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Anagarika Sanghashila
03 Buddha ViharaDharan
1) A Sumedhavati 2) A Sushilavati
3) A Kanchana 4) A Shasanavati
04 Bauddha Rishi Mahapragya Ashram Anamnagar
1) Anagarika Prajnavati
05 Chatubrahma Vihara Matatirtha
1) Anagarika Anu
06 Dhammavasa Vihara Khusibun
1) A Krishgautami 2) A Suchita
3) A Shilgautami 4) A Kshantigautami
5) A Shyamavati
07 Dharmakirti Vihara Naghal-Kathmandu
1) Anagarika RatnaManjari
2) A Dhammavati
3) A Dhammadinna (Chameli)
4) A Anupama 5) A Sanghavati
6) A Khemavati 7) A Indravati
8) A Jayavati 9) A Danavati
10) A Tyagavati 11) AViryavati
12) A Shubhavati 13) A Ramavati
14) A Surammavati
15) A Hemavati 16) A Suppabhavati
17) A Supriya 18) A Amata
19) A Vannavati 20) A Suvannavati
08 Dharmashila Buddha Vihara Pokhara
1) Anagarika Karmashila
09 Gautami Vihara Lumbini
1) Anagarika Sujata 2) A Khamesi
10 IlayabahiTana Baha Lalitpur
1) A Shilaparami 2)AViryaparami
3) A Vineeta 4) A Shilachari
11 Int‟l Buddhist Meditation Centre Shankhamul
1) A Aggajnani 2) A Nirmalajnani
3) A Shantarakshita
12 Jaya Mangal ViharaTana Bahal-Patan
1) Anagarika Vijita 2) A Nekkhami
3) A Chittavati
13 Jyoti Vihara Chapagaun- Lalitpur
1) AnagarikaVirygautami
2) A Upeskshagautami
14 Kashivarna Buddha Vihara Panuati
1) Anagarika Satyaparami
15 Kindol Vihara Swayambhu
1) A Sumana 2) A Uttara
3) A Sumitra 4) A Molini
5) A Dhammavijaya 6) A Tejavati
7) A Shyamavati
16 Kunsa BahaHyumat
1) Anagarika Patachari 2) AUmavati
17 Mahabodhi Vihara Tansen
1) Anagarika Revati (Dhammadinna)
18 Muni Vihara Bhaktapur
1) A Sugandhavati 2) A Padmavati
19 Narsinharama Thaina-Patan
1) A Jnanashila 2) ASatyashila
3) AShilavati 4) A Yeshavati 5) A Dharani
6) A Jeenvati
7) A Shilpavatisushma
20 Padmachaitya Vihara Butwal
1) A Udayashila 2) A Santiwati
21 Padmakirti Vihara Kamalpokhari
1) A Kamala 2) A Karunavati
3) A Pabbhavati 4) A Dhyanavati
5) A Bhavanavati
22 Prajnanandarama Okubahal-Patan
1) Anagarika Jnanavati
23 Pranidhipurna Mahavihara Balambu
1) A Mudita 2) A Chandrashila bdquoB‟
24 SangharakshitaVihara Patan
1) Anagarika Abhaya 2) A Chandrashila
3) A Shilachari
25 Shanti Sukhavasa Chakupat-Patan
1) A Utpalavarna (Chini)
26 Shree Kirti Vihara Kirtipur
1) Anagarika Mina
27 SunandaramaThaina-Patan
1) A Madhavi 2) AMasukhi
3) A Mashobha 4) A Mashraddha
5) A Masudha
28 Sulakshanakirti Viahara Kirtipur
1) A Anoja 2) A Atula
3) A Anula
29 Sangharama ViharaDhalko-KTM
1) Anagarika Dharmarakshita
30 Vishwashanti Vihara New Baneshwar
1) A Shubha 2) A Khema
3) A Sudhamma
31 Vishwashanti Dharmakirti Vihara Basundhara
1) A Dhajavati (Kusum) 2) A Padmavati
3) A Bhadravati
32 Residing other Anagarikas
1) Anagarika Chandrajnani Patan
2) A Sraddhavati Shankhamul
3) A Amaravati Patan
4) A Dhammachari Patan
5) A Nanda Thasi
Some Prominent Personalities in the Theravada Movement1
Sanghamahanayakas of Nepal
1 Ven Pragyanand Mahasthavir 1930 ndash 1993 AD
2 Ven Sakyananda Mahasthavir 1993 - 1997 AD
3 Ven Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1997 - 2002 AD
4 Ven Subodhananda Mahasthavir 2002 - 2006 AD
5 Ven Buddhaghosa Mahasthavir 2006-
Amritananda Bhikkhu (1918-1990) original name Lal Kaji Sakya from Tansen
west Nepal he ordain as a novice in 1936 from ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara He studies and was ordained a monk in Sri Lanka in 1940 He
return to Nepal in 1942 and preached first publicly in Kathmandu He
formed Dharmodaya Sabha in 1944 and All Nepal Bhikkhu Mahasangha in
1951 and remained its unchallenged leader until his death He was well
known and traveled widely outside of Nepal because of his dynamism and
charisma He was also one of the greatest Buddhist scholars and writers of
Nepal
Aniruddha Bhikkhu (1915-2003) original name Gaja Ratna Tuladhar son of
Dasa Ratna Sahu (Later Ven Dhammaloka) He went to Sri Lanka in 1930
and ordained as samanera and studied there He had served many years in
Lumbini and third Sanghanayaka of Nepal
1 Sarah Levine and David N Gellner Rebuilding Buddhism The Theravada Movement in
Twentieth Century Nepal (UK Harvard University Press 2006) pp 293-296
Ashwaghosh Bhikkhu (1926- present) original name Buddha Ratna Sakya and
became a novice in 1944 and went to Sri Lanka for study where he took
higher ordination in 1949 he is known as bdquothe communist monk‟ and was a
nominee of the Unified Marxist-Leninist party one of Nepal‟s two main
political parites in the 1990s to the Upper House 1993-5 He had
established nepal‟s first Bhikkhu Training Center at Sangharama Dhalko
and became abbot of this vihara Presently he is abbot of Shrigha Vihara in
Kathmandu and of Dyanakuti Vihara Banepa
Buddhaghosh Bhikkhu (1921- present day) original name Sapta Ratna
Vajracharya in Kwa Baha Kathamandu The founder of Pariyatti Education
in Nepal and presently acting Sanghanayaka of Nepal (2006) and abbot of
Sri Sumangala Vihara in Lalitpur
Chandramani Bhikkhu (1876-1972) a Burmese monk who spent his life in
Kusinagara where he worked for the propagation of Buddhism until his
death He initiated with most of the early Nepalese Theravadins Monks and
Nuns He was the first president of Dharmodaya Sabha and father of
Theravadins of Nepal
Dharmachari Anagarika (1898-1978) born Laxmi Nani Tuladhar she
impressed by Ven Pragyananda in Kindol Vihara and took the precepts
from Chandramani in Kusinagara in 1934 and most prominent Nepali nun
She founded the first nunnery in Nepal at Kindol Vihara in 1947
Dhammaloka Bhikkhu (1891-1977) born Das Ratna Tuladhar Asan
kathamandu He traded in Lhasha went to Sri Lanka and taught Buddhism
as a layman Later became a monk in 1932 after his son Aniruddha ordain
in 1930 he established nepal‟s first Theravādin Vihara bdquoAnanda Kuti
Vihar‟ in Kathmandu
Dhammawati Anagarika (1925- present day) born as Ganesh Kumari Sakya in
Uku Baha lalitpur She ordain too precepts from Ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara and renamed as Dhammavati in 1950 She went to Burma for
study and return in 1963 after passed the Dhammacariya Examination She
was able to established Dhammakirti Nunnery Centre in 1965 and leader of
the Theravādin Nuns She has been re-ordained as Bhikkhuni according to
Mahayana tradition
Dharmaditya Dharmacharya (1902-1963) born as Jagat Man Vaidya in Chika
Bahi Lalitpur and the first Newar Buddhist modernist and the first newar
cultural nationalist He went to study in Calcutta where he became a
follower of anagarika Dhammapala the founder of Maha Bodhi Society
He had formed Buddhist revival foundation and published Buddhist
magazines etc
Nyanpurnika Bhikkhu (1936- present day) Born as Hera Lal Sakya in Tansen
He studied with Buddhaghosh in Lalitpur in Burma and in England He is
only monk who passed Dhammacariya examination of Burma He was the
founder of Vishwa Shanti Vihara and Vishwa Shanti Bauddha sikkyalaya
where train novices He is a prominent translator and writer
Kumar Kashyap Bhikkhu (1926- present day) born as Krishna Man Sakya he
was one of those who exiled to India by the Ranas in 1944 He went to
Study in Sri Lanka and hold nepal‟s first bdquoTripitaka acarya‟ Presently he is
president of All Nepal Bhikkhu Association and abbot of Ananda Kuti
Vihara
Mahapragya Bhikkhu (1901-1979) born Prem Bahadur (Nani Kaji ) Shrestha
He ordained into Tibetan tradition but exiled in 1926 and reordained as
novice in Theravada tradition one of the earlier Theravādin monks He
return to householderhood in Kalimpong in 1940s but then returned to
Kathmandu as a Buddhist sage (Bauddha Rishi) in the 1960s where he
taught until his death
Pragyananda Bhikkhu (1900-1993) born as Kul Man Singh Tuladhar in Itum
Baha Kathmandu a trader in Tibet where he met Ven Mahapragya and
impressed by him to ordained He became a Tibetan Gelung Karmasheel in
1928 and two years later a Theravādin under Ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara in 1930 He was nepal‟s first Sanghamahanayaka and well
respected monk
Shakyananda Bhikkhu (1909-1997) born as Chakra Dhan Sakya in Taksar
Bhojpur East Nepal He spent over forty years as a monk in Tansen outside
the Kathmandu and second sanghamahanayaka of Nepal
Subodhanand Bhikkhu (1916-2006) bor as Kul Raj Sakya in Taksar Bhojpur
East Nepal He was one of the monks exiled by the Ranas in 1944 He was
a prolific composer of Hymns in Nepal Bhasa In 2003 as the most senior
monk in Nepal he was the fourth Sanghanayaka of Nepal
Sudarshan Bhikkhu (1934-2002) born as Rudra Raj Sakya in Uku Baha
lalitpur He was famous a bdquothe boy monk‟ For many years he was a lecturer
in the culture Department of Tribhuvan University a prolific writer
preacher and abbot of Sri Kirti Vihara Kirtipur which is became multi-
cultural center and especially for Buddhist meetings and conferences He
was jailed for some months for Nepal Bhasa activities in the Panchayat
period He was a campaigner on Buddhist issues particularly to do with
Lumbini
Sumangal Bhikkhu (1929-1999) born Bhakta Krishna Shilpakar in Lalitpur He
was famous as ldquoDollar bhanterdquo He ordained in 1959 in Burma obtained a
master‟s degree in Buddhism from Rissho University Japan in 1972 and
was among the first monks to mobilize international connections for
Buddhist projects in Nepal He established Buddha Vihara in Bhrikuti
Mandap Kathmandu He helped raise funds from Thailand and Japan for
IBMc (1985) brought the Japanese healing movement Sei Mei Kyo to
Nepal and in 1993 opened an old people‟s home in Banepa
Glimpse of Theravādin activities in Nepal
Samanera ordination at Muni Vihara
Ordination Ceremony at Vishwa Shanti Vihara
Collecting Alms
Chanting Paritta in devotee‟s home
Giving Holy Thread to Devotees
Buddhist Art in Nepal
Main Buddha Image at Sri Kirti Vihara
Four holy places
Some of the Theravada Buddhist Viharas (Monasteries) in Nepal
Vihars In Kathmandu Valley Telephone No
1 Amarapura Buddha Vihar Bungamati 5551068
2 Anandakuti Vihar Swayambhu 4271420
3 Anandabhuwan Vihar Bhuikhyo 4270429
4 Ganamaha vihar Ganabaha 4253454
5 Gautam Buddha Vihar Panga co 4330576
6 Caturbrahma Vihar Matatirtha 4310558
7 Carumati Vihar Cabahil 4469897
8 Baudhajana Vihar Sunakothi co 5570209
9 Jitapur Gandhakuti Vihar khona Co 5542846
10 Jitawan Vihar Thankot 4311912
11 Jyoti udaya vihar Capagaun Co 5571459
12 Dhammavasa Vihar Khusibun 4358688
13 Dharmakirti Vihar Srigha Naghal 4259466
14 Dharmacakra vihar Bagbajar 4261976
15 Nagar Mandap Sri Kirti Vihar Kirtipur 4330836
16 Nagadesh Buddha Vihar Nagadesh Co 6635397
17 Nirvanmurti Anagarikaram Kindol 4285811
18 Padmasugandha Vihar Manjeshwori 4266255
19 Pranidhi Purna Mahavihar Balambu 43105924312455
20 Pati Vihar Thimi Co 6637601
21 Pippali Theravad Buddha Vihar Shiphal 4475066
22 Punya Udaya Vihar Jala Harisiddhi Co 5527456
23 Buddhabhoomi Mahavihar Tokha 4362514
24 Buddha Vihar Bhrikuti mandapa 4226702
25 Buddharatna Vihar Putalisadak 4244277
26 Bauddha samakrit Vihar Bhaktapur 6610842
27 Manimandap Vihar Patko Bhaktapur 5526517
28 Muni Vihar Bhaktapur 6616464
29 Yampi Mahavihar Ibahi Lalitpur 5539644
30 Yashodhara Baudha Bidyalaya Thaina Lalitpur 5521435
31 Biswo Shanti Vihar Baneshwor 4482384
32 Biswo Shanti Dharmakirti vihar Basundhara 4354251
33 Beluvanarama Vihar Theco Co 5570062
34 Sakyasingha Vihar Thaina Lalitpur 5524760
35 Santi Sukhawas Cakupat co 5523613
36 Siddhimangal Buddha Vihar Thasi 5581495
37 Sumangala Vihara Lagankhel 5531715
38 Sulakshan kirti Vihar Chobhar 4331718
39 Suwanrna Chatrapur Vihar Lubhu 5580430
40 Sangharama Vihar Dhalko Visnumati 4255960
41 Srigha Vihar Nagal 4259110
Vihars out side the Kathamandu Velley Telephone No
1 Ananda Vihar Tansen Co 075-520225520216
2 Citravan Vihar Narayangadha Co 056-521478
3 Taksar Vihar Tansen Co 075-520024
4 Dharmashila Buddha Vihar Phokhara 061-520517
5 Dyankuti Banepa Banepa 011-661244
6 Padma Chaitya Vihar Butawal 071-546470
7 Purwarama Vihar Dhulikhel 011-661979
8 Pragya Mahavihar Hetauda Co 057-520264520136
9 Buddha Vihar Dharan 025-520354
10 Buddha Vihar Biratnagar Co 021-522146530604
11 Beni Buddha Vihar Myagdi Co 069-520354
12 Bodhicharya vihar Banepa 011-661789
13 Lokachakra Buddha Vihar Dhan gadhi 091-622174
14 Sakyamuni Vihar Bhojpur Co 029-420260
15 Sugatapur Vihar Trisuli Co 010-560153
16 Sugandha Vihar Ridi Gulmi Co 079-529435
17 Swoyambhu Chetya Buddha Vihar Urlabari Co 021-540080
18 Swoyambhu Chetya Mahavihar Dharan Co 025-520190
19 Gyanodaya Buddha Vihar Baglung Co 068-520921520336
Footnotes
[1] This paper was written as a part of my MA thesis research on bdquoThe
Revival of Theravada Buddhism and its contribution to Nepalese Society‟ of
Mahachulalongkorn University Bangkok Thailand and would like to thank Mr
Dharma Sakya for every suggestion editing and help for the completion of this
article
[2] Nyanatiloka Buddhist Dictionary 3
rd ed The Free Distribution
version the Corporate Body of the Buddha education foundation Taiwan p
179
[3] Triratna Manandhar bdquoPresent of Buddhism in Nepal‟ (Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK Vol 8 May 2005) p 15
[4] helliphelliphelliphellip The New Encyclopedia of Britannica Vol24 (USA
Library of Congress Catalog 1993) p 781 Dhanabajra Vajracharya Cabahilko
Abhilekha (Inscription of Cabahil) The Charumati Voice (Kath Charumati
Buddhist Mission 2001) pp 17-20 Bhikkhu Sudarsan Mahasthavira Nepal
Upatyaka ma Ashokaki Chori Charumati (Charumati A daughter of
Ashoka in Nepal Valley) (The Charumati Vocie (Kath Charumati Buddhist
Mission 2001) p 20
[5] Beal Samuel Si Yu Ri Buddhist Records of the Western World
(New Delhi Motilal Banarsidass Publishers 1994) pp 80-81 Bhuwan Lal
Pradhan Nepalama Buddhadharma (Kath Nepal Rajkiya Pragyapratisthana
1988) pp 102 ndash 103
[6] NB Thapa A Short History of Nepal (Kath Ratna Pustak
bhandhar Nd) pp 30-33 Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ The
Nation Thailand‟s English Newspaper (Sunday special) Oct 18 1987
[7] Opcit NB Thapa p116
[8] David N Gellner Monk Householder and Tantric Priest Newar
Buddhism and its Hierarchy of Ritual (Cambridge University Press 1996) pp
41ff
[9] Bechert Heinz amp Jens-Uwe Hartmann ldquoObservation on the reform
of Buddhism in Nepalrdquo Journal of Nepal Research Centre vol VIII Kath
Kantipur Printing Press1988p 6
[10] Ria Kloppenborg Theravada Buddhism in Nepal‟ Kailash A
Journal of Himalayan Studies Vol 5 no 41977 p 302
[11] BP Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada Gukathan Wagu Kha (Kath
Hisi Press Nepal BS 20421985) pp44ff
[12] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p47ff
[13] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 51-53 Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal (BKK A Thesis of MA Mahamakut Graduate School
2001) p 97
[14] Bhikshu Sudarshan Mahasthavir bdquoRole of Theravada in the
Preservation of Newar Buddhism‟ wwwircnepalorgpapers
[15] Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 69-72
[16] Opcit Observation on the reform of Buddhism in Nepal p10ff
[17] Opcit Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ RV
Vandya Sanghanayaka Venerable Pragnananda Mahasthavir (Kath Nepal
Co-operative Press 1978) pp 11ff
[18] Bhkkhu Dharmaloka Mahasthavir A Pilgrimage in China (kath
published by Bhikkhu Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1999) p 13-15 Opcit Lacoul
Nepalay Sthavirvada p 74-75
[19] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka p 15
[20] Opcit Bhikkhu dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp16ff
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p100
[21] Ibit Bhikkhu Dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp 27-29
[22] See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A Homage
(Kath Anandakuti Vihar Trust 1992) Kuladharma Ratna Tuladhar Buddhism
in Nepal (Kath Dharmodaya Sabha 1986) pp15 Opcit Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 100
[23] Opcit K R Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal 16 RV Vandya
Sanghanayaka ven Pragnananda p 32 ff
[24] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka Pragnananda pp 34-35
Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthavirvada p 86
[25] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 18 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 101
[26] Bhikkhu Amritananda Mahasthavir A Short History of Theravada
Buddhism in Modern Nepal (Kath Anandakuti Vihar trust 1986) pp 8-9
Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir (Kath Anandakuti
Vihar Trust 1992) p 25
[27] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 19 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[28] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[29] Opcit Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir
p 26
[30] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit KR
Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 20
[31] Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha in Nepal
(BKK A Thesis of MA Buddhist Study Mahachulalongkorn University 2547)
p 23 [32]
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit Ratna
Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir p 26
[33] Amrit R Sthapit bdquowho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Aswaghosha‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 4 no 1 May 2001
p8
[34] helliphelliphelliphelliphellip bdquoWho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Nyanapurninka Mahasthavir‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 7
no 1 May 2004 p13 Viswo Shanti Vihar The Shanti Sandesh (Kath Viswo
Shanti Vihar 1998)
[35] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sumangala Mahasthavir
A monk who modernized Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the
LNBDS UK vol 2 no 1 May 1999 p10
[36] Opcit Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha
in Nepal pp 52ff
[37] Rina Tuladhara Dharmakirti 25 Years of Dharmakirti Buddhist
Study Circle A Glimpse (Kath Dharmakirti Vihar 1996) Mallika Sakya
bdquoWho is Who in Nepalese Buddhism Dhammavati Guruma‟ Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 5 no 1 May 2002 p10
[38] Opcit See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A
Homage Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 108
[39] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sudarshan Mahasthavir A
Gem of the Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol
6 no 1 May 2003 p13
17
The Buddha Jayanti which he has initiated was celebrated for
the first time in the history of modern Nepal in 1926 after a long gap
Now a day this day is widely celebrated in Nepal Every year people
celebrate it with great joy and happiness[13]
He was also responsible
for stopping animal slaughter at Mayadevi temple in Lumbini and
renovation of Kindol Vihar in Kathmandu This Vihara became the
center for Theravada revival movement[14]
He published Buddhist
magazine entitled bdquoBuddha Dharmarsquo in Newari Language
(Nepalabhasa) emphasizing the importance of Buddha Jayanti
celebration and Theravadian views This was the starting point of
Theravada activities and promotion of Theravadian views in Nepal
after many centuries Some Nepalese youths took ordination according
to Theravada tradition in 1928 They were imprisoned for four days
The Government at the time was under the influence of Shaivait
Brahmins who were calling for a ban against Buddhism Later he was
arrested for his conversion from a Hindu to a Buddhist monk Three
new rules suppressing Buddhism had been issued
18
(1) Conversion to Buddhism from Hinduism (Shaivaism) to be
punished by one year in prison
(2) Acting as preceptor at a Buddhist ordination to be punished by
three years‟ imprisonment and
(3) Attempting to ordain into Buddhism to be punished by a six-
month imprisonment
They were exiled to India and all reordained into Theravada
tradition with ven U Kosala in Buddhagaya However certain reasons
they left the tradition The history speaks only on Ven Mahapragya but
rest of other four monks still under discovery The first Nepalese to
take ordination in Theravada tradition was venerable Mahapragna a
Hindu Shrestha by birth in 1926 After few years study in Tibet again
he went to India where he met Ven U Chandramani a Burmese monk
at Kusinagara[15]
He was impressed with Ven Chandramani and took
Theravada ordination from him This was the starting point for
Theravada ordination once again in the history of modern Nepal after
almost 600 years[16]
Since then Theravadin monastic order been settled
in modern Nepal
19
On the other hand Venerable Pragyananda (Karmasheel) who
converted from Gelung of Tibetan tradition to Theravada with Ven U
Chandramani at Kusinagara India was the first yellow-robed monk
who appeared in the street of Kathmandu valley at the end of 1930s[17]
He stayed at Kindol Vihar at the invitation of Dasaratna Shahu (later
Ven Dharmaloka) and gave discourses The attendance at his
discourses increased day by day and it worried then Rana government
and arrested all the members of Vihar They were imprisoned fined
and later released[18]
Fortunately Ven Pragnananda was in different
place and was not arrested He went on pilgrimage to India with some
devotees His four devotees took ordination under guidance of Ven U
Chandramani at Kusinagar They were Samanera Shasana Jyoti
Anagarika Ratna Pali Anagarika Dhamma Pali and Anagarika
Sangha Pali This was the first nun‟s ordination in Theravada
Buddhism in modern Nepal[19]
In the mean time Dasaratna Shahu
who was running Kindol Vihar brought Civar and bowl from Sri Lanka
for monk ceremonies Soon after his release from prison he took
ordination according to Theravada tradition at Kusinagar from Ven U
Chandramani and became Samanera Dhammaloka in 1932[20]
He
20
visited Nepal as a monk but was arrested immediately on his arrival in
Kathmandu and was imprisoned once again for six days and then
released without charging him with any offences Following his release
from prison he went to stay at Kindol Vihar and continued his
religious activities He was finally able to carry out religious activities
freely in Nepal He succeeded to propagate Theravada Buddhism in the
streets of Kathmandu valley[21]
Later he founded Nepal‟s first
Theravada Buddhist temple bdquoAnandakutirsquo at the foothill of Swayambhu
hill and it became the center for Theravada Sangha in modern Nepal
Venerable Amritananda was another well-known Buddhist
scholar and pioneer person for revival of Theravada Buddhism in
modern Nepa[22]
He was ordained under Ven U Chandramani at
Kusinagara in 1936 CE but was imprisoned along with Ven
Mahapragna at Bhojpur in 1937 In 1942 he came back to Nepal from
abroad after completing his study and gave discourses at the request of
Ven Dharmaloka in Swayambhu during vassavasa days (Three months
Buddhist lent) His public discourses impressed lay people and many
people came to listen to him Other Monks Samaneras and Nuns of
21
Nepal who were studying abroad also came back and joined him and
gave public discourses in different places of Kathmandu valley[23]
This
was a great breakthrough during isolationist Rana government Rana
government of the time banned any public assembly because of fear of
political unrest and demand for political reform in Nepal Because of
their religious activities they were arrested on 30th
July 1944 and
brought in front of then Prime Minister Juddha Shamsher Jung Bahadur
Rana for giving verdict on the charges of propagating the dhamma He
made rules to curtail the Buddhist activities Those who didn‟t follow
these rules were asked either to leave the country or return to worldly
life All the respected monks who were active in revival of Theravada
in Nepal refused to obey the order and were exiled once again from
Nepal The exiled monks this time included Ven Pragnananda Ven
Dharmaloka Ven Subhodhananda Ven Pragnarashmi Samanera
Pragnarasa Samanera Ratnajyoti Samanera Agga Dhamma and
Samanera Kumar The nuns were allowed to remain in the Vihar until
the end of the Vassavasa[24]
22
Development of Theravada Buddhism
The exiled monks formed bdquoDharmodaya Sabha‟ - Nepal‟s first
Buddhist organization with the help of other Buddhist organizations
and individuals on 30th
November 1944 in India under the
chairmanship of Ven U Chandramani Ven Amritananda was its
general secretary[25]
Immediately after establishment of bdquoDharmodaya
Sabha‟ Ven Amritananda wrote a protest letter to Nepalese
government and also appealed to other Buddhist organizations on
behalf of Dharmodaya Sabha He visited many places and various
countries to get support against the expulsion of Buddhist monks from
modern Nepal One of the countries he visited and undertook further
studies was Sri Lanka In Sri Lanka he also succeeded in bringing a
goodwill mission to Nepal in 1946 under the leadership of well-known
scholar Ven Narada Mahasthavir of Vajiraramaya Colombo The
members of this mission consisted of Ven Narada Ven Amritananda
Ven Priyadarshi Dr Ratna Surya and Prof Aryapal They were able
to meet the newly appointed Prime Minister Padma Shumsher J Rana
Ven Amritananda and leader of the mission Ven Narada requested his
23
Excellency to give permission for the exiled monks to return to Nepal
Prime Minister Padma Shamsher accepted their request and permitted
the exiled monks to return Ven Dharmaloka was the first one to come
back to Nepal immediately after receiving a letter from Ven
Amritananda and arrived in Kathmandu in June 1946 (Jesth Sukla 6
2003)[26]
Other monks also returned one by one and again started
propagating Theravada Buddhism in modern Nepal Ven Narada
visited Nepal three times and constructed a Sri Lankan Cetiya at
Anandakuti Vihar He brought a branch of Bodhi tree Buddha‟s relic
to Nepal He also established the first Sima (Uposatha) of Nepal for
Bhikkhus at the Vihara During his third visit he met then Prime
Minister Mohana Shamasher J Rana and requested him to declare
Baisakh Purnima or Buddha Day as a public holiday His Excellency
agreed and declared it as a public holiday for the Buddhist government
civil officers[27]
Since then Theravada Buddhism gained ground in
Nepalese society and made progress Theravada monks propagated
Buddhism by performing ceremonies giving Dharmadesana and
publishing Buddhist texts Many Viharas were built in and outside the
Kathmandu valley to propagate dhamma
24
In 1950 democracy replaced autocratic Rana regime under the
leadership of H M King Tribhuvan This heralded rapid development
of Theravada Buddhism Buddhist monks and nuns were able carry out
their duties freely without hindrances throughout the country The
office of bdquoDharmodaya Sabha‟ shifted from Kalimpong to Kathmandu
after the advent of democracy in 19501 In 1951 Bhikkhu Sangha led
by Ven Amritananda formed lsquoAkhil Nepal Bhikkhu Sangharsquo (All
Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha Council) for the further propagation of
Buddhism in Nepal Ven Amritananda played a great role in
propagation of Theravada Buddhism nationwide His close relationship
with their Majesties helped in his activities[28]
He visited many
countries on behalf of All Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha and Dharmodaya
Sabha In the same year Buddhists of Nepal succeeded in bringing the
relics of Ven Sariputta (Ven Sariputra) and Ven Maudhgalyana
(Ven Moggallana) the foremost disciples of the Buddha for the
exhibition in Nepal His Majesty King Tribhuvan chaired the reception
committee and a reception party was held in the Royal Palace[29]
Following year in 1952 Buddha Jayanti was celebrated throughout the
country with the support of HM King Tribhuvan On this occasion
25
HM King declared Baisakh Purnima or Buddha Jayanti day as a
public holiday throughout the kingdom[30]
In 1956 His late Majesty King Mahendra visited Lumbini the
birthplace of the Buddha and erected a Mahendra Pillar in Lumbini
zone In the same year during 2500th
Buddha Jayanti celebration HM
king banned animal slaughter on this auspicious day throughout the
kingdom[31]
Nepalese Buddhists led by All Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha
Council and Dharmodaya Sabha also organized the Fourth World
Fellowship of Buddhist Conference (WFB) in Kathmandu on this
year[32]
His Majesty‟s government cooperated fully and gave every
assistance for the success of the conference Gradually Theravada
Buddhist monasteries were founded Buddhist Education Buddhapuja
meditation public discourses publications of Buddhist texts and mass
ordination etc took place as a part of dhamma activities Burma Sri
Lanka Thailand and other countries helped Nepal in its effort for
Theravada revival Soon after Theravada Buddhist monks established
the first Bhikkhu training center- Sangharama Vihar and ordained
number of novices under the leadership of Ven Ashogosha
Mahasthavir[33]
Following their ordination they were sent to Sri
26
Lanka Burma and Thailand for their higher ordination and education
Many of these monks have returned to Nepal and are actively engaged
in propagation of dhamma Besides ordination of individual novices
mass ordinations for short periods were also held in different temple
After Anandakuti Vihar the Viswasanti Vihara also established
Vishwa Shanti Bauddha Shikshalaya a Buddhist School under Ven
Nyanapunnika Mahathavir[34]
It teaches both national and Buddhist
curriculum to the novices Now there are nearly 100 Theravada
temples more than four hundred monks and Samaneras and nearly 400
nuns in the country Present Sangha Nayaka is Most Ven
Subodhananda of Gana Mahavihara Kathmandu President of All
Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha is Kumar Kashyapa of Ananda Kuti Vihar
Swayambhu Kathmandu and the head office of All Nepal Bhikkhu
Sangha is in Viswo Santi Vihara New Baneshwor Kathmandu
27
Contribution to Nepalese society
Besides promoting Dhamma Theravada monks and nuns
(Anagarikas) are also involved in other welfare activities like
organising free health camps training centers either in the monasteries
or outside the monasteries They also founded center for old age and
Kindergarten Late Ven Sumangala Mahasthavira[35]
initiated free
clinic at Buddha Vihar a Buddhist home for the elderly at Benepa and
a Buddhist Kindergarten Free Clinics were popular because of lack of
adequate government run clinics in Nepal Many monasteries
organized free clinics Regular clinics like eye and Homeopathic were
run either on weekly or monthly basis Annual campaigns are also run
when it was felt necessary
In 1964 All Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha established a Theravada
education system Pariyatti Sikkha or Nepal Bauddha Pariyatti Siksa
(Buddhist Saturday School) Classes are run in Theravada Buddhist
monasteries Tibetan monasteries other Buddhist centers in public and
private schools There are more than 32 centers throughout the
28
country[36]
Presently its head office is at Viswo Santi Vihara in New
Baneswora Kathmandu
Besides Pariyatti Sikkha Ven Amritananda founded a
Buddhist school - bdquoAnandakuti Vidyapith Boarding School‟ and a
college- bdquoSiddharth Science Campus‟ Both Buddhist monks and lay
people used to teach in these institutions It was started as a Buddhist
school but for some reason it has become a private enterprise Besides
these many monks and nuns are also running other educational
institutions like bdquoNursery school (Siddhartha Shisu Niketan Buddha
Vihar) Primary school (Triple Gem Boarding School) and Higher
Schools There are some Higher Education institutes like Siddharth
University in Banepa International Buddhist University in Lumbini
etc Many Buddhist organizations were founded and they were also
running different classes and research centers like Dharmakirti
Buddhist Research Center Anagarika Dhammavati founded this centre
Later on Anagarika Dhammavati was ordained as Bhikkhuni
according to Taiwanese tradition She is one of the well-known nuns in
the Theravada Buddhism in Nepal[37]
29
The Buddhist temples and organizations bring out number of
publications annually monthly weekly and on special occasions
Dharmodaya Anandabhumi and Dharmakirti are the oldest
Buddhist journals in Nepal and still continued to be published
Ven Amritananda was one of the greatest Buddhist scholars of
Nepal He wrote and translated many books on Buddhism There are
still no other monks or nun in Nepal who can be compared with
him[38]
Late Ven Sudharsan Mahasthavir came close to him Ven
Sudharsan was a pillar of Theravada Buddhism after Ven
Amritananda He was famous for different reason His field of interest
beside dhamma work consisted literature language Archaeology etc
He was a resident monk at Srikirti Vihar Kirtipur and held the post of
professor in History Archaeology and Buddhist philosophy at
Tribhuvan University until his death in July 2002 Some of his books in
Buddhism became course book for BA and MA students in Nepal
He had special interest in archaeology of Lumbini and was an expert on
this subject[39]
30
Revival of Theravada Buddhism in Nepal also had profound
effect in cultural and religious way of life of Nepalese Daily chanting
or Buddhapuja short term ordination observing Sila (Moral code)
caste system celebration of Vesak day celibate life were introduced
In the month of Bhadra or Gunla days (AugustSeptember) Buddhist
hymns are chanted and public discourses are given
Late Ven Sudharshan Mahasthavir formed Sri Kirti Buddhist
center at Sri Kirti Vihar with the aim of introducing Buddhism to other
ethnic groups other than Newars- the original inhabitants of Katmandu
valley This project succeeded in bringing other ethic groups into
Theravada Buddhism As a result of this many ethnic groups who were
originally Buddhists have started organizing Buddhist conferences and
Buddhist activities Another important development is formation of
Gyanmala Bhajan Khala - a Buddhist hymn group This group sings
regularly especially during certain auspicious days at Swayambhu and
other Buddhist sites The songs they sing are based on Buddha‟s
teaching and has been successful in promoting Buddhism in simple
melodious hymns which attracts many people who visits these
religious places
31
Theravadin in Nepalese Society
For centuries Nepalese were aware of only Buddhist priest
(Bajracharya) from Newar Buddhism (Vajrayana) and Tibetan Lamas
They were unaware of Theravadian Buddhist monks and nuns
Bajracharyas are household monks They lead domestic lives and are
not celibate Not all Tibetan monks are celibate It depends on the
school they belong to For example monks from Sakya School of
Tibetan tradition do not have to be celibate Theravada monks wear
distinctive saffron coloured robes They are celibate and lead virtuous
monastic life These monks and nuns have different identity in the eyes
of Nepalese especially the inhabitants of Kathmandu valley Their
simple way of life their full dedication in their work for the benefit of
mankind easily understood Theravada Scriptures translated in different
languages eg in Nepal Bhasa (Newari) Nepali in Hindi and in
English for easy accessibility by different groups helped to gain the
heart of Nepalese people Although many lay people have played
pivotal roles in revival of Theravada Buddhism in Nepal the leadership
32
of monks and nuns were vital in further development and survival of
this tradition
The lay Buddhists of Nepal are pluralistic They participate in
Buddhist ceremonies such as Vesak day daily chanting etc At the
same time they also follow Hindu customs in their daily lives
Buddhism is different from Hinduism and it is not a branch of
Hinduism Hindus believe that Buddha was a reincarnation of Lord
Vishnu Buddha never claimed to be anything other than a human
being ndash although a unique one in the history of mankind
Buddhism in Nepal is unique because of existence of three
different Buddhist traditions - Newar Buddhism (Vajrayana)
Tibetan Buddhism (Mahayana) and Theravada Buddhism
Different Buddhist groups practised different traditions Although the
principle underlying all these traditions is the same they differ in
details Theravada Buddhist tradition is different from Tibetan or
Newar Buddhist traditions but it is developing side-by-side with them
It was not possible for Theravada Buddhism to develop in Nepal
without close co-relation with other traditions but later developed on its
own right These various Buddhist traditions are coexisting in present
33
day Nepal Although they have different cultural traditions and are
developing in their own ways but the followers are the same
Therefore there is no separate identity of Theravadian lay Buddhists
There are number of lay Buddhist organizations such as Dharmodaya
Sabha Dharmakirti Institute Young Buddhist Associations Female
Buddhist Associations more recently Sukhi Hotu Nepal which are
playing important role in promotion of Buddha Dhamma but they are
multi-cultural and multi religious in their daily practices
CONCLUSION
Theravada Buddhism was introduced to Nepal at the time when
public meetings were banned It faced many obstacles at the beginning
Strong dedications of monks and nuns made it possible for its revival in
Nepal after many centuries of neglect Even though the revival
movement of this tradition was started only about 80 years ago it has
already gained strong foot hold in Nepal and gaining popularity day by
day The reason for its popularity lies in many things - the simple and
easily understood way the teachings were given the simple way of life
of monks and nuns lead and various beneficial activities undertaken by
34
Viharas Theravadin Buddhist monks and nuns are well accepted by
people and their contribution in promoting Buddha‟s teachings is
widely recognized Although small in number in comparison to other
Asian countries like Thailand Sri Lanka and Burma both the number
of monks and nuns and monasteries of this tradition are increasing day
by day If this trend continues it will become one of the prominent
religious traditions in Nepal It is only natural that this oldest Buddhist
tradition should gain its place of honour it deserve in a country where
the founder of the religion was born
35
Theravada Records in Nepal
List of Monks Novices and Anagarikas studying abroad
MONKS AND NOVICES
I Thailand
1 Bhikkhu Anil Man Dhammasakiyo (Sugandha)
2 Bhikkhu Vipassi Dhammaramo
3 Bhikkhu Jit Bahadur Gurung
4 Bhikkhu Krishna Thapamagar
5 Bhikkhu Pannamurti
6 Bhikkhu Sujan Sujano
7 Bhikkhu Anil Sumankitti
8 Bhikkhu Santosh Santosho
9 Bhikkhu Khemik Suddhasilo
10 Bhikkhu Suman Rocano
11 Bhikkhu Sanu Maharajano
12 Bhikkhu Santamano Dhwajjoshi
13 Bhikkhu Suman Dhwajjoshi
14 Bhikkhu Bijit Khemasakko
15 Bhikkhu Supreme Shakyavanso
Samaneras
1 Samanera Buddharatna Maharjan
2 Samanera Dhammaratna Maharjan
3 Samanera Bipin Maharjan
4 Samanera Prajwal Shakya
5 Samanera Ukesh Sakya
6 Samanera Gopi Maharjan
7 Samanera Sudip Deshar
8 Samanera Sudat Deshar
9 Samanera Deepi Maharjan
10 Samanera Ramit Shrestha
11 Samanera Anup Deshar
12 Samanera Suman Bajracharya bdquoA‟
13 Samanera Rajendra Deshar
14 Samanera Kapila Maharjan
15 Samanera Arbin Shakya
36
16 Samanera Kabindra Bajracharya
17 Samanera Ujjawal Shakya
18 Samanera Satish Shakya
19 Samanera Bimal Gurung
20 Samanera Surya Gurung
21 Samanera Sameer Maharjan
22 Samanera Anup Shakya
23 Samanera Arjun Magar
24 Samanera Kiran Desahar
25 Samanera Dipesh Shrestha
26 Samanera Tejendra Tamang
27 Samanera Ashim Shakya
28 Samanera Jalap Bajracharya
29 Samanera Arya Dev Bajracharya
30 Samanera Sudarshan Maharjan
31 Samanera Sangharatna
32 Samanera Suman Bajracharya bdquoB‟
33 Samanera Kijan Maharjan
34 Samanera Ramesh Maharjan
35 Samanera Niroj Maharjan
36 Samanera Jen Maharjan
37 Samanera Denish Bajracharya
38 Samanera Pritam Bahadur Shakya
39 Samanera Abhishek Shakya
40 Samanera Bishal Shakya
41 Samanera Sajal Shakya
42 Samanera Suraj Bhakta Shrestha
43 Samanera Dinesh Chaudhary
44 Samanera Shiv Swatantra Tharu
45 Samanera Sambhu Lal Khang
46 Samanera Buddharatna Chaudhary
47 Samanera Mukesh Chaudhary
II Myanmar (Burma)
Bhikkhu Samaneras
1 Bhikkhu Panavimala
2 Bhikkhu Dhyanratna
3 Bhikkhu Adiccho
4 Bhikkhu Vimalbuddhi
5 Bhikkhu Shobhan
6 Samanera Amato
7 Samanera Jutimma
8 Samanera Buddhapiyo
9 Samanera Kavindo
10 Samanera Nagasena
11 Samanera Gyanavudho
III Taiwan(ROC) 1 Bhikkhu Mangala 2 Bhikkhu Vazirbuddhi
IV Australia 1 Bhikkhu Upatissa
V India
1 Bhikkhu Dharmajyoti 2 Bhikkhu Ashokakirti
3 Bhikkhu Narawang Tamang
VI United kingdom 1 Bhikkhu Suman
VII USA 1 Bhikkhu Pragnaloka
VIII Sri Lanka
Bhikkhus
Bhikkhu Nanda
Bhikkhu Vineeta
Bhikkhu Ashoka
Bhikkhu Triratna
Bhikkhu Sagara
Bhikkhu Sankicca
Bhikkhu Vajirasiri
Bhikkhu Sarada
Bhikkhu Veenit
Bhikkhu Ratana
Bhikkhu Tissa
Bhikkhu Vajira
Bhikkhu Pannawimal
Bhikkhu Medhankar
Bhikkhu Pannasara
SARAMANERAS
Saranankara
Piyadassi
Dil Bhadra
Chandima
Samita
Narada bdquoA‟
Piyaratna
Kusala
Lakkhana
Udit
Vibekanada
Pannananda
Mettananda
Chandananda
Yassari
Upali
Subodhi
Mahanama
Kashyapa
Dhammapala
Narada bdquoB‟
Nalaka bdquoA‟
Daywasa
Santa Sobhana
Santa Siddhartha
Santa Maitri
Santa Kosala
Santa Sakya
Suvaca
Sukama Sila
Siddhartha
Nanda bdquoA‟
Rahula
Sudheera
Kosala Dheera
Panna Wansa
Jina Wansa
Mahinda
Nanda bdquoB‟
Seewali
Mahapantha
Assaji
Sarada
Sumana
Ananda
Nalaka bdquoB‟
Aloka
Suwarna
Subodh
Udena
Sangharatna bdquoA‟
Gyanendra
Khema
Soma bdquoA‟
Punna
Panna Ransi
Soma bdquoB‟
Santa bdquoA‟
Kapila Wansa
Asita Wansa
Sumanananda bdquoa‟
Vijitananda
Khemananda
Silananda
Medhananda
Somaratna
Soratha
Pragyananda
Sumangala
Santa Citta
Yasa
Dhamma Kitti
Panna Kitti
Santa Dheera
Vijitananda
Sumanananda bdquob‟
Vajra Bodhi
Dhammika
Santa bdquoB‟
Anuruddha
Sumana bdquoB‟
Jinavamsa
Panna Vansa
Buddha Ratna
Dhamma Ratna
Ariya Ratna
Piyadassi bdquoB‟
Sila Ratna
Sangha Ratna bdquoB‟
List of Anagarikas studying in abroad
I Thailand
1 Anagarika Sirisuta Maharjan
2 Anagarika Ramsobha Shrestha
3 Anagarika Sunita Napit
II Myanmar
1 Anagarika Javanvati
2 Anagarika Vimalajnani
3 Anagarika Ambika
4 Anagarika Buddhapali
5 Anagarika Darshana
6 Anagarika Agrajnani
7 Anagarika Nandavati
bdquob‟
III India 1 Anagarika Rupashila
IV Taiwan
1 Anagarika Pannavati
2 Anagarika Sani
3 Anagarika Nima
V Sri Lanka
1 Anagarika Pannawati
2 Anagarika Mettawati
3 Anagarika Keshawati
4 Anagarika Prasnnawati
5 Anagarika Sukhawati
6 Anagarika Shobhawati
7 Anagarika Subhadra
8 Anagarika
Shraddhagautami
9 Anagarika Upananda
10 Anagarika Shantawati
11 Anagarika Suciwati
Residences of Theravādin Monks in Nepal
01 Abhinava Buddha Vihara Lumbini
1) Bhikkhu Vimalananda Mahathera
2) Samanera Sunanda
02 Anandakut Vihara Swayambhu Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Kumara Kassapa Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Dharmamurti 3) Samanera Kondanya
4) S Prajnaratna 5) S Asoka
6) S Kumarjeeva 7) S Assaji
03 Bauddha Samaskrita Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Bhikkhu Dharmashobhana Mahathera
04 Bodhicharya Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Bodhisena Mahathera
2) Samanera Bodhideepa
05 Buddha Vihara Bhrikuti Mandap-Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Kondanya 2) Bhikkhu Sushil
3) Samanera Anuyoga 3) S Javana
4) S Udena
06 Buddha Vihara Biratnagar
1) Bhikkhu Aloka
07 Buddha Vihara Dharan
1) Bhikkhu Maitri (Tamang)
2) Bhikkhu Chhavikirti
08 Chatubrahma Vihara Matatirtha
1) Bhikkhu Thansettho
2) Bhikkhu Samyakaratna
3) Bhikkhu Bodhananda
9 Charumati Stupa Vihara Chabahil Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Tapassi Dhamma
10 Dharmacakra Ashrama Bagbazar
1) Bhikkhu Milinda
11 Dharmashila Buddha Vihara Pokhara
1) Bhikkhu Subhadda 2) Bhikkhu Saddhananda
12 Dhyanakuti Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Ashwaghosha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Rahul 3) Samanera Gautama
13 Gana Maha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Sanghanayaka Bhikkhu Subodhanand Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sobhita
3) Bhikkhu Samvegakirti
4) Samanera Sugatananda
6) S Chandananda
7) S Somananda
8) S Sumanavamsha
9) S Somavamsha
10) S Sumanasiri
14 IlayabahiTanabaha Patan
1) Bhikkhu Vimalkirti
15 International Bauddha Pariyatti Vihara Butwal
1) Bhikkhu Jatila
2) Bhikkhu Bhaddiya bdquoB‟
3) Samanera Jnanashree 4) S Jotika
16 International Buddhist Society Lumbini
1) Bhikkhu Maitri Mahathera
2) Samanera Mahapanta
3) S Vimala
17 Jana Udaya Vihara Sunakothi-Lalitpura
1) Bhikkhu Dharmagupta
18 Jitavana Vihara Thankot
1) Bhikkhu Dharmavamsha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sugatamuni Mahathera
3) Samanera Sunita
19 Kuti Vihara Koteshwar-KTM
1) Bhikkhu Yeshdhammo
2) Samanera Wayamo
3) S Milindo 4) S Sunanalankara
20 Manimandapa Mahavihara Patan
1) Bhikshu Shilbhadra Mahathera
2) Samanera Paduma 3) S Nayako
21 Muni Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Samanera Tejendra 2) S Jalapa
3) S Asima 4) S Aryaputra
22 Padma Sugandha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Sumedha 2) Samanera Sudatta
23 Pati Vihara Nagadesh-Bhaktapur
1) Bhikkhu Varasambodhi
24 Pranidhi Purna Maha Vihara Balambu
1) Samanera Sukha
25 Pugatabhoomi Jetavana Vihara Bhairahawa
1) Samanera Jagaro 2) S Suvanno
26 Purvaram Vihara Dhulikhel
1) Bhikkhu Gunaghosha Mahathero
27 Sangharama Vihara Kshetrapati Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Saddhatissa
2) Bhikkhu Kolita
3) Bhikkhu Sangharakshita
28 Shakya Singha Vihara Patan
1) Bhikkhu Dharmapala Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sunanda Mahathera
3) Bhikkhu Dharmarakshita
29 Shikhalapura Vihara Dhulikhel
1) Bhikkhu Dhammananda Mahathera
30 Shree Kirti Vihara Kirtipur
1) Bhikkhu Kirtijyoti 2) Bhikkhu Ananda
3) Bhikkhu Prajnakirti
4) Bhikkhu Dharmakirti
5) Samanera Sundara 6) Bhikkhu Pamit
7) S Subhashkirti 8) S Uttarakirti
31 Shreegha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Dharmasagara
2) Bhikkhu Medhankara
32 Sudarshana Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Rastrapala
33Sumangala Vihara Patan
1) Sanghaupanayaka Bhikkhu Buddhaghosha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Shobhan
3) Bhikkhu Prajnaratna
34 Surya Mangala Vihara Kapilvastu
1) Bhikkhu Suryamangala
35 Tokha Buddha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Samanera Shobhana 2) S Jnanodaya
36 Veluvanarama Vihara Thecho-Lalitpura
1) Samanera Uttama 2) S Chandimo
37 Vishwa Shanti Vihara New Baneshwar
1) Bhikshu Jnanapurnik Mahathera
2) Bhikshu Bodhijnana
3) Bhikshu Nigrodha
4) Bhikshu Udayabhadra
Samaneras
1) S Janak 2) S Sujat
3) S Obhaso 4) S Subhaddo
5) S Nandiyo 6) S Mahindo
7) S Pajjoto 8) S Aloka
9) S Buddhadatta 10) S Panita
11) S Kashyapa 12)S Dharmaghosha
13) S Nagita 14) S Vinaya
15) S Suchitta 16) S Sudatto
17) S Nemindo 18) S Rohito
19) S Jayanto 20) S Meghiyo
21) S Indriyo 22) S Suppamedho
23) S Bhanusarana 24) S Saddhadeepa
25) S Kittimo 26) S Janeyyo
27) S Adicca 28) S Kosalla
29) S Nyanuttara 30) S Bhaddaco
31) S Pabhassaro 32) S Uttaro
38 Yampi Maha Vihara Patan
1) Bhikkhu Bhaddiya
39 Non residencial Monks
1) Bhikshu Samyaka Sambodhi Pranputra
2) Bhikshu Dhyanratna
3) Bhikkhu Chandragupta Balambu
Present Anagarikas and resident in NEPAL
01 Amarapura Vihara Bungamati
1) A Charujnani 2) A Sunita
3) A Palitajnani 4) A Pamitajnani
5) A Padumajnani 6) A Rupawati
02 Bauddha Samaskrit Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Anagarika Sanghashila
03 Buddha ViharaDharan
1) A Sumedhavati 2) A Sushilavati
3) A Kanchana 4) A Shasanavati
04 Bauddha Rishi Mahapragya Ashram Anamnagar
1) Anagarika Prajnavati
05 Chatubrahma Vihara Matatirtha
1) Anagarika Anu
06 Dhammavasa Vihara Khusibun
1) A Krishgautami 2) A Suchita
3) A Shilgautami 4) A Kshantigautami
5) A Shyamavati
07 Dharmakirti Vihara Naghal-Kathmandu
1) Anagarika RatnaManjari
2) A Dhammavati
3) A Dhammadinna (Chameli)
4) A Anupama 5) A Sanghavati
6) A Khemavati 7) A Indravati
8) A Jayavati 9) A Danavati
10) A Tyagavati 11) AViryavati
12) A Shubhavati 13) A Ramavati
14) A Surammavati
15) A Hemavati 16) A Suppabhavati
17) A Supriya 18) A Amata
19) A Vannavati 20) A Suvannavati
08 Dharmashila Buddha Vihara Pokhara
1) Anagarika Karmashila
09 Gautami Vihara Lumbini
1) Anagarika Sujata 2) A Khamesi
10 IlayabahiTana Baha Lalitpur
1) A Shilaparami 2)AViryaparami
3) A Vineeta 4) A Shilachari
11 Int‟l Buddhist Meditation Centre Shankhamul
1) A Aggajnani 2) A Nirmalajnani
3) A Shantarakshita
12 Jaya Mangal ViharaTana Bahal-Patan
1) Anagarika Vijita 2) A Nekkhami
3) A Chittavati
13 Jyoti Vihara Chapagaun- Lalitpur
1) AnagarikaVirygautami
2) A Upeskshagautami
14 Kashivarna Buddha Vihara Panuati
1) Anagarika Satyaparami
15 Kindol Vihara Swayambhu
1) A Sumana 2) A Uttara
3) A Sumitra 4) A Molini
5) A Dhammavijaya 6) A Tejavati
7) A Shyamavati
16 Kunsa BahaHyumat
1) Anagarika Patachari 2) AUmavati
17 Mahabodhi Vihara Tansen
1) Anagarika Revati (Dhammadinna)
18 Muni Vihara Bhaktapur
1) A Sugandhavati 2) A Padmavati
19 Narsinharama Thaina-Patan
1) A Jnanashila 2) ASatyashila
3) AShilavati 4) A Yeshavati 5) A Dharani
6) A Jeenvati
7) A Shilpavatisushma
20 Padmachaitya Vihara Butwal
1) A Udayashila 2) A Santiwati
21 Padmakirti Vihara Kamalpokhari
1) A Kamala 2) A Karunavati
3) A Pabbhavati 4) A Dhyanavati
5) A Bhavanavati
22 Prajnanandarama Okubahal-Patan
1) Anagarika Jnanavati
23 Pranidhipurna Mahavihara Balambu
1) A Mudita 2) A Chandrashila bdquoB‟
24 SangharakshitaVihara Patan
1) Anagarika Abhaya 2) A Chandrashila
3) A Shilachari
25 Shanti Sukhavasa Chakupat-Patan
1) A Utpalavarna (Chini)
26 Shree Kirti Vihara Kirtipur
1) Anagarika Mina
27 SunandaramaThaina-Patan
1) A Madhavi 2) AMasukhi
3) A Mashobha 4) A Mashraddha
5) A Masudha
28 Sulakshanakirti Viahara Kirtipur
1) A Anoja 2) A Atula
3) A Anula
29 Sangharama ViharaDhalko-KTM
1) Anagarika Dharmarakshita
30 Vishwashanti Vihara New Baneshwar
1) A Shubha 2) A Khema
3) A Sudhamma
31 Vishwashanti Dharmakirti Vihara Basundhara
1) A Dhajavati (Kusum) 2) A Padmavati
3) A Bhadravati
32 Residing other Anagarikas
1) Anagarika Chandrajnani Patan
2) A Sraddhavati Shankhamul
3) A Amaravati Patan
4) A Dhammachari Patan
5) A Nanda Thasi
Some Prominent Personalities in the Theravada Movement1
Sanghamahanayakas of Nepal
1 Ven Pragyanand Mahasthavir 1930 ndash 1993 AD
2 Ven Sakyananda Mahasthavir 1993 - 1997 AD
3 Ven Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1997 - 2002 AD
4 Ven Subodhananda Mahasthavir 2002 - 2006 AD
5 Ven Buddhaghosa Mahasthavir 2006-
Amritananda Bhikkhu (1918-1990) original name Lal Kaji Sakya from Tansen
west Nepal he ordain as a novice in 1936 from ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara He studies and was ordained a monk in Sri Lanka in 1940 He
return to Nepal in 1942 and preached first publicly in Kathmandu He
formed Dharmodaya Sabha in 1944 and All Nepal Bhikkhu Mahasangha in
1951 and remained its unchallenged leader until his death He was well
known and traveled widely outside of Nepal because of his dynamism and
charisma He was also one of the greatest Buddhist scholars and writers of
Nepal
Aniruddha Bhikkhu (1915-2003) original name Gaja Ratna Tuladhar son of
Dasa Ratna Sahu (Later Ven Dhammaloka) He went to Sri Lanka in 1930
and ordained as samanera and studied there He had served many years in
Lumbini and third Sanghanayaka of Nepal
1 Sarah Levine and David N Gellner Rebuilding Buddhism The Theravada Movement in
Twentieth Century Nepal (UK Harvard University Press 2006) pp 293-296
Ashwaghosh Bhikkhu (1926- present) original name Buddha Ratna Sakya and
became a novice in 1944 and went to Sri Lanka for study where he took
higher ordination in 1949 he is known as bdquothe communist monk‟ and was a
nominee of the Unified Marxist-Leninist party one of Nepal‟s two main
political parites in the 1990s to the Upper House 1993-5 He had
established nepal‟s first Bhikkhu Training Center at Sangharama Dhalko
and became abbot of this vihara Presently he is abbot of Shrigha Vihara in
Kathmandu and of Dyanakuti Vihara Banepa
Buddhaghosh Bhikkhu (1921- present day) original name Sapta Ratna
Vajracharya in Kwa Baha Kathamandu The founder of Pariyatti Education
in Nepal and presently acting Sanghanayaka of Nepal (2006) and abbot of
Sri Sumangala Vihara in Lalitpur
Chandramani Bhikkhu (1876-1972) a Burmese monk who spent his life in
Kusinagara where he worked for the propagation of Buddhism until his
death He initiated with most of the early Nepalese Theravadins Monks and
Nuns He was the first president of Dharmodaya Sabha and father of
Theravadins of Nepal
Dharmachari Anagarika (1898-1978) born Laxmi Nani Tuladhar she
impressed by Ven Pragyananda in Kindol Vihara and took the precepts
from Chandramani in Kusinagara in 1934 and most prominent Nepali nun
She founded the first nunnery in Nepal at Kindol Vihara in 1947
Dhammaloka Bhikkhu (1891-1977) born Das Ratna Tuladhar Asan
kathamandu He traded in Lhasha went to Sri Lanka and taught Buddhism
as a layman Later became a monk in 1932 after his son Aniruddha ordain
in 1930 he established nepal‟s first Theravādin Vihara bdquoAnanda Kuti
Vihar‟ in Kathmandu
Dhammawati Anagarika (1925- present day) born as Ganesh Kumari Sakya in
Uku Baha lalitpur She ordain too precepts from Ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara and renamed as Dhammavati in 1950 She went to Burma for
study and return in 1963 after passed the Dhammacariya Examination She
was able to established Dhammakirti Nunnery Centre in 1965 and leader of
the Theravādin Nuns She has been re-ordained as Bhikkhuni according to
Mahayana tradition
Dharmaditya Dharmacharya (1902-1963) born as Jagat Man Vaidya in Chika
Bahi Lalitpur and the first Newar Buddhist modernist and the first newar
cultural nationalist He went to study in Calcutta where he became a
follower of anagarika Dhammapala the founder of Maha Bodhi Society
He had formed Buddhist revival foundation and published Buddhist
magazines etc
Nyanpurnika Bhikkhu (1936- present day) Born as Hera Lal Sakya in Tansen
He studied with Buddhaghosh in Lalitpur in Burma and in England He is
only monk who passed Dhammacariya examination of Burma He was the
founder of Vishwa Shanti Vihara and Vishwa Shanti Bauddha sikkyalaya
where train novices He is a prominent translator and writer
Kumar Kashyap Bhikkhu (1926- present day) born as Krishna Man Sakya he
was one of those who exiled to India by the Ranas in 1944 He went to
Study in Sri Lanka and hold nepal‟s first bdquoTripitaka acarya‟ Presently he is
president of All Nepal Bhikkhu Association and abbot of Ananda Kuti
Vihara
Mahapragya Bhikkhu (1901-1979) born Prem Bahadur (Nani Kaji ) Shrestha
He ordained into Tibetan tradition but exiled in 1926 and reordained as
novice in Theravada tradition one of the earlier Theravādin monks He
return to householderhood in Kalimpong in 1940s but then returned to
Kathmandu as a Buddhist sage (Bauddha Rishi) in the 1960s where he
taught until his death
Pragyananda Bhikkhu (1900-1993) born as Kul Man Singh Tuladhar in Itum
Baha Kathmandu a trader in Tibet where he met Ven Mahapragya and
impressed by him to ordained He became a Tibetan Gelung Karmasheel in
1928 and two years later a Theravādin under Ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara in 1930 He was nepal‟s first Sanghamahanayaka and well
respected monk
Shakyananda Bhikkhu (1909-1997) born as Chakra Dhan Sakya in Taksar
Bhojpur East Nepal He spent over forty years as a monk in Tansen outside
the Kathmandu and second sanghamahanayaka of Nepal
Subodhanand Bhikkhu (1916-2006) bor as Kul Raj Sakya in Taksar Bhojpur
East Nepal He was one of the monks exiled by the Ranas in 1944 He was
a prolific composer of Hymns in Nepal Bhasa In 2003 as the most senior
monk in Nepal he was the fourth Sanghanayaka of Nepal
Sudarshan Bhikkhu (1934-2002) born as Rudra Raj Sakya in Uku Baha
lalitpur He was famous a bdquothe boy monk‟ For many years he was a lecturer
in the culture Department of Tribhuvan University a prolific writer
preacher and abbot of Sri Kirti Vihara Kirtipur which is became multi-
cultural center and especially for Buddhist meetings and conferences He
was jailed for some months for Nepal Bhasa activities in the Panchayat
period He was a campaigner on Buddhist issues particularly to do with
Lumbini
Sumangal Bhikkhu (1929-1999) born Bhakta Krishna Shilpakar in Lalitpur He
was famous as ldquoDollar bhanterdquo He ordained in 1959 in Burma obtained a
master‟s degree in Buddhism from Rissho University Japan in 1972 and
was among the first monks to mobilize international connections for
Buddhist projects in Nepal He established Buddha Vihara in Bhrikuti
Mandap Kathmandu He helped raise funds from Thailand and Japan for
IBMc (1985) brought the Japanese healing movement Sei Mei Kyo to
Nepal and in 1993 opened an old people‟s home in Banepa
Glimpse of Theravādin activities in Nepal
Samanera ordination at Muni Vihara
Ordination Ceremony at Vishwa Shanti Vihara
Collecting Alms
Chanting Paritta in devotee‟s home
Giving Holy Thread to Devotees
Buddhist Art in Nepal
Main Buddha Image at Sri Kirti Vihara
Four holy places
Some of the Theravada Buddhist Viharas (Monasteries) in Nepal
Vihars In Kathmandu Valley Telephone No
1 Amarapura Buddha Vihar Bungamati 5551068
2 Anandakuti Vihar Swayambhu 4271420
3 Anandabhuwan Vihar Bhuikhyo 4270429
4 Ganamaha vihar Ganabaha 4253454
5 Gautam Buddha Vihar Panga co 4330576
6 Caturbrahma Vihar Matatirtha 4310558
7 Carumati Vihar Cabahil 4469897
8 Baudhajana Vihar Sunakothi co 5570209
9 Jitapur Gandhakuti Vihar khona Co 5542846
10 Jitawan Vihar Thankot 4311912
11 Jyoti udaya vihar Capagaun Co 5571459
12 Dhammavasa Vihar Khusibun 4358688
13 Dharmakirti Vihar Srigha Naghal 4259466
14 Dharmacakra vihar Bagbajar 4261976
15 Nagar Mandap Sri Kirti Vihar Kirtipur 4330836
16 Nagadesh Buddha Vihar Nagadesh Co 6635397
17 Nirvanmurti Anagarikaram Kindol 4285811
18 Padmasugandha Vihar Manjeshwori 4266255
19 Pranidhi Purna Mahavihar Balambu 43105924312455
20 Pati Vihar Thimi Co 6637601
21 Pippali Theravad Buddha Vihar Shiphal 4475066
22 Punya Udaya Vihar Jala Harisiddhi Co 5527456
23 Buddhabhoomi Mahavihar Tokha 4362514
24 Buddha Vihar Bhrikuti mandapa 4226702
25 Buddharatna Vihar Putalisadak 4244277
26 Bauddha samakrit Vihar Bhaktapur 6610842
27 Manimandap Vihar Patko Bhaktapur 5526517
28 Muni Vihar Bhaktapur 6616464
29 Yampi Mahavihar Ibahi Lalitpur 5539644
30 Yashodhara Baudha Bidyalaya Thaina Lalitpur 5521435
31 Biswo Shanti Vihar Baneshwor 4482384
32 Biswo Shanti Dharmakirti vihar Basundhara 4354251
33 Beluvanarama Vihar Theco Co 5570062
34 Sakyasingha Vihar Thaina Lalitpur 5524760
35 Santi Sukhawas Cakupat co 5523613
36 Siddhimangal Buddha Vihar Thasi 5581495
37 Sumangala Vihara Lagankhel 5531715
38 Sulakshan kirti Vihar Chobhar 4331718
39 Suwanrna Chatrapur Vihar Lubhu 5580430
40 Sangharama Vihar Dhalko Visnumati 4255960
41 Srigha Vihar Nagal 4259110
Vihars out side the Kathamandu Velley Telephone No
1 Ananda Vihar Tansen Co 075-520225520216
2 Citravan Vihar Narayangadha Co 056-521478
3 Taksar Vihar Tansen Co 075-520024
4 Dharmashila Buddha Vihar Phokhara 061-520517
5 Dyankuti Banepa Banepa 011-661244
6 Padma Chaitya Vihar Butawal 071-546470
7 Purwarama Vihar Dhulikhel 011-661979
8 Pragya Mahavihar Hetauda Co 057-520264520136
9 Buddha Vihar Dharan 025-520354
10 Buddha Vihar Biratnagar Co 021-522146530604
11 Beni Buddha Vihar Myagdi Co 069-520354
12 Bodhicharya vihar Banepa 011-661789
13 Lokachakra Buddha Vihar Dhan gadhi 091-622174
14 Sakyamuni Vihar Bhojpur Co 029-420260
15 Sugatapur Vihar Trisuli Co 010-560153
16 Sugandha Vihar Ridi Gulmi Co 079-529435
17 Swoyambhu Chetya Buddha Vihar Urlabari Co 021-540080
18 Swoyambhu Chetya Mahavihar Dharan Co 025-520190
19 Gyanodaya Buddha Vihar Baglung Co 068-520921520336
Footnotes
[1] This paper was written as a part of my MA thesis research on bdquoThe
Revival of Theravada Buddhism and its contribution to Nepalese Society‟ of
Mahachulalongkorn University Bangkok Thailand and would like to thank Mr
Dharma Sakya for every suggestion editing and help for the completion of this
article
[2] Nyanatiloka Buddhist Dictionary 3
rd ed The Free Distribution
version the Corporate Body of the Buddha education foundation Taiwan p
179
[3] Triratna Manandhar bdquoPresent of Buddhism in Nepal‟ (Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK Vol 8 May 2005) p 15
[4] helliphelliphelliphellip The New Encyclopedia of Britannica Vol24 (USA
Library of Congress Catalog 1993) p 781 Dhanabajra Vajracharya Cabahilko
Abhilekha (Inscription of Cabahil) The Charumati Voice (Kath Charumati
Buddhist Mission 2001) pp 17-20 Bhikkhu Sudarsan Mahasthavira Nepal
Upatyaka ma Ashokaki Chori Charumati (Charumati A daughter of
Ashoka in Nepal Valley) (The Charumati Vocie (Kath Charumati Buddhist
Mission 2001) p 20
[5] Beal Samuel Si Yu Ri Buddhist Records of the Western World
(New Delhi Motilal Banarsidass Publishers 1994) pp 80-81 Bhuwan Lal
Pradhan Nepalama Buddhadharma (Kath Nepal Rajkiya Pragyapratisthana
1988) pp 102 ndash 103
[6] NB Thapa A Short History of Nepal (Kath Ratna Pustak
bhandhar Nd) pp 30-33 Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ The
Nation Thailand‟s English Newspaper (Sunday special) Oct 18 1987
[7] Opcit NB Thapa p116
[8] David N Gellner Monk Householder and Tantric Priest Newar
Buddhism and its Hierarchy of Ritual (Cambridge University Press 1996) pp
41ff
[9] Bechert Heinz amp Jens-Uwe Hartmann ldquoObservation on the reform
of Buddhism in Nepalrdquo Journal of Nepal Research Centre vol VIII Kath
Kantipur Printing Press1988p 6
[10] Ria Kloppenborg Theravada Buddhism in Nepal‟ Kailash A
Journal of Himalayan Studies Vol 5 no 41977 p 302
[11] BP Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada Gukathan Wagu Kha (Kath
Hisi Press Nepal BS 20421985) pp44ff
[12] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p47ff
[13] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 51-53 Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal (BKK A Thesis of MA Mahamakut Graduate School
2001) p 97
[14] Bhikshu Sudarshan Mahasthavir bdquoRole of Theravada in the
Preservation of Newar Buddhism‟ wwwircnepalorgpapers
[15] Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 69-72
[16] Opcit Observation on the reform of Buddhism in Nepal p10ff
[17] Opcit Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ RV
Vandya Sanghanayaka Venerable Pragnananda Mahasthavir (Kath Nepal
Co-operative Press 1978) pp 11ff
[18] Bhkkhu Dharmaloka Mahasthavir A Pilgrimage in China (kath
published by Bhikkhu Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1999) p 13-15 Opcit Lacoul
Nepalay Sthavirvada p 74-75
[19] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka p 15
[20] Opcit Bhikkhu dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp16ff
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p100
[21] Ibit Bhikkhu Dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp 27-29
[22] See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A Homage
(Kath Anandakuti Vihar Trust 1992) Kuladharma Ratna Tuladhar Buddhism
in Nepal (Kath Dharmodaya Sabha 1986) pp15 Opcit Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 100
[23] Opcit K R Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal 16 RV Vandya
Sanghanayaka ven Pragnananda p 32 ff
[24] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka Pragnananda pp 34-35
Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthavirvada p 86
[25] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 18 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 101
[26] Bhikkhu Amritananda Mahasthavir A Short History of Theravada
Buddhism in Modern Nepal (Kath Anandakuti Vihar trust 1986) pp 8-9
Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir (Kath Anandakuti
Vihar Trust 1992) p 25
[27] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 19 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[28] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[29] Opcit Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir
p 26
[30] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit KR
Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 20
[31] Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha in Nepal
(BKK A Thesis of MA Buddhist Study Mahachulalongkorn University 2547)
p 23 [32]
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit Ratna
Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir p 26
[33] Amrit R Sthapit bdquowho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Aswaghosha‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 4 no 1 May 2001
p8
[34] helliphelliphelliphelliphellip bdquoWho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Nyanapurninka Mahasthavir‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 7
no 1 May 2004 p13 Viswo Shanti Vihar The Shanti Sandesh (Kath Viswo
Shanti Vihar 1998)
[35] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sumangala Mahasthavir
A monk who modernized Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the
LNBDS UK vol 2 no 1 May 1999 p10
[36] Opcit Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha
in Nepal pp 52ff
[37] Rina Tuladhara Dharmakirti 25 Years of Dharmakirti Buddhist
Study Circle A Glimpse (Kath Dharmakirti Vihar 1996) Mallika Sakya
bdquoWho is Who in Nepalese Buddhism Dhammavati Guruma‟ Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 5 no 1 May 2002 p10
[38] Opcit See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A
Homage Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 108
[39] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sudarshan Mahasthavir A
Gem of the Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol
6 no 1 May 2003 p13
18
(1) Conversion to Buddhism from Hinduism (Shaivaism) to be
punished by one year in prison
(2) Acting as preceptor at a Buddhist ordination to be punished by
three years‟ imprisonment and
(3) Attempting to ordain into Buddhism to be punished by a six-
month imprisonment
They were exiled to India and all reordained into Theravada
tradition with ven U Kosala in Buddhagaya However certain reasons
they left the tradition The history speaks only on Ven Mahapragya but
rest of other four monks still under discovery The first Nepalese to
take ordination in Theravada tradition was venerable Mahapragna a
Hindu Shrestha by birth in 1926 After few years study in Tibet again
he went to India where he met Ven U Chandramani a Burmese monk
at Kusinagara[15]
He was impressed with Ven Chandramani and took
Theravada ordination from him This was the starting point for
Theravada ordination once again in the history of modern Nepal after
almost 600 years[16]
Since then Theravadin monastic order been settled
in modern Nepal
19
On the other hand Venerable Pragyananda (Karmasheel) who
converted from Gelung of Tibetan tradition to Theravada with Ven U
Chandramani at Kusinagara India was the first yellow-robed monk
who appeared in the street of Kathmandu valley at the end of 1930s[17]
He stayed at Kindol Vihar at the invitation of Dasaratna Shahu (later
Ven Dharmaloka) and gave discourses The attendance at his
discourses increased day by day and it worried then Rana government
and arrested all the members of Vihar They were imprisoned fined
and later released[18]
Fortunately Ven Pragnananda was in different
place and was not arrested He went on pilgrimage to India with some
devotees His four devotees took ordination under guidance of Ven U
Chandramani at Kusinagar They were Samanera Shasana Jyoti
Anagarika Ratna Pali Anagarika Dhamma Pali and Anagarika
Sangha Pali This was the first nun‟s ordination in Theravada
Buddhism in modern Nepal[19]
In the mean time Dasaratna Shahu
who was running Kindol Vihar brought Civar and bowl from Sri Lanka
for monk ceremonies Soon after his release from prison he took
ordination according to Theravada tradition at Kusinagar from Ven U
Chandramani and became Samanera Dhammaloka in 1932[20]
He
20
visited Nepal as a monk but was arrested immediately on his arrival in
Kathmandu and was imprisoned once again for six days and then
released without charging him with any offences Following his release
from prison he went to stay at Kindol Vihar and continued his
religious activities He was finally able to carry out religious activities
freely in Nepal He succeeded to propagate Theravada Buddhism in the
streets of Kathmandu valley[21]
Later he founded Nepal‟s first
Theravada Buddhist temple bdquoAnandakutirsquo at the foothill of Swayambhu
hill and it became the center for Theravada Sangha in modern Nepal
Venerable Amritananda was another well-known Buddhist
scholar and pioneer person for revival of Theravada Buddhism in
modern Nepa[22]
He was ordained under Ven U Chandramani at
Kusinagara in 1936 CE but was imprisoned along with Ven
Mahapragna at Bhojpur in 1937 In 1942 he came back to Nepal from
abroad after completing his study and gave discourses at the request of
Ven Dharmaloka in Swayambhu during vassavasa days (Three months
Buddhist lent) His public discourses impressed lay people and many
people came to listen to him Other Monks Samaneras and Nuns of
21
Nepal who were studying abroad also came back and joined him and
gave public discourses in different places of Kathmandu valley[23]
This
was a great breakthrough during isolationist Rana government Rana
government of the time banned any public assembly because of fear of
political unrest and demand for political reform in Nepal Because of
their religious activities they were arrested on 30th
July 1944 and
brought in front of then Prime Minister Juddha Shamsher Jung Bahadur
Rana for giving verdict on the charges of propagating the dhamma He
made rules to curtail the Buddhist activities Those who didn‟t follow
these rules were asked either to leave the country or return to worldly
life All the respected monks who were active in revival of Theravada
in Nepal refused to obey the order and were exiled once again from
Nepal The exiled monks this time included Ven Pragnananda Ven
Dharmaloka Ven Subhodhananda Ven Pragnarashmi Samanera
Pragnarasa Samanera Ratnajyoti Samanera Agga Dhamma and
Samanera Kumar The nuns were allowed to remain in the Vihar until
the end of the Vassavasa[24]
22
Development of Theravada Buddhism
The exiled monks formed bdquoDharmodaya Sabha‟ - Nepal‟s first
Buddhist organization with the help of other Buddhist organizations
and individuals on 30th
November 1944 in India under the
chairmanship of Ven U Chandramani Ven Amritananda was its
general secretary[25]
Immediately after establishment of bdquoDharmodaya
Sabha‟ Ven Amritananda wrote a protest letter to Nepalese
government and also appealed to other Buddhist organizations on
behalf of Dharmodaya Sabha He visited many places and various
countries to get support against the expulsion of Buddhist monks from
modern Nepal One of the countries he visited and undertook further
studies was Sri Lanka In Sri Lanka he also succeeded in bringing a
goodwill mission to Nepal in 1946 under the leadership of well-known
scholar Ven Narada Mahasthavir of Vajiraramaya Colombo The
members of this mission consisted of Ven Narada Ven Amritananda
Ven Priyadarshi Dr Ratna Surya and Prof Aryapal They were able
to meet the newly appointed Prime Minister Padma Shumsher J Rana
Ven Amritananda and leader of the mission Ven Narada requested his
23
Excellency to give permission for the exiled monks to return to Nepal
Prime Minister Padma Shamsher accepted their request and permitted
the exiled monks to return Ven Dharmaloka was the first one to come
back to Nepal immediately after receiving a letter from Ven
Amritananda and arrived in Kathmandu in June 1946 (Jesth Sukla 6
2003)[26]
Other monks also returned one by one and again started
propagating Theravada Buddhism in modern Nepal Ven Narada
visited Nepal three times and constructed a Sri Lankan Cetiya at
Anandakuti Vihar He brought a branch of Bodhi tree Buddha‟s relic
to Nepal He also established the first Sima (Uposatha) of Nepal for
Bhikkhus at the Vihara During his third visit he met then Prime
Minister Mohana Shamasher J Rana and requested him to declare
Baisakh Purnima or Buddha Day as a public holiday His Excellency
agreed and declared it as a public holiday for the Buddhist government
civil officers[27]
Since then Theravada Buddhism gained ground in
Nepalese society and made progress Theravada monks propagated
Buddhism by performing ceremonies giving Dharmadesana and
publishing Buddhist texts Many Viharas were built in and outside the
Kathmandu valley to propagate dhamma
24
In 1950 democracy replaced autocratic Rana regime under the
leadership of H M King Tribhuvan This heralded rapid development
of Theravada Buddhism Buddhist monks and nuns were able carry out
their duties freely without hindrances throughout the country The
office of bdquoDharmodaya Sabha‟ shifted from Kalimpong to Kathmandu
after the advent of democracy in 19501 In 1951 Bhikkhu Sangha led
by Ven Amritananda formed lsquoAkhil Nepal Bhikkhu Sangharsquo (All
Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha Council) for the further propagation of
Buddhism in Nepal Ven Amritananda played a great role in
propagation of Theravada Buddhism nationwide His close relationship
with their Majesties helped in his activities[28]
He visited many
countries on behalf of All Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha and Dharmodaya
Sabha In the same year Buddhists of Nepal succeeded in bringing the
relics of Ven Sariputta (Ven Sariputra) and Ven Maudhgalyana
(Ven Moggallana) the foremost disciples of the Buddha for the
exhibition in Nepal His Majesty King Tribhuvan chaired the reception
committee and a reception party was held in the Royal Palace[29]
Following year in 1952 Buddha Jayanti was celebrated throughout the
country with the support of HM King Tribhuvan On this occasion
25
HM King declared Baisakh Purnima or Buddha Jayanti day as a
public holiday throughout the kingdom[30]
In 1956 His late Majesty King Mahendra visited Lumbini the
birthplace of the Buddha and erected a Mahendra Pillar in Lumbini
zone In the same year during 2500th
Buddha Jayanti celebration HM
king banned animal slaughter on this auspicious day throughout the
kingdom[31]
Nepalese Buddhists led by All Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha
Council and Dharmodaya Sabha also organized the Fourth World
Fellowship of Buddhist Conference (WFB) in Kathmandu on this
year[32]
His Majesty‟s government cooperated fully and gave every
assistance for the success of the conference Gradually Theravada
Buddhist monasteries were founded Buddhist Education Buddhapuja
meditation public discourses publications of Buddhist texts and mass
ordination etc took place as a part of dhamma activities Burma Sri
Lanka Thailand and other countries helped Nepal in its effort for
Theravada revival Soon after Theravada Buddhist monks established
the first Bhikkhu training center- Sangharama Vihar and ordained
number of novices under the leadership of Ven Ashogosha
Mahasthavir[33]
Following their ordination they were sent to Sri
26
Lanka Burma and Thailand for their higher ordination and education
Many of these monks have returned to Nepal and are actively engaged
in propagation of dhamma Besides ordination of individual novices
mass ordinations for short periods were also held in different temple
After Anandakuti Vihar the Viswasanti Vihara also established
Vishwa Shanti Bauddha Shikshalaya a Buddhist School under Ven
Nyanapunnika Mahathavir[34]
It teaches both national and Buddhist
curriculum to the novices Now there are nearly 100 Theravada
temples more than four hundred monks and Samaneras and nearly 400
nuns in the country Present Sangha Nayaka is Most Ven
Subodhananda of Gana Mahavihara Kathmandu President of All
Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha is Kumar Kashyapa of Ananda Kuti Vihar
Swayambhu Kathmandu and the head office of All Nepal Bhikkhu
Sangha is in Viswo Santi Vihara New Baneshwor Kathmandu
27
Contribution to Nepalese society
Besides promoting Dhamma Theravada monks and nuns
(Anagarikas) are also involved in other welfare activities like
organising free health camps training centers either in the monasteries
or outside the monasteries They also founded center for old age and
Kindergarten Late Ven Sumangala Mahasthavira[35]
initiated free
clinic at Buddha Vihar a Buddhist home for the elderly at Benepa and
a Buddhist Kindergarten Free Clinics were popular because of lack of
adequate government run clinics in Nepal Many monasteries
organized free clinics Regular clinics like eye and Homeopathic were
run either on weekly or monthly basis Annual campaigns are also run
when it was felt necessary
In 1964 All Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha established a Theravada
education system Pariyatti Sikkha or Nepal Bauddha Pariyatti Siksa
(Buddhist Saturday School) Classes are run in Theravada Buddhist
monasteries Tibetan monasteries other Buddhist centers in public and
private schools There are more than 32 centers throughout the
28
country[36]
Presently its head office is at Viswo Santi Vihara in New
Baneswora Kathmandu
Besides Pariyatti Sikkha Ven Amritananda founded a
Buddhist school - bdquoAnandakuti Vidyapith Boarding School‟ and a
college- bdquoSiddharth Science Campus‟ Both Buddhist monks and lay
people used to teach in these institutions It was started as a Buddhist
school but for some reason it has become a private enterprise Besides
these many monks and nuns are also running other educational
institutions like bdquoNursery school (Siddhartha Shisu Niketan Buddha
Vihar) Primary school (Triple Gem Boarding School) and Higher
Schools There are some Higher Education institutes like Siddharth
University in Banepa International Buddhist University in Lumbini
etc Many Buddhist organizations were founded and they were also
running different classes and research centers like Dharmakirti
Buddhist Research Center Anagarika Dhammavati founded this centre
Later on Anagarika Dhammavati was ordained as Bhikkhuni
according to Taiwanese tradition She is one of the well-known nuns in
the Theravada Buddhism in Nepal[37]
29
The Buddhist temples and organizations bring out number of
publications annually monthly weekly and on special occasions
Dharmodaya Anandabhumi and Dharmakirti are the oldest
Buddhist journals in Nepal and still continued to be published
Ven Amritananda was one of the greatest Buddhist scholars of
Nepal He wrote and translated many books on Buddhism There are
still no other monks or nun in Nepal who can be compared with
him[38]
Late Ven Sudharsan Mahasthavir came close to him Ven
Sudharsan was a pillar of Theravada Buddhism after Ven
Amritananda He was famous for different reason His field of interest
beside dhamma work consisted literature language Archaeology etc
He was a resident monk at Srikirti Vihar Kirtipur and held the post of
professor in History Archaeology and Buddhist philosophy at
Tribhuvan University until his death in July 2002 Some of his books in
Buddhism became course book for BA and MA students in Nepal
He had special interest in archaeology of Lumbini and was an expert on
this subject[39]
30
Revival of Theravada Buddhism in Nepal also had profound
effect in cultural and religious way of life of Nepalese Daily chanting
or Buddhapuja short term ordination observing Sila (Moral code)
caste system celebration of Vesak day celibate life were introduced
In the month of Bhadra or Gunla days (AugustSeptember) Buddhist
hymns are chanted and public discourses are given
Late Ven Sudharshan Mahasthavir formed Sri Kirti Buddhist
center at Sri Kirti Vihar with the aim of introducing Buddhism to other
ethnic groups other than Newars- the original inhabitants of Katmandu
valley This project succeeded in bringing other ethic groups into
Theravada Buddhism As a result of this many ethnic groups who were
originally Buddhists have started organizing Buddhist conferences and
Buddhist activities Another important development is formation of
Gyanmala Bhajan Khala - a Buddhist hymn group This group sings
regularly especially during certain auspicious days at Swayambhu and
other Buddhist sites The songs they sing are based on Buddha‟s
teaching and has been successful in promoting Buddhism in simple
melodious hymns which attracts many people who visits these
religious places
31
Theravadin in Nepalese Society
For centuries Nepalese were aware of only Buddhist priest
(Bajracharya) from Newar Buddhism (Vajrayana) and Tibetan Lamas
They were unaware of Theravadian Buddhist monks and nuns
Bajracharyas are household monks They lead domestic lives and are
not celibate Not all Tibetan monks are celibate It depends on the
school they belong to For example monks from Sakya School of
Tibetan tradition do not have to be celibate Theravada monks wear
distinctive saffron coloured robes They are celibate and lead virtuous
monastic life These monks and nuns have different identity in the eyes
of Nepalese especially the inhabitants of Kathmandu valley Their
simple way of life their full dedication in their work for the benefit of
mankind easily understood Theravada Scriptures translated in different
languages eg in Nepal Bhasa (Newari) Nepali in Hindi and in
English for easy accessibility by different groups helped to gain the
heart of Nepalese people Although many lay people have played
pivotal roles in revival of Theravada Buddhism in Nepal the leadership
32
of monks and nuns were vital in further development and survival of
this tradition
The lay Buddhists of Nepal are pluralistic They participate in
Buddhist ceremonies such as Vesak day daily chanting etc At the
same time they also follow Hindu customs in their daily lives
Buddhism is different from Hinduism and it is not a branch of
Hinduism Hindus believe that Buddha was a reincarnation of Lord
Vishnu Buddha never claimed to be anything other than a human
being ndash although a unique one in the history of mankind
Buddhism in Nepal is unique because of existence of three
different Buddhist traditions - Newar Buddhism (Vajrayana)
Tibetan Buddhism (Mahayana) and Theravada Buddhism
Different Buddhist groups practised different traditions Although the
principle underlying all these traditions is the same they differ in
details Theravada Buddhist tradition is different from Tibetan or
Newar Buddhist traditions but it is developing side-by-side with them
It was not possible for Theravada Buddhism to develop in Nepal
without close co-relation with other traditions but later developed on its
own right These various Buddhist traditions are coexisting in present
33
day Nepal Although they have different cultural traditions and are
developing in their own ways but the followers are the same
Therefore there is no separate identity of Theravadian lay Buddhists
There are number of lay Buddhist organizations such as Dharmodaya
Sabha Dharmakirti Institute Young Buddhist Associations Female
Buddhist Associations more recently Sukhi Hotu Nepal which are
playing important role in promotion of Buddha Dhamma but they are
multi-cultural and multi religious in their daily practices
CONCLUSION
Theravada Buddhism was introduced to Nepal at the time when
public meetings were banned It faced many obstacles at the beginning
Strong dedications of monks and nuns made it possible for its revival in
Nepal after many centuries of neglect Even though the revival
movement of this tradition was started only about 80 years ago it has
already gained strong foot hold in Nepal and gaining popularity day by
day The reason for its popularity lies in many things - the simple and
easily understood way the teachings were given the simple way of life
of monks and nuns lead and various beneficial activities undertaken by
34
Viharas Theravadin Buddhist monks and nuns are well accepted by
people and their contribution in promoting Buddha‟s teachings is
widely recognized Although small in number in comparison to other
Asian countries like Thailand Sri Lanka and Burma both the number
of monks and nuns and monasteries of this tradition are increasing day
by day If this trend continues it will become one of the prominent
religious traditions in Nepal It is only natural that this oldest Buddhist
tradition should gain its place of honour it deserve in a country where
the founder of the religion was born
35
Theravada Records in Nepal
List of Monks Novices and Anagarikas studying abroad
MONKS AND NOVICES
I Thailand
1 Bhikkhu Anil Man Dhammasakiyo (Sugandha)
2 Bhikkhu Vipassi Dhammaramo
3 Bhikkhu Jit Bahadur Gurung
4 Bhikkhu Krishna Thapamagar
5 Bhikkhu Pannamurti
6 Bhikkhu Sujan Sujano
7 Bhikkhu Anil Sumankitti
8 Bhikkhu Santosh Santosho
9 Bhikkhu Khemik Suddhasilo
10 Bhikkhu Suman Rocano
11 Bhikkhu Sanu Maharajano
12 Bhikkhu Santamano Dhwajjoshi
13 Bhikkhu Suman Dhwajjoshi
14 Bhikkhu Bijit Khemasakko
15 Bhikkhu Supreme Shakyavanso
Samaneras
1 Samanera Buddharatna Maharjan
2 Samanera Dhammaratna Maharjan
3 Samanera Bipin Maharjan
4 Samanera Prajwal Shakya
5 Samanera Ukesh Sakya
6 Samanera Gopi Maharjan
7 Samanera Sudip Deshar
8 Samanera Sudat Deshar
9 Samanera Deepi Maharjan
10 Samanera Ramit Shrestha
11 Samanera Anup Deshar
12 Samanera Suman Bajracharya bdquoA‟
13 Samanera Rajendra Deshar
14 Samanera Kapila Maharjan
15 Samanera Arbin Shakya
36
16 Samanera Kabindra Bajracharya
17 Samanera Ujjawal Shakya
18 Samanera Satish Shakya
19 Samanera Bimal Gurung
20 Samanera Surya Gurung
21 Samanera Sameer Maharjan
22 Samanera Anup Shakya
23 Samanera Arjun Magar
24 Samanera Kiran Desahar
25 Samanera Dipesh Shrestha
26 Samanera Tejendra Tamang
27 Samanera Ashim Shakya
28 Samanera Jalap Bajracharya
29 Samanera Arya Dev Bajracharya
30 Samanera Sudarshan Maharjan
31 Samanera Sangharatna
32 Samanera Suman Bajracharya bdquoB‟
33 Samanera Kijan Maharjan
34 Samanera Ramesh Maharjan
35 Samanera Niroj Maharjan
36 Samanera Jen Maharjan
37 Samanera Denish Bajracharya
38 Samanera Pritam Bahadur Shakya
39 Samanera Abhishek Shakya
40 Samanera Bishal Shakya
41 Samanera Sajal Shakya
42 Samanera Suraj Bhakta Shrestha
43 Samanera Dinesh Chaudhary
44 Samanera Shiv Swatantra Tharu
45 Samanera Sambhu Lal Khang
46 Samanera Buddharatna Chaudhary
47 Samanera Mukesh Chaudhary
II Myanmar (Burma)
Bhikkhu Samaneras
1 Bhikkhu Panavimala
2 Bhikkhu Dhyanratna
3 Bhikkhu Adiccho
4 Bhikkhu Vimalbuddhi
5 Bhikkhu Shobhan
6 Samanera Amato
7 Samanera Jutimma
8 Samanera Buddhapiyo
9 Samanera Kavindo
10 Samanera Nagasena
11 Samanera Gyanavudho
III Taiwan(ROC) 1 Bhikkhu Mangala 2 Bhikkhu Vazirbuddhi
IV Australia 1 Bhikkhu Upatissa
V India
1 Bhikkhu Dharmajyoti 2 Bhikkhu Ashokakirti
3 Bhikkhu Narawang Tamang
VI United kingdom 1 Bhikkhu Suman
VII USA 1 Bhikkhu Pragnaloka
VIII Sri Lanka
Bhikkhus
Bhikkhu Nanda
Bhikkhu Vineeta
Bhikkhu Ashoka
Bhikkhu Triratna
Bhikkhu Sagara
Bhikkhu Sankicca
Bhikkhu Vajirasiri
Bhikkhu Sarada
Bhikkhu Veenit
Bhikkhu Ratana
Bhikkhu Tissa
Bhikkhu Vajira
Bhikkhu Pannawimal
Bhikkhu Medhankar
Bhikkhu Pannasara
SARAMANERAS
Saranankara
Piyadassi
Dil Bhadra
Chandima
Samita
Narada bdquoA‟
Piyaratna
Kusala
Lakkhana
Udit
Vibekanada
Pannananda
Mettananda
Chandananda
Yassari
Upali
Subodhi
Mahanama
Kashyapa
Dhammapala
Narada bdquoB‟
Nalaka bdquoA‟
Daywasa
Santa Sobhana
Santa Siddhartha
Santa Maitri
Santa Kosala
Santa Sakya
Suvaca
Sukama Sila
Siddhartha
Nanda bdquoA‟
Rahula
Sudheera
Kosala Dheera
Panna Wansa
Jina Wansa
Mahinda
Nanda bdquoB‟
Seewali
Mahapantha
Assaji
Sarada
Sumana
Ananda
Nalaka bdquoB‟
Aloka
Suwarna
Subodh
Udena
Sangharatna bdquoA‟
Gyanendra
Khema
Soma bdquoA‟
Punna
Panna Ransi
Soma bdquoB‟
Santa bdquoA‟
Kapila Wansa
Asita Wansa
Sumanananda bdquoa‟
Vijitananda
Khemananda
Silananda
Medhananda
Somaratna
Soratha
Pragyananda
Sumangala
Santa Citta
Yasa
Dhamma Kitti
Panna Kitti
Santa Dheera
Vijitananda
Sumanananda bdquob‟
Vajra Bodhi
Dhammika
Santa bdquoB‟
Anuruddha
Sumana bdquoB‟
Jinavamsa
Panna Vansa
Buddha Ratna
Dhamma Ratna
Ariya Ratna
Piyadassi bdquoB‟
Sila Ratna
Sangha Ratna bdquoB‟
List of Anagarikas studying in abroad
I Thailand
1 Anagarika Sirisuta Maharjan
2 Anagarika Ramsobha Shrestha
3 Anagarika Sunita Napit
II Myanmar
1 Anagarika Javanvati
2 Anagarika Vimalajnani
3 Anagarika Ambika
4 Anagarika Buddhapali
5 Anagarika Darshana
6 Anagarika Agrajnani
7 Anagarika Nandavati
bdquob‟
III India 1 Anagarika Rupashila
IV Taiwan
1 Anagarika Pannavati
2 Anagarika Sani
3 Anagarika Nima
V Sri Lanka
1 Anagarika Pannawati
2 Anagarika Mettawati
3 Anagarika Keshawati
4 Anagarika Prasnnawati
5 Anagarika Sukhawati
6 Anagarika Shobhawati
7 Anagarika Subhadra
8 Anagarika
Shraddhagautami
9 Anagarika Upananda
10 Anagarika Shantawati
11 Anagarika Suciwati
Residences of Theravādin Monks in Nepal
01 Abhinava Buddha Vihara Lumbini
1) Bhikkhu Vimalananda Mahathera
2) Samanera Sunanda
02 Anandakut Vihara Swayambhu Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Kumara Kassapa Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Dharmamurti 3) Samanera Kondanya
4) S Prajnaratna 5) S Asoka
6) S Kumarjeeva 7) S Assaji
03 Bauddha Samaskrita Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Bhikkhu Dharmashobhana Mahathera
04 Bodhicharya Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Bodhisena Mahathera
2) Samanera Bodhideepa
05 Buddha Vihara Bhrikuti Mandap-Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Kondanya 2) Bhikkhu Sushil
3) Samanera Anuyoga 3) S Javana
4) S Udena
06 Buddha Vihara Biratnagar
1) Bhikkhu Aloka
07 Buddha Vihara Dharan
1) Bhikkhu Maitri (Tamang)
2) Bhikkhu Chhavikirti
08 Chatubrahma Vihara Matatirtha
1) Bhikkhu Thansettho
2) Bhikkhu Samyakaratna
3) Bhikkhu Bodhananda
9 Charumati Stupa Vihara Chabahil Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Tapassi Dhamma
10 Dharmacakra Ashrama Bagbazar
1) Bhikkhu Milinda
11 Dharmashila Buddha Vihara Pokhara
1) Bhikkhu Subhadda 2) Bhikkhu Saddhananda
12 Dhyanakuti Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Ashwaghosha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Rahul 3) Samanera Gautama
13 Gana Maha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Sanghanayaka Bhikkhu Subodhanand Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sobhita
3) Bhikkhu Samvegakirti
4) Samanera Sugatananda
6) S Chandananda
7) S Somananda
8) S Sumanavamsha
9) S Somavamsha
10) S Sumanasiri
14 IlayabahiTanabaha Patan
1) Bhikkhu Vimalkirti
15 International Bauddha Pariyatti Vihara Butwal
1) Bhikkhu Jatila
2) Bhikkhu Bhaddiya bdquoB‟
3) Samanera Jnanashree 4) S Jotika
16 International Buddhist Society Lumbini
1) Bhikkhu Maitri Mahathera
2) Samanera Mahapanta
3) S Vimala
17 Jana Udaya Vihara Sunakothi-Lalitpura
1) Bhikkhu Dharmagupta
18 Jitavana Vihara Thankot
1) Bhikkhu Dharmavamsha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sugatamuni Mahathera
3) Samanera Sunita
19 Kuti Vihara Koteshwar-KTM
1) Bhikkhu Yeshdhammo
2) Samanera Wayamo
3) S Milindo 4) S Sunanalankara
20 Manimandapa Mahavihara Patan
1) Bhikshu Shilbhadra Mahathera
2) Samanera Paduma 3) S Nayako
21 Muni Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Samanera Tejendra 2) S Jalapa
3) S Asima 4) S Aryaputra
22 Padma Sugandha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Sumedha 2) Samanera Sudatta
23 Pati Vihara Nagadesh-Bhaktapur
1) Bhikkhu Varasambodhi
24 Pranidhi Purna Maha Vihara Balambu
1) Samanera Sukha
25 Pugatabhoomi Jetavana Vihara Bhairahawa
1) Samanera Jagaro 2) S Suvanno
26 Purvaram Vihara Dhulikhel
1) Bhikkhu Gunaghosha Mahathero
27 Sangharama Vihara Kshetrapati Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Saddhatissa
2) Bhikkhu Kolita
3) Bhikkhu Sangharakshita
28 Shakya Singha Vihara Patan
1) Bhikkhu Dharmapala Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sunanda Mahathera
3) Bhikkhu Dharmarakshita
29 Shikhalapura Vihara Dhulikhel
1) Bhikkhu Dhammananda Mahathera
30 Shree Kirti Vihara Kirtipur
1) Bhikkhu Kirtijyoti 2) Bhikkhu Ananda
3) Bhikkhu Prajnakirti
4) Bhikkhu Dharmakirti
5) Samanera Sundara 6) Bhikkhu Pamit
7) S Subhashkirti 8) S Uttarakirti
31 Shreegha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Dharmasagara
2) Bhikkhu Medhankara
32 Sudarshana Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Rastrapala
33Sumangala Vihara Patan
1) Sanghaupanayaka Bhikkhu Buddhaghosha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Shobhan
3) Bhikkhu Prajnaratna
34 Surya Mangala Vihara Kapilvastu
1) Bhikkhu Suryamangala
35 Tokha Buddha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Samanera Shobhana 2) S Jnanodaya
36 Veluvanarama Vihara Thecho-Lalitpura
1) Samanera Uttama 2) S Chandimo
37 Vishwa Shanti Vihara New Baneshwar
1) Bhikshu Jnanapurnik Mahathera
2) Bhikshu Bodhijnana
3) Bhikshu Nigrodha
4) Bhikshu Udayabhadra
Samaneras
1) S Janak 2) S Sujat
3) S Obhaso 4) S Subhaddo
5) S Nandiyo 6) S Mahindo
7) S Pajjoto 8) S Aloka
9) S Buddhadatta 10) S Panita
11) S Kashyapa 12)S Dharmaghosha
13) S Nagita 14) S Vinaya
15) S Suchitta 16) S Sudatto
17) S Nemindo 18) S Rohito
19) S Jayanto 20) S Meghiyo
21) S Indriyo 22) S Suppamedho
23) S Bhanusarana 24) S Saddhadeepa
25) S Kittimo 26) S Janeyyo
27) S Adicca 28) S Kosalla
29) S Nyanuttara 30) S Bhaddaco
31) S Pabhassaro 32) S Uttaro
38 Yampi Maha Vihara Patan
1) Bhikkhu Bhaddiya
39 Non residencial Monks
1) Bhikshu Samyaka Sambodhi Pranputra
2) Bhikshu Dhyanratna
3) Bhikkhu Chandragupta Balambu
Present Anagarikas and resident in NEPAL
01 Amarapura Vihara Bungamati
1) A Charujnani 2) A Sunita
3) A Palitajnani 4) A Pamitajnani
5) A Padumajnani 6) A Rupawati
02 Bauddha Samaskrit Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Anagarika Sanghashila
03 Buddha ViharaDharan
1) A Sumedhavati 2) A Sushilavati
3) A Kanchana 4) A Shasanavati
04 Bauddha Rishi Mahapragya Ashram Anamnagar
1) Anagarika Prajnavati
05 Chatubrahma Vihara Matatirtha
1) Anagarika Anu
06 Dhammavasa Vihara Khusibun
1) A Krishgautami 2) A Suchita
3) A Shilgautami 4) A Kshantigautami
5) A Shyamavati
07 Dharmakirti Vihara Naghal-Kathmandu
1) Anagarika RatnaManjari
2) A Dhammavati
3) A Dhammadinna (Chameli)
4) A Anupama 5) A Sanghavati
6) A Khemavati 7) A Indravati
8) A Jayavati 9) A Danavati
10) A Tyagavati 11) AViryavati
12) A Shubhavati 13) A Ramavati
14) A Surammavati
15) A Hemavati 16) A Suppabhavati
17) A Supriya 18) A Amata
19) A Vannavati 20) A Suvannavati
08 Dharmashila Buddha Vihara Pokhara
1) Anagarika Karmashila
09 Gautami Vihara Lumbini
1) Anagarika Sujata 2) A Khamesi
10 IlayabahiTana Baha Lalitpur
1) A Shilaparami 2)AViryaparami
3) A Vineeta 4) A Shilachari
11 Int‟l Buddhist Meditation Centre Shankhamul
1) A Aggajnani 2) A Nirmalajnani
3) A Shantarakshita
12 Jaya Mangal ViharaTana Bahal-Patan
1) Anagarika Vijita 2) A Nekkhami
3) A Chittavati
13 Jyoti Vihara Chapagaun- Lalitpur
1) AnagarikaVirygautami
2) A Upeskshagautami
14 Kashivarna Buddha Vihara Panuati
1) Anagarika Satyaparami
15 Kindol Vihara Swayambhu
1) A Sumana 2) A Uttara
3) A Sumitra 4) A Molini
5) A Dhammavijaya 6) A Tejavati
7) A Shyamavati
16 Kunsa BahaHyumat
1) Anagarika Patachari 2) AUmavati
17 Mahabodhi Vihara Tansen
1) Anagarika Revati (Dhammadinna)
18 Muni Vihara Bhaktapur
1) A Sugandhavati 2) A Padmavati
19 Narsinharama Thaina-Patan
1) A Jnanashila 2) ASatyashila
3) AShilavati 4) A Yeshavati 5) A Dharani
6) A Jeenvati
7) A Shilpavatisushma
20 Padmachaitya Vihara Butwal
1) A Udayashila 2) A Santiwati
21 Padmakirti Vihara Kamalpokhari
1) A Kamala 2) A Karunavati
3) A Pabbhavati 4) A Dhyanavati
5) A Bhavanavati
22 Prajnanandarama Okubahal-Patan
1) Anagarika Jnanavati
23 Pranidhipurna Mahavihara Balambu
1) A Mudita 2) A Chandrashila bdquoB‟
24 SangharakshitaVihara Patan
1) Anagarika Abhaya 2) A Chandrashila
3) A Shilachari
25 Shanti Sukhavasa Chakupat-Patan
1) A Utpalavarna (Chini)
26 Shree Kirti Vihara Kirtipur
1) Anagarika Mina
27 SunandaramaThaina-Patan
1) A Madhavi 2) AMasukhi
3) A Mashobha 4) A Mashraddha
5) A Masudha
28 Sulakshanakirti Viahara Kirtipur
1) A Anoja 2) A Atula
3) A Anula
29 Sangharama ViharaDhalko-KTM
1) Anagarika Dharmarakshita
30 Vishwashanti Vihara New Baneshwar
1) A Shubha 2) A Khema
3) A Sudhamma
31 Vishwashanti Dharmakirti Vihara Basundhara
1) A Dhajavati (Kusum) 2) A Padmavati
3) A Bhadravati
32 Residing other Anagarikas
1) Anagarika Chandrajnani Patan
2) A Sraddhavati Shankhamul
3) A Amaravati Patan
4) A Dhammachari Patan
5) A Nanda Thasi
Some Prominent Personalities in the Theravada Movement1
Sanghamahanayakas of Nepal
1 Ven Pragyanand Mahasthavir 1930 ndash 1993 AD
2 Ven Sakyananda Mahasthavir 1993 - 1997 AD
3 Ven Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1997 - 2002 AD
4 Ven Subodhananda Mahasthavir 2002 - 2006 AD
5 Ven Buddhaghosa Mahasthavir 2006-
Amritananda Bhikkhu (1918-1990) original name Lal Kaji Sakya from Tansen
west Nepal he ordain as a novice in 1936 from ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara He studies and was ordained a monk in Sri Lanka in 1940 He
return to Nepal in 1942 and preached first publicly in Kathmandu He
formed Dharmodaya Sabha in 1944 and All Nepal Bhikkhu Mahasangha in
1951 and remained its unchallenged leader until his death He was well
known and traveled widely outside of Nepal because of his dynamism and
charisma He was also one of the greatest Buddhist scholars and writers of
Nepal
Aniruddha Bhikkhu (1915-2003) original name Gaja Ratna Tuladhar son of
Dasa Ratna Sahu (Later Ven Dhammaloka) He went to Sri Lanka in 1930
and ordained as samanera and studied there He had served many years in
Lumbini and third Sanghanayaka of Nepal
1 Sarah Levine and David N Gellner Rebuilding Buddhism The Theravada Movement in
Twentieth Century Nepal (UK Harvard University Press 2006) pp 293-296
Ashwaghosh Bhikkhu (1926- present) original name Buddha Ratna Sakya and
became a novice in 1944 and went to Sri Lanka for study where he took
higher ordination in 1949 he is known as bdquothe communist monk‟ and was a
nominee of the Unified Marxist-Leninist party one of Nepal‟s two main
political parites in the 1990s to the Upper House 1993-5 He had
established nepal‟s first Bhikkhu Training Center at Sangharama Dhalko
and became abbot of this vihara Presently he is abbot of Shrigha Vihara in
Kathmandu and of Dyanakuti Vihara Banepa
Buddhaghosh Bhikkhu (1921- present day) original name Sapta Ratna
Vajracharya in Kwa Baha Kathamandu The founder of Pariyatti Education
in Nepal and presently acting Sanghanayaka of Nepal (2006) and abbot of
Sri Sumangala Vihara in Lalitpur
Chandramani Bhikkhu (1876-1972) a Burmese monk who spent his life in
Kusinagara where he worked for the propagation of Buddhism until his
death He initiated with most of the early Nepalese Theravadins Monks and
Nuns He was the first president of Dharmodaya Sabha and father of
Theravadins of Nepal
Dharmachari Anagarika (1898-1978) born Laxmi Nani Tuladhar she
impressed by Ven Pragyananda in Kindol Vihara and took the precepts
from Chandramani in Kusinagara in 1934 and most prominent Nepali nun
She founded the first nunnery in Nepal at Kindol Vihara in 1947
Dhammaloka Bhikkhu (1891-1977) born Das Ratna Tuladhar Asan
kathamandu He traded in Lhasha went to Sri Lanka and taught Buddhism
as a layman Later became a monk in 1932 after his son Aniruddha ordain
in 1930 he established nepal‟s first Theravādin Vihara bdquoAnanda Kuti
Vihar‟ in Kathmandu
Dhammawati Anagarika (1925- present day) born as Ganesh Kumari Sakya in
Uku Baha lalitpur She ordain too precepts from Ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara and renamed as Dhammavati in 1950 She went to Burma for
study and return in 1963 after passed the Dhammacariya Examination She
was able to established Dhammakirti Nunnery Centre in 1965 and leader of
the Theravādin Nuns She has been re-ordained as Bhikkhuni according to
Mahayana tradition
Dharmaditya Dharmacharya (1902-1963) born as Jagat Man Vaidya in Chika
Bahi Lalitpur and the first Newar Buddhist modernist and the first newar
cultural nationalist He went to study in Calcutta where he became a
follower of anagarika Dhammapala the founder of Maha Bodhi Society
He had formed Buddhist revival foundation and published Buddhist
magazines etc
Nyanpurnika Bhikkhu (1936- present day) Born as Hera Lal Sakya in Tansen
He studied with Buddhaghosh in Lalitpur in Burma and in England He is
only monk who passed Dhammacariya examination of Burma He was the
founder of Vishwa Shanti Vihara and Vishwa Shanti Bauddha sikkyalaya
where train novices He is a prominent translator and writer
Kumar Kashyap Bhikkhu (1926- present day) born as Krishna Man Sakya he
was one of those who exiled to India by the Ranas in 1944 He went to
Study in Sri Lanka and hold nepal‟s first bdquoTripitaka acarya‟ Presently he is
president of All Nepal Bhikkhu Association and abbot of Ananda Kuti
Vihara
Mahapragya Bhikkhu (1901-1979) born Prem Bahadur (Nani Kaji ) Shrestha
He ordained into Tibetan tradition but exiled in 1926 and reordained as
novice in Theravada tradition one of the earlier Theravādin monks He
return to householderhood in Kalimpong in 1940s but then returned to
Kathmandu as a Buddhist sage (Bauddha Rishi) in the 1960s where he
taught until his death
Pragyananda Bhikkhu (1900-1993) born as Kul Man Singh Tuladhar in Itum
Baha Kathmandu a trader in Tibet where he met Ven Mahapragya and
impressed by him to ordained He became a Tibetan Gelung Karmasheel in
1928 and two years later a Theravādin under Ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara in 1930 He was nepal‟s first Sanghamahanayaka and well
respected monk
Shakyananda Bhikkhu (1909-1997) born as Chakra Dhan Sakya in Taksar
Bhojpur East Nepal He spent over forty years as a monk in Tansen outside
the Kathmandu and second sanghamahanayaka of Nepal
Subodhanand Bhikkhu (1916-2006) bor as Kul Raj Sakya in Taksar Bhojpur
East Nepal He was one of the monks exiled by the Ranas in 1944 He was
a prolific composer of Hymns in Nepal Bhasa In 2003 as the most senior
monk in Nepal he was the fourth Sanghanayaka of Nepal
Sudarshan Bhikkhu (1934-2002) born as Rudra Raj Sakya in Uku Baha
lalitpur He was famous a bdquothe boy monk‟ For many years he was a lecturer
in the culture Department of Tribhuvan University a prolific writer
preacher and abbot of Sri Kirti Vihara Kirtipur which is became multi-
cultural center and especially for Buddhist meetings and conferences He
was jailed for some months for Nepal Bhasa activities in the Panchayat
period He was a campaigner on Buddhist issues particularly to do with
Lumbini
Sumangal Bhikkhu (1929-1999) born Bhakta Krishna Shilpakar in Lalitpur He
was famous as ldquoDollar bhanterdquo He ordained in 1959 in Burma obtained a
master‟s degree in Buddhism from Rissho University Japan in 1972 and
was among the first monks to mobilize international connections for
Buddhist projects in Nepal He established Buddha Vihara in Bhrikuti
Mandap Kathmandu He helped raise funds from Thailand and Japan for
IBMc (1985) brought the Japanese healing movement Sei Mei Kyo to
Nepal and in 1993 opened an old people‟s home in Banepa
Glimpse of Theravādin activities in Nepal
Samanera ordination at Muni Vihara
Ordination Ceremony at Vishwa Shanti Vihara
Collecting Alms
Chanting Paritta in devotee‟s home
Giving Holy Thread to Devotees
Buddhist Art in Nepal
Main Buddha Image at Sri Kirti Vihara
Four holy places
Some of the Theravada Buddhist Viharas (Monasteries) in Nepal
Vihars In Kathmandu Valley Telephone No
1 Amarapura Buddha Vihar Bungamati 5551068
2 Anandakuti Vihar Swayambhu 4271420
3 Anandabhuwan Vihar Bhuikhyo 4270429
4 Ganamaha vihar Ganabaha 4253454
5 Gautam Buddha Vihar Panga co 4330576
6 Caturbrahma Vihar Matatirtha 4310558
7 Carumati Vihar Cabahil 4469897
8 Baudhajana Vihar Sunakothi co 5570209
9 Jitapur Gandhakuti Vihar khona Co 5542846
10 Jitawan Vihar Thankot 4311912
11 Jyoti udaya vihar Capagaun Co 5571459
12 Dhammavasa Vihar Khusibun 4358688
13 Dharmakirti Vihar Srigha Naghal 4259466
14 Dharmacakra vihar Bagbajar 4261976
15 Nagar Mandap Sri Kirti Vihar Kirtipur 4330836
16 Nagadesh Buddha Vihar Nagadesh Co 6635397
17 Nirvanmurti Anagarikaram Kindol 4285811
18 Padmasugandha Vihar Manjeshwori 4266255
19 Pranidhi Purna Mahavihar Balambu 43105924312455
20 Pati Vihar Thimi Co 6637601
21 Pippali Theravad Buddha Vihar Shiphal 4475066
22 Punya Udaya Vihar Jala Harisiddhi Co 5527456
23 Buddhabhoomi Mahavihar Tokha 4362514
24 Buddha Vihar Bhrikuti mandapa 4226702
25 Buddharatna Vihar Putalisadak 4244277
26 Bauddha samakrit Vihar Bhaktapur 6610842
27 Manimandap Vihar Patko Bhaktapur 5526517
28 Muni Vihar Bhaktapur 6616464
29 Yampi Mahavihar Ibahi Lalitpur 5539644
30 Yashodhara Baudha Bidyalaya Thaina Lalitpur 5521435
31 Biswo Shanti Vihar Baneshwor 4482384
32 Biswo Shanti Dharmakirti vihar Basundhara 4354251
33 Beluvanarama Vihar Theco Co 5570062
34 Sakyasingha Vihar Thaina Lalitpur 5524760
35 Santi Sukhawas Cakupat co 5523613
36 Siddhimangal Buddha Vihar Thasi 5581495
37 Sumangala Vihara Lagankhel 5531715
38 Sulakshan kirti Vihar Chobhar 4331718
39 Suwanrna Chatrapur Vihar Lubhu 5580430
40 Sangharama Vihar Dhalko Visnumati 4255960
41 Srigha Vihar Nagal 4259110
Vihars out side the Kathamandu Velley Telephone No
1 Ananda Vihar Tansen Co 075-520225520216
2 Citravan Vihar Narayangadha Co 056-521478
3 Taksar Vihar Tansen Co 075-520024
4 Dharmashila Buddha Vihar Phokhara 061-520517
5 Dyankuti Banepa Banepa 011-661244
6 Padma Chaitya Vihar Butawal 071-546470
7 Purwarama Vihar Dhulikhel 011-661979
8 Pragya Mahavihar Hetauda Co 057-520264520136
9 Buddha Vihar Dharan 025-520354
10 Buddha Vihar Biratnagar Co 021-522146530604
11 Beni Buddha Vihar Myagdi Co 069-520354
12 Bodhicharya vihar Banepa 011-661789
13 Lokachakra Buddha Vihar Dhan gadhi 091-622174
14 Sakyamuni Vihar Bhojpur Co 029-420260
15 Sugatapur Vihar Trisuli Co 010-560153
16 Sugandha Vihar Ridi Gulmi Co 079-529435
17 Swoyambhu Chetya Buddha Vihar Urlabari Co 021-540080
18 Swoyambhu Chetya Mahavihar Dharan Co 025-520190
19 Gyanodaya Buddha Vihar Baglung Co 068-520921520336
Footnotes
[1] This paper was written as a part of my MA thesis research on bdquoThe
Revival of Theravada Buddhism and its contribution to Nepalese Society‟ of
Mahachulalongkorn University Bangkok Thailand and would like to thank Mr
Dharma Sakya for every suggestion editing and help for the completion of this
article
[2] Nyanatiloka Buddhist Dictionary 3
rd ed The Free Distribution
version the Corporate Body of the Buddha education foundation Taiwan p
179
[3] Triratna Manandhar bdquoPresent of Buddhism in Nepal‟ (Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK Vol 8 May 2005) p 15
[4] helliphelliphelliphellip The New Encyclopedia of Britannica Vol24 (USA
Library of Congress Catalog 1993) p 781 Dhanabajra Vajracharya Cabahilko
Abhilekha (Inscription of Cabahil) The Charumati Voice (Kath Charumati
Buddhist Mission 2001) pp 17-20 Bhikkhu Sudarsan Mahasthavira Nepal
Upatyaka ma Ashokaki Chori Charumati (Charumati A daughter of
Ashoka in Nepal Valley) (The Charumati Vocie (Kath Charumati Buddhist
Mission 2001) p 20
[5] Beal Samuel Si Yu Ri Buddhist Records of the Western World
(New Delhi Motilal Banarsidass Publishers 1994) pp 80-81 Bhuwan Lal
Pradhan Nepalama Buddhadharma (Kath Nepal Rajkiya Pragyapratisthana
1988) pp 102 ndash 103
[6] NB Thapa A Short History of Nepal (Kath Ratna Pustak
bhandhar Nd) pp 30-33 Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ The
Nation Thailand‟s English Newspaper (Sunday special) Oct 18 1987
[7] Opcit NB Thapa p116
[8] David N Gellner Monk Householder and Tantric Priest Newar
Buddhism and its Hierarchy of Ritual (Cambridge University Press 1996) pp
41ff
[9] Bechert Heinz amp Jens-Uwe Hartmann ldquoObservation on the reform
of Buddhism in Nepalrdquo Journal of Nepal Research Centre vol VIII Kath
Kantipur Printing Press1988p 6
[10] Ria Kloppenborg Theravada Buddhism in Nepal‟ Kailash A
Journal of Himalayan Studies Vol 5 no 41977 p 302
[11] BP Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada Gukathan Wagu Kha (Kath
Hisi Press Nepal BS 20421985) pp44ff
[12] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p47ff
[13] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 51-53 Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal (BKK A Thesis of MA Mahamakut Graduate School
2001) p 97
[14] Bhikshu Sudarshan Mahasthavir bdquoRole of Theravada in the
Preservation of Newar Buddhism‟ wwwircnepalorgpapers
[15] Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 69-72
[16] Opcit Observation on the reform of Buddhism in Nepal p10ff
[17] Opcit Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ RV
Vandya Sanghanayaka Venerable Pragnananda Mahasthavir (Kath Nepal
Co-operative Press 1978) pp 11ff
[18] Bhkkhu Dharmaloka Mahasthavir A Pilgrimage in China (kath
published by Bhikkhu Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1999) p 13-15 Opcit Lacoul
Nepalay Sthavirvada p 74-75
[19] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka p 15
[20] Opcit Bhikkhu dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp16ff
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p100
[21] Ibit Bhikkhu Dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp 27-29
[22] See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A Homage
(Kath Anandakuti Vihar Trust 1992) Kuladharma Ratna Tuladhar Buddhism
in Nepal (Kath Dharmodaya Sabha 1986) pp15 Opcit Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 100
[23] Opcit K R Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal 16 RV Vandya
Sanghanayaka ven Pragnananda p 32 ff
[24] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka Pragnananda pp 34-35
Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthavirvada p 86
[25] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 18 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 101
[26] Bhikkhu Amritananda Mahasthavir A Short History of Theravada
Buddhism in Modern Nepal (Kath Anandakuti Vihar trust 1986) pp 8-9
Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir (Kath Anandakuti
Vihar Trust 1992) p 25
[27] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 19 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[28] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[29] Opcit Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir
p 26
[30] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit KR
Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 20
[31] Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha in Nepal
(BKK A Thesis of MA Buddhist Study Mahachulalongkorn University 2547)
p 23 [32]
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit Ratna
Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir p 26
[33] Amrit R Sthapit bdquowho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Aswaghosha‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 4 no 1 May 2001
p8
[34] helliphelliphelliphelliphellip bdquoWho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Nyanapurninka Mahasthavir‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 7
no 1 May 2004 p13 Viswo Shanti Vihar The Shanti Sandesh (Kath Viswo
Shanti Vihar 1998)
[35] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sumangala Mahasthavir
A monk who modernized Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the
LNBDS UK vol 2 no 1 May 1999 p10
[36] Opcit Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha
in Nepal pp 52ff
[37] Rina Tuladhara Dharmakirti 25 Years of Dharmakirti Buddhist
Study Circle A Glimpse (Kath Dharmakirti Vihar 1996) Mallika Sakya
bdquoWho is Who in Nepalese Buddhism Dhammavati Guruma‟ Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 5 no 1 May 2002 p10
[38] Opcit See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A
Homage Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 108
[39] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sudarshan Mahasthavir A
Gem of the Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol
6 no 1 May 2003 p13
19
On the other hand Venerable Pragyananda (Karmasheel) who
converted from Gelung of Tibetan tradition to Theravada with Ven U
Chandramani at Kusinagara India was the first yellow-robed monk
who appeared in the street of Kathmandu valley at the end of 1930s[17]
He stayed at Kindol Vihar at the invitation of Dasaratna Shahu (later
Ven Dharmaloka) and gave discourses The attendance at his
discourses increased day by day and it worried then Rana government
and arrested all the members of Vihar They were imprisoned fined
and later released[18]
Fortunately Ven Pragnananda was in different
place and was not arrested He went on pilgrimage to India with some
devotees His four devotees took ordination under guidance of Ven U
Chandramani at Kusinagar They were Samanera Shasana Jyoti
Anagarika Ratna Pali Anagarika Dhamma Pali and Anagarika
Sangha Pali This was the first nun‟s ordination in Theravada
Buddhism in modern Nepal[19]
In the mean time Dasaratna Shahu
who was running Kindol Vihar brought Civar and bowl from Sri Lanka
for monk ceremonies Soon after his release from prison he took
ordination according to Theravada tradition at Kusinagar from Ven U
Chandramani and became Samanera Dhammaloka in 1932[20]
He
20
visited Nepal as a monk but was arrested immediately on his arrival in
Kathmandu and was imprisoned once again for six days and then
released without charging him with any offences Following his release
from prison he went to stay at Kindol Vihar and continued his
religious activities He was finally able to carry out religious activities
freely in Nepal He succeeded to propagate Theravada Buddhism in the
streets of Kathmandu valley[21]
Later he founded Nepal‟s first
Theravada Buddhist temple bdquoAnandakutirsquo at the foothill of Swayambhu
hill and it became the center for Theravada Sangha in modern Nepal
Venerable Amritananda was another well-known Buddhist
scholar and pioneer person for revival of Theravada Buddhism in
modern Nepa[22]
He was ordained under Ven U Chandramani at
Kusinagara in 1936 CE but was imprisoned along with Ven
Mahapragna at Bhojpur in 1937 In 1942 he came back to Nepal from
abroad after completing his study and gave discourses at the request of
Ven Dharmaloka in Swayambhu during vassavasa days (Three months
Buddhist lent) His public discourses impressed lay people and many
people came to listen to him Other Monks Samaneras and Nuns of
21
Nepal who were studying abroad also came back and joined him and
gave public discourses in different places of Kathmandu valley[23]
This
was a great breakthrough during isolationist Rana government Rana
government of the time banned any public assembly because of fear of
political unrest and demand for political reform in Nepal Because of
their religious activities they were arrested on 30th
July 1944 and
brought in front of then Prime Minister Juddha Shamsher Jung Bahadur
Rana for giving verdict on the charges of propagating the dhamma He
made rules to curtail the Buddhist activities Those who didn‟t follow
these rules were asked either to leave the country or return to worldly
life All the respected monks who were active in revival of Theravada
in Nepal refused to obey the order and were exiled once again from
Nepal The exiled monks this time included Ven Pragnananda Ven
Dharmaloka Ven Subhodhananda Ven Pragnarashmi Samanera
Pragnarasa Samanera Ratnajyoti Samanera Agga Dhamma and
Samanera Kumar The nuns were allowed to remain in the Vihar until
the end of the Vassavasa[24]
22
Development of Theravada Buddhism
The exiled monks formed bdquoDharmodaya Sabha‟ - Nepal‟s first
Buddhist organization with the help of other Buddhist organizations
and individuals on 30th
November 1944 in India under the
chairmanship of Ven U Chandramani Ven Amritananda was its
general secretary[25]
Immediately after establishment of bdquoDharmodaya
Sabha‟ Ven Amritananda wrote a protest letter to Nepalese
government and also appealed to other Buddhist organizations on
behalf of Dharmodaya Sabha He visited many places and various
countries to get support against the expulsion of Buddhist monks from
modern Nepal One of the countries he visited and undertook further
studies was Sri Lanka In Sri Lanka he also succeeded in bringing a
goodwill mission to Nepal in 1946 under the leadership of well-known
scholar Ven Narada Mahasthavir of Vajiraramaya Colombo The
members of this mission consisted of Ven Narada Ven Amritananda
Ven Priyadarshi Dr Ratna Surya and Prof Aryapal They were able
to meet the newly appointed Prime Minister Padma Shumsher J Rana
Ven Amritananda and leader of the mission Ven Narada requested his
23
Excellency to give permission for the exiled monks to return to Nepal
Prime Minister Padma Shamsher accepted their request and permitted
the exiled monks to return Ven Dharmaloka was the first one to come
back to Nepal immediately after receiving a letter from Ven
Amritananda and arrived in Kathmandu in June 1946 (Jesth Sukla 6
2003)[26]
Other monks also returned one by one and again started
propagating Theravada Buddhism in modern Nepal Ven Narada
visited Nepal three times and constructed a Sri Lankan Cetiya at
Anandakuti Vihar He brought a branch of Bodhi tree Buddha‟s relic
to Nepal He also established the first Sima (Uposatha) of Nepal for
Bhikkhus at the Vihara During his third visit he met then Prime
Minister Mohana Shamasher J Rana and requested him to declare
Baisakh Purnima or Buddha Day as a public holiday His Excellency
agreed and declared it as a public holiday for the Buddhist government
civil officers[27]
Since then Theravada Buddhism gained ground in
Nepalese society and made progress Theravada monks propagated
Buddhism by performing ceremonies giving Dharmadesana and
publishing Buddhist texts Many Viharas were built in and outside the
Kathmandu valley to propagate dhamma
24
In 1950 democracy replaced autocratic Rana regime under the
leadership of H M King Tribhuvan This heralded rapid development
of Theravada Buddhism Buddhist monks and nuns were able carry out
their duties freely without hindrances throughout the country The
office of bdquoDharmodaya Sabha‟ shifted from Kalimpong to Kathmandu
after the advent of democracy in 19501 In 1951 Bhikkhu Sangha led
by Ven Amritananda formed lsquoAkhil Nepal Bhikkhu Sangharsquo (All
Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha Council) for the further propagation of
Buddhism in Nepal Ven Amritananda played a great role in
propagation of Theravada Buddhism nationwide His close relationship
with their Majesties helped in his activities[28]
He visited many
countries on behalf of All Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha and Dharmodaya
Sabha In the same year Buddhists of Nepal succeeded in bringing the
relics of Ven Sariputta (Ven Sariputra) and Ven Maudhgalyana
(Ven Moggallana) the foremost disciples of the Buddha for the
exhibition in Nepal His Majesty King Tribhuvan chaired the reception
committee and a reception party was held in the Royal Palace[29]
Following year in 1952 Buddha Jayanti was celebrated throughout the
country with the support of HM King Tribhuvan On this occasion
25
HM King declared Baisakh Purnima or Buddha Jayanti day as a
public holiday throughout the kingdom[30]
In 1956 His late Majesty King Mahendra visited Lumbini the
birthplace of the Buddha and erected a Mahendra Pillar in Lumbini
zone In the same year during 2500th
Buddha Jayanti celebration HM
king banned animal slaughter on this auspicious day throughout the
kingdom[31]
Nepalese Buddhists led by All Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha
Council and Dharmodaya Sabha also organized the Fourth World
Fellowship of Buddhist Conference (WFB) in Kathmandu on this
year[32]
His Majesty‟s government cooperated fully and gave every
assistance for the success of the conference Gradually Theravada
Buddhist monasteries were founded Buddhist Education Buddhapuja
meditation public discourses publications of Buddhist texts and mass
ordination etc took place as a part of dhamma activities Burma Sri
Lanka Thailand and other countries helped Nepal in its effort for
Theravada revival Soon after Theravada Buddhist monks established
the first Bhikkhu training center- Sangharama Vihar and ordained
number of novices under the leadership of Ven Ashogosha
Mahasthavir[33]
Following their ordination they were sent to Sri
26
Lanka Burma and Thailand for their higher ordination and education
Many of these monks have returned to Nepal and are actively engaged
in propagation of dhamma Besides ordination of individual novices
mass ordinations for short periods were also held in different temple
After Anandakuti Vihar the Viswasanti Vihara also established
Vishwa Shanti Bauddha Shikshalaya a Buddhist School under Ven
Nyanapunnika Mahathavir[34]
It teaches both national and Buddhist
curriculum to the novices Now there are nearly 100 Theravada
temples more than four hundred monks and Samaneras and nearly 400
nuns in the country Present Sangha Nayaka is Most Ven
Subodhananda of Gana Mahavihara Kathmandu President of All
Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha is Kumar Kashyapa of Ananda Kuti Vihar
Swayambhu Kathmandu and the head office of All Nepal Bhikkhu
Sangha is in Viswo Santi Vihara New Baneshwor Kathmandu
27
Contribution to Nepalese society
Besides promoting Dhamma Theravada monks and nuns
(Anagarikas) are also involved in other welfare activities like
organising free health camps training centers either in the monasteries
or outside the monasteries They also founded center for old age and
Kindergarten Late Ven Sumangala Mahasthavira[35]
initiated free
clinic at Buddha Vihar a Buddhist home for the elderly at Benepa and
a Buddhist Kindergarten Free Clinics were popular because of lack of
adequate government run clinics in Nepal Many monasteries
organized free clinics Regular clinics like eye and Homeopathic were
run either on weekly or monthly basis Annual campaigns are also run
when it was felt necessary
In 1964 All Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha established a Theravada
education system Pariyatti Sikkha or Nepal Bauddha Pariyatti Siksa
(Buddhist Saturday School) Classes are run in Theravada Buddhist
monasteries Tibetan monasteries other Buddhist centers in public and
private schools There are more than 32 centers throughout the
28
country[36]
Presently its head office is at Viswo Santi Vihara in New
Baneswora Kathmandu
Besides Pariyatti Sikkha Ven Amritananda founded a
Buddhist school - bdquoAnandakuti Vidyapith Boarding School‟ and a
college- bdquoSiddharth Science Campus‟ Both Buddhist monks and lay
people used to teach in these institutions It was started as a Buddhist
school but for some reason it has become a private enterprise Besides
these many monks and nuns are also running other educational
institutions like bdquoNursery school (Siddhartha Shisu Niketan Buddha
Vihar) Primary school (Triple Gem Boarding School) and Higher
Schools There are some Higher Education institutes like Siddharth
University in Banepa International Buddhist University in Lumbini
etc Many Buddhist organizations were founded and they were also
running different classes and research centers like Dharmakirti
Buddhist Research Center Anagarika Dhammavati founded this centre
Later on Anagarika Dhammavati was ordained as Bhikkhuni
according to Taiwanese tradition She is one of the well-known nuns in
the Theravada Buddhism in Nepal[37]
29
The Buddhist temples and organizations bring out number of
publications annually monthly weekly and on special occasions
Dharmodaya Anandabhumi and Dharmakirti are the oldest
Buddhist journals in Nepal and still continued to be published
Ven Amritananda was one of the greatest Buddhist scholars of
Nepal He wrote and translated many books on Buddhism There are
still no other monks or nun in Nepal who can be compared with
him[38]
Late Ven Sudharsan Mahasthavir came close to him Ven
Sudharsan was a pillar of Theravada Buddhism after Ven
Amritananda He was famous for different reason His field of interest
beside dhamma work consisted literature language Archaeology etc
He was a resident monk at Srikirti Vihar Kirtipur and held the post of
professor in History Archaeology and Buddhist philosophy at
Tribhuvan University until his death in July 2002 Some of his books in
Buddhism became course book for BA and MA students in Nepal
He had special interest in archaeology of Lumbini and was an expert on
this subject[39]
30
Revival of Theravada Buddhism in Nepal also had profound
effect in cultural and religious way of life of Nepalese Daily chanting
or Buddhapuja short term ordination observing Sila (Moral code)
caste system celebration of Vesak day celibate life were introduced
In the month of Bhadra or Gunla days (AugustSeptember) Buddhist
hymns are chanted and public discourses are given
Late Ven Sudharshan Mahasthavir formed Sri Kirti Buddhist
center at Sri Kirti Vihar with the aim of introducing Buddhism to other
ethnic groups other than Newars- the original inhabitants of Katmandu
valley This project succeeded in bringing other ethic groups into
Theravada Buddhism As a result of this many ethnic groups who were
originally Buddhists have started organizing Buddhist conferences and
Buddhist activities Another important development is formation of
Gyanmala Bhajan Khala - a Buddhist hymn group This group sings
regularly especially during certain auspicious days at Swayambhu and
other Buddhist sites The songs they sing are based on Buddha‟s
teaching and has been successful in promoting Buddhism in simple
melodious hymns which attracts many people who visits these
religious places
31
Theravadin in Nepalese Society
For centuries Nepalese were aware of only Buddhist priest
(Bajracharya) from Newar Buddhism (Vajrayana) and Tibetan Lamas
They were unaware of Theravadian Buddhist monks and nuns
Bajracharyas are household monks They lead domestic lives and are
not celibate Not all Tibetan monks are celibate It depends on the
school they belong to For example monks from Sakya School of
Tibetan tradition do not have to be celibate Theravada monks wear
distinctive saffron coloured robes They are celibate and lead virtuous
monastic life These monks and nuns have different identity in the eyes
of Nepalese especially the inhabitants of Kathmandu valley Their
simple way of life their full dedication in their work for the benefit of
mankind easily understood Theravada Scriptures translated in different
languages eg in Nepal Bhasa (Newari) Nepali in Hindi and in
English for easy accessibility by different groups helped to gain the
heart of Nepalese people Although many lay people have played
pivotal roles in revival of Theravada Buddhism in Nepal the leadership
32
of monks and nuns were vital in further development and survival of
this tradition
The lay Buddhists of Nepal are pluralistic They participate in
Buddhist ceremonies such as Vesak day daily chanting etc At the
same time they also follow Hindu customs in their daily lives
Buddhism is different from Hinduism and it is not a branch of
Hinduism Hindus believe that Buddha was a reincarnation of Lord
Vishnu Buddha never claimed to be anything other than a human
being ndash although a unique one in the history of mankind
Buddhism in Nepal is unique because of existence of three
different Buddhist traditions - Newar Buddhism (Vajrayana)
Tibetan Buddhism (Mahayana) and Theravada Buddhism
Different Buddhist groups practised different traditions Although the
principle underlying all these traditions is the same they differ in
details Theravada Buddhist tradition is different from Tibetan or
Newar Buddhist traditions but it is developing side-by-side with them
It was not possible for Theravada Buddhism to develop in Nepal
without close co-relation with other traditions but later developed on its
own right These various Buddhist traditions are coexisting in present
33
day Nepal Although they have different cultural traditions and are
developing in their own ways but the followers are the same
Therefore there is no separate identity of Theravadian lay Buddhists
There are number of lay Buddhist organizations such as Dharmodaya
Sabha Dharmakirti Institute Young Buddhist Associations Female
Buddhist Associations more recently Sukhi Hotu Nepal which are
playing important role in promotion of Buddha Dhamma but they are
multi-cultural and multi religious in their daily practices
CONCLUSION
Theravada Buddhism was introduced to Nepal at the time when
public meetings were banned It faced many obstacles at the beginning
Strong dedications of monks and nuns made it possible for its revival in
Nepal after many centuries of neglect Even though the revival
movement of this tradition was started only about 80 years ago it has
already gained strong foot hold in Nepal and gaining popularity day by
day The reason for its popularity lies in many things - the simple and
easily understood way the teachings were given the simple way of life
of monks and nuns lead and various beneficial activities undertaken by
34
Viharas Theravadin Buddhist monks and nuns are well accepted by
people and their contribution in promoting Buddha‟s teachings is
widely recognized Although small in number in comparison to other
Asian countries like Thailand Sri Lanka and Burma both the number
of monks and nuns and monasteries of this tradition are increasing day
by day If this trend continues it will become one of the prominent
religious traditions in Nepal It is only natural that this oldest Buddhist
tradition should gain its place of honour it deserve in a country where
the founder of the religion was born
35
Theravada Records in Nepal
List of Monks Novices and Anagarikas studying abroad
MONKS AND NOVICES
I Thailand
1 Bhikkhu Anil Man Dhammasakiyo (Sugandha)
2 Bhikkhu Vipassi Dhammaramo
3 Bhikkhu Jit Bahadur Gurung
4 Bhikkhu Krishna Thapamagar
5 Bhikkhu Pannamurti
6 Bhikkhu Sujan Sujano
7 Bhikkhu Anil Sumankitti
8 Bhikkhu Santosh Santosho
9 Bhikkhu Khemik Suddhasilo
10 Bhikkhu Suman Rocano
11 Bhikkhu Sanu Maharajano
12 Bhikkhu Santamano Dhwajjoshi
13 Bhikkhu Suman Dhwajjoshi
14 Bhikkhu Bijit Khemasakko
15 Bhikkhu Supreme Shakyavanso
Samaneras
1 Samanera Buddharatna Maharjan
2 Samanera Dhammaratna Maharjan
3 Samanera Bipin Maharjan
4 Samanera Prajwal Shakya
5 Samanera Ukesh Sakya
6 Samanera Gopi Maharjan
7 Samanera Sudip Deshar
8 Samanera Sudat Deshar
9 Samanera Deepi Maharjan
10 Samanera Ramit Shrestha
11 Samanera Anup Deshar
12 Samanera Suman Bajracharya bdquoA‟
13 Samanera Rajendra Deshar
14 Samanera Kapila Maharjan
15 Samanera Arbin Shakya
36
16 Samanera Kabindra Bajracharya
17 Samanera Ujjawal Shakya
18 Samanera Satish Shakya
19 Samanera Bimal Gurung
20 Samanera Surya Gurung
21 Samanera Sameer Maharjan
22 Samanera Anup Shakya
23 Samanera Arjun Magar
24 Samanera Kiran Desahar
25 Samanera Dipesh Shrestha
26 Samanera Tejendra Tamang
27 Samanera Ashim Shakya
28 Samanera Jalap Bajracharya
29 Samanera Arya Dev Bajracharya
30 Samanera Sudarshan Maharjan
31 Samanera Sangharatna
32 Samanera Suman Bajracharya bdquoB‟
33 Samanera Kijan Maharjan
34 Samanera Ramesh Maharjan
35 Samanera Niroj Maharjan
36 Samanera Jen Maharjan
37 Samanera Denish Bajracharya
38 Samanera Pritam Bahadur Shakya
39 Samanera Abhishek Shakya
40 Samanera Bishal Shakya
41 Samanera Sajal Shakya
42 Samanera Suraj Bhakta Shrestha
43 Samanera Dinesh Chaudhary
44 Samanera Shiv Swatantra Tharu
45 Samanera Sambhu Lal Khang
46 Samanera Buddharatna Chaudhary
47 Samanera Mukesh Chaudhary
II Myanmar (Burma)
Bhikkhu Samaneras
1 Bhikkhu Panavimala
2 Bhikkhu Dhyanratna
3 Bhikkhu Adiccho
4 Bhikkhu Vimalbuddhi
5 Bhikkhu Shobhan
6 Samanera Amato
7 Samanera Jutimma
8 Samanera Buddhapiyo
9 Samanera Kavindo
10 Samanera Nagasena
11 Samanera Gyanavudho
III Taiwan(ROC) 1 Bhikkhu Mangala 2 Bhikkhu Vazirbuddhi
IV Australia 1 Bhikkhu Upatissa
V India
1 Bhikkhu Dharmajyoti 2 Bhikkhu Ashokakirti
3 Bhikkhu Narawang Tamang
VI United kingdom 1 Bhikkhu Suman
VII USA 1 Bhikkhu Pragnaloka
VIII Sri Lanka
Bhikkhus
Bhikkhu Nanda
Bhikkhu Vineeta
Bhikkhu Ashoka
Bhikkhu Triratna
Bhikkhu Sagara
Bhikkhu Sankicca
Bhikkhu Vajirasiri
Bhikkhu Sarada
Bhikkhu Veenit
Bhikkhu Ratana
Bhikkhu Tissa
Bhikkhu Vajira
Bhikkhu Pannawimal
Bhikkhu Medhankar
Bhikkhu Pannasara
SARAMANERAS
Saranankara
Piyadassi
Dil Bhadra
Chandima
Samita
Narada bdquoA‟
Piyaratna
Kusala
Lakkhana
Udit
Vibekanada
Pannananda
Mettananda
Chandananda
Yassari
Upali
Subodhi
Mahanama
Kashyapa
Dhammapala
Narada bdquoB‟
Nalaka bdquoA‟
Daywasa
Santa Sobhana
Santa Siddhartha
Santa Maitri
Santa Kosala
Santa Sakya
Suvaca
Sukama Sila
Siddhartha
Nanda bdquoA‟
Rahula
Sudheera
Kosala Dheera
Panna Wansa
Jina Wansa
Mahinda
Nanda bdquoB‟
Seewali
Mahapantha
Assaji
Sarada
Sumana
Ananda
Nalaka bdquoB‟
Aloka
Suwarna
Subodh
Udena
Sangharatna bdquoA‟
Gyanendra
Khema
Soma bdquoA‟
Punna
Panna Ransi
Soma bdquoB‟
Santa bdquoA‟
Kapila Wansa
Asita Wansa
Sumanananda bdquoa‟
Vijitananda
Khemananda
Silananda
Medhananda
Somaratna
Soratha
Pragyananda
Sumangala
Santa Citta
Yasa
Dhamma Kitti
Panna Kitti
Santa Dheera
Vijitananda
Sumanananda bdquob‟
Vajra Bodhi
Dhammika
Santa bdquoB‟
Anuruddha
Sumana bdquoB‟
Jinavamsa
Panna Vansa
Buddha Ratna
Dhamma Ratna
Ariya Ratna
Piyadassi bdquoB‟
Sila Ratna
Sangha Ratna bdquoB‟
List of Anagarikas studying in abroad
I Thailand
1 Anagarika Sirisuta Maharjan
2 Anagarika Ramsobha Shrestha
3 Anagarika Sunita Napit
II Myanmar
1 Anagarika Javanvati
2 Anagarika Vimalajnani
3 Anagarika Ambika
4 Anagarika Buddhapali
5 Anagarika Darshana
6 Anagarika Agrajnani
7 Anagarika Nandavati
bdquob‟
III India 1 Anagarika Rupashila
IV Taiwan
1 Anagarika Pannavati
2 Anagarika Sani
3 Anagarika Nima
V Sri Lanka
1 Anagarika Pannawati
2 Anagarika Mettawati
3 Anagarika Keshawati
4 Anagarika Prasnnawati
5 Anagarika Sukhawati
6 Anagarika Shobhawati
7 Anagarika Subhadra
8 Anagarika
Shraddhagautami
9 Anagarika Upananda
10 Anagarika Shantawati
11 Anagarika Suciwati
Residences of Theravādin Monks in Nepal
01 Abhinava Buddha Vihara Lumbini
1) Bhikkhu Vimalananda Mahathera
2) Samanera Sunanda
02 Anandakut Vihara Swayambhu Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Kumara Kassapa Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Dharmamurti 3) Samanera Kondanya
4) S Prajnaratna 5) S Asoka
6) S Kumarjeeva 7) S Assaji
03 Bauddha Samaskrita Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Bhikkhu Dharmashobhana Mahathera
04 Bodhicharya Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Bodhisena Mahathera
2) Samanera Bodhideepa
05 Buddha Vihara Bhrikuti Mandap-Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Kondanya 2) Bhikkhu Sushil
3) Samanera Anuyoga 3) S Javana
4) S Udena
06 Buddha Vihara Biratnagar
1) Bhikkhu Aloka
07 Buddha Vihara Dharan
1) Bhikkhu Maitri (Tamang)
2) Bhikkhu Chhavikirti
08 Chatubrahma Vihara Matatirtha
1) Bhikkhu Thansettho
2) Bhikkhu Samyakaratna
3) Bhikkhu Bodhananda
9 Charumati Stupa Vihara Chabahil Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Tapassi Dhamma
10 Dharmacakra Ashrama Bagbazar
1) Bhikkhu Milinda
11 Dharmashila Buddha Vihara Pokhara
1) Bhikkhu Subhadda 2) Bhikkhu Saddhananda
12 Dhyanakuti Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Ashwaghosha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Rahul 3) Samanera Gautama
13 Gana Maha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Sanghanayaka Bhikkhu Subodhanand Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sobhita
3) Bhikkhu Samvegakirti
4) Samanera Sugatananda
6) S Chandananda
7) S Somananda
8) S Sumanavamsha
9) S Somavamsha
10) S Sumanasiri
14 IlayabahiTanabaha Patan
1) Bhikkhu Vimalkirti
15 International Bauddha Pariyatti Vihara Butwal
1) Bhikkhu Jatila
2) Bhikkhu Bhaddiya bdquoB‟
3) Samanera Jnanashree 4) S Jotika
16 International Buddhist Society Lumbini
1) Bhikkhu Maitri Mahathera
2) Samanera Mahapanta
3) S Vimala
17 Jana Udaya Vihara Sunakothi-Lalitpura
1) Bhikkhu Dharmagupta
18 Jitavana Vihara Thankot
1) Bhikkhu Dharmavamsha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sugatamuni Mahathera
3) Samanera Sunita
19 Kuti Vihara Koteshwar-KTM
1) Bhikkhu Yeshdhammo
2) Samanera Wayamo
3) S Milindo 4) S Sunanalankara
20 Manimandapa Mahavihara Patan
1) Bhikshu Shilbhadra Mahathera
2) Samanera Paduma 3) S Nayako
21 Muni Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Samanera Tejendra 2) S Jalapa
3) S Asima 4) S Aryaputra
22 Padma Sugandha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Sumedha 2) Samanera Sudatta
23 Pati Vihara Nagadesh-Bhaktapur
1) Bhikkhu Varasambodhi
24 Pranidhi Purna Maha Vihara Balambu
1) Samanera Sukha
25 Pugatabhoomi Jetavana Vihara Bhairahawa
1) Samanera Jagaro 2) S Suvanno
26 Purvaram Vihara Dhulikhel
1) Bhikkhu Gunaghosha Mahathero
27 Sangharama Vihara Kshetrapati Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Saddhatissa
2) Bhikkhu Kolita
3) Bhikkhu Sangharakshita
28 Shakya Singha Vihara Patan
1) Bhikkhu Dharmapala Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sunanda Mahathera
3) Bhikkhu Dharmarakshita
29 Shikhalapura Vihara Dhulikhel
1) Bhikkhu Dhammananda Mahathera
30 Shree Kirti Vihara Kirtipur
1) Bhikkhu Kirtijyoti 2) Bhikkhu Ananda
3) Bhikkhu Prajnakirti
4) Bhikkhu Dharmakirti
5) Samanera Sundara 6) Bhikkhu Pamit
7) S Subhashkirti 8) S Uttarakirti
31 Shreegha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Dharmasagara
2) Bhikkhu Medhankara
32 Sudarshana Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Rastrapala
33Sumangala Vihara Patan
1) Sanghaupanayaka Bhikkhu Buddhaghosha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Shobhan
3) Bhikkhu Prajnaratna
34 Surya Mangala Vihara Kapilvastu
1) Bhikkhu Suryamangala
35 Tokha Buddha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Samanera Shobhana 2) S Jnanodaya
36 Veluvanarama Vihara Thecho-Lalitpura
1) Samanera Uttama 2) S Chandimo
37 Vishwa Shanti Vihara New Baneshwar
1) Bhikshu Jnanapurnik Mahathera
2) Bhikshu Bodhijnana
3) Bhikshu Nigrodha
4) Bhikshu Udayabhadra
Samaneras
1) S Janak 2) S Sujat
3) S Obhaso 4) S Subhaddo
5) S Nandiyo 6) S Mahindo
7) S Pajjoto 8) S Aloka
9) S Buddhadatta 10) S Panita
11) S Kashyapa 12)S Dharmaghosha
13) S Nagita 14) S Vinaya
15) S Suchitta 16) S Sudatto
17) S Nemindo 18) S Rohito
19) S Jayanto 20) S Meghiyo
21) S Indriyo 22) S Suppamedho
23) S Bhanusarana 24) S Saddhadeepa
25) S Kittimo 26) S Janeyyo
27) S Adicca 28) S Kosalla
29) S Nyanuttara 30) S Bhaddaco
31) S Pabhassaro 32) S Uttaro
38 Yampi Maha Vihara Patan
1) Bhikkhu Bhaddiya
39 Non residencial Monks
1) Bhikshu Samyaka Sambodhi Pranputra
2) Bhikshu Dhyanratna
3) Bhikkhu Chandragupta Balambu
Present Anagarikas and resident in NEPAL
01 Amarapura Vihara Bungamati
1) A Charujnani 2) A Sunita
3) A Palitajnani 4) A Pamitajnani
5) A Padumajnani 6) A Rupawati
02 Bauddha Samaskrit Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Anagarika Sanghashila
03 Buddha ViharaDharan
1) A Sumedhavati 2) A Sushilavati
3) A Kanchana 4) A Shasanavati
04 Bauddha Rishi Mahapragya Ashram Anamnagar
1) Anagarika Prajnavati
05 Chatubrahma Vihara Matatirtha
1) Anagarika Anu
06 Dhammavasa Vihara Khusibun
1) A Krishgautami 2) A Suchita
3) A Shilgautami 4) A Kshantigautami
5) A Shyamavati
07 Dharmakirti Vihara Naghal-Kathmandu
1) Anagarika RatnaManjari
2) A Dhammavati
3) A Dhammadinna (Chameli)
4) A Anupama 5) A Sanghavati
6) A Khemavati 7) A Indravati
8) A Jayavati 9) A Danavati
10) A Tyagavati 11) AViryavati
12) A Shubhavati 13) A Ramavati
14) A Surammavati
15) A Hemavati 16) A Suppabhavati
17) A Supriya 18) A Amata
19) A Vannavati 20) A Suvannavati
08 Dharmashila Buddha Vihara Pokhara
1) Anagarika Karmashila
09 Gautami Vihara Lumbini
1) Anagarika Sujata 2) A Khamesi
10 IlayabahiTana Baha Lalitpur
1) A Shilaparami 2)AViryaparami
3) A Vineeta 4) A Shilachari
11 Int‟l Buddhist Meditation Centre Shankhamul
1) A Aggajnani 2) A Nirmalajnani
3) A Shantarakshita
12 Jaya Mangal ViharaTana Bahal-Patan
1) Anagarika Vijita 2) A Nekkhami
3) A Chittavati
13 Jyoti Vihara Chapagaun- Lalitpur
1) AnagarikaVirygautami
2) A Upeskshagautami
14 Kashivarna Buddha Vihara Panuati
1) Anagarika Satyaparami
15 Kindol Vihara Swayambhu
1) A Sumana 2) A Uttara
3) A Sumitra 4) A Molini
5) A Dhammavijaya 6) A Tejavati
7) A Shyamavati
16 Kunsa BahaHyumat
1) Anagarika Patachari 2) AUmavati
17 Mahabodhi Vihara Tansen
1) Anagarika Revati (Dhammadinna)
18 Muni Vihara Bhaktapur
1) A Sugandhavati 2) A Padmavati
19 Narsinharama Thaina-Patan
1) A Jnanashila 2) ASatyashila
3) AShilavati 4) A Yeshavati 5) A Dharani
6) A Jeenvati
7) A Shilpavatisushma
20 Padmachaitya Vihara Butwal
1) A Udayashila 2) A Santiwati
21 Padmakirti Vihara Kamalpokhari
1) A Kamala 2) A Karunavati
3) A Pabbhavati 4) A Dhyanavati
5) A Bhavanavati
22 Prajnanandarama Okubahal-Patan
1) Anagarika Jnanavati
23 Pranidhipurna Mahavihara Balambu
1) A Mudita 2) A Chandrashila bdquoB‟
24 SangharakshitaVihara Patan
1) Anagarika Abhaya 2) A Chandrashila
3) A Shilachari
25 Shanti Sukhavasa Chakupat-Patan
1) A Utpalavarna (Chini)
26 Shree Kirti Vihara Kirtipur
1) Anagarika Mina
27 SunandaramaThaina-Patan
1) A Madhavi 2) AMasukhi
3) A Mashobha 4) A Mashraddha
5) A Masudha
28 Sulakshanakirti Viahara Kirtipur
1) A Anoja 2) A Atula
3) A Anula
29 Sangharama ViharaDhalko-KTM
1) Anagarika Dharmarakshita
30 Vishwashanti Vihara New Baneshwar
1) A Shubha 2) A Khema
3) A Sudhamma
31 Vishwashanti Dharmakirti Vihara Basundhara
1) A Dhajavati (Kusum) 2) A Padmavati
3) A Bhadravati
32 Residing other Anagarikas
1) Anagarika Chandrajnani Patan
2) A Sraddhavati Shankhamul
3) A Amaravati Patan
4) A Dhammachari Patan
5) A Nanda Thasi
Some Prominent Personalities in the Theravada Movement1
Sanghamahanayakas of Nepal
1 Ven Pragyanand Mahasthavir 1930 ndash 1993 AD
2 Ven Sakyananda Mahasthavir 1993 - 1997 AD
3 Ven Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1997 - 2002 AD
4 Ven Subodhananda Mahasthavir 2002 - 2006 AD
5 Ven Buddhaghosa Mahasthavir 2006-
Amritananda Bhikkhu (1918-1990) original name Lal Kaji Sakya from Tansen
west Nepal he ordain as a novice in 1936 from ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara He studies and was ordained a monk in Sri Lanka in 1940 He
return to Nepal in 1942 and preached first publicly in Kathmandu He
formed Dharmodaya Sabha in 1944 and All Nepal Bhikkhu Mahasangha in
1951 and remained its unchallenged leader until his death He was well
known and traveled widely outside of Nepal because of his dynamism and
charisma He was also one of the greatest Buddhist scholars and writers of
Nepal
Aniruddha Bhikkhu (1915-2003) original name Gaja Ratna Tuladhar son of
Dasa Ratna Sahu (Later Ven Dhammaloka) He went to Sri Lanka in 1930
and ordained as samanera and studied there He had served many years in
Lumbini and third Sanghanayaka of Nepal
1 Sarah Levine and David N Gellner Rebuilding Buddhism The Theravada Movement in
Twentieth Century Nepal (UK Harvard University Press 2006) pp 293-296
Ashwaghosh Bhikkhu (1926- present) original name Buddha Ratna Sakya and
became a novice in 1944 and went to Sri Lanka for study where he took
higher ordination in 1949 he is known as bdquothe communist monk‟ and was a
nominee of the Unified Marxist-Leninist party one of Nepal‟s two main
political parites in the 1990s to the Upper House 1993-5 He had
established nepal‟s first Bhikkhu Training Center at Sangharama Dhalko
and became abbot of this vihara Presently he is abbot of Shrigha Vihara in
Kathmandu and of Dyanakuti Vihara Banepa
Buddhaghosh Bhikkhu (1921- present day) original name Sapta Ratna
Vajracharya in Kwa Baha Kathamandu The founder of Pariyatti Education
in Nepal and presently acting Sanghanayaka of Nepal (2006) and abbot of
Sri Sumangala Vihara in Lalitpur
Chandramani Bhikkhu (1876-1972) a Burmese monk who spent his life in
Kusinagara where he worked for the propagation of Buddhism until his
death He initiated with most of the early Nepalese Theravadins Monks and
Nuns He was the first president of Dharmodaya Sabha and father of
Theravadins of Nepal
Dharmachari Anagarika (1898-1978) born Laxmi Nani Tuladhar she
impressed by Ven Pragyananda in Kindol Vihara and took the precepts
from Chandramani in Kusinagara in 1934 and most prominent Nepali nun
She founded the first nunnery in Nepal at Kindol Vihara in 1947
Dhammaloka Bhikkhu (1891-1977) born Das Ratna Tuladhar Asan
kathamandu He traded in Lhasha went to Sri Lanka and taught Buddhism
as a layman Later became a monk in 1932 after his son Aniruddha ordain
in 1930 he established nepal‟s first Theravādin Vihara bdquoAnanda Kuti
Vihar‟ in Kathmandu
Dhammawati Anagarika (1925- present day) born as Ganesh Kumari Sakya in
Uku Baha lalitpur She ordain too precepts from Ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara and renamed as Dhammavati in 1950 She went to Burma for
study and return in 1963 after passed the Dhammacariya Examination She
was able to established Dhammakirti Nunnery Centre in 1965 and leader of
the Theravādin Nuns She has been re-ordained as Bhikkhuni according to
Mahayana tradition
Dharmaditya Dharmacharya (1902-1963) born as Jagat Man Vaidya in Chika
Bahi Lalitpur and the first Newar Buddhist modernist and the first newar
cultural nationalist He went to study in Calcutta where he became a
follower of anagarika Dhammapala the founder of Maha Bodhi Society
He had formed Buddhist revival foundation and published Buddhist
magazines etc
Nyanpurnika Bhikkhu (1936- present day) Born as Hera Lal Sakya in Tansen
He studied with Buddhaghosh in Lalitpur in Burma and in England He is
only monk who passed Dhammacariya examination of Burma He was the
founder of Vishwa Shanti Vihara and Vishwa Shanti Bauddha sikkyalaya
where train novices He is a prominent translator and writer
Kumar Kashyap Bhikkhu (1926- present day) born as Krishna Man Sakya he
was one of those who exiled to India by the Ranas in 1944 He went to
Study in Sri Lanka and hold nepal‟s first bdquoTripitaka acarya‟ Presently he is
president of All Nepal Bhikkhu Association and abbot of Ananda Kuti
Vihara
Mahapragya Bhikkhu (1901-1979) born Prem Bahadur (Nani Kaji ) Shrestha
He ordained into Tibetan tradition but exiled in 1926 and reordained as
novice in Theravada tradition one of the earlier Theravādin monks He
return to householderhood in Kalimpong in 1940s but then returned to
Kathmandu as a Buddhist sage (Bauddha Rishi) in the 1960s where he
taught until his death
Pragyananda Bhikkhu (1900-1993) born as Kul Man Singh Tuladhar in Itum
Baha Kathmandu a trader in Tibet where he met Ven Mahapragya and
impressed by him to ordained He became a Tibetan Gelung Karmasheel in
1928 and two years later a Theravādin under Ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara in 1930 He was nepal‟s first Sanghamahanayaka and well
respected monk
Shakyananda Bhikkhu (1909-1997) born as Chakra Dhan Sakya in Taksar
Bhojpur East Nepal He spent over forty years as a monk in Tansen outside
the Kathmandu and second sanghamahanayaka of Nepal
Subodhanand Bhikkhu (1916-2006) bor as Kul Raj Sakya in Taksar Bhojpur
East Nepal He was one of the monks exiled by the Ranas in 1944 He was
a prolific composer of Hymns in Nepal Bhasa In 2003 as the most senior
monk in Nepal he was the fourth Sanghanayaka of Nepal
Sudarshan Bhikkhu (1934-2002) born as Rudra Raj Sakya in Uku Baha
lalitpur He was famous a bdquothe boy monk‟ For many years he was a lecturer
in the culture Department of Tribhuvan University a prolific writer
preacher and abbot of Sri Kirti Vihara Kirtipur which is became multi-
cultural center and especially for Buddhist meetings and conferences He
was jailed for some months for Nepal Bhasa activities in the Panchayat
period He was a campaigner on Buddhist issues particularly to do with
Lumbini
Sumangal Bhikkhu (1929-1999) born Bhakta Krishna Shilpakar in Lalitpur He
was famous as ldquoDollar bhanterdquo He ordained in 1959 in Burma obtained a
master‟s degree in Buddhism from Rissho University Japan in 1972 and
was among the first monks to mobilize international connections for
Buddhist projects in Nepal He established Buddha Vihara in Bhrikuti
Mandap Kathmandu He helped raise funds from Thailand and Japan for
IBMc (1985) brought the Japanese healing movement Sei Mei Kyo to
Nepal and in 1993 opened an old people‟s home in Banepa
Glimpse of Theravādin activities in Nepal
Samanera ordination at Muni Vihara
Ordination Ceremony at Vishwa Shanti Vihara
Collecting Alms
Chanting Paritta in devotee‟s home
Giving Holy Thread to Devotees
Buddhist Art in Nepal
Main Buddha Image at Sri Kirti Vihara
Four holy places
Some of the Theravada Buddhist Viharas (Monasteries) in Nepal
Vihars In Kathmandu Valley Telephone No
1 Amarapura Buddha Vihar Bungamati 5551068
2 Anandakuti Vihar Swayambhu 4271420
3 Anandabhuwan Vihar Bhuikhyo 4270429
4 Ganamaha vihar Ganabaha 4253454
5 Gautam Buddha Vihar Panga co 4330576
6 Caturbrahma Vihar Matatirtha 4310558
7 Carumati Vihar Cabahil 4469897
8 Baudhajana Vihar Sunakothi co 5570209
9 Jitapur Gandhakuti Vihar khona Co 5542846
10 Jitawan Vihar Thankot 4311912
11 Jyoti udaya vihar Capagaun Co 5571459
12 Dhammavasa Vihar Khusibun 4358688
13 Dharmakirti Vihar Srigha Naghal 4259466
14 Dharmacakra vihar Bagbajar 4261976
15 Nagar Mandap Sri Kirti Vihar Kirtipur 4330836
16 Nagadesh Buddha Vihar Nagadesh Co 6635397
17 Nirvanmurti Anagarikaram Kindol 4285811
18 Padmasugandha Vihar Manjeshwori 4266255
19 Pranidhi Purna Mahavihar Balambu 43105924312455
20 Pati Vihar Thimi Co 6637601
21 Pippali Theravad Buddha Vihar Shiphal 4475066
22 Punya Udaya Vihar Jala Harisiddhi Co 5527456
23 Buddhabhoomi Mahavihar Tokha 4362514
24 Buddha Vihar Bhrikuti mandapa 4226702
25 Buddharatna Vihar Putalisadak 4244277
26 Bauddha samakrit Vihar Bhaktapur 6610842
27 Manimandap Vihar Patko Bhaktapur 5526517
28 Muni Vihar Bhaktapur 6616464
29 Yampi Mahavihar Ibahi Lalitpur 5539644
30 Yashodhara Baudha Bidyalaya Thaina Lalitpur 5521435
31 Biswo Shanti Vihar Baneshwor 4482384
32 Biswo Shanti Dharmakirti vihar Basundhara 4354251
33 Beluvanarama Vihar Theco Co 5570062
34 Sakyasingha Vihar Thaina Lalitpur 5524760
35 Santi Sukhawas Cakupat co 5523613
36 Siddhimangal Buddha Vihar Thasi 5581495
37 Sumangala Vihara Lagankhel 5531715
38 Sulakshan kirti Vihar Chobhar 4331718
39 Suwanrna Chatrapur Vihar Lubhu 5580430
40 Sangharama Vihar Dhalko Visnumati 4255960
41 Srigha Vihar Nagal 4259110
Vihars out side the Kathamandu Velley Telephone No
1 Ananda Vihar Tansen Co 075-520225520216
2 Citravan Vihar Narayangadha Co 056-521478
3 Taksar Vihar Tansen Co 075-520024
4 Dharmashila Buddha Vihar Phokhara 061-520517
5 Dyankuti Banepa Banepa 011-661244
6 Padma Chaitya Vihar Butawal 071-546470
7 Purwarama Vihar Dhulikhel 011-661979
8 Pragya Mahavihar Hetauda Co 057-520264520136
9 Buddha Vihar Dharan 025-520354
10 Buddha Vihar Biratnagar Co 021-522146530604
11 Beni Buddha Vihar Myagdi Co 069-520354
12 Bodhicharya vihar Banepa 011-661789
13 Lokachakra Buddha Vihar Dhan gadhi 091-622174
14 Sakyamuni Vihar Bhojpur Co 029-420260
15 Sugatapur Vihar Trisuli Co 010-560153
16 Sugandha Vihar Ridi Gulmi Co 079-529435
17 Swoyambhu Chetya Buddha Vihar Urlabari Co 021-540080
18 Swoyambhu Chetya Mahavihar Dharan Co 025-520190
19 Gyanodaya Buddha Vihar Baglung Co 068-520921520336
Footnotes
[1] This paper was written as a part of my MA thesis research on bdquoThe
Revival of Theravada Buddhism and its contribution to Nepalese Society‟ of
Mahachulalongkorn University Bangkok Thailand and would like to thank Mr
Dharma Sakya for every suggestion editing and help for the completion of this
article
[2] Nyanatiloka Buddhist Dictionary 3
rd ed The Free Distribution
version the Corporate Body of the Buddha education foundation Taiwan p
179
[3] Triratna Manandhar bdquoPresent of Buddhism in Nepal‟ (Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK Vol 8 May 2005) p 15
[4] helliphelliphelliphellip The New Encyclopedia of Britannica Vol24 (USA
Library of Congress Catalog 1993) p 781 Dhanabajra Vajracharya Cabahilko
Abhilekha (Inscription of Cabahil) The Charumati Voice (Kath Charumati
Buddhist Mission 2001) pp 17-20 Bhikkhu Sudarsan Mahasthavira Nepal
Upatyaka ma Ashokaki Chori Charumati (Charumati A daughter of
Ashoka in Nepal Valley) (The Charumati Vocie (Kath Charumati Buddhist
Mission 2001) p 20
[5] Beal Samuel Si Yu Ri Buddhist Records of the Western World
(New Delhi Motilal Banarsidass Publishers 1994) pp 80-81 Bhuwan Lal
Pradhan Nepalama Buddhadharma (Kath Nepal Rajkiya Pragyapratisthana
1988) pp 102 ndash 103
[6] NB Thapa A Short History of Nepal (Kath Ratna Pustak
bhandhar Nd) pp 30-33 Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ The
Nation Thailand‟s English Newspaper (Sunday special) Oct 18 1987
[7] Opcit NB Thapa p116
[8] David N Gellner Monk Householder and Tantric Priest Newar
Buddhism and its Hierarchy of Ritual (Cambridge University Press 1996) pp
41ff
[9] Bechert Heinz amp Jens-Uwe Hartmann ldquoObservation on the reform
of Buddhism in Nepalrdquo Journal of Nepal Research Centre vol VIII Kath
Kantipur Printing Press1988p 6
[10] Ria Kloppenborg Theravada Buddhism in Nepal‟ Kailash A
Journal of Himalayan Studies Vol 5 no 41977 p 302
[11] BP Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada Gukathan Wagu Kha (Kath
Hisi Press Nepal BS 20421985) pp44ff
[12] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p47ff
[13] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 51-53 Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal (BKK A Thesis of MA Mahamakut Graduate School
2001) p 97
[14] Bhikshu Sudarshan Mahasthavir bdquoRole of Theravada in the
Preservation of Newar Buddhism‟ wwwircnepalorgpapers
[15] Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 69-72
[16] Opcit Observation on the reform of Buddhism in Nepal p10ff
[17] Opcit Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ RV
Vandya Sanghanayaka Venerable Pragnananda Mahasthavir (Kath Nepal
Co-operative Press 1978) pp 11ff
[18] Bhkkhu Dharmaloka Mahasthavir A Pilgrimage in China (kath
published by Bhikkhu Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1999) p 13-15 Opcit Lacoul
Nepalay Sthavirvada p 74-75
[19] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka p 15
[20] Opcit Bhikkhu dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp16ff
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p100
[21] Ibit Bhikkhu Dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp 27-29
[22] See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A Homage
(Kath Anandakuti Vihar Trust 1992) Kuladharma Ratna Tuladhar Buddhism
in Nepal (Kath Dharmodaya Sabha 1986) pp15 Opcit Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 100
[23] Opcit K R Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal 16 RV Vandya
Sanghanayaka ven Pragnananda p 32 ff
[24] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka Pragnananda pp 34-35
Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthavirvada p 86
[25] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 18 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 101
[26] Bhikkhu Amritananda Mahasthavir A Short History of Theravada
Buddhism in Modern Nepal (Kath Anandakuti Vihar trust 1986) pp 8-9
Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir (Kath Anandakuti
Vihar Trust 1992) p 25
[27] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 19 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[28] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[29] Opcit Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir
p 26
[30] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit KR
Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 20
[31] Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha in Nepal
(BKK A Thesis of MA Buddhist Study Mahachulalongkorn University 2547)
p 23 [32]
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit Ratna
Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir p 26
[33] Amrit R Sthapit bdquowho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Aswaghosha‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 4 no 1 May 2001
p8
[34] helliphelliphelliphelliphellip bdquoWho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Nyanapurninka Mahasthavir‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 7
no 1 May 2004 p13 Viswo Shanti Vihar The Shanti Sandesh (Kath Viswo
Shanti Vihar 1998)
[35] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sumangala Mahasthavir
A monk who modernized Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the
LNBDS UK vol 2 no 1 May 1999 p10
[36] Opcit Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha
in Nepal pp 52ff
[37] Rina Tuladhara Dharmakirti 25 Years of Dharmakirti Buddhist
Study Circle A Glimpse (Kath Dharmakirti Vihar 1996) Mallika Sakya
bdquoWho is Who in Nepalese Buddhism Dhammavati Guruma‟ Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 5 no 1 May 2002 p10
[38] Opcit See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A
Homage Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 108
[39] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sudarshan Mahasthavir A
Gem of the Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol
6 no 1 May 2003 p13
20
visited Nepal as a monk but was arrested immediately on his arrival in
Kathmandu and was imprisoned once again for six days and then
released without charging him with any offences Following his release
from prison he went to stay at Kindol Vihar and continued his
religious activities He was finally able to carry out religious activities
freely in Nepal He succeeded to propagate Theravada Buddhism in the
streets of Kathmandu valley[21]
Later he founded Nepal‟s first
Theravada Buddhist temple bdquoAnandakutirsquo at the foothill of Swayambhu
hill and it became the center for Theravada Sangha in modern Nepal
Venerable Amritananda was another well-known Buddhist
scholar and pioneer person for revival of Theravada Buddhism in
modern Nepa[22]
He was ordained under Ven U Chandramani at
Kusinagara in 1936 CE but was imprisoned along with Ven
Mahapragna at Bhojpur in 1937 In 1942 he came back to Nepal from
abroad after completing his study and gave discourses at the request of
Ven Dharmaloka in Swayambhu during vassavasa days (Three months
Buddhist lent) His public discourses impressed lay people and many
people came to listen to him Other Monks Samaneras and Nuns of
21
Nepal who were studying abroad also came back and joined him and
gave public discourses in different places of Kathmandu valley[23]
This
was a great breakthrough during isolationist Rana government Rana
government of the time banned any public assembly because of fear of
political unrest and demand for political reform in Nepal Because of
their religious activities they were arrested on 30th
July 1944 and
brought in front of then Prime Minister Juddha Shamsher Jung Bahadur
Rana for giving verdict on the charges of propagating the dhamma He
made rules to curtail the Buddhist activities Those who didn‟t follow
these rules were asked either to leave the country or return to worldly
life All the respected monks who were active in revival of Theravada
in Nepal refused to obey the order and were exiled once again from
Nepal The exiled monks this time included Ven Pragnananda Ven
Dharmaloka Ven Subhodhananda Ven Pragnarashmi Samanera
Pragnarasa Samanera Ratnajyoti Samanera Agga Dhamma and
Samanera Kumar The nuns were allowed to remain in the Vihar until
the end of the Vassavasa[24]
22
Development of Theravada Buddhism
The exiled monks formed bdquoDharmodaya Sabha‟ - Nepal‟s first
Buddhist organization with the help of other Buddhist organizations
and individuals on 30th
November 1944 in India under the
chairmanship of Ven U Chandramani Ven Amritananda was its
general secretary[25]
Immediately after establishment of bdquoDharmodaya
Sabha‟ Ven Amritananda wrote a protest letter to Nepalese
government and also appealed to other Buddhist organizations on
behalf of Dharmodaya Sabha He visited many places and various
countries to get support against the expulsion of Buddhist monks from
modern Nepal One of the countries he visited and undertook further
studies was Sri Lanka In Sri Lanka he also succeeded in bringing a
goodwill mission to Nepal in 1946 under the leadership of well-known
scholar Ven Narada Mahasthavir of Vajiraramaya Colombo The
members of this mission consisted of Ven Narada Ven Amritananda
Ven Priyadarshi Dr Ratna Surya and Prof Aryapal They were able
to meet the newly appointed Prime Minister Padma Shumsher J Rana
Ven Amritananda and leader of the mission Ven Narada requested his
23
Excellency to give permission for the exiled monks to return to Nepal
Prime Minister Padma Shamsher accepted their request and permitted
the exiled monks to return Ven Dharmaloka was the first one to come
back to Nepal immediately after receiving a letter from Ven
Amritananda and arrived in Kathmandu in June 1946 (Jesth Sukla 6
2003)[26]
Other monks also returned one by one and again started
propagating Theravada Buddhism in modern Nepal Ven Narada
visited Nepal three times and constructed a Sri Lankan Cetiya at
Anandakuti Vihar He brought a branch of Bodhi tree Buddha‟s relic
to Nepal He also established the first Sima (Uposatha) of Nepal for
Bhikkhus at the Vihara During his third visit he met then Prime
Minister Mohana Shamasher J Rana and requested him to declare
Baisakh Purnima or Buddha Day as a public holiday His Excellency
agreed and declared it as a public holiday for the Buddhist government
civil officers[27]
Since then Theravada Buddhism gained ground in
Nepalese society and made progress Theravada monks propagated
Buddhism by performing ceremonies giving Dharmadesana and
publishing Buddhist texts Many Viharas were built in and outside the
Kathmandu valley to propagate dhamma
24
In 1950 democracy replaced autocratic Rana regime under the
leadership of H M King Tribhuvan This heralded rapid development
of Theravada Buddhism Buddhist monks and nuns were able carry out
their duties freely without hindrances throughout the country The
office of bdquoDharmodaya Sabha‟ shifted from Kalimpong to Kathmandu
after the advent of democracy in 19501 In 1951 Bhikkhu Sangha led
by Ven Amritananda formed lsquoAkhil Nepal Bhikkhu Sangharsquo (All
Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha Council) for the further propagation of
Buddhism in Nepal Ven Amritananda played a great role in
propagation of Theravada Buddhism nationwide His close relationship
with their Majesties helped in his activities[28]
He visited many
countries on behalf of All Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha and Dharmodaya
Sabha In the same year Buddhists of Nepal succeeded in bringing the
relics of Ven Sariputta (Ven Sariputra) and Ven Maudhgalyana
(Ven Moggallana) the foremost disciples of the Buddha for the
exhibition in Nepal His Majesty King Tribhuvan chaired the reception
committee and a reception party was held in the Royal Palace[29]
Following year in 1952 Buddha Jayanti was celebrated throughout the
country with the support of HM King Tribhuvan On this occasion
25
HM King declared Baisakh Purnima or Buddha Jayanti day as a
public holiday throughout the kingdom[30]
In 1956 His late Majesty King Mahendra visited Lumbini the
birthplace of the Buddha and erected a Mahendra Pillar in Lumbini
zone In the same year during 2500th
Buddha Jayanti celebration HM
king banned animal slaughter on this auspicious day throughout the
kingdom[31]
Nepalese Buddhists led by All Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha
Council and Dharmodaya Sabha also organized the Fourth World
Fellowship of Buddhist Conference (WFB) in Kathmandu on this
year[32]
His Majesty‟s government cooperated fully and gave every
assistance for the success of the conference Gradually Theravada
Buddhist monasteries were founded Buddhist Education Buddhapuja
meditation public discourses publications of Buddhist texts and mass
ordination etc took place as a part of dhamma activities Burma Sri
Lanka Thailand and other countries helped Nepal in its effort for
Theravada revival Soon after Theravada Buddhist monks established
the first Bhikkhu training center- Sangharama Vihar and ordained
number of novices under the leadership of Ven Ashogosha
Mahasthavir[33]
Following their ordination they were sent to Sri
26
Lanka Burma and Thailand for their higher ordination and education
Many of these monks have returned to Nepal and are actively engaged
in propagation of dhamma Besides ordination of individual novices
mass ordinations for short periods were also held in different temple
After Anandakuti Vihar the Viswasanti Vihara also established
Vishwa Shanti Bauddha Shikshalaya a Buddhist School under Ven
Nyanapunnika Mahathavir[34]
It teaches both national and Buddhist
curriculum to the novices Now there are nearly 100 Theravada
temples more than four hundred monks and Samaneras and nearly 400
nuns in the country Present Sangha Nayaka is Most Ven
Subodhananda of Gana Mahavihara Kathmandu President of All
Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha is Kumar Kashyapa of Ananda Kuti Vihar
Swayambhu Kathmandu and the head office of All Nepal Bhikkhu
Sangha is in Viswo Santi Vihara New Baneshwor Kathmandu
27
Contribution to Nepalese society
Besides promoting Dhamma Theravada monks and nuns
(Anagarikas) are also involved in other welfare activities like
organising free health camps training centers either in the monasteries
or outside the monasteries They also founded center for old age and
Kindergarten Late Ven Sumangala Mahasthavira[35]
initiated free
clinic at Buddha Vihar a Buddhist home for the elderly at Benepa and
a Buddhist Kindergarten Free Clinics were popular because of lack of
adequate government run clinics in Nepal Many monasteries
organized free clinics Regular clinics like eye and Homeopathic were
run either on weekly or monthly basis Annual campaigns are also run
when it was felt necessary
In 1964 All Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha established a Theravada
education system Pariyatti Sikkha or Nepal Bauddha Pariyatti Siksa
(Buddhist Saturday School) Classes are run in Theravada Buddhist
monasteries Tibetan monasteries other Buddhist centers in public and
private schools There are more than 32 centers throughout the
28
country[36]
Presently its head office is at Viswo Santi Vihara in New
Baneswora Kathmandu
Besides Pariyatti Sikkha Ven Amritananda founded a
Buddhist school - bdquoAnandakuti Vidyapith Boarding School‟ and a
college- bdquoSiddharth Science Campus‟ Both Buddhist monks and lay
people used to teach in these institutions It was started as a Buddhist
school but for some reason it has become a private enterprise Besides
these many monks and nuns are also running other educational
institutions like bdquoNursery school (Siddhartha Shisu Niketan Buddha
Vihar) Primary school (Triple Gem Boarding School) and Higher
Schools There are some Higher Education institutes like Siddharth
University in Banepa International Buddhist University in Lumbini
etc Many Buddhist organizations were founded and they were also
running different classes and research centers like Dharmakirti
Buddhist Research Center Anagarika Dhammavati founded this centre
Later on Anagarika Dhammavati was ordained as Bhikkhuni
according to Taiwanese tradition She is one of the well-known nuns in
the Theravada Buddhism in Nepal[37]
29
The Buddhist temples and organizations bring out number of
publications annually monthly weekly and on special occasions
Dharmodaya Anandabhumi and Dharmakirti are the oldest
Buddhist journals in Nepal and still continued to be published
Ven Amritananda was one of the greatest Buddhist scholars of
Nepal He wrote and translated many books on Buddhism There are
still no other monks or nun in Nepal who can be compared with
him[38]
Late Ven Sudharsan Mahasthavir came close to him Ven
Sudharsan was a pillar of Theravada Buddhism after Ven
Amritananda He was famous for different reason His field of interest
beside dhamma work consisted literature language Archaeology etc
He was a resident monk at Srikirti Vihar Kirtipur and held the post of
professor in History Archaeology and Buddhist philosophy at
Tribhuvan University until his death in July 2002 Some of his books in
Buddhism became course book for BA and MA students in Nepal
He had special interest in archaeology of Lumbini and was an expert on
this subject[39]
30
Revival of Theravada Buddhism in Nepal also had profound
effect in cultural and religious way of life of Nepalese Daily chanting
or Buddhapuja short term ordination observing Sila (Moral code)
caste system celebration of Vesak day celibate life were introduced
In the month of Bhadra or Gunla days (AugustSeptember) Buddhist
hymns are chanted and public discourses are given
Late Ven Sudharshan Mahasthavir formed Sri Kirti Buddhist
center at Sri Kirti Vihar with the aim of introducing Buddhism to other
ethnic groups other than Newars- the original inhabitants of Katmandu
valley This project succeeded in bringing other ethic groups into
Theravada Buddhism As a result of this many ethnic groups who were
originally Buddhists have started organizing Buddhist conferences and
Buddhist activities Another important development is formation of
Gyanmala Bhajan Khala - a Buddhist hymn group This group sings
regularly especially during certain auspicious days at Swayambhu and
other Buddhist sites The songs they sing are based on Buddha‟s
teaching and has been successful in promoting Buddhism in simple
melodious hymns which attracts many people who visits these
religious places
31
Theravadin in Nepalese Society
For centuries Nepalese were aware of only Buddhist priest
(Bajracharya) from Newar Buddhism (Vajrayana) and Tibetan Lamas
They were unaware of Theravadian Buddhist monks and nuns
Bajracharyas are household monks They lead domestic lives and are
not celibate Not all Tibetan monks are celibate It depends on the
school they belong to For example monks from Sakya School of
Tibetan tradition do not have to be celibate Theravada monks wear
distinctive saffron coloured robes They are celibate and lead virtuous
monastic life These monks and nuns have different identity in the eyes
of Nepalese especially the inhabitants of Kathmandu valley Their
simple way of life their full dedication in their work for the benefit of
mankind easily understood Theravada Scriptures translated in different
languages eg in Nepal Bhasa (Newari) Nepali in Hindi and in
English for easy accessibility by different groups helped to gain the
heart of Nepalese people Although many lay people have played
pivotal roles in revival of Theravada Buddhism in Nepal the leadership
32
of monks and nuns were vital in further development and survival of
this tradition
The lay Buddhists of Nepal are pluralistic They participate in
Buddhist ceremonies such as Vesak day daily chanting etc At the
same time they also follow Hindu customs in their daily lives
Buddhism is different from Hinduism and it is not a branch of
Hinduism Hindus believe that Buddha was a reincarnation of Lord
Vishnu Buddha never claimed to be anything other than a human
being ndash although a unique one in the history of mankind
Buddhism in Nepal is unique because of existence of three
different Buddhist traditions - Newar Buddhism (Vajrayana)
Tibetan Buddhism (Mahayana) and Theravada Buddhism
Different Buddhist groups practised different traditions Although the
principle underlying all these traditions is the same they differ in
details Theravada Buddhist tradition is different from Tibetan or
Newar Buddhist traditions but it is developing side-by-side with them
It was not possible for Theravada Buddhism to develop in Nepal
without close co-relation with other traditions but later developed on its
own right These various Buddhist traditions are coexisting in present
33
day Nepal Although they have different cultural traditions and are
developing in their own ways but the followers are the same
Therefore there is no separate identity of Theravadian lay Buddhists
There are number of lay Buddhist organizations such as Dharmodaya
Sabha Dharmakirti Institute Young Buddhist Associations Female
Buddhist Associations more recently Sukhi Hotu Nepal which are
playing important role in promotion of Buddha Dhamma but they are
multi-cultural and multi religious in their daily practices
CONCLUSION
Theravada Buddhism was introduced to Nepal at the time when
public meetings were banned It faced many obstacles at the beginning
Strong dedications of monks and nuns made it possible for its revival in
Nepal after many centuries of neglect Even though the revival
movement of this tradition was started only about 80 years ago it has
already gained strong foot hold in Nepal and gaining popularity day by
day The reason for its popularity lies in many things - the simple and
easily understood way the teachings were given the simple way of life
of monks and nuns lead and various beneficial activities undertaken by
34
Viharas Theravadin Buddhist monks and nuns are well accepted by
people and their contribution in promoting Buddha‟s teachings is
widely recognized Although small in number in comparison to other
Asian countries like Thailand Sri Lanka and Burma both the number
of monks and nuns and monasteries of this tradition are increasing day
by day If this trend continues it will become one of the prominent
religious traditions in Nepal It is only natural that this oldest Buddhist
tradition should gain its place of honour it deserve in a country where
the founder of the religion was born
35
Theravada Records in Nepal
List of Monks Novices and Anagarikas studying abroad
MONKS AND NOVICES
I Thailand
1 Bhikkhu Anil Man Dhammasakiyo (Sugandha)
2 Bhikkhu Vipassi Dhammaramo
3 Bhikkhu Jit Bahadur Gurung
4 Bhikkhu Krishna Thapamagar
5 Bhikkhu Pannamurti
6 Bhikkhu Sujan Sujano
7 Bhikkhu Anil Sumankitti
8 Bhikkhu Santosh Santosho
9 Bhikkhu Khemik Suddhasilo
10 Bhikkhu Suman Rocano
11 Bhikkhu Sanu Maharajano
12 Bhikkhu Santamano Dhwajjoshi
13 Bhikkhu Suman Dhwajjoshi
14 Bhikkhu Bijit Khemasakko
15 Bhikkhu Supreme Shakyavanso
Samaneras
1 Samanera Buddharatna Maharjan
2 Samanera Dhammaratna Maharjan
3 Samanera Bipin Maharjan
4 Samanera Prajwal Shakya
5 Samanera Ukesh Sakya
6 Samanera Gopi Maharjan
7 Samanera Sudip Deshar
8 Samanera Sudat Deshar
9 Samanera Deepi Maharjan
10 Samanera Ramit Shrestha
11 Samanera Anup Deshar
12 Samanera Suman Bajracharya bdquoA‟
13 Samanera Rajendra Deshar
14 Samanera Kapila Maharjan
15 Samanera Arbin Shakya
36
16 Samanera Kabindra Bajracharya
17 Samanera Ujjawal Shakya
18 Samanera Satish Shakya
19 Samanera Bimal Gurung
20 Samanera Surya Gurung
21 Samanera Sameer Maharjan
22 Samanera Anup Shakya
23 Samanera Arjun Magar
24 Samanera Kiran Desahar
25 Samanera Dipesh Shrestha
26 Samanera Tejendra Tamang
27 Samanera Ashim Shakya
28 Samanera Jalap Bajracharya
29 Samanera Arya Dev Bajracharya
30 Samanera Sudarshan Maharjan
31 Samanera Sangharatna
32 Samanera Suman Bajracharya bdquoB‟
33 Samanera Kijan Maharjan
34 Samanera Ramesh Maharjan
35 Samanera Niroj Maharjan
36 Samanera Jen Maharjan
37 Samanera Denish Bajracharya
38 Samanera Pritam Bahadur Shakya
39 Samanera Abhishek Shakya
40 Samanera Bishal Shakya
41 Samanera Sajal Shakya
42 Samanera Suraj Bhakta Shrestha
43 Samanera Dinesh Chaudhary
44 Samanera Shiv Swatantra Tharu
45 Samanera Sambhu Lal Khang
46 Samanera Buddharatna Chaudhary
47 Samanera Mukesh Chaudhary
II Myanmar (Burma)
Bhikkhu Samaneras
1 Bhikkhu Panavimala
2 Bhikkhu Dhyanratna
3 Bhikkhu Adiccho
4 Bhikkhu Vimalbuddhi
5 Bhikkhu Shobhan
6 Samanera Amato
7 Samanera Jutimma
8 Samanera Buddhapiyo
9 Samanera Kavindo
10 Samanera Nagasena
11 Samanera Gyanavudho
III Taiwan(ROC) 1 Bhikkhu Mangala 2 Bhikkhu Vazirbuddhi
IV Australia 1 Bhikkhu Upatissa
V India
1 Bhikkhu Dharmajyoti 2 Bhikkhu Ashokakirti
3 Bhikkhu Narawang Tamang
VI United kingdom 1 Bhikkhu Suman
VII USA 1 Bhikkhu Pragnaloka
VIII Sri Lanka
Bhikkhus
Bhikkhu Nanda
Bhikkhu Vineeta
Bhikkhu Ashoka
Bhikkhu Triratna
Bhikkhu Sagara
Bhikkhu Sankicca
Bhikkhu Vajirasiri
Bhikkhu Sarada
Bhikkhu Veenit
Bhikkhu Ratana
Bhikkhu Tissa
Bhikkhu Vajira
Bhikkhu Pannawimal
Bhikkhu Medhankar
Bhikkhu Pannasara
SARAMANERAS
Saranankara
Piyadassi
Dil Bhadra
Chandima
Samita
Narada bdquoA‟
Piyaratna
Kusala
Lakkhana
Udit
Vibekanada
Pannananda
Mettananda
Chandananda
Yassari
Upali
Subodhi
Mahanama
Kashyapa
Dhammapala
Narada bdquoB‟
Nalaka bdquoA‟
Daywasa
Santa Sobhana
Santa Siddhartha
Santa Maitri
Santa Kosala
Santa Sakya
Suvaca
Sukama Sila
Siddhartha
Nanda bdquoA‟
Rahula
Sudheera
Kosala Dheera
Panna Wansa
Jina Wansa
Mahinda
Nanda bdquoB‟
Seewali
Mahapantha
Assaji
Sarada
Sumana
Ananda
Nalaka bdquoB‟
Aloka
Suwarna
Subodh
Udena
Sangharatna bdquoA‟
Gyanendra
Khema
Soma bdquoA‟
Punna
Panna Ransi
Soma bdquoB‟
Santa bdquoA‟
Kapila Wansa
Asita Wansa
Sumanananda bdquoa‟
Vijitananda
Khemananda
Silananda
Medhananda
Somaratna
Soratha
Pragyananda
Sumangala
Santa Citta
Yasa
Dhamma Kitti
Panna Kitti
Santa Dheera
Vijitananda
Sumanananda bdquob‟
Vajra Bodhi
Dhammika
Santa bdquoB‟
Anuruddha
Sumana bdquoB‟
Jinavamsa
Panna Vansa
Buddha Ratna
Dhamma Ratna
Ariya Ratna
Piyadassi bdquoB‟
Sila Ratna
Sangha Ratna bdquoB‟
List of Anagarikas studying in abroad
I Thailand
1 Anagarika Sirisuta Maharjan
2 Anagarika Ramsobha Shrestha
3 Anagarika Sunita Napit
II Myanmar
1 Anagarika Javanvati
2 Anagarika Vimalajnani
3 Anagarika Ambika
4 Anagarika Buddhapali
5 Anagarika Darshana
6 Anagarika Agrajnani
7 Anagarika Nandavati
bdquob‟
III India 1 Anagarika Rupashila
IV Taiwan
1 Anagarika Pannavati
2 Anagarika Sani
3 Anagarika Nima
V Sri Lanka
1 Anagarika Pannawati
2 Anagarika Mettawati
3 Anagarika Keshawati
4 Anagarika Prasnnawati
5 Anagarika Sukhawati
6 Anagarika Shobhawati
7 Anagarika Subhadra
8 Anagarika
Shraddhagautami
9 Anagarika Upananda
10 Anagarika Shantawati
11 Anagarika Suciwati
Residences of Theravādin Monks in Nepal
01 Abhinava Buddha Vihara Lumbini
1) Bhikkhu Vimalananda Mahathera
2) Samanera Sunanda
02 Anandakut Vihara Swayambhu Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Kumara Kassapa Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Dharmamurti 3) Samanera Kondanya
4) S Prajnaratna 5) S Asoka
6) S Kumarjeeva 7) S Assaji
03 Bauddha Samaskrita Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Bhikkhu Dharmashobhana Mahathera
04 Bodhicharya Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Bodhisena Mahathera
2) Samanera Bodhideepa
05 Buddha Vihara Bhrikuti Mandap-Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Kondanya 2) Bhikkhu Sushil
3) Samanera Anuyoga 3) S Javana
4) S Udena
06 Buddha Vihara Biratnagar
1) Bhikkhu Aloka
07 Buddha Vihara Dharan
1) Bhikkhu Maitri (Tamang)
2) Bhikkhu Chhavikirti
08 Chatubrahma Vihara Matatirtha
1) Bhikkhu Thansettho
2) Bhikkhu Samyakaratna
3) Bhikkhu Bodhananda
9 Charumati Stupa Vihara Chabahil Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Tapassi Dhamma
10 Dharmacakra Ashrama Bagbazar
1) Bhikkhu Milinda
11 Dharmashila Buddha Vihara Pokhara
1) Bhikkhu Subhadda 2) Bhikkhu Saddhananda
12 Dhyanakuti Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Ashwaghosha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Rahul 3) Samanera Gautama
13 Gana Maha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Sanghanayaka Bhikkhu Subodhanand Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sobhita
3) Bhikkhu Samvegakirti
4) Samanera Sugatananda
6) S Chandananda
7) S Somananda
8) S Sumanavamsha
9) S Somavamsha
10) S Sumanasiri
14 IlayabahiTanabaha Patan
1) Bhikkhu Vimalkirti
15 International Bauddha Pariyatti Vihara Butwal
1) Bhikkhu Jatila
2) Bhikkhu Bhaddiya bdquoB‟
3) Samanera Jnanashree 4) S Jotika
16 International Buddhist Society Lumbini
1) Bhikkhu Maitri Mahathera
2) Samanera Mahapanta
3) S Vimala
17 Jana Udaya Vihara Sunakothi-Lalitpura
1) Bhikkhu Dharmagupta
18 Jitavana Vihara Thankot
1) Bhikkhu Dharmavamsha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sugatamuni Mahathera
3) Samanera Sunita
19 Kuti Vihara Koteshwar-KTM
1) Bhikkhu Yeshdhammo
2) Samanera Wayamo
3) S Milindo 4) S Sunanalankara
20 Manimandapa Mahavihara Patan
1) Bhikshu Shilbhadra Mahathera
2) Samanera Paduma 3) S Nayako
21 Muni Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Samanera Tejendra 2) S Jalapa
3) S Asima 4) S Aryaputra
22 Padma Sugandha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Sumedha 2) Samanera Sudatta
23 Pati Vihara Nagadesh-Bhaktapur
1) Bhikkhu Varasambodhi
24 Pranidhi Purna Maha Vihara Balambu
1) Samanera Sukha
25 Pugatabhoomi Jetavana Vihara Bhairahawa
1) Samanera Jagaro 2) S Suvanno
26 Purvaram Vihara Dhulikhel
1) Bhikkhu Gunaghosha Mahathero
27 Sangharama Vihara Kshetrapati Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Saddhatissa
2) Bhikkhu Kolita
3) Bhikkhu Sangharakshita
28 Shakya Singha Vihara Patan
1) Bhikkhu Dharmapala Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sunanda Mahathera
3) Bhikkhu Dharmarakshita
29 Shikhalapura Vihara Dhulikhel
1) Bhikkhu Dhammananda Mahathera
30 Shree Kirti Vihara Kirtipur
1) Bhikkhu Kirtijyoti 2) Bhikkhu Ananda
3) Bhikkhu Prajnakirti
4) Bhikkhu Dharmakirti
5) Samanera Sundara 6) Bhikkhu Pamit
7) S Subhashkirti 8) S Uttarakirti
31 Shreegha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Dharmasagara
2) Bhikkhu Medhankara
32 Sudarshana Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Rastrapala
33Sumangala Vihara Patan
1) Sanghaupanayaka Bhikkhu Buddhaghosha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Shobhan
3) Bhikkhu Prajnaratna
34 Surya Mangala Vihara Kapilvastu
1) Bhikkhu Suryamangala
35 Tokha Buddha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Samanera Shobhana 2) S Jnanodaya
36 Veluvanarama Vihara Thecho-Lalitpura
1) Samanera Uttama 2) S Chandimo
37 Vishwa Shanti Vihara New Baneshwar
1) Bhikshu Jnanapurnik Mahathera
2) Bhikshu Bodhijnana
3) Bhikshu Nigrodha
4) Bhikshu Udayabhadra
Samaneras
1) S Janak 2) S Sujat
3) S Obhaso 4) S Subhaddo
5) S Nandiyo 6) S Mahindo
7) S Pajjoto 8) S Aloka
9) S Buddhadatta 10) S Panita
11) S Kashyapa 12)S Dharmaghosha
13) S Nagita 14) S Vinaya
15) S Suchitta 16) S Sudatto
17) S Nemindo 18) S Rohito
19) S Jayanto 20) S Meghiyo
21) S Indriyo 22) S Suppamedho
23) S Bhanusarana 24) S Saddhadeepa
25) S Kittimo 26) S Janeyyo
27) S Adicca 28) S Kosalla
29) S Nyanuttara 30) S Bhaddaco
31) S Pabhassaro 32) S Uttaro
38 Yampi Maha Vihara Patan
1) Bhikkhu Bhaddiya
39 Non residencial Monks
1) Bhikshu Samyaka Sambodhi Pranputra
2) Bhikshu Dhyanratna
3) Bhikkhu Chandragupta Balambu
Present Anagarikas and resident in NEPAL
01 Amarapura Vihara Bungamati
1) A Charujnani 2) A Sunita
3) A Palitajnani 4) A Pamitajnani
5) A Padumajnani 6) A Rupawati
02 Bauddha Samaskrit Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Anagarika Sanghashila
03 Buddha ViharaDharan
1) A Sumedhavati 2) A Sushilavati
3) A Kanchana 4) A Shasanavati
04 Bauddha Rishi Mahapragya Ashram Anamnagar
1) Anagarika Prajnavati
05 Chatubrahma Vihara Matatirtha
1) Anagarika Anu
06 Dhammavasa Vihara Khusibun
1) A Krishgautami 2) A Suchita
3) A Shilgautami 4) A Kshantigautami
5) A Shyamavati
07 Dharmakirti Vihara Naghal-Kathmandu
1) Anagarika RatnaManjari
2) A Dhammavati
3) A Dhammadinna (Chameli)
4) A Anupama 5) A Sanghavati
6) A Khemavati 7) A Indravati
8) A Jayavati 9) A Danavati
10) A Tyagavati 11) AViryavati
12) A Shubhavati 13) A Ramavati
14) A Surammavati
15) A Hemavati 16) A Suppabhavati
17) A Supriya 18) A Amata
19) A Vannavati 20) A Suvannavati
08 Dharmashila Buddha Vihara Pokhara
1) Anagarika Karmashila
09 Gautami Vihara Lumbini
1) Anagarika Sujata 2) A Khamesi
10 IlayabahiTana Baha Lalitpur
1) A Shilaparami 2)AViryaparami
3) A Vineeta 4) A Shilachari
11 Int‟l Buddhist Meditation Centre Shankhamul
1) A Aggajnani 2) A Nirmalajnani
3) A Shantarakshita
12 Jaya Mangal ViharaTana Bahal-Patan
1) Anagarika Vijita 2) A Nekkhami
3) A Chittavati
13 Jyoti Vihara Chapagaun- Lalitpur
1) AnagarikaVirygautami
2) A Upeskshagautami
14 Kashivarna Buddha Vihara Panuati
1) Anagarika Satyaparami
15 Kindol Vihara Swayambhu
1) A Sumana 2) A Uttara
3) A Sumitra 4) A Molini
5) A Dhammavijaya 6) A Tejavati
7) A Shyamavati
16 Kunsa BahaHyumat
1) Anagarika Patachari 2) AUmavati
17 Mahabodhi Vihara Tansen
1) Anagarika Revati (Dhammadinna)
18 Muni Vihara Bhaktapur
1) A Sugandhavati 2) A Padmavati
19 Narsinharama Thaina-Patan
1) A Jnanashila 2) ASatyashila
3) AShilavati 4) A Yeshavati 5) A Dharani
6) A Jeenvati
7) A Shilpavatisushma
20 Padmachaitya Vihara Butwal
1) A Udayashila 2) A Santiwati
21 Padmakirti Vihara Kamalpokhari
1) A Kamala 2) A Karunavati
3) A Pabbhavati 4) A Dhyanavati
5) A Bhavanavati
22 Prajnanandarama Okubahal-Patan
1) Anagarika Jnanavati
23 Pranidhipurna Mahavihara Balambu
1) A Mudita 2) A Chandrashila bdquoB‟
24 SangharakshitaVihara Patan
1) Anagarika Abhaya 2) A Chandrashila
3) A Shilachari
25 Shanti Sukhavasa Chakupat-Patan
1) A Utpalavarna (Chini)
26 Shree Kirti Vihara Kirtipur
1) Anagarika Mina
27 SunandaramaThaina-Patan
1) A Madhavi 2) AMasukhi
3) A Mashobha 4) A Mashraddha
5) A Masudha
28 Sulakshanakirti Viahara Kirtipur
1) A Anoja 2) A Atula
3) A Anula
29 Sangharama ViharaDhalko-KTM
1) Anagarika Dharmarakshita
30 Vishwashanti Vihara New Baneshwar
1) A Shubha 2) A Khema
3) A Sudhamma
31 Vishwashanti Dharmakirti Vihara Basundhara
1) A Dhajavati (Kusum) 2) A Padmavati
3) A Bhadravati
32 Residing other Anagarikas
1) Anagarika Chandrajnani Patan
2) A Sraddhavati Shankhamul
3) A Amaravati Patan
4) A Dhammachari Patan
5) A Nanda Thasi
Some Prominent Personalities in the Theravada Movement1
Sanghamahanayakas of Nepal
1 Ven Pragyanand Mahasthavir 1930 ndash 1993 AD
2 Ven Sakyananda Mahasthavir 1993 - 1997 AD
3 Ven Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1997 - 2002 AD
4 Ven Subodhananda Mahasthavir 2002 - 2006 AD
5 Ven Buddhaghosa Mahasthavir 2006-
Amritananda Bhikkhu (1918-1990) original name Lal Kaji Sakya from Tansen
west Nepal he ordain as a novice in 1936 from ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara He studies and was ordained a monk in Sri Lanka in 1940 He
return to Nepal in 1942 and preached first publicly in Kathmandu He
formed Dharmodaya Sabha in 1944 and All Nepal Bhikkhu Mahasangha in
1951 and remained its unchallenged leader until his death He was well
known and traveled widely outside of Nepal because of his dynamism and
charisma He was also one of the greatest Buddhist scholars and writers of
Nepal
Aniruddha Bhikkhu (1915-2003) original name Gaja Ratna Tuladhar son of
Dasa Ratna Sahu (Later Ven Dhammaloka) He went to Sri Lanka in 1930
and ordained as samanera and studied there He had served many years in
Lumbini and third Sanghanayaka of Nepal
1 Sarah Levine and David N Gellner Rebuilding Buddhism The Theravada Movement in
Twentieth Century Nepal (UK Harvard University Press 2006) pp 293-296
Ashwaghosh Bhikkhu (1926- present) original name Buddha Ratna Sakya and
became a novice in 1944 and went to Sri Lanka for study where he took
higher ordination in 1949 he is known as bdquothe communist monk‟ and was a
nominee of the Unified Marxist-Leninist party one of Nepal‟s two main
political parites in the 1990s to the Upper House 1993-5 He had
established nepal‟s first Bhikkhu Training Center at Sangharama Dhalko
and became abbot of this vihara Presently he is abbot of Shrigha Vihara in
Kathmandu and of Dyanakuti Vihara Banepa
Buddhaghosh Bhikkhu (1921- present day) original name Sapta Ratna
Vajracharya in Kwa Baha Kathamandu The founder of Pariyatti Education
in Nepal and presently acting Sanghanayaka of Nepal (2006) and abbot of
Sri Sumangala Vihara in Lalitpur
Chandramani Bhikkhu (1876-1972) a Burmese monk who spent his life in
Kusinagara where he worked for the propagation of Buddhism until his
death He initiated with most of the early Nepalese Theravadins Monks and
Nuns He was the first president of Dharmodaya Sabha and father of
Theravadins of Nepal
Dharmachari Anagarika (1898-1978) born Laxmi Nani Tuladhar she
impressed by Ven Pragyananda in Kindol Vihara and took the precepts
from Chandramani in Kusinagara in 1934 and most prominent Nepali nun
She founded the first nunnery in Nepal at Kindol Vihara in 1947
Dhammaloka Bhikkhu (1891-1977) born Das Ratna Tuladhar Asan
kathamandu He traded in Lhasha went to Sri Lanka and taught Buddhism
as a layman Later became a monk in 1932 after his son Aniruddha ordain
in 1930 he established nepal‟s first Theravādin Vihara bdquoAnanda Kuti
Vihar‟ in Kathmandu
Dhammawati Anagarika (1925- present day) born as Ganesh Kumari Sakya in
Uku Baha lalitpur She ordain too precepts from Ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara and renamed as Dhammavati in 1950 She went to Burma for
study and return in 1963 after passed the Dhammacariya Examination She
was able to established Dhammakirti Nunnery Centre in 1965 and leader of
the Theravādin Nuns She has been re-ordained as Bhikkhuni according to
Mahayana tradition
Dharmaditya Dharmacharya (1902-1963) born as Jagat Man Vaidya in Chika
Bahi Lalitpur and the first Newar Buddhist modernist and the first newar
cultural nationalist He went to study in Calcutta where he became a
follower of anagarika Dhammapala the founder of Maha Bodhi Society
He had formed Buddhist revival foundation and published Buddhist
magazines etc
Nyanpurnika Bhikkhu (1936- present day) Born as Hera Lal Sakya in Tansen
He studied with Buddhaghosh in Lalitpur in Burma and in England He is
only monk who passed Dhammacariya examination of Burma He was the
founder of Vishwa Shanti Vihara and Vishwa Shanti Bauddha sikkyalaya
where train novices He is a prominent translator and writer
Kumar Kashyap Bhikkhu (1926- present day) born as Krishna Man Sakya he
was one of those who exiled to India by the Ranas in 1944 He went to
Study in Sri Lanka and hold nepal‟s first bdquoTripitaka acarya‟ Presently he is
president of All Nepal Bhikkhu Association and abbot of Ananda Kuti
Vihara
Mahapragya Bhikkhu (1901-1979) born Prem Bahadur (Nani Kaji ) Shrestha
He ordained into Tibetan tradition but exiled in 1926 and reordained as
novice in Theravada tradition one of the earlier Theravādin monks He
return to householderhood in Kalimpong in 1940s but then returned to
Kathmandu as a Buddhist sage (Bauddha Rishi) in the 1960s where he
taught until his death
Pragyananda Bhikkhu (1900-1993) born as Kul Man Singh Tuladhar in Itum
Baha Kathmandu a trader in Tibet where he met Ven Mahapragya and
impressed by him to ordained He became a Tibetan Gelung Karmasheel in
1928 and two years later a Theravādin under Ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara in 1930 He was nepal‟s first Sanghamahanayaka and well
respected monk
Shakyananda Bhikkhu (1909-1997) born as Chakra Dhan Sakya in Taksar
Bhojpur East Nepal He spent over forty years as a monk in Tansen outside
the Kathmandu and second sanghamahanayaka of Nepal
Subodhanand Bhikkhu (1916-2006) bor as Kul Raj Sakya in Taksar Bhojpur
East Nepal He was one of the monks exiled by the Ranas in 1944 He was
a prolific composer of Hymns in Nepal Bhasa In 2003 as the most senior
monk in Nepal he was the fourth Sanghanayaka of Nepal
Sudarshan Bhikkhu (1934-2002) born as Rudra Raj Sakya in Uku Baha
lalitpur He was famous a bdquothe boy monk‟ For many years he was a lecturer
in the culture Department of Tribhuvan University a prolific writer
preacher and abbot of Sri Kirti Vihara Kirtipur which is became multi-
cultural center and especially for Buddhist meetings and conferences He
was jailed for some months for Nepal Bhasa activities in the Panchayat
period He was a campaigner on Buddhist issues particularly to do with
Lumbini
Sumangal Bhikkhu (1929-1999) born Bhakta Krishna Shilpakar in Lalitpur He
was famous as ldquoDollar bhanterdquo He ordained in 1959 in Burma obtained a
master‟s degree in Buddhism from Rissho University Japan in 1972 and
was among the first monks to mobilize international connections for
Buddhist projects in Nepal He established Buddha Vihara in Bhrikuti
Mandap Kathmandu He helped raise funds from Thailand and Japan for
IBMc (1985) brought the Japanese healing movement Sei Mei Kyo to
Nepal and in 1993 opened an old people‟s home in Banepa
Glimpse of Theravādin activities in Nepal
Samanera ordination at Muni Vihara
Ordination Ceremony at Vishwa Shanti Vihara
Collecting Alms
Chanting Paritta in devotee‟s home
Giving Holy Thread to Devotees
Buddhist Art in Nepal
Main Buddha Image at Sri Kirti Vihara
Four holy places
Some of the Theravada Buddhist Viharas (Monasteries) in Nepal
Vihars In Kathmandu Valley Telephone No
1 Amarapura Buddha Vihar Bungamati 5551068
2 Anandakuti Vihar Swayambhu 4271420
3 Anandabhuwan Vihar Bhuikhyo 4270429
4 Ganamaha vihar Ganabaha 4253454
5 Gautam Buddha Vihar Panga co 4330576
6 Caturbrahma Vihar Matatirtha 4310558
7 Carumati Vihar Cabahil 4469897
8 Baudhajana Vihar Sunakothi co 5570209
9 Jitapur Gandhakuti Vihar khona Co 5542846
10 Jitawan Vihar Thankot 4311912
11 Jyoti udaya vihar Capagaun Co 5571459
12 Dhammavasa Vihar Khusibun 4358688
13 Dharmakirti Vihar Srigha Naghal 4259466
14 Dharmacakra vihar Bagbajar 4261976
15 Nagar Mandap Sri Kirti Vihar Kirtipur 4330836
16 Nagadesh Buddha Vihar Nagadesh Co 6635397
17 Nirvanmurti Anagarikaram Kindol 4285811
18 Padmasugandha Vihar Manjeshwori 4266255
19 Pranidhi Purna Mahavihar Balambu 43105924312455
20 Pati Vihar Thimi Co 6637601
21 Pippali Theravad Buddha Vihar Shiphal 4475066
22 Punya Udaya Vihar Jala Harisiddhi Co 5527456
23 Buddhabhoomi Mahavihar Tokha 4362514
24 Buddha Vihar Bhrikuti mandapa 4226702
25 Buddharatna Vihar Putalisadak 4244277
26 Bauddha samakrit Vihar Bhaktapur 6610842
27 Manimandap Vihar Patko Bhaktapur 5526517
28 Muni Vihar Bhaktapur 6616464
29 Yampi Mahavihar Ibahi Lalitpur 5539644
30 Yashodhara Baudha Bidyalaya Thaina Lalitpur 5521435
31 Biswo Shanti Vihar Baneshwor 4482384
32 Biswo Shanti Dharmakirti vihar Basundhara 4354251
33 Beluvanarama Vihar Theco Co 5570062
34 Sakyasingha Vihar Thaina Lalitpur 5524760
35 Santi Sukhawas Cakupat co 5523613
36 Siddhimangal Buddha Vihar Thasi 5581495
37 Sumangala Vihara Lagankhel 5531715
38 Sulakshan kirti Vihar Chobhar 4331718
39 Suwanrna Chatrapur Vihar Lubhu 5580430
40 Sangharama Vihar Dhalko Visnumati 4255960
41 Srigha Vihar Nagal 4259110
Vihars out side the Kathamandu Velley Telephone No
1 Ananda Vihar Tansen Co 075-520225520216
2 Citravan Vihar Narayangadha Co 056-521478
3 Taksar Vihar Tansen Co 075-520024
4 Dharmashila Buddha Vihar Phokhara 061-520517
5 Dyankuti Banepa Banepa 011-661244
6 Padma Chaitya Vihar Butawal 071-546470
7 Purwarama Vihar Dhulikhel 011-661979
8 Pragya Mahavihar Hetauda Co 057-520264520136
9 Buddha Vihar Dharan 025-520354
10 Buddha Vihar Biratnagar Co 021-522146530604
11 Beni Buddha Vihar Myagdi Co 069-520354
12 Bodhicharya vihar Banepa 011-661789
13 Lokachakra Buddha Vihar Dhan gadhi 091-622174
14 Sakyamuni Vihar Bhojpur Co 029-420260
15 Sugatapur Vihar Trisuli Co 010-560153
16 Sugandha Vihar Ridi Gulmi Co 079-529435
17 Swoyambhu Chetya Buddha Vihar Urlabari Co 021-540080
18 Swoyambhu Chetya Mahavihar Dharan Co 025-520190
19 Gyanodaya Buddha Vihar Baglung Co 068-520921520336
Footnotes
[1] This paper was written as a part of my MA thesis research on bdquoThe
Revival of Theravada Buddhism and its contribution to Nepalese Society‟ of
Mahachulalongkorn University Bangkok Thailand and would like to thank Mr
Dharma Sakya for every suggestion editing and help for the completion of this
article
[2] Nyanatiloka Buddhist Dictionary 3
rd ed The Free Distribution
version the Corporate Body of the Buddha education foundation Taiwan p
179
[3] Triratna Manandhar bdquoPresent of Buddhism in Nepal‟ (Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK Vol 8 May 2005) p 15
[4] helliphelliphelliphellip The New Encyclopedia of Britannica Vol24 (USA
Library of Congress Catalog 1993) p 781 Dhanabajra Vajracharya Cabahilko
Abhilekha (Inscription of Cabahil) The Charumati Voice (Kath Charumati
Buddhist Mission 2001) pp 17-20 Bhikkhu Sudarsan Mahasthavira Nepal
Upatyaka ma Ashokaki Chori Charumati (Charumati A daughter of
Ashoka in Nepal Valley) (The Charumati Vocie (Kath Charumati Buddhist
Mission 2001) p 20
[5] Beal Samuel Si Yu Ri Buddhist Records of the Western World
(New Delhi Motilal Banarsidass Publishers 1994) pp 80-81 Bhuwan Lal
Pradhan Nepalama Buddhadharma (Kath Nepal Rajkiya Pragyapratisthana
1988) pp 102 ndash 103
[6] NB Thapa A Short History of Nepal (Kath Ratna Pustak
bhandhar Nd) pp 30-33 Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ The
Nation Thailand‟s English Newspaper (Sunday special) Oct 18 1987
[7] Opcit NB Thapa p116
[8] David N Gellner Monk Householder and Tantric Priest Newar
Buddhism and its Hierarchy of Ritual (Cambridge University Press 1996) pp
41ff
[9] Bechert Heinz amp Jens-Uwe Hartmann ldquoObservation on the reform
of Buddhism in Nepalrdquo Journal of Nepal Research Centre vol VIII Kath
Kantipur Printing Press1988p 6
[10] Ria Kloppenborg Theravada Buddhism in Nepal‟ Kailash A
Journal of Himalayan Studies Vol 5 no 41977 p 302
[11] BP Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada Gukathan Wagu Kha (Kath
Hisi Press Nepal BS 20421985) pp44ff
[12] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p47ff
[13] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 51-53 Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal (BKK A Thesis of MA Mahamakut Graduate School
2001) p 97
[14] Bhikshu Sudarshan Mahasthavir bdquoRole of Theravada in the
Preservation of Newar Buddhism‟ wwwircnepalorgpapers
[15] Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 69-72
[16] Opcit Observation on the reform of Buddhism in Nepal p10ff
[17] Opcit Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ RV
Vandya Sanghanayaka Venerable Pragnananda Mahasthavir (Kath Nepal
Co-operative Press 1978) pp 11ff
[18] Bhkkhu Dharmaloka Mahasthavir A Pilgrimage in China (kath
published by Bhikkhu Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1999) p 13-15 Opcit Lacoul
Nepalay Sthavirvada p 74-75
[19] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka p 15
[20] Opcit Bhikkhu dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp16ff
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p100
[21] Ibit Bhikkhu Dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp 27-29
[22] See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A Homage
(Kath Anandakuti Vihar Trust 1992) Kuladharma Ratna Tuladhar Buddhism
in Nepal (Kath Dharmodaya Sabha 1986) pp15 Opcit Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 100
[23] Opcit K R Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal 16 RV Vandya
Sanghanayaka ven Pragnananda p 32 ff
[24] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka Pragnananda pp 34-35
Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthavirvada p 86
[25] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 18 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 101
[26] Bhikkhu Amritananda Mahasthavir A Short History of Theravada
Buddhism in Modern Nepal (Kath Anandakuti Vihar trust 1986) pp 8-9
Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir (Kath Anandakuti
Vihar Trust 1992) p 25
[27] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 19 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[28] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[29] Opcit Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir
p 26
[30] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit KR
Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 20
[31] Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha in Nepal
(BKK A Thesis of MA Buddhist Study Mahachulalongkorn University 2547)
p 23 [32]
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit Ratna
Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir p 26
[33] Amrit R Sthapit bdquowho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Aswaghosha‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 4 no 1 May 2001
p8
[34] helliphelliphelliphelliphellip bdquoWho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Nyanapurninka Mahasthavir‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 7
no 1 May 2004 p13 Viswo Shanti Vihar The Shanti Sandesh (Kath Viswo
Shanti Vihar 1998)
[35] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sumangala Mahasthavir
A monk who modernized Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the
LNBDS UK vol 2 no 1 May 1999 p10
[36] Opcit Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha
in Nepal pp 52ff
[37] Rina Tuladhara Dharmakirti 25 Years of Dharmakirti Buddhist
Study Circle A Glimpse (Kath Dharmakirti Vihar 1996) Mallika Sakya
bdquoWho is Who in Nepalese Buddhism Dhammavati Guruma‟ Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 5 no 1 May 2002 p10
[38] Opcit See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A
Homage Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 108
[39] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sudarshan Mahasthavir A
Gem of the Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol
6 no 1 May 2003 p13
21
Nepal who were studying abroad also came back and joined him and
gave public discourses in different places of Kathmandu valley[23]
This
was a great breakthrough during isolationist Rana government Rana
government of the time banned any public assembly because of fear of
political unrest and demand for political reform in Nepal Because of
their religious activities they were arrested on 30th
July 1944 and
brought in front of then Prime Minister Juddha Shamsher Jung Bahadur
Rana for giving verdict on the charges of propagating the dhamma He
made rules to curtail the Buddhist activities Those who didn‟t follow
these rules were asked either to leave the country or return to worldly
life All the respected monks who were active in revival of Theravada
in Nepal refused to obey the order and were exiled once again from
Nepal The exiled monks this time included Ven Pragnananda Ven
Dharmaloka Ven Subhodhananda Ven Pragnarashmi Samanera
Pragnarasa Samanera Ratnajyoti Samanera Agga Dhamma and
Samanera Kumar The nuns were allowed to remain in the Vihar until
the end of the Vassavasa[24]
22
Development of Theravada Buddhism
The exiled monks formed bdquoDharmodaya Sabha‟ - Nepal‟s first
Buddhist organization with the help of other Buddhist organizations
and individuals on 30th
November 1944 in India under the
chairmanship of Ven U Chandramani Ven Amritananda was its
general secretary[25]
Immediately after establishment of bdquoDharmodaya
Sabha‟ Ven Amritananda wrote a protest letter to Nepalese
government and also appealed to other Buddhist organizations on
behalf of Dharmodaya Sabha He visited many places and various
countries to get support against the expulsion of Buddhist monks from
modern Nepal One of the countries he visited and undertook further
studies was Sri Lanka In Sri Lanka he also succeeded in bringing a
goodwill mission to Nepal in 1946 under the leadership of well-known
scholar Ven Narada Mahasthavir of Vajiraramaya Colombo The
members of this mission consisted of Ven Narada Ven Amritananda
Ven Priyadarshi Dr Ratna Surya and Prof Aryapal They were able
to meet the newly appointed Prime Minister Padma Shumsher J Rana
Ven Amritananda and leader of the mission Ven Narada requested his
23
Excellency to give permission for the exiled monks to return to Nepal
Prime Minister Padma Shamsher accepted their request and permitted
the exiled monks to return Ven Dharmaloka was the first one to come
back to Nepal immediately after receiving a letter from Ven
Amritananda and arrived in Kathmandu in June 1946 (Jesth Sukla 6
2003)[26]
Other monks also returned one by one and again started
propagating Theravada Buddhism in modern Nepal Ven Narada
visited Nepal three times and constructed a Sri Lankan Cetiya at
Anandakuti Vihar He brought a branch of Bodhi tree Buddha‟s relic
to Nepal He also established the first Sima (Uposatha) of Nepal for
Bhikkhus at the Vihara During his third visit he met then Prime
Minister Mohana Shamasher J Rana and requested him to declare
Baisakh Purnima or Buddha Day as a public holiday His Excellency
agreed and declared it as a public holiday for the Buddhist government
civil officers[27]
Since then Theravada Buddhism gained ground in
Nepalese society and made progress Theravada monks propagated
Buddhism by performing ceremonies giving Dharmadesana and
publishing Buddhist texts Many Viharas were built in and outside the
Kathmandu valley to propagate dhamma
24
In 1950 democracy replaced autocratic Rana regime under the
leadership of H M King Tribhuvan This heralded rapid development
of Theravada Buddhism Buddhist monks and nuns were able carry out
their duties freely without hindrances throughout the country The
office of bdquoDharmodaya Sabha‟ shifted from Kalimpong to Kathmandu
after the advent of democracy in 19501 In 1951 Bhikkhu Sangha led
by Ven Amritananda formed lsquoAkhil Nepal Bhikkhu Sangharsquo (All
Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha Council) for the further propagation of
Buddhism in Nepal Ven Amritananda played a great role in
propagation of Theravada Buddhism nationwide His close relationship
with their Majesties helped in his activities[28]
He visited many
countries on behalf of All Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha and Dharmodaya
Sabha In the same year Buddhists of Nepal succeeded in bringing the
relics of Ven Sariputta (Ven Sariputra) and Ven Maudhgalyana
(Ven Moggallana) the foremost disciples of the Buddha for the
exhibition in Nepal His Majesty King Tribhuvan chaired the reception
committee and a reception party was held in the Royal Palace[29]
Following year in 1952 Buddha Jayanti was celebrated throughout the
country with the support of HM King Tribhuvan On this occasion
25
HM King declared Baisakh Purnima or Buddha Jayanti day as a
public holiday throughout the kingdom[30]
In 1956 His late Majesty King Mahendra visited Lumbini the
birthplace of the Buddha and erected a Mahendra Pillar in Lumbini
zone In the same year during 2500th
Buddha Jayanti celebration HM
king banned animal slaughter on this auspicious day throughout the
kingdom[31]
Nepalese Buddhists led by All Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha
Council and Dharmodaya Sabha also organized the Fourth World
Fellowship of Buddhist Conference (WFB) in Kathmandu on this
year[32]
His Majesty‟s government cooperated fully and gave every
assistance for the success of the conference Gradually Theravada
Buddhist monasteries were founded Buddhist Education Buddhapuja
meditation public discourses publications of Buddhist texts and mass
ordination etc took place as a part of dhamma activities Burma Sri
Lanka Thailand and other countries helped Nepal in its effort for
Theravada revival Soon after Theravada Buddhist monks established
the first Bhikkhu training center- Sangharama Vihar and ordained
number of novices under the leadership of Ven Ashogosha
Mahasthavir[33]
Following their ordination they were sent to Sri
26
Lanka Burma and Thailand for their higher ordination and education
Many of these monks have returned to Nepal and are actively engaged
in propagation of dhamma Besides ordination of individual novices
mass ordinations for short periods were also held in different temple
After Anandakuti Vihar the Viswasanti Vihara also established
Vishwa Shanti Bauddha Shikshalaya a Buddhist School under Ven
Nyanapunnika Mahathavir[34]
It teaches both national and Buddhist
curriculum to the novices Now there are nearly 100 Theravada
temples more than four hundred monks and Samaneras and nearly 400
nuns in the country Present Sangha Nayaka is Most Ven
Subodhananda of Gana Mahavihara Kathmandu President of All
Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha is Kumar Kashyapa of Ananda Kuti Vihar
Swayambhu Kathmandu and the head office of All Nepal Bhikkhu
Sangha is in Viswo Santi Vihara New Baneshwor Kathmandu
27
Contribution to Nepalese society
Besides promoting Dhamma Theravada monks and nuns
(Anagarikas) are also involved in other welfare activities like
organising free health camps training centers either in the monasteries
or outside the monasteries They also founded center for old age and
Kindergarten Late Ven Sumangala Mahasthavira[35]
initiated free
clinic at Buddha Vihar a Buddhist home for the elderly at Benepa and
a Buddhist Kindergarten Free Clinics were popular because of lack of
adequate government run clinics in Nepal Many monasteries
organized free clinics Regular clinics like eye and Homeopathic were
run either on weekly or monthly basis Annual campaigns are also run
when it was felt necessary
In 1964 All Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha established a Theravada
education system Pariyatti Sikkha or Nepal Bauddha Pariyatti Siksa
(Buddhist Saturday School) Classes are run in Theravada Buddhist
monasteries Tibetan monasteries other Buddhist centers in public and
private schools There are more than 32 centers throughout the
28
country[36]
Presently its head office is at Viswo Santi Vihara in New
Baneswora Kathmandu
Besides Pariyatti Sikkha Ven Amritananda founded a
Buddhist school - bdquoAnandakuti Vidyapith Boarding School‟ and a
college- bdquoSiddharth Science Campus‟ Both Buddhist monks and lay
people used to teach in these institutions It was started as a Buddhist
school but for some reason it has become a private enterprise Besides
these many monks and nuns are also running other educational
institutions like bdquoNursery school (Siddhartha Shisu Niketan Buddha
Vihar) Primary school (Triple Gem Boarding School) and Higher
Schools There are some Higher Education institutes like Siddharth
University in Banepa International Buddhist University in Lumbini
etc Many Buddhist organizations were founded and they were also
running different classes and research centers like Dharmakirti
Buddhist Research Center Anagarika Dhammavati founded this centre
Later on Anagarika Dhammavati was ordained as Bhikkhuni
according to Taiwanese tradition She is one of the well-known nuns in
the Theravada Buddhism in Nepal[37]
29
The Buddhist temples and organizations bring out number of
publications annually monthly weekly and on special occasions
Dharmodaya Anandabhumi and Dharmakirti are the oldest
Buddhist journals in Nepal and still continued to be published
Ven Amritananda was one of the greatest Buddhist scholars of
Nepal He wrote and translated many books on Buddhism There are
still no other monks or nun in Nepal who can be compared with
him[38]
Late Ven Sudharsan Mahasthavir came close to him Ven
Sudharsan was a pillar of Theravada Buddhism after Ven
Amritananda He was famous for different reason His field of interest
beside dhamma work consisted literature language Archaeology etc
He was a resident monk at Srikirti Vihar Kirtipur and held the post of
professor in History Archaeology and Buddhist philosophy at
Tribhuvan University until his death in July 2002 Some of his books in
Buddhism became course book for BA and MA students in Nepal
He had special interest in archaeology of Lumbini and was an expert on
this subject[39]
30
Revival of Theravada Buddhism in Nepal also had profound
effect in cultural and religious way of life of Nepalese Daily chanting
or Buddhapuja short term ordination observing Sila (Moral code)
caste system celebration of Vesak day celibate life were introduced
In the month of Bhadra or Gunla days (AugustSeptember) Buddhist
hymns are chanted and public discourses are given
Late Ven Sudharshan Mahasthavir formed Sri Kirti Buddhist
center at Sri Kirti Vihar with the aim of introducing Buddhism to other
ethnic groups other than Newars- the original inhabitants of Katmandu
valley This project succeeded in bringing other ethic groups into
Theravada Buddhism As a result of this many ethnic groups who were
originally Buddhists have started organizing Buddhist conferences and
Buddhist activities Another important development is formation of
Gyanmala Bhajan Khala - a Buddhist hymn group This group sings
regularly especially during certain auspicious days at Swayambhu and
other Buddhist sites The songs they sing are based on Buddha‟s
teaching and has been successful in promoting Buddhism in simple
melodious hymns which attracts many people who visits these
religious places
31
Theravadin in Nepalese Society
For centuries Nepalese were aware of only Buddhist priest
(Bajracharya) from Newar Buddhism (Vajrayana) and Tibetan Lamas
They were unaware of Theravadian Buddhist monks and nuns
Bajracharyas are household monks They lead domestic lives and are
not celibate Not all Tibetan monks are celibate It depends on the
school they belong to For example monks from Sakya School of
Tibetan tradition do not have to be celibate Theravada monks wear
distinctive saffron coloured robes They are celibate and lead virtuous
monastic life These monks and nuns have different identity in the eyes
of Nepalese especially the inhabitants of Kathmandu valley Their
simple way of life their full dedication in their work for the benefit of
mankind easily understood Theravada Scriptures translated in different
languages eg in Nepal Bhasa (Newari) Nepali in Hindi and in
English for easy accessibility by different groups helped to gain the
heart of Nepalese people Although many lay people have played
pivotal roles in revival of Theravada Buddhism in Nepal the leadership
32
of monks and nuns were vital in further development and survival of
this tradition
The lay Buddhists of Nepal are pluralistic They participate in
Buddhist ceremonies such as Vesak day daily chanting etc At the
same time they also follow Hindu customs in their daily lives
Buddhism is different from Hinduism and it is not a branch of
Hinduism Hindus believe that Buddha was a reincarnation of Lord
Vishnu Buddha never claimed to be anything other than a human
being ndash although a unique one in the history of mankind
Buddhism in Nepal is unique because of existence of three
different Buddhist traditions - Newar Buddhism (Vajrayana)
Tibetan Buddhism (Mahayana) and Theravada Buddhism
Different Buddhist groups practised different traditions Although the
principle underlying all these traditions is the same they differ in
details Theravada Buddhist tradition is different from Tibetan or
Newar Buddhist traditions but it is developing side-by-side with them
It was not possible for Theravada Buddhism to develop in Nepal
without close co-relation with other traditions but later developed on its
own right These various Buddhist traditions are coexisting in present
33
day Nepal Although they have different cultural traditions and are
developing in their own ways but the followers are the same
Therefore there is no separate identity of Theravadian lay Buddhists
There are number of lay Buddhist organizations such as Dharmodaya
Sabha Dharmakirti Institute Young Buddhist Associations Female
Buddhist Associations more recently Sukhi Hotu Nepal which are
playing important role in promotion of Buddha Dhamma but they are
multi-cultural and multi religious in their daily practices
CONCLUSION
Theravada Buddhism was introduced to Nepal at the time when
public meetings were banned It faced many obstacles at the beginning
Strong dedications of monks and nuns made it possible for its revival in
Nepal after many centuries of neglect Even though the revival
movement of this tradition was started only about 80 years ago it has
already gained strong foot hold in Nepal and gaining popularity day by
day The reason for its popularity lies in many things - the simple and
easily understood way the teachings were given the simple way of life
of monks and nuns lead and various beneficial activities undertaken by
34
Viharas Theravadin Buddhist monks and nuns are well accepted by
people and their contribution in promoting Buddha‟s teachings is
widely recognized Although small in number in comparison to other
Asian countries like Thailand Sri Lanka and Burma both the number
of monks and nuns and monasteries of this tradition are increasing day
by day If this trend continues it will become one of the prominent
religious traditions in Nepal It is only natural that this oldest Buddhist
tradition should gain its place of honour it deserve in a country where
the founder of the religion was born
35
Theravada Records in Nepal
List of Monks Novices and Anagarikas studying abroad
MONKS AND NOVICES
I Thailand
1 Bhikkhu Anil Man Dhammasakiyo (Sugandha)
2 Bhikkhu Vipassi Dhammaramo
3 Bhikkhu Jit Bahadur Gurung
4 Bhikkhu Krishna Thapamagar
5 Bhikkhu Pannamurti
6 Bhikkhu Sujan Sujano
7 Bhikkhu Anil Sumankitti
8 Bhikkhu Santosh Santosho
9 Bhikkhu Khemik Suddhasilo
10 Bhikkhu Suman Rocano
11 Bhikkhu Sanu Maharajano
12 Bhikkhu Santamano Dhwajjoshi
13 Bhikkhu Suman Dhwajjoshi
14 Bhikkhu Bijit Khemasakko
15 Bhikkhu Supreme Shakyavanso
Samaneras
1 Samanera Buddharatna Maharjan
2 Samanera Dhammaratna Maharjan
3 Samanera Bipin Maharjan
4 Samanera Prajwal Shakya
5 Samanera Ukesh Sakya
6 Samanera Gopi Maharjan
7 Samanera Sudip Deshar
8 Samanera Sudat Deshar
9 Samanera Deepi Maharjan
10 Samanera Ramit Shrestha
11 Samanera Anup Deshar
12 Samanera Suman Bajracharya bdquoA‟
13 Samanera Rajendra Deshar
14 Samanera Kapila Maharjan
15 Samanera Arbin Shakya
36
16 Samanera Kabindra Bajracharya
17 Samanera Ujjawal Shakya
18 Samanera Satish Shakya
19 Samanera Bimal Gurung
20 Samanera Surya Gurung
21 Samanera Sameer Maharjan
22 Samanera Anup Shakya
23 Samanera Arjun Magar
24 Samanera Kiran Desahar
25 Samanera Dipesh Shrestha
26 Samanera Tejendra Tamang
27 Samanera Ashim Shakya
28 Samanera Jalap Bajracharya
29 Samanera Arya Dev Bajracharya
30 Samanera Sudarshan Maharjan
31 Samanera Sangharatna
32 Samanera Suman Bajracharya bdquoB‟
33 Samanera Kijan Maharjan
34 Samanera Ramesh Maharjan
35 Samanera Niroj Maharjan
36 Samanera Jen Maharjan
37 Samanera Denish Bajracharya
38 Samanera Pritam Bahadur Shakya
39 Samanera Abhishek Shakya
40 Samanera Bishal Shakya
41 Samanera Sajal Shakya
42 Samanera Suraj Bhakta Shrestha
43 Samanera Dinesh Chaudhary
44 Samanera Shiv Swatantra Tharu
45 Samanera Sambhu Lal Khang
46 Samanera Buddharatna Chaudhary
47 Samanera Mukesh Chaudhary
II Myanmar (Burma)
Bhikkhu Samaneras
1 Bhikkhu Panavimala
2 Bhikkhu Dhyanratna
3 Bhikkhu Adiccho
4 Bhikkhu Vimalbuddhi
5 Bhikkhu Shobhan
6 Samanera Amato
7 Samanera Jutimma
8 Samanera Buddhapiyo
9 Samanera Kavindo
10 Samanera Nagasena
11 Samanera Gyanavudho
III Taiwan(ROC) 1 Bhikkhu Mangala 2 Bhikkhu Vazirbuddhi
IV Australia 1 Bhikkhu Upatissa
V India
1 Bhikkhu Dharmajyoti 2 Bhikkhu Ashokakirti
3 Bhikkhu Narawang Tamang
VI United kingdom 1 Bhikkhu Suman
VII USA 1 Bhikkhu Pragnaloka
VIII Sri Lanka
Bhikkhus
Bhikkhu Nanda
Bhikkhu Vineeta
Bhikkhu Ashoka
Bhikkhu Triratna
Bhikkhu Sagara
Bhikkhu Sankicca
Bhikkhu Vajirasiri
Bhikkhu Sarada
Bhikkhu Veenit
Bhikkhu Ratana
Bhikkhu Tissa
Bhikkhu Vajira
Bhikkhu Pannawimal
Bhikkhu Medhankar
Bhikkhu Pannasara
SARAMANERAS
Saranankara
Piyadassi
Dil Bhadra
Chandima
Samita
Narada bdquoA‟
Piyaratna
Kusala
Lakkhana
Udit
Vibekanada
Pannananda
Mettananda
Chandananda
Yassari
Upali
Subodhi
Mahanama
Kashyapa
Dhammapala
Narada bdquoB‟
Nalaka bdquoA‟
Daywasa
Santa Sobhana
Santa Siddhartha
Santa Maitri
Santa Kosala
Santa Sakya
Suvaca
Sukama Sila
Siddhartha
Nanda bdquoA‟
Rahula
Sudheera
Kosala Dheera
Panna Wansa
Jina Wansa
Mahinda
Nanda bdquoB‟
Seewali
Mahapantha
Assaji
Sarada
Sumana
Ananda
Nalaka bdquoB‟
Aloka
Suwarna
Subodh
Udena
Sangharatna bdquoA‟
Gyanendra
Khema
Soma bdquoA‟
Punna
Panna Ransi
Soma bdquoB‟
Santa bdquoA‟
Kapila Wansa
Asita Wansa
Sumanananda bdquoa‟
Vijitananda
Khemananda
Silananda
Medhananda
Somaratna
Soratha
Pragyananda
Sumangala
Santa Citta
Yasa
Dhamma Kitti
Panna Kitti
Santa Dheera
Vijitananda
Sumanananda bdquob‟
Vajra Bodhi
Dhammika
Santa bdquoB‟
Anuruddha
Sumana bdquoB‟
Jinavamsa
Panna Vansa
Buddha Ratna
Dhamma Ratna
Ariya Ratna
Piyadassi bdquoB‟
Sila Ratna
Sangha Ratna bdquoB‟
List of Anagarikas studying in abroad
I Thailand
1 Anagarika Sirisuta Maharjan
2 Anagarika Ramsobha Shrestha
3 Anagarika Sunita Napit
II Myanmar
1 Anagarika Javanvati
2 Anagarika Vimalajnani
3 Anagarika Ambika
4 Anagarika Buddhapali
5 Anagarika Darshana
6 Anagarika Agrajnani
7 Anagarika Nandavati
bdquob‟
III India 1 Anagarika Rupashila
IV Taiwan
1 Anagarika Pannavati
2 Anagarika Sani
3 Anagarika Nima
V Sri Lanka
1 Anagarika Pannawati
2 Anagarika Mettawati
3 Anagarika Keshawati
4 Anagarika Prasnnawati
5 Anagarika Sukhawati
6 Anagarika Shobhawati
7 Anagarika Subhadra
8 Anagarika
Shraddhagautami
9 Anagarika Upananda
10 Anagarika Shantawati
11 Anagarika Suciwati
Residences of Theravādin Monks in Nepal
01 Abhinava Buddha Vihara Lumbini
1) Bhikkhu Vimalananda Mahathera
2) Samanera Sunanda
02 Anandakut Vihara Swayambhu Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Kumara Kassapa Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Dharmamurti 3) Samanera Kondanya
4) S Prajnaratna 5) S Asoka
6) S Kumarjeeva 7) S Assaji
03 Bauddha Samaskrita Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Bhikkhu Dharmashobhana Mahathera
04 Bodhicharya Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Bodhisena Mahathera
2) Samanera Bodhideepa
05 Buddha Vihara Bhrikuti Mandap-Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Kondanya 2) Bhikkhu Sushil
3) Samanera Anuyoga 3) S Javana
4) S Udena
06 Buddha Vihara Biratnagar
1) Bhikkhu Aloka
07 Buddha Vihara Dharan
1) Bhikkhu Maitri (Tamang)
2) Bhikkhu Chhavikirti
08 Chatubrahma Vihara Matatirtha
1) Bhikkhu Thansettho
2) Bhikkhu Samyakaratna
3) Bhikkhu Bodhananda
9 Charumati Stupa Vihara Chabahil Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Tapassi Dhamma
10 Dharmacakra Ashrama Bagbazar
1) Bhikkhu Milinda
11 Dharmashila Buddha Vihara Pokhara
1) Bhikkhu Subhadda 2) Bhikkhu Saddhananda
12 Dhyanakuti Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Ashwaghosha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Rahul 3) Samanera Gautama
13 Gana Maha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Sanghanayaka Bhikkhu Subodhanand Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sobhita
3) Bhikkhu Samvegakirti
4) Samanera Sugatananda
6) S Chandananda
7) S Somananda
8) S Sumanavamsha
9) S Somavamsha
10) S Sumanasiri
14 IlayabahiTanabaha Patan
1) Bhikkhu Vimalkirti
15 International Bauddha Pariyatti Vihara Butwal
1) Bhikkhu Jatila
2) Bhikkhu Bhaddiya bdquoB‟
3) Samanera Jnanashree 4) S Jotika
16 International Buddhist Society Lumbini
1) Bhikkhu Maitri Mahathera
2) Samanera Mahapanta
3) S Vimala
17 Jana Udaya Vihara Sunakothi-Lalitpura
1) Bhikkhu Dharmagupta
18 Jitavana Vihara Thankot
1) Bhikkhu Dharmavamsha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sugatamuni Mahathera
3) Samanera Sunita
19 Kuti Vihara Koteshwar-KTM
1) Bhikkhu Yeshdhammo
2) Samanera Wayamo
3) S Milindo 4) S Sunanalankara
20 Manimandapa Mahavihara Patan
1) Bhikshu Shilbhadra Mahathera
2) Samanera Paduma 3) S Nayako
21 Muni Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Samanera Tejendra 2) S Jalapa
3) S Asima 4) S Aryaputra
22 Padma Sugandha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Sumedha 2) Samanera Sudatta
23 Pati Vihara Nagadesh-Bhaktapur
1) Bhikkhu Varasambodhi
24 Pranidhi Purna Maha Vihara Balambu
1) Samanera Sukha
25 Pugatabhoomi Jetavana Vihara Bhairahawa
1) Samanera Jagaro 2) S Suvanno
26 Purvaram Vihara Dhulikhel
1) Bhikkhu Gunaghosha Mahathero
27 Sangharama Vihara Kshetrapati Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Saddhatissa
2) Bhikkhu Kolita
3) Bhikkhu Sangharakshita
28 Shakya Singha Vihara Patan
1) Bhikkhu Dharmapala Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sunanda Mahathera
3) Bhikkhu Dharmarakshita
29 Shikhalapura Vihara Dhulikhel
1) Bhikkhu Dhammananda Mahathera
30 Shree Kirti Vihara Kirtipur
1) Bhikkhu Kirtijyoti 2) Bhikkhu Ananda
3) Bhikkhu Prajnakirti
4) Bhikkhu Dharmakirti
5) Samanera Sundara 6) Bhikkhu Pamit
7) S Subhashkirti 8) S Uttarakirti
31 Shreegha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Dharmasagara
2) Bhikkhu Medhankara
32 Sudarshana Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Rastrapala
33Sumangala Vihara Patan
1) Sanghaupanayaka Bhikkhu Buddhaghosha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Shobhan
3) Bhikkhu Prajnaratna
34 Surya Mangala Vihara Kapilvastu
1) Bhikkhu Suryamangala
35 Tokha Buddha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Samanera Shobhana 2) S Jnanodaya
36 Veluvanarama Vihara Thecho-Lalitpura
1) Samanera Uttama 2) S Chandimo
37 Vishwa Shanti Vihara New Baneshwar
1) Bhikshu Jnanapurnik Mahathera
2) Bhikshu Bodhijnana
3) Bhikshu Nigrodha
4) Bhikshu Udayabhadra
Samaneras
1) S Janak 2) S Sujat
3) S Obhaso 4) S Subhaddo
5) S Nandiyo 6) S Mahindo
7) S Pajjoto 8) S Aloka
9) S Buddhadatta 10) S Panita
11) S Kashyapa 12)S Dharmaghosha
13) S Nagita 14) S Vinaya
15) S Suchitta 16) S Sudatto
17) S Nemindo 18) S Rohito
19) S Jayanto 20) S Meghiyo
21) S Indriyo 22) S Suppamedho
23) S Bhanusarana 24) S Saddhadeepa
25) S Kittimo 26) S Janeyyo
27) S Adicca 28) S Kosalla
29) S Nyanuttara 30) S Bhaddaco
31) S Pabhassaro 32) S Uttaro
38 Yampi Maha Vihara Patan
1) Bhikkhu Bhaddiya
39 Non residencial Monks
1) Bhikshu Samyaka Sambodhi Pranputra
2) Bhikshu Dhyanratna
3) Bhikkhu Chandragupta Balambu
Present Anagarikas and resident in NEPAL
01 Amarapura Vihara Bungamati
1) A Charujnani 2) A Sunita
3) A Palitajnani 4) A Pamitajnani
5) A Padumajnani 6) A Rupawati
02 Bauddha Samaskrit Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Anagarika Sanghashila
03 Buddha ViharaDharan
1) A Sumedhavati 2) A Sushilavati
3) A Kanchana 4) A Shasanavati
04 Bauddha Rishi Mahapragya Ashram Anamnagar
1) Anagarika Prajnavati
05 Chatubrahma Vihara Matatirtha
1) Anagarika Anu
06 Dhammavasa Vihara Khusibun
1) A Krishgautami 2) A Suchita
3) A Shilgautami 4) A Kshantigautami
5) A Shyamavati
07 Dharmakirti Vihara Naghal-Kathmandu
1) Anagarika RatnaManjari
2) A Dhammavati
3) A Dhammadinna (Chameli)
4) A Anupama 5) A Sanghavati
6) A Khemavati 7) A Indravati
8) A Jayavati 9) A Danavati
10) A Tyagavati 11) AViryavati
12) A Shubhavati 13) A Ramavati
14) A Surammavati
15) A Hemavati 16) A Suppabhavati
17) A Supriya 18) A Amata
19) A Vannavati 20) A Suvannavati
08 Dharmashila Buddha Vihara Pokhara
1) Anagarika Karmashila
09 Gautami Vihara Lumbini
1) Anagarika Sujata 2) A Khamesi
10 IlayabahiTana Baha Lalitpur
1) A Shilaparami 2)AViryaparami
3) A Vineeta 4) A Shilachari
11 Int‟l Buddhist Meditation Centre Shankhamul
1) A Aggajnani 2) A Nirmalajnani
3) A Shantarakshita
12 Jaya Mangal ViharaTana Bahal-Patan
1) Anagarika Vijita 2) A Nekkhami
3) A Chittavati
13 Jyoti Vihara Chapagaun- Lalitpur
1) AnagarikaVirygautami
2) A Upeskshagautami
14 Kashivarna Buddha Vihara Panuati
1) Anagarika Satyaparami
15 Kindol Vihara Swayambhu
1) A Sumana 2) A Uttara
3) A Sumitra 4) A Molini
5) A Dhammavijaya 6) A Tejavati
7) A Shyamavati
16 Kunsa BahaHyumat
1) Anagarika Patachari 2) AUmavati
17 Mahabodhi Vihara Tansen
1) Anagarika Revati (Dhammadinna)
18 Muni Vihara Bhaktapur
1) A Sugandhavati 2) A Padmavati
19 Narsinharama Thaina-Patan
1) A Jnanashila 2) ASatyashila
3) AShilavati 4) A Yeshavati 5) A Dharani
6) A Jeenvati
7) A Shilpavatisushma
20 Padmachaitya Vihara Butwal
1) A Udayashila 2) A Santiwati
21 Padmakirti Vihara Kamalpokhari
1) A Kamala 2) A Karunavati
3) A Pabbhavati 4) A Dhyanavati
5) A Bhavanavati
22 Prajnanandarama Okubahal-Patan
1) Anagarika Jnanavati
23 Pranidhipurna Mahavihara Balambu
1) A Mudita 2) A Chandrashila bdquoB‟
24 SangharakshitaVihara Patan
1) Anagarika Abhaya 2) A Chandrashila
3) A Shilachari
25 Shanti Sukhavasa Chakupat-Patan
1) A Utpalavarna (Chini)
26 Shree Kirti Vihara Kirtipur
1) Anagarika Mina
27 SunandaramaThaina-Patan
1) A Madhavi 2) AMasukhi
3) A Mashobha 4) A Mashraddha
5) A Masudha
28 Sulakshanakirti Viahara Kirtipur
1) A Anoja 2) A Atula
3) A Anula
29 Sangharama ViharaDhalko-KTM
1) Anagarika Dharmarakshita
30 Vishwashanti Vihara New Baneshwar
1) A Shubha 2) A Khema
3) A Sudhamma
31 Vishwashanti Dharmakirti Vihara Basundhara
1) A Dhajavati (Kusum) 2) A Padmavati
3) A Bhadravati
32 Residing other Anagarikas
1) Anagarika Chandrajnani Patan
2) A Sraddhavati Shankhamul
3) A Amaravati Patan
4) A Dhammachari Patan
5) A Nanda Thasi
Some Prominent Personalities in the Theravada Movement1
Sanghamahanayakas of Nepal
1 Ven Pragyanand Mahasthavir 1930 ndash 1993 AD
2 Ven Sakyananda Mahasthavir 1993 - 1997 AD
3 Ven Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1997 - 2002 AD
4 Ven Subodhananda Mahasthavir 2002 - 2006 AD
5 Ven Buddhaghosa Mahasthavir 2006-
Amritananda Bhikkhu (1918-1990) original name Lal Kaji Sakya from Tansen
west Nepal he ordain as a novice in 1936 from ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara He studies and was ordained a monk in Sri Lanka in 1940 He
return to Nepal in 1942 and preached first publicly in Kathmandu He
formed Dharmodaya Sabha in 1944 and All Nepal Bhikkhu Mahasangha in
1951 and remained its unchallenged leader until his death He was well
known and traveled widely outside of Nepal because of his dynamism and
charisma He was also one of the greatest Buddhist scholars and writers of
Nepal
Aniruddha Bhikkhu (1915-2003) original name Gaja Ratna Tuladhar son of
Dasa Ratna Sahu (Later Ven Dhammaloka) He went to Sri Lanka in 1930
and ordained as samanera and studied there He had served many years in
Lumbini and third Sanghanayaka of Nepal
1 Sarah Levine and David N Gellner Rebuilding Buddhism The Theravada Movement in
Twentieth Century Nepal (UK Harvard University Press 2006) pp 293-296
Ashwaghosh Bhikkhu (1926- present) original name Buddha Ratna Sakya and
became a novice in 1944 and went to Sri Lanka for study where he took
higher ordination in 1949 he is known as bdquothe communist monk‟ and was a
nominee of the Unified Marxist-Leninist party one of Nepal‟s two main
political parites in the 1990s to the Upper House 1993-5 He had
established nepal‟s first Bhikkhu Training Center at Sangharama Dhalko
and became abbot of this vihara Presently he is abbot of Shrigha Vihara in
Kathmandu and of Dyanakuti Vihara Banepa
Buddhaghosh Bhikkhu (1921- present day) original name Sapta Ratna
Vajracharya in Kwa Baha Kathamandu The founder of Pariyatti Education
in Nepal and presently acting Sanghanayaka of Nepal (2006) and abbot of
Sri Sumangala Vihara in Lalitpur
Chandramani Bhikkhu (1876-1972) a Burmese monk who spent his life in
Kusinagara where he worked for the propagation of Buddhism until his
death He initiated with most of the early Nepalese Theravadins Monks and
Nuns He was the first president of Dharmodaya Sabha and father of
Theravadins of Nepal
Dharmachari Anagarika (1898-1978) born Laxmi Nani Tuladhar she
impressed by Ven Pragyananda in Kindol Vihara and took the precepts
from Chandramani in Kusinagara in 1934 and most prominent Nepali nun
She founded the first nunnery in Nepal at Kindol Vihara in 1947
Dhammaloka Bhikkhu (1891-1977) born Das Ratna Tuladhar Asan
kathamandu He traded in Lhasha went to Sri Lanka and taught Buddhism
as a layman Later became a monk in 1932 after his son Aniruddha ordain
in 1930 he established nepal‟s first Theravādin Vihara bdquoAnanda Kuti
Vihar‟ in Kathmandu
Dhammawati Anagarika (1925- present day) born as Ganesh Kumari Sakya in
Uku Baha lalitpur She ordain too precepts from Ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara and renamed as Dhammavati in 1950 She went to Burma for
study and return in 1963 after passed the Dhammacariya Examination She
was able to established Dhammakirti Nunnery Centre in 1965 and leader of
the Theravādin Nuns She has been re-ordained as Bhikkhuni according to
Mahayana tradition
Dharmaditya Dharmacharya (1902-1963) born as Jagat Man Vaidya in Chika
Bahi Lalitpur and the first Newar Buddhist modernist and the first newar
cultural nationalist He went to study in Calcutta where he became a
follower of anagarika Dhammapala the founder of Maha Bodhi Society
He had formed Buddhist revival foundation and published Buddhist
magazines etc
Nyanpurnika Bhikkhu (1936- present day) Born as Hera Lal Sakya in Tansen
He studied with Buddhaghosh in Lalitpur in Burma and in England He is
only monk who passed Dhammacariya examination of Burma He was the
founder of Vishwa Shanti Vihara and Vishwa Shanti Bauddha sikkyalaya
where train novices He is a prominent translator and writer
Kumar Kashyap Bhikkhu (1926- present day) born as Krishna Man Sakya he
was one of those who exiled to India by the Ranas in 1944 He went to
Study in Sri Lanka and hold nepal‟s first bdquoTripitaka acarya‟ Presently he is
president of All Nepal Bhikkhu Association and abbot of Ananda Kuti
Vihara
Mahapragya Bhikkhu (1901-1979) born Prem Bahadur (Nani Kaji ) Shrestha
He ordained into Tibetan tradition but exiled in 1926 and reordained as
novice in Theravada tradition one of the earlier Theravādin monks He
return to householderhood in Kalimpong in 1940s but then returned to
Kathmandu as a Buddhist sage (Bauddha Rishi) in the 1960s where he
taught until his death
Pragyananda Bhikkhu (1900-1993) born as Kul Man Singh Tuladhar in Itum
Baha Kathmandu a trader in Tibet where he met Ven Mahapragya and
impressed by him to ordained He became a Tibetan Gelung Karmasheel in
1928 and two years later a Theravādin under Ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara in 1930 He was nepal‟s first Sanghamahanayaka and well
respected monk
Shakyananda Bhikkhu (1909-1997) born as Chakra Dhan Sakya in Taksar
Bhojpur East Nepal He spent over forty years as a monk in Tansen outside
the Kathmandu and second sanghamahanayaka of Nepal
Subodhanand Bhikkhu (1916-2006) bor as Kul Raj Sakya in Taksar Bhojpur
East Nepal He was one of the monks exiled by the Ranas in 1944 He was
a prolific composer of Hymns in Nepal Bhasa In 2003 as the most senior
monk in Nepal he was the fourth Sanghanayaka of Nepal
Sudarshan Bhikkhu (1934-2002) born as Rudra Raj Sakya in Uku Baha
lalitpur He was famous a bdquothe boy monk‟ For many years he was a lecturer
in the culture Department of Tribhuvan University a prolific writer
preacher and abbot of Sri Kirti Vihara Kirtipur which is became multi-
cultural center and especially for Buddhist meetings and conferences He
was jailed for some months for Nepal Bhasa activities in the Panchayat
period He was a campaigner on Buddhist issues particularly to do with
Lumbini
Sumangal Bhikkhu (1929-1999) born Bhakta Krishna Shilpakar in Lalitpur He
was famous as ldquoDollar bhanterdquo He ordained in 1959 in Burma obtained a
master‟s degree in Buddhism from Rissho University Japan in 1972 and
was among the first monks to mobilize international connections for
Buddhist projects in Nepal He established Buddha Vihara in Bhrikuti
Mandap Kathmandu He helped raise funds from Thailand and Japan for
IBMc (1985) brought the Japanese healing movement Sei Mei Kyo to
Nepal and in 1993 opened an old people‟s home in Banepa
Glimpse of Theravādin activities in Nepal
Samanera ordination at Muni Vihara
Ordination Ceremony at Vishwa Shanti Vihara
Collecting Alms
Chanting Paritta in devotee‟s home
Giving Holy Thread to Devotees
Buddhist Art in Nepal
Main Buddha Image at Sri Kirti Vihara
Four holy places
Some of the Theravada Buddhist Viharas (Monasteries) in Nepal
Vihars In Kathmandu Valley Telephone No
1 Amarapura Buddha Vihar Bungamati 5551068
2 Anandakuti Vihar Swayambhu 4271420
3 Anandabhuwan Vihar Bhuikhyo 4270429
4 Ganamaha vihar Ganabaha 4253454
5 Gautam Buddha Vihar Panga co 4330576
6 Caturbrahma Vihar Matatirtha 4310558
7 Carumati Vihar Cabahil 4469897
8 Baudhajana Vihar Sunakothi co 5570209
9 Jitapur Gandhakuti Vihar khona Co 5542846
10 Jitawan Vihar Thankot 4311912
11 Jyoti udaya vihar Capagaun Co 5571459
12 Dhammavasa Vihar Khusibun 4358688
13 Dharmakirti Vihar Srigha Naghal 4259466
14 Dharmacakra vihar Bagbajar 4261976
15 Nagar Mandap Sri Kirti Vihar Kirtipur 4330836
16 Nagadesh Buddha Vihar Nagadesh Co 6635397
17 Nirvanmurti Anagarikaram Kindol 4285811
18 Padmasugandha Vihar Manjeshwori 4266255
19 Pranidhi Purna Mahavihar Balambu 43105924312455
20 Pati Vihar Thimi Co 6637601
21 Pippali Theravad Buddha Vihar Shiphal 4475066
22 Punya Udaya Vihar Jala Harisiddhi Co 5527456
23 Buddhabhoomi Mahavihar Tokha 4362514
24 Buddha Vihar Bhrikuti mandapa 4226702
25 Buddharatna Vihar Putalisadak 4244277
26 Bauddha samakrit Vihar Bhaktapur 6610842
27 Manimandap Vihar Patko Bhaktapur 5526517
28 Muni Vihar Bhaktapur 6616464
29 Yampi Mahavihar Ibahi Lalitpur 5539644
30 Yashodhara Baudha Bidyalaya Thaina Lalitpur 5521435
31 Biswo Shanti Vihar Baneshwor 4482384
32 Biswo Shanti Dharmakirti vihar Basundhara 4354251
33 Beluvanarama Vihar Theco Co 5570062
34 Sakyasingha Vihar Thaina Lalitpur 5524760
35 Santi Sukhawas Cakupat co 5523613
36 Siddhimangal Buddha Vihar Thasi 5581495
37 Sumangala Vihara Lagankhel 5531715
38 Sulakshan kirti Vihar Chobhar 4331718
39 Suwanrna Chatrapur Vihar Lubhu 5580430
40 Sangharama Vihar Dhalko Visnumati 4255960
41 Srigha Vihar Nagal 4259110
Vihars out side the Kathamandu Velley Telephone No
1 Ananda Vihar Tansen Co 075-520225520216
2 Citravan Vihar Narayangadha Co 056-521478
3 Taksar Vihar Tansen Co 075-520024
4 Dharmashila Buddha Vihar Phokhara 061-520517
5 Dyankuti Banepa Banepa 011-661244
6 Padma Chaitya Vihar Butawal 071-546470
7 Purwarama Vihar Dhulikhel 011-661979
8 Pragya Mahavihar Hetauda Co 057-520264520136
9 Buddha Vihar Dharan 025-520354
10 Buddha Vihar Biratnagar Co 021-522146530604
11 Beni Buddha Vihar Myagdi Co 069-520354
12 Bodhicharya vihar Banepa 011-661789
13 Lokachakra Buddha Vihar Dhan gadhi 091-622174
14 Sakyamuni Vihar Bhojpur Co 029-420260
15 Sugatapur Vihar Trisuli Co 010-560153
16 Sugandha Vihar Ridi Gulmi Co 079-529435
17 Swoyambhu Chetya Buddha Vihar Urlabari Co 021-540080
18 Swoyambhu Chetya Mahavihar Dharan Co 025-520190
19 Gyanodaya Buddha Vihar Baglung Co 068-520921520336
Footnotes
[1] This paper was written as a part of my MA thesis research on bdquoThe
Revival of Theravada Buddhism and its contribution to Nepalese Society‟ of
Mahachulalongkorn University Bangkok Thailand and would like to thank Mr
Dharma Sakya for every suggestion editing and help for the completion of this
article
[2] Nyanatiloka Buddhist Dictionary 3
rd ed The Free Distribution
version the Corporate Body of the Buddha education foundation Taiwan p
179
[3] Triratna Manandhar bdquoPresent of Buddhism in Nepal‟ (Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK Vol 8 May 2005) p 15
[4] helliphelliphelliphellip The New Encyclopedia of Britannica Vol24 (USA
Library of Congress Catalog 1993) p 781 Dhanabajra Vajracharya Cabahilko
Abhilekha (Inscription of Cabahil) The Charumati Voice (Kath Charumati
Buddhist Mission 2001) pp 17-20 Bhikkhu Sudarsan Mahasthavira Nepal
Upatyaka ma Ashokaki Chori Charumati (Charumati A daughter of
Ashoka in Nepal Valley) (The Charumati Vocie (Kath Charumati Buddhist
Mission 2001) p 20
[5] Beal Samuel Si Yu Ri Buddhist Records of the Western World
(New Delhi Motilal Banarsidass Publishers 1994) pp 80-81 Bhuwan Lal
Pradhan Nepalama Buddhadharma (Kath Nepal Rajkiya Pragyapratisthana
1988) pp 102 ndash 103
[6] NB Thapa A Short History of Nepal (Kath Ratna Pustak
bhandhar Nd) pp 30-33 Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ The
Nation Thailand‟s English Newspaper (Sunday special) Oct 18 1987
[7] Opcit NB Thapa p116
[8] David N Gellner Monk Householder and Tantric Priest Newar
Buddhism and its Hierarchy of Ritual (Cambridge University Press 1996) pp
41ff
[9] Bechert Heinz amp Jens-Uwe Hartmann ldquoObservation on the reform
of Buddhism in Nepalrdquo Journal of Nepal Research Centre vol VIII Kath
Kantipur Printing Press1988p 6
[10] Ria Kloppenborg Theravada Buddhism in Nepal‟ Kailash A
Journal of Himalayan Studies Vol 5 no 41977 p 302
[11] BP Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada Gukathan Wagu Kha (Kath
Hisi Press Nepal BS 20421985) pp44ff
[12] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p47ff
[13] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 51-53 Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal (BKK A Thesis of MA Mahamakut Graduate School
2001) p 97
[14] Bhikshu Sudarshan Mahasthavir bdquoRole of Theravada in the
Preservation of Newar Buddhism‟ wwwircnepalorgpapers
[15] Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 69-72
[16] Opcit Observation on the reform of Buddhism in Nepal p10ff
[17] Opcit Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ RV
Vandya Sanghanayaka Venerable Pragnananda Mahasthavir (Kath Nepal
Co-operative Press 1978) pp 11ff
[18] Bhkkhu Dharmaloka Mahasthavir A Pilgrimage in China (kath
published by Bhikkhu Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1999) p 13-15 Opcit Lacoul
Nepalay Sthavirvada p 74-75
[19] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka p 15
[20] Opcit Bhikkhu dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp16ff
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p100
[21] Ibit Bhikkhu Dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp 27-29
[22] See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A Homage
(Kath Anandakuti Vihar Trust 1992) Kuladharma Ratna Tuladhar Buddhism
in Nepal (Kath Dharmodaya Sabha 1986) pp15 Opcit Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 100
[23] Opcit K R Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal 16 RV Vandya
Sanghanayaka ven Pragnananda p 32 ff
[24] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka Pragnananda pp 34-35
Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthavirvada p 86
[25] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 18 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 101
[26] Bhikkhu Amritananda Mahasthavir A Short History of Theravada
Buddhism in Modern Nepal (Kath Anandakuti Vihar trust 1986) pp 8-9
Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir (Kath Anandakuti
Vihar Trust 1992) p 25
[27] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 19 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[28] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[29] Opcit Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir
p 26
[30] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit KR
Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 20
[31] Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha in Nepal
(BKK A Thesis of MA Buddhist Study Mahachulalongkorn University 2547)
p 23 [32]
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit Ratna
Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir p 26
[33] Amrit R Sthapit bdquowho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Aswaghosha‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 4 no 1 May 2001
p8
[34] helliphelliphelliphelliphellip bdquoWho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Nyanapurninka Mahasthavir‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 7
no 1 May 2004 p13 Viswo Shanti Vihar The Shanti Sandesh (Kath Viswo
Shanti Vihar 1998)
[35] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sumangala Mahasthavir
A monk who modernized Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the
LNBDS UK vol 2 no 1 May 1999 p10
[36] Opcit Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha
in Nepal pp 52ff
[37] Rina Tuladhara Dharmakirti 25 Years of Dharmakirti Buddhist
Study Circle A Glimpse (Kath Dharmakirti Vihar 1996) Mallika Sakya
bdquoWho is Who in Nepalese Buddhism Dhammavati Guruma‟ Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 5 no 1 May 2002 p10
[38] Opcit See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A
Homage Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 108
[39] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sudarshan Mahasthavir A
Gem of the Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol
6 no 1 May 2003 p13
22
Development of Theravada Buddhism
The exiled monks formed bdquoDharmodaya Sabha‟ - Nepal‟s first
Buddhist organization with the help of other Buddhist organizations
and individuals on 30th
November 1944 in India under the
chairmanship of Ven U Chandramani Ven Amritananda was its
general secretary[25]
Immediately after establishment of bdquoDharmodaya
Sabha‟ Ven Amritananda wrote a protest letter to Nepalese
government and also appealed to other Buddhist organizations on
behalf of Dharmodaya Sabha He visited many places and various
countries to get support against the expulsion of Buddhist monks from
modern Nepal One of the countries he visited and undertook further
studies was Sri Lanka In Sri Lanka he also succeeded in bringing a
goodwill mission to Nepal in 1946 under the leadership of well-known
scholar Ven Narada Mahasthavir of Vajiraramaya Colombo The
members of this mission consisted of Ven Narada Ven Amritananda
Ven Priyadarshi Dr Ratna Surya and Prof Aryapal They were able
to meet the newly appointed Prime Minister Padma Shumsher J Rana
Ven Amritananda and leader of the mission Ven Narada requested his
23
Excellency to give permission for the exiled monks to return to Nepal
Prime Minister Padma Shamsher accepted their request and permitted
the exiled monks to return Ven Dharmaloka was the first one to come
back to Nepal immediately after receiving a letter from Ven
Amritananda and arrived in Kathmandu in June 1946 (Jesth Sukla 6
2003)[26]
Other monks also returned one by one and again started
propagating Theravada Buddhism in modern Nepal Ven Narada
visited Nepal three times and constructed a Sri Lankan Cetiya at
Anandakuti Vihar He brought a branch of Bodhi tree Buddha‟s relic
to Nepal He also established the first Sima (Uposatha) of Nepal for
Bhikkhus at the Vihara During his third visit he met then Prime
Minister Mohana Shamasher J Rana and requested him to declare
Baisakh Purnima or Buddha Day as a public holiday His Excellency
agreed and declared it as a public holiday for the Buddhist government
civil officers[27]
Since then Theravada Buddhism gained ground in
Nepalese society and made progress Theravada monks propagated
Buddhism by performing ceremonies giving Dharmadesana and
publishing Buddhist texts Many Viharas were built in and outside the
Kathmandu valley to propagate dhamma
24
In 1950 democracy replaced autocratic Rana regime under the
leadership of H M King Tribhuvan This heralded rapid development
of Theravada Buddhism Buddhist monks and nuns were able carry out
their duties freely without hindrances throughout the country The
office of bdquoDharmodaya Sabha‟ shifted from Kalimpong to Kathmandu
after the advent of democracy in 19501 In 1951 Bhikkhu Sangha led
by Ven Amritananda formed lsquoAkhil Nepal Bhikkhu Sangharsquo (All
Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha Council) for the further propagation of
Buddhism in Nepal Ven Amritananda played a great role in
propagation of Theravada Buddhism nationwide His close relationship
with their Majesties helped in his activities[28]
He visited many
countries on behalf of All Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha and Dharmodaya
Sabha In the same year Buddhists of Nepal succeeded in bringing the
relics of Ven Sariputta (Ven Sariputra) and Ven Maudhgalyana
(Ven Moggallana) the foremost disciples of the Buddha for the
exhibition in Nepal His Majesty King Tribhuvan chaired the reception
committee and a reception party was held in the Royal Palace[29]
Following year in 1952 Buddha Jayanti was celebrated throughout the
country with the support of HM King Tribhuvan On this occasion
25
HM King declared Baisakh Purnima or Buddha Jayanti day as a
public holiday throughout the kingdom[30]
In 1956 His late Majesty King Mahendra visited Lumbini the
birthplace of the Buddha and erected a Mahendra Pillar in Lumbini
zone In the same year during 2500th
Buddha Jayanti celebration HM
king banned animal slaughter on this auspicious day throughout the
kingdom[31]
Nepalese Buddhists led by All Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha
Council and Dharmodaya Sabha also organized the Fourth World
Fellowship of Buddhist Conference (WFB) in Kathmandu on this
year[32]
His Majesty‟s government cooperated fully and gave every
assistance for the success of the conference Gradually Theravada
Buddhist monasteries were founded Buddhist Education Buddhapuja
meditation public discourses publications of Buddhist texts and mass
ordination etc took place as a part of dhamma activities Burma Sri
Lanka Thailand and other countries helped Nepal in its effort for
Theravada revival Soon after Theravada Buddhist monks established
the first Bhikkhu training center- Sangharama Vihar and ordained
number of novices under the leadership of Ven Ashogosha
Mahasthavir[33]
Following their ordination they were sent to Sri
26
Lanka Burma and Thailand for their higher ordination and education
Many of these monks have returned to Nepal and are actively engaged
in propagation of dhamma Besides ordination of individual novices
mass ordinations for short periods were also held in different temple
After Anandakuti Vihar the Viswasanti Vihara also established
Vishwa Shanti Bauddha Shikshalaya a Buddhist School under Ven
Nyanapunnika Mahathavir[34]
It teaches both national and Buddhist
curriculum to the novices Now there are nearly 100 Theravada
temples more than four hundred monks and Samaneras and nearly 400
nuns in the country Present Sangha Nayaka is Most Ven
Subodhananda of Gana Mahavihara Kathmandu President of All
Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha is Kumar Kashyapa of Ananda Kuti Vihar
Swayambhu Kathmandu and the head office of All Nepal Bhikkhu
Sangha is in Viswo Santi Vihara New Baneshwor Kathmandu
27
Contribution to Nepalese society
Besides promoting Dhamma Theravada monks and nuns
(Anagarikas) are also involved in other welfare activities like
organising free health camps training centers either in the monasteries
or outside the monasteries They also founded center for old age and
Kindergarten Late Ven Sumangala Mahasthavira[35]
initiated free
clinic at Buddha Vihar a Buddhist home for the elderly at Benepa and
a Buddhist Kindergarten Free Clinics were popular because of lack of
adequate government run clinics in Nepal Many monasteries
organized free clinics Regular clinics like eye and Homeopathic were
run either on weekly or monthly basis Annual campaigns are also run
when it was felt necessary
In 1964 All Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha established a Theravada
education system Pariyatti Sikkha or Nepal Bauddha Pariyatti Siksa
(Buddhist Saturday School) Classes are run in Theravada Buddhist
monasteries Tibetan monasteries other Buddhist centers in public and
private schools There are more than 32 centers throughout the
28
country[36]
Presently its head office is at Viswo Santi Vihara in New
Baneswora Kathmandu
Besides Pariyatti Sikkha Ven Amritananda founded a
Buddhist school - bdquoAnandakuti Vidyapith Boarding School‟ and a
college- bdquoSiddharth Science Campus‟ Both Buddhist monks and lay
people used to teach in these institutions It was started as a Buddhist
school but for some reason it has become a private enterprise Besides
these many monks and nuns are also running other educational
institutions like bdquoNursery school (Siddhartha Shisu Niketan Buddha
Vihar) Primary school (Triple Gem Boarding School) and Higher
Schools There are some Higher Education institutes like Siddharth
University in Banepa International Buddhist University in Lumbini
etc Many Buddhist organizations were founded and they were also
running different classes and research centers like Dharmakirti
Buddhist Research Center Anagarika Dhammavati founded this centre
Later on Anagarika Dhammavati was ordained as Bhikkhuni
according to Taiwanese tradition She is one of the well-known nuns in
the Theravada Buddhism in Nepal[37]
29
The Buddhist temples and organizations bring out number of
publications annually monthly weekly and on special occasions
Dharmodaya Anandabhumi and Dharmakirti are the oldest
Buddhist journals in Nepal and still continued to be published
Ven Amritananda was one of the greatest Buddhist scholars of
Nepal He wrote and translated many books on Buddhism There are
still no other monks or nun in Nepal who can be compared with
him[38]
Late Ven Sudharsan Mahasthavir came close to him Ven
Sudharsan was a pillar of Theravada Buddhism after Ven
Amritananda He was famous for different reason His field of interest
beside dhamma work consisted literature language Archaeology etc
He was a resident monk at Srikirti Vihar Kirtipur and held the post of
professor in History Archaeology and Buddhist philosophy at
Tribhuvan University until his death in July 2002 Some of his books in
Buddhism became course book for BA and MA students in Nepal
He had special interest in archaeology of Lumbini and was an expert on
this subject[39]
30
Revival of Theravada Buddhism in Nepal also had profound
effect in cultural and religious way of life of Nepalese Daily chanting
or Buddhapuja short term ordination observing Sila (Moral code)
caste system celebration of Vesak day celibate life were introduced
In the month of Bhadra or Gunla days (AugustSeptember) Buddhist
hymns are chanted and public discourses are given
Late Ven Sudharshan Mahasthavir formed Sri Kirti Buddhist
center at Sri Kirti Vihar with the aim of introducing Buddhism to other
ethnic groups other than Newars- the original inhabitants of Katmandu
valley This project succeeded in bringing other ethic groups into
Theravada Buddhism As a result of this many ethnic groups who were
originally Buddhists have started organizing Buddhist conferences and
Buddhist activities Another important development is formation of
Gyanmala Bhajan Khala - a Buddhist hymn group This group sings
regularly especially during certain auspicious days at Swayambhu and
other Buddhist sites The songs they sing are based on Buddha‟s
teaching and has been successful in promoting Buddhism in simple
melodious hymns which attracts many people who visits these
religious places
31
Theravadin in Nepalese Society
For centuries Nepalese were aware of only Buddhist priest
(Bajracharya) from Newar Buddhism (Vajrayana) and Tibetan Lamas
They were unaware of Theravadian Buddhist monks and nuns
Bajracharyas are household monks They lead domestic lives and are
not celibate Not all Tibetan monks are celibate It depends on the
school they belong to For example monks from Sakya School of
Tibetan tradition do not have to be celibate Theravada monks wear
distinctive saffron coloured robes They are celibate and lead virtuous
monastic life These monks and nuns have different identity in the eyes
of Nepalese especially the inhabitants of Kathmandu valley Their
simple way of life their full dedication in their work for the benefit of
mankind easily understood Theravada Scriptures translated in different
languages eg in Nepal Bhasa (Newari) Nepali in Hindi and in
English for easy accessibility by different groups helped to gain the
heart of Nepalese people Although many lay people have played
pivotal roles in revival of Theravada Buddhism in Nepal the leadership
32
of monks and nuns were vital in further development and survival of
this tradition
The lay Buddhists of Nepal are pluralistic They participate in
Buddhist ceremonies such as Vesak day daily chanting etc At the
same time they also follow Hindu customs in their daily lives
Buddhism is different from Hinduism and it is not a branch of
Hinduism Hindus believe that Buddha was a reincarnation of Lord
Vishnu Buddha never claimed to be anything other than a human
being ndash although a unique one in the history of mankind
Buddhism in Nepal is unique because of existence of three
different Buddhist traditions - Newar Buddhism (Vajrayana)
Tibetan Buddhism (Mahayana) and Theravada Buddhism
Different Buddhist groups practised different traditions Although the
principle underlying all these traditions is the same they differ in
details Theravada Buddhist tradition is different from Tibetan or
Newar Buddhist traditions but it is developing side-by-side with them
It was not possible for Theravada Buddhism to develop in Nepal
without close co-relation with other traditions but later developed on its
own right These various Buddhist traditions are coexisting in present
33
day Nepal Although they have different cultural traditions and are
developing in their own ways but the followers are the same
Therefore there is no separate identity of Theravadian lay Buddhists
There are number of lay Buddhist organizations such as Dharmodaya
Sabha Dharmakirti Institute Young Buddhist Associations Female
Buddhist Associations more recently Sukhi Hotu Nepal which are
playing important role in promotion of Buddha Dhamma but they are
multi-cultural and multi religious in their daily practices
CONCLUSION
Theravada Buddhism was introduced to Nepal at the time when
public meetings were banned It faced many obstacles at the beginning
Strong dedications of monks and nuns made it possible for its revival in
Nepal after many centuries of neglect Even though the revival
movement of this tradition was started only about 80 years ago it has
already gained strong foot hold in Nepal and gaining popularity day by
day The reason for its popularity lies in many things - the simple and
easily understood way the teachings were given the simple way of life
of monks and nuns lead and various beneficial activities undertaken by
34
Viharas Theravadin Buddhist monks and nuns are well accepted by
people and their contribution in promoting Buddha‟s teachings is
widely recognized Although small in number in comparison to other
Asian countries like Thailand Sri Lanka and Burma both the number
of monks and nuns and monasteries of this tradition are increasing day
by day If this trend continues it will become one of the prominent
religious traditions in Nepal It is only natural that this oldest Buddhist
tradition should gain its place of honour it deserve in a country where
the founder of the religion was born
35
Theravada Records in Nepal
List of Monks Novices and Anagarikas studying abroad
MONKS AND NOVICES
I Thailand
1 Bhikkhu Anil Man Dhammasakiyo (Sugandha)
2 Bhikkhu Vipassi Dhammaramo
3 Bhikkhu Jit Bahadur Gurung
4 Bhikkhu Krishna Thapamagar
5 Bhikkhu Pannamurti
6 Bhikkhu Sujan Sujano
7 Bhikkhu Anil Sumankitti
8 Bhikkhu Santosh Santosho
9 Bhikkhu Khemik Suddhasilo
10 Bhikkhu Suman Rocano
11 Bhikkhu Sanu Maharajano
12 Bhikkhu Santamano Dhwajjoshi
13 Bhikkhu Suman Dhwajjoshi
14 Bhikkhu Bijit Khemasakko
15 Bhikkhu Supreme Shakyavanso
Samaneras
1 Samanera Buddharatna Maharjan
2 Samanera Dhammaratna Maharjan
3 Samanera Bipin Maharjan
4 Samanera Prajwal Shakya
5 Samanera Ukesh Sakya
6 Samanera Gopi Maharjan
7 Samanera Sudip Deshar
8 Samanera Sudat Deshar
9 Samanera Deepi Maharjan
10 Samanera Ramit Shrestha
11 Samanera Anup Deshar
12 Samanera Suman Bajracharya bdquoA‟
13 Samanera Rajendra Deshar
14 Samanera Kapila Maharjan
15 Samanera Arbin Shakya
36
16 Samanera Kabindra Bajracharya
17 Samanera Ujjawal Shakya
18 Samanera Satish Shakya
19 Samanera Bimal Gurung
20 Samanera Surya Gurung
21 Samanera Sameer Maharjan
22 Samanera Anup Shakya
23 Samanera Arjun Magar
24 Samanera Kiran Desahar
25 Samanera Dipesh Shrestha
26 Samanera Tejendra Tamang
27 Samanera Ashim Shakya
28 Samanera Jalap Bajracharya
29 Samanera Arya Dev Bajracharya
30 Samanera Sudarshan Maharjan
31 Samanera Sangharatna
32 Samanera Suman Bajracharya bdquoB‟
33 Samanera Kijan Maharjan
34 Samanera Ramesh Maharjan
35 Samanera Niroj Maharjan
36 Samanera Jen Maharjan
37 Samanera Denish Bajracharya
38 Samanera Pritam Bahadur Shakya
39 Samanera Abhishek Shakya
40 Samanera Bishal Shakya
41 Samanera Sajal Shakya
42 Samanera Suraj Bhakta Shrestha
43 Samanera Dinesh Chaudhary
44 Samanera Shiv Swatantra Tharu
45 Samanera Sambhu Lal Khang
46 Samanera Buddharatna Chaudhary
47 Samanera Mukesh Chaudhary
II Myanmar (Burma)
Bhikkhu Samaneras
1 Bhikkhu Panavimala
2 Bhikkhu Dhyanratna
3 Bhikkhu Adiccho
4 Bhikkhu Vimalbuddhi
5 Bhikkhu Shobhan
6 Samanera Amato
7 Samanera Jutimma
8 Samanera Buddhapiyo
9 Samanera Kavindo
10 Samanera Nagasena
11 Samanera Gyanavudho
III Taiwan(ROC) 1 Bhikkhu Mangala 2 Bhikkhu Vazirbuddhi
IV Australia 1 Bhikkhu Upatissa
V India
1 Bhikkhu Dharmajyoti 2 Bhikkhu Ashokakirti
3 Bhikkhu Narawang Tamang
VI United kingdom 1 Bhikkhu Suman
VII USA 1 Bhikkhu Pragnaloka
VIII Sri Lanka
Bhikkhus
Bhikkhu Nanda
Bhikkhu Vineeta
Bhikkhu Ashoka
Bhikkhu Triratna
Bhikkhu Sagara
Bhikkhu Sankicca
Bhikkhu Vajirasiri
Bhikkhu Sarada
Bhikkhu Veenit
Bhikkhu Ratana
Bhikkhu Tissa
Bhikkhu Vajira
Bhikkhu Pannawimal
Bhikkhu Medhankar
Bhikkhu Pannasara
SARAMANERAS
Saranankara
Piyadassi
Dil Bhadra
Chandima
Samita
Narada bdquoA‟
Piyaratna
Kusala
Lakkhana
Udit
Vibekanada
Pannananda
Mettananda
Chandananda
Yassari
Upali
Subodhi
Mahanama
Kashyapa
Dhammapala
Narada bdquoB‟
Nalaka bdquoA‟
Daywasa
Santa Sobhana
Santa Siddhartha
Santa Maitri
Santa Kosala
Santa Sakya
Suvaca
Sukama Sila
Siddhartha
Nanda bdquoA‟
Rahula
Sudheera
Kosala Dheera
Panna Wansa
Jina Wansa
Mahinda
Nanda bdquoB‟
Seewali
Mahapantha
Assaji
Sarada
Sumana
Ananda
Nalaka bdquoB‟
Aloka
Suwarna
Subodh
Udena
Sangharatna bdquoA‟
Gyanendra
Khema
Soma bdquoA‟
Punna
Panna Ransi
Soma bdquoB‟
Santa bdquoA‟
Kapila Wansa
Asita Wansa
Sumanananda bdquoa‟
Vijitananda
Khemananda
Silananda
Medhananda
Somaratna
Soratha
Pragyananda
Sumangala
Santa Citta
Yasa
Dhamma Kitti
Panna Kitti
Santa Dheera
Vijitananda
Sumanananda bdquob‟
Vajra Bodhi
Dhammika
Santa bdquoB‟
Anuruddha
Sumana bdquoB‟
Jinavamsa
Panna Vansa
Buddha Ratna
Dhamma Ratna
Ariya Ratna
Piyadassi bdquoB‟
Sila Ratna
Sangha Ratna bdquoB‟
List of Anagarikas studying in abroad
I Thailand
1 Anagarika Sirisuta Maharjan
2 Anagarika Ramsobha Shrestha
3 Anagarika Sunita Napit
II Myanmar
1 Anagarika Javanvati
2 Anagarika Vimalajnani
3 Anagarika Ambika
4 Anagarika Buddhapali
5 Anagarika Darshana
6 Anagarika Agrajnani
7 Anagarika Nandavati
bdquob‟
III India 1 Anagarika Rupashila
IV Taiwan
1 Anagarika Pannavati
2 Anagarika Sani
3 Anagarika Nima
V Sri Lanka
1 Anagarika Pannawati
2 Anagarika Mettawati
3 Anagarika Keshawati
4 Anagarika Prasnnawati
5 Anagarika Sukhawati
6 Anagarika Shobhawati
7 Anagarika Subhadra
8 Anagarika
Shraddhagautami
9 Anagarika Upananda
10 Anagarika Shantawati
11 Anagarika Suciwati
Residences of Theravādin Monks in Nepal
01 Abhinava Buddha Vihara Lumbini
1) Bhikkhu Vimalananda Mahathera
2) Samanera Sunanda
02 Anandakut Vihara Swayambhu Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Kumara Kassapa Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Dharmamurti 3) Samanera Kondanya
4) S Prajnaratna 5) S Asoka
6) S Kumarjeeva 7) S Assaji
03 Bauddha Samaskrita Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Bhikkhu Dharmashobhana Mahathera
04 Bodhicharya Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Bodhisena Mahathera
2) Samanera Bodhideepa
05 Buddha Vihara Bhrikuti Mandap-Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Kondanya 2) Bhikkhu Sushil
3) Samanera Anuyoga 3) S Javana
4) S Udena
06 Buddha Vihara Biratnagar
1) Bhikkhu Aloka
07 Buddha Vihara Dharan
1) Bhikkhu Maitri (Tamang)
2) Bhikkhu Chhavikirti
08 Chatubrahma Vihara Matatirtha
1) Bhikkhu Thansettho
2) Bhikkhu Samyakaratna
3) Bhikkhu Bodhananda
9 Charumati Stupa Vihara Chabahil Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Tapassi Dhamma
10 Dharmacakra Ashrama Bagbazar
1) Bhikkhu Milinda
11 Dharmashila Buddha Vihara Pokhara
1) Bhikkhu Subhadda 2) Bhikkhu Saddhananda
12 Dhyanakuti Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Ashwaghosha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Rahul 3) Samanera Gautama
13 Gana Maha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Sanghanayaka Bhikkhu Subodhanand Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sobhita
3) Bhikkhu Samvegakirti
4) Samanera Sugatananda
6) S Chandananda
7) S Somananda
8) S Sumanavamsha
9) S Somavamsha
10) S Sumanasiri
14 IlayabahiTanabaha Patan
1) Bhikkhu Vimalkirti
15 International Bauddha Pariyatti Vihara Butwal
1) Bhikkhu Jatila
2) Bhikkhu Bhaddiya bdquoB‟
3) Samanera Jnanashree 4) S Jotika
16 International Buddhist Society Lumbini
1) Bhikkhu Maitri Mahathera
2) Samanera Mahapanta
3) S Vimala
17 Jana Udaya Vihara Sunakothi-Lalitpura
1) Bhikkhu Dharmagupta
18 Jitavana Vihara Thankot
1) Bhikkhu Dharmavamsha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sugatamuni Mahathera
3) Samanera Sunita
19 Kuti Vihara Koteshwar-KTM
1) Bhikkhu Yeshdhammo
2) Samanera Wayamo
3) S Milindo 4) S Sunanalankara
20 Manimandapa Mahavihara Patan
1) Bhikshu Shilbhadra Mahathera
2) Samanera Paduma 3) S Nayako
21 Muni Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Samanera Tejendra 2) S Jalapa
3) S Asima 4) S Aryaputra
22 Padma Sugandha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Sumedha 2) Samanera Sudatta
23 Pati Vihara Nagadesh-Bhaktapur
1) Bhikkhu Varasambodhi
24 Pranidhi Purna Maha Vihara Balambu
1) Samanera Sukha
25 Pugatabhoomi Jetavana Vihara Bhairahawa
1) Samanera Jagaro 2) S Suvanno
26 Purvaram Vihara Dhulikhel
1) Bhikkhu Gunaghosha Mahathero
27 Sangharama Vihara Kshetrapati Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Saddhatissa
2) Bhikkhu Kolita
3) Bhikkhu Sangharakshita
28 Shakya Singha Vihara Patan
1) Bhikkhu Dharmapala Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sunanda Mahathera
3) Bhikkhu Dharmarakshita
29 Shikhalapura Vihara Dhulikhel
1) Bhikkhu Dhammananda Mahathera
30 Shree Kirti Vihara Kirtipur
1) Bhikkhu Kirtijyoti 2) Bhikkhu Ananda
3) Bhikkhu Prajnakirti
4) Bhikkhu Dharmakirti
5) Samanera Sundara 6) Bhikkhu Pamit
7) S Subhashkirti 8) S Uttarakirti
31 Shreegha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Dharmasagara
2) Bhikkhu Medhankara
32 Sudarshana Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Rastrapala
33Sumangala Vihara Patan
1) Sanghaupanayaka Bhikkhu Buddhaghosha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Shobhan
3) Bhikkhu Prajnaratna
34 Surya Mangala Vihara Kapilvastu
1) Bhikkhu Suryamangala
35 Tokha Buddha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Samanera Shobhana 2) S Jnanodaya
36 Veluvanarama Vihara Thecho-Lalitpura
1) Samanera Uttama 2) S Chandimo
37 Vishwa Shanti Vihara New Baneshwar
1) Bhikshu Jnanapurnik Mahathera
2) Bhikshu Bodhijnana
3) Bhikshu Nigrodha
4) Bhikshu Udayabhadra
Samaneras
1) S Janak 2) S Sujat
3) S Obhaso 4) S Subhaddo
5) S Nandiyo 6) S Mahindo
7) S Pajjoto 8) S Aloka
9) S Buddhadatta 10) S Panita
11) S Kashyapa 12)S Dharmaghosha
13) S Nagita 14) S Vinaya
15) S Suchitta 16) S Sudatto
17) S Nemindo 18) S Rohito
19) S Jayanto 20) S Meghiyo
21) S Indriyo 22) S Suppamedho
23) S Bhanusarana 24) S Saddhadeepa
25) S Kittimo 26) S Janeyyo
27) S Adicca 28) S Kosalla
29) S Nyanuttara 30) S Bhaddaco
31) S Pabhassaro 32) S Uttaro
38 Yampi Maha Vihara Patan
1) Bhikkhu Bhaddiya
39 Non residencial Monks
1) Bhikshu Samyaka Sambodhi Pranputra
2) Bhikshu Dhyanratna
3) Bhikkhu Chandragupta Balambu
Present Anagarikas and resident in NEPAL
01 Amarapura Vihara Bungamati
1) A Charujnani 2) A Sunita
3) A Palitajnani 4) A Pamitajnani
5) A Padumajnani 6) A Rupawati
02 Bauddha Samaskrit Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Anagarika Sanghashila
03 Buddha ViharaDharan
1) A Sumedhavati 2) A Sushilavati
3) A Kanchana 4) A Shasanavati
04 Bauddha Rishi Mahapragya Ashram Anamnagar
1) Anagarika Prajnavati
05 Chatubrahma Vihara Matatirtha
1) Anagarika Anu
06 Dhammavasa Vihara Khusibun
1) A Krishgautami 2) A Suchita
3) A Shilgautami 4) A Kshantigautami
5) A Shyamavati
07 Dharmakirti Vihara Naghal-Kathmandu
1) Anagarika RatnaManjari
2) A Dhammavati
3) A Dhammadinna (Chameli)
4) A Anupama 5) A Sanghavati
6) A Khemavati 7) A Indravati
8) A Jayavati 9) A Danavati
10) A Tyagavati 11) AViryavati
12) A Shubhavati 13) A Ramavati
14) A Surammavati
15) A Hemavati 16) A Suppabhavati
17) A Supriya 18) A Amata
19) A Vannavati 20) A Suvannavati
08 Dharmashila Buddha Vihara Pokhara
1) Anagarika Karmashila
09 Gautami Vihara Lumbini
1) Anagarika Sujata 2) A Khamesi
10 IlayabahiTana Baha Lalitpur
1) A Shilaparami 2)AViryaparami
3) A Vineeta 4) A Shilachari
11 Int‟l Buddhist Meditation Centre Shankhamul
1) A Aggajnani 2) A Nirmalajnani
3) A Shantarakshita
12 Jaya Mangal ViharaTana Bahal-Patan
1) Anagarika Vijita 2) A Nekkhami
3) A Chittavati
13 Jyoti Vihara Chapagaun- Lalitpur
1) AnagarikaVirygautami
2) A Upeskshagautami
14 Kashivarna Buddha Vihara Panuati
1) Anagarika Satyaparami
15 Kindol Vihara Swayambhu
1) A Sumana 2) A Uttara
3) A Sumitra 4) A Molini
5) A Dhammavijaya 6) A Tejavati
7) A Shyamavati
16 Kunsa BahaHyumat
1) Anagarika Patachari 2) AUmavati
17 Mahabodhi Vihara Tansen
1) Anagarika Revati (Dhammadinna)
18 Muni Vihara Bhaktapur
1) A Sugandhavati 2) A Padmavati
19 Narsinharama Thaina-Patan
1) A Jnanashila 2) ASatyashila
3) AShilavati 4) A Yeshavati 5) A Dharani
6) A Jeenvati
7) A Shilpavatisushma
20 Padmachaitya Vihara Butwal
1) A Udayashila 2) A Santiwati
21 Padmakirti Vihara Kamalpokhari
1) A Kamala 2) A Karunavati
3) A Pabbhavati 4) A Dhyanavati
5) A Bhavanavati
22 Prajnanandarama Okubahal-Patan
1) Anagarika Jnanavati
23 Pranidhipurna Mahavihara Balambu
1) A Mudita 2) A Chandrashila bdquoB‟
24 SangharakshitaVihara Patan
1) Anagarika Abhaya 2) A Chandrashila
3) A Shilachari
25 Shanti Sukhavasa Chakupat-Patan
1) A Utpalavarna (Chini)
26 Shree Kirti Vihara Kirtipur
1) Anagarika Mina
27 SunandaramaThaina-Patan
1) A Madhavi 2) AMasukhi
3) A Mashobha 4) A Mashraddha
5) A Masudha
28 Sulakshanakirti Viahara Kirtipur
1) A Anoja 2) A Atula
3) A Anula
29 Sangharama ViharaDhalko-KTM
1) Anagarika Dharmarakshita
30 Vishwashanti Vihara New Baneshwar
1) A Shubha 2) A Khema
3) A Sudhamma
31 Vishwashanti Dharmakirti Vihara Basundhara
1) A Dhajavati (Kusum) 2) A Padmavati
3) A Bhadravati
32 Residing other Anagarikas
1) Anagarika Chandrajnani Patan
2) A Sraddhavati Shankhamul
3) A Amaravati Patan
4) A Dhammachari Patan
5) A Nanda Thasi
Some Prominent Personalities in the Theravada Movement1
Sanghamahanayakas of Nepal
1 Ven Pragyanand Mahasthavir 1930 ndash 1993 AD
2 Ven Sakyananda Mahasthavir 1993 - 1997 AD
3 Ven Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1997 - 2002 AD
4 Ven Subodhananda Mahasthavir 2002 - 2006 AD
5 Ven Buddhaghosa Mahasthavir 2006-
Amritananda Bhikkhu (1918-1990) original name Lal Kaji Sakya from Tansen
west Nepal he ordain as a novice in 1936 from ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara He studies and was ordained a monk in Sri Lanka in 1940 He
return to Nepal in 1942 and preached first publicly in Kathmandu He
formed Dharmodaya Sabha in 1944 and All Nepal Bhikkhu Mahasangha in
1951 and remained its unchallenged leader until his death He was well
known and traveled widely outside of Nepal because of his dynamism and
charisma He was also one of the greatest Buddhist scholars and writers of
Nepal
Aniruddha Bhikkhu (1915-2003) original name Gaja Ratna Tuladhar son of
Dasa Ratna Sahu (Later Ven Dhammaloka) He went to Sri Lanka in 1930
and ordained as samanera and studied there He had served many years in
Lumbini and third Sanghanayaka of Nepal
1 Sarah Levine and David N Gellner Rebuilding Buddhism The Theravada Movement in
Twentieth Century Nepal (UK Harvard University Press 2006) pp 293-296
Ashwaghosh Bhikkhu (1926- present) original name Buddha Ratna Sakya and
became a novice in 1944 and went to Sri Lanka for study where he took
higher ordination in 1949 he is known as bdquothe communist monk‟ and was a
nominee of the Unified Marxist-Leninist party one of Nepal‟s two main
political parites in the 1990s to the Upper House 1993-5 He had
established nepal‟s first Bhikkhu Training Center at Sangharama Dhalko
and became abbot of this vihara Presently he is abbot of Shrigha Vihara in
Kathmandu and of Dyanakuti Vihara Banepa
Buddhaghosh Bhikkhu (1921- present day) original name Sapta Ratna
Vajracharya in Kwa Baha Kathamandu The founder of Pariyatti Education
in Nepal and presently acting Sanghanayaka of Nepal (2006) and abbot of
Sri Sumangala Vihara in Lalitpur
Chandramani Bhikkhu (1876-1972) a Burmese monk who spent his life in
Kusinagara where he worked for the propagation of Buddhism until his
death He initiated with most of the early Nepalese Theravadins Monks and
Nuns He was the first president of Dharmodaya Sabha and father of
Theravadins of Nepal
Dharmachari Anagarika (1898-1978) born Laxmi Nani Tuladhar she
impressed by Ven Pragyananda in Kindol Vihara and took the precepts
from Chandramani in Kusinagara in 1934 and most prominent Nepali nun
She founded the first nunnery in Nepal at Kindol Vihara in 1947
Dhammaloka Bhikkhu (1891-1977) born Das Ratna Tuladhar Asan
kathamandu He traded in Lhasha went to Sri Lanka and taught Buddhism
as a layman Later became a monk in 1932 after his son Aniruddha ordain
in 1930 he established nepal‟s first Theravādin Vihara bdquoAnanda Kuti
Vihar‟ in Kathmandu
Dhammawati Anagarika (1925- present day) born as Ganesh Kumari Sakya in
Uku Baha lalitpur She ordain too precepts from Ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara and renamed as Dhammavati in 1950 She went to Burma for
study and return in 1963 after passed the Dhammacariya Examination She
was able to established Dhammakirti Nunnery Centre in 1965 and leader of
the Theravādin Nuns She has been re-ordained as Bhikkhuni according to
Mahayana tradition
Dharmaditya Dharmacharya (1902-1963) born as Jagat Man Vaidya in Chika
Bahi Lalitpur and the first Newar Buddhist modernist and the first newar
cultural nationalist He went to study in Calcutta where he became a
follower of anagarika Dhammapala the founder of Maha Bodhi Society
He had formed Buddhist revival foundation and published Buddhist
magazines etc
Nyanpurnika Bhikkhu (1936- present day) Born as Hera Lal Sakya in Tansen
He studied with Buddhaghosh in Lalitpur in Burma and in England He is
only monk who passed Dhammacariya examination of Burma He was the
founder of Vishwa Shanti Vihara and Vishwa Shanti Bauddha sikkyalaya
where train novices He is a prominent translator and writer
Kumar Kashyap Bhikkhu (1926- present day) born as Krishna Man Sakya he
was one of those who exiled to India by the Ranas in 1944 He went to
Study in Sri Lanka and hold nepal‟s first bdquoTripitaka acarya‟ Presently he is
president of All Nepal Bhikkhu Association and abbot of Ananda Kuti
Vihara
Mahapragya Bhikkhu (1901-1979) born Prem Bahadur (Nani Kaji ) Shrestha
He ordained into Tibetan tradition but exiled in 1926 and reordained as
novice in Theravada tradition one of the earlier Theravādin monks He
return to householderhood in Kalimpong in 1940s but then returned to
Kathmandu as a Buddhist sage (Bauddha Rishi) in the 1960s where he
taught until his death
Pragyananda Bhikkhu (1900-1993) born as Kul Man Singh Tuladhar in Itum
Baha Kathmandu a trader in Tibet where he met Ven Mahapragya and
impressed by him to ordained He became a Tibetan Gelung Karmasheel in
1928 and two years later a Theravādin under Ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara in 1930 He was nepal‟s first Sanghamahanayaka and well
respected monk
Shakyananda Bhikkhu (1909-1997) born as Chakra Dhan Sakya in Taksar
Bhojpur East Nepal He spent over forty years as a monk in Tansen outside
the Kathmandu and second sanghamahanayaka of Nepal
Subodhanand Bhikkhu (1916-2006) bor as Kul Raj Sakya in Taksar Bhojpur
East Nepal He was one of the monks exiled by the Ranas in 1944 He was
a prolific composer of Hymns in Nepal Bhasa In 2003 as the most senior
monk in Nepal he was the fourth Sanghanayaka of Nepal
Sudarshan Bhikkhu (1934-2002) born as Rudra Raj Sakya in Uku Baha
lalitpur He was famous a bdquothe boy monk‟ For many years he was a lecturer
in the culture Department of Tribhuvan University a prolific writer
preacher and abbot of Sri Kirti Vihara Kirtipur which is became multi-
cultural center and especially for Buddhist meetings and conferences He
was jailed for some months for Nepal Bhasa activities in the Panchayat
period He was a campaigner on Buddhist issues particularly to do with
Lumbini
Sumangal Bhikkhu (1929-1999) born Bhakta Krishna Shilpakar in Lalitpur He
was famous as ldquoDollar bhanterdquo He ordained in 1959 in Burma obtained a
master‟s degree in Buddhism from Rissho University Japan in 1972 and
was among the first monks to mobilize international connections for
Buddhist projects in Nepal He established Buddha Vihara in Bhrikuti
Mandap Kathmandu He helped raise funds from Thailand and Japan for
IBMc (1985) brought the Japanese healing movement Sei Mei Kyo to
Nepal and in 1993 opened an old people‟s home in Banepa
Glimpse of Theravādin activities in Nepal
Samanera ordination at Muni Vihara
Ordination Ceremony at Vishwa Shanti Vihara
Collecting Alms
Chanting Paritta in devotee‟s home
Giving Holy Thread to Devotees
Buddhist Art in Nepal
Main Buddha Image at Sri Kirti Vihara
Four holy places
Some of the Theravada Buddhist Viharas (Monasteries) in Nepal
Vihars In Kathmandu Valley Telephone No
1 Amarapura Buddha Vihar Bungamati 5551068
2 Anandakuti Vihar Swayambhu 4271420
3 Anandabhuwan Vihar Bhuikhyo 4270429
4 Ganamaha vihar Ganabaha 4253454
5 Gautam Buddha Vihar Panga co 4330576
6 Caturbrahma Vihar Matatirtha 4310558
7 Carumati Vihar Cabahil 4469897
8 Baudhajana Vihar Sunakothi co 5570209
9 Jitapur Gandhakuti Vihar khona Co 5542846
10 Jitawan Vihar Thankot 4311912
11 Jyoti udaya vihar Capagaun Co 5571459
12 Dhammavasa Vihar Khusibun 4358688
13 Dharmakirti Vihar Srigha Naghal 4259466
14 Dharmacakra vihar Bagbajar 4261976
15 Nagar Mandap Sri Kirti Vihar Kirtipur 4330836
16 Nagadesh Buddha Vihar Nagadesh Co 6635397
17 Nirvanmurti Anagarikaram Kindol 4285811
18 Padmasugandha Vihar Manjeshwori 4266255
19 Pranidhi Purna Mahavihar Balambu 43105924312455
20 Pati Vihar Thimi Co 6637601
21 Pippali Theravad Buddha Vihar Shiphal 4475066
22 Punya Udaya Vihar Jala Harisiddhi Co 5527456
23 Buddhabhoomi Mahavihar Tokha 4362514
24 Buddha Vihar Bhrikuti mandapa 4226702
25 Buddharatna Vihar Putalisadak 4244277
26 Bauddha samakrit Vihar Bhaktapur 6610842
27 Manimandap Vihar Patko Bhaktapur 5526517
28 Muni Vihar Bhaktapur 6616464
29 Yampi Mahavihar Ibahi Lalitpur 5539644
30 Yashodhara Baudha Bidyalaya Thaina Lalitpur 5521435
31 Biswo Shanti Vihar Baneshwor 4482384
32 Biswo Shanti Dharmakirti vihar Basundhara 4354251
33 Beluvanarama Vihar Theco Co 5570062
34 Sakyasingha Vihar Thaina Lalitpur 5524760
35 Santi Sukhawas Cakupat co 5523613
36 Siddhimangal Buddha Vihar Thasi 5581495
37 Sumangala Vihara Lagankhel 5531715
38 Sulakshan kirti Vihar Chobhar 4331718
39 Suwanrna Chatrapur Vihar Lubhu 5580430
40 Sangharama Vihar Dhalko Visnumati 4255960
41 Srigha Vihar Nagal 4259110
Vihars out side the Kathamandu Velley Telephone No
1 Ananda Vihar Tansen Co 075-520225520216
2 Citravan Vihar Narayangadha Co 056-521478
3 Taksar Vihar Tansen Co 075-520024
4 Dharmashila Buddha Vihar Phokhara 061-520517
5 Dyankuti Banepa Banepa 011-661244
6 Padma Chaitya Vihar Butawal 071-546470
7 Purwarama Vihar Dhulikhel 011-661979
8 Pragya Mahavihar Hetauda Co 057-520264520136
9 Buddha Vihar Dharan 025-520354
10 Buddha Vihar Biratnagar Co 021-522146530604
11 Beni Buddha Vihar Myagdi Co 069-520354
12 Bodhicharya vihar Banepa 011-661789
13 Lokachakra Buddha Vihar Dhan gadhi 091-622174
14 Sakyamuni Vihar Bhojpur Co 029-420260
15 Sugatapur Vihar Trisuli Co 010-560153
16 Sugandha Vihar Ridi Gulmi Co 079-529435
17 Swoyambhu Chetya Buddha Vihar Urlabari Co 021-540080
18 Swoyambhu Chetya Mahavihar Dharan Co 025-520190
19 Gyanodaya Buddha Vihar Baglung Co 068-520921520336
Footnotes
[1] This paper was written as a part of my MA thesis research on bdquoThe
Revival of Theravada Buddhism and its contribution to Nepalese Society‟ of
Mahachulalongkorn University Bangkok Thailand and would like to thank Mr
Dharma Sakya for every suggestion editing and help for the completion of this
article
[2] Nyanatiloka Buddhist Dictionary 3
rd ed The Free Distribution
version the Corporate Body of the Buddha education foundation Taiwan p
179
[3] Triratna Manandhar bdquoPresent of Buddhism in Nepal‟ (Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK Vol 8 May 2005) p 15
[4] helliphelliphelliphellip The New Encyclopedia of Britannica Vol24 (USA
Library of Congress Catalog 1993) p 781 Dhanabajra Vajracharya Cabahilko
Abhilekha (Inscription of Cabahil) The Charumati Voice (Kath Charumati
Buddhist Mission 2001) pp 17-20 Bhikkhu Sudarsan Mahasthavira Nepal
Upatyaka ma Ashokaki Chori Charumati (Charumati A daughter of
Ashoka in Nepal Valley) (The Charumati Vocie (Kath Charumati Buddhist
Mission 2001) p 20
[5] Beal Samuel Si Yu Ri Buddhist Records of the Western World
(New Delhi Motilal Banarsidass Publishers 1994) pp 80-81 Bhuwan Lal
Pradhan Nepalama Buddhadharma (Kath Nepal Rajkiya Pragyapratisthana
1988) pp 102 ndash 103
[6] NB Thapa A Short History of Nepal (Kath Ratna Pustak
bhandhar Nd) pp 30-33 Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ The
Nation Thailand‟s English Newspaper (Sunday special) Oct 18 1987
[7] Opcit NB Thapa p116
[8] David N Gellner Monk Householder and Tantric Priest Newar
Buddhism and its Hierarchy of Ritual (Cambridge University Press 1996) pp
41ff
[9] Bechert Heinz amp Jens-Uwe Hartmann ldquoObservation on the reform
of Buddhism in Nepalrdquo Journal of Nepal Research Centre vol VIII Kath
Kantipur Printing Press1988p 6
[10] Ria Kloppenborg Theravada Buddhism in Nepal‟ Kailash A
Journal of Himalayan Studies Vol 5 no 41977 p 302
[11] BP Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada Gukathan Wagu Kha (Kath
Hisi Press Nepal BS 20421985) pp44ff
[12] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p47ff
[13] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 51-53 Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal (BKK A Thesis of MA Mahamakut Graduate School
2001) p 97
[14] Bhikshu Sudarshan Mahasthavir bdquoRole of Theravada in the
Preservation of Newar Buddhism‟ wwwircnepalorgpapers
[15] Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 69-72
[16] Opcit Observation on the reform of Buddhism in Nepal p10ff
[17] Opcit Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ RV
Vandya Sanghanayaka Venerable Pragnananda Mahasthavir (Kath Nepal
Co-operative Press 1978) pp 11ff
[18] Bhkkhu Dharmaloka Mahasthavir A Pilgrimage in China (kath
published by Bhikkhu Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1999) p 13-15 Opcit Lacoul
Nepalay Sthavirvada p 74-75
[19] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka p 15
[20] Opcit Bhikkhu dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp16ff
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p100
[21] Ibit Bhikkhu Dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp 27-29
[22] See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A Homage
(Kath Anandakuti Vihar Trust 1992) Kuladharma Ratna Tuladhar Buddhism
in Nepal (Kath Dharmodaya Sabha 1986) pp15 Opcit Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 100
[23] Opcit K R Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal 16 RV Vandya
Sanghanayaka ven Pragnananda p 32 ff
[24] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka Pragnananda pp 34-35
Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthavirvada p 86
[25] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 18 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 101
[26] Bhikkhu Amritananda Mahasthavir A Short History of Theravada
Buddhism in Modern Nepal (Kath Anandakuti Vihar trust 1986) pp 8-9
Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir (Kath Anandakuti
Vihar Trust 1992) p 25
[27] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 19 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[28] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[29] Opcit Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir
p 26
[30] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit KR
Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 20
[31] Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha in Nepal
(BKK A Thesis of MA Buddhist Study Mahachulalongkorn University 2547)
p 23 [32]
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit Ratna
Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir p 26
[33] Amrit R Sthapit bdquowho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Aswaghosha‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 4 no 1 May 2001
p8
[34] helliphelliphelliphelliphellip bdquoWho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Nyanapurninka Mahasthavir‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 7
no 1 May 2004 p13 Viswo Shanti Vihar The Shanti Sandesh (Kath Viswo
Shanti Vihar 1998)
[35] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sumangala Mahasthavir
A monk who modernized Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the
LNBDS UK vol 2 no 1 May 1999 p10
[36] Opcit Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha
in Nepal pp 52ff
[37] Rina Tuladhara Dharmakirti 25 Years of Dharmakirti Buddhist
Study Circle A Glimpse (Kath Dharmakirti Vihar 1996) Mallika Sakya
bdquoWho is Who in Nepalese Buddhism Dhammavati Guruma‟ Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 5 no 1 May 2002 p10
[38] Opcit See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A
Homage Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 108
[39] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sudarshan Mahasthavir A
Gem of the Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol
6 no 1 May 2003 p13
23
Excellency to give permission for the exiled monks to return to Nepal
Prime Minister Padma Shamsher accepted their request and permitted
the exiled monks to return Ven Dharmaloka was the first one to come
back to Nepal immediately after receiving a letter from Ven
Amritananda and arrived in Kathmandu in June 1946 (Jesth Sukla 6
2003)[26]
Other monks also returned one by one and again started
propagating Theravada Buddhism in modern Nepal Ven Narada
visited Nepal three times and constructed a Sri Lankan Cetiya at
Anandakuti Vihar He brought a branch of Bodhi tree Buddha‟s relic
to Nepal He also established the first Sima (Uposatha) of Nepal for
Bhikkhus at the Vihara During his third visit he met then Prime
Minister Mohana Shamasher J Rana and requested him to declare
Baisakh Purnima or Buddha Day as a public holiday His Excellency
agreed and declared it as a public holiday for the Buddhist government
civil officers[27]
Since then Theravada Buddhism gained ground in
Nepalese society and made progress Theravada monks propagated
Buddhism by performing ceremonies giving Dharmadesana and
publishing Buddhist texts Many Viharas were built in and outside the
Kathmandu valley to propagate dhamma
24
In 1950 democracy replaced autocratic Rana regime under the
leadership of H M King Tribhuvan This heralded rapid development
of Theravada Buddhism Buddhist monks and nuns were able carry out
their duties freely without hindrances throughout the country The
office of bdquoDharmodaya Sabha‟ shifted from Kalimpong to Kathmandu
after the advent of democracy in 19501 In 1951 Bhikkhu Sangha led
by Ven Amritananda formed lsquoAkhil Nepal Bhikkhu Sangharsquo (All
Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha Council) for the further propagation of
Buddhism in Nepal Ven Amritananda played a great role in
propagation of Theravada Buddhism nationwide His close relationship
with their Majesties helped in his activities[28]
He visited many
countries on behalf of All Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha and Dharmodaya
Sabha In the same year Buddhists of Nepal succeeded in bringing the
relics of Ven Sariputta (Ven Sariputra) and Ven Maudhgalyana
(Ven Moggallana) the foremost disciples of the Buddha for the
exhibition in Nepal His Majesty King Tribhuvan chaired the reception
committee and a reception party was held in the Royal Palace[29]
Following year in 1952 Buddha Jayanti was celebrated throughout the
country with the support of HM King Tribhuvan On this occasion
25
HM King declared Baisakh Purnima or Buddha Jayanti day as a
public holiday throughout the kingdom[30]
In 1956 His late Majesty King Mahendra visited Lumbini the
birthplace of the Buddha and erected a Mahendra Pillar in Lumbini
zone In the same year during 2500th
Buddha Jayanti celebration HM
king banned animal slaughter on this auspicious day throughout the
kingdom[31]
Nepalese Buddhists led by All Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha
Council and Dharmodaya Sabha also organized the Fourth World
Fellowship of Buddhist Conference (WFB) in Kathmandu on this
year[32]
His Majesty‟s government cooperated fully and gave every
assistance for the success of the conference Gradually Theravada
Buddhist monasteries were founded Buddhist Education Buddhapuja
meditation public discourses publications of Buddhist texts and mass
ordination etc took place as a part of dhamma activities Burma Sri
Lanka Thailand and other countries helped Nepal in its effort for
Theravada revival Soon after Theravada Buddhist monks established
the first Bhikkhu training center- Sangharama Vihar and ordained
number of novices under the leadership of Ven Ashogosha
Mahasthavir[33]
Following their ordination they were sent to Sri
26
Lanka Burma and Thailand for their higher ordination and education
Many of these monks have returned to Nepal and are actively engaged
in propagation of dhamma Besides ordination of individual novices
mass ordinations for short periods were also held in different temple
After Anandakuti Vihar the Viswasanti Vihara also established
Vishwa Shanti Bauddha Shikshalaya a Buddhist School under Ven
Nyanapunnika Mahathavir[34]
It teaches both national and Buddhist
curriculum to the novices Now there are nearly 100 Theravada
temples more than four hundred monks and Samaneras and nearly 400
nuns in the country Present Sangha Nayaka is Most Ven
Subodhananda of Gana Mahavihara Kathmandu President of All
Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha is Kumar Kashyapa of Ananda Kuti Vihar
Swayambhu Kathmandu and the head office of All Nepal Bhikkhu
Sangha is in Viswo Santi Vihara New Baneshwor Kathmandu
27
Contribution to Nepalese society
Besides promoting Dhamma Theravada monks and nuns
(Anagarikas) are also involved in other welfare activities like
organising free health camps training centers either in the monasteries
or outside the monasteries They also founded center for old age and
Kindergarten Late Ven Sumangala Mahasthavira[35]
initiated free
clinic at Buddha Vihar a Buddhist home for the elderly at Benepa and
a Buddhist Kindergarten Free Clinics were popular because of lack of
adequate government run clinics in Nepal Many monasteries
organized free clinics Regular clinics like eye and Homeopathic were
run either on weekly or monthly basis Annual campaigns are also run
when it was felt necessary
In 1964 All Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha established a Theravada
education system Pariyatti Sikkha or Nepal Bauddha Pariyatti Siksa
(Buddhist Saturday School) Classes are run in Theravada Buddhist
monasteries Tibetan monasteries other Buddhist centers in public and
private schools There are more than 32 centers throughout the
28
country[36]
Presently its head office is at Viswo Santi Vihara in New
Baneswora Kathmandu
Besides Pariyatti Sikkha Ven Amritananda founded a
Buddhist school - bdquoAnandakuti Vidyapith Boarding School‟ and a
college- bdquoSiddharth Science Campus‟ Both Buddhist monks and lay
people used to teach in these institutions It was started as a Buddhist
school but for some reason it has become a private enterprise Besides
these many monks and nuns are also running other educational
institutions like bdquoNursery school (Siddhartha Shisu Niketan Buddha
Vihar) Primary school (Triple Gem Boarding School) and Higher
Schools There are some Higher Education institutes like Siddharth
University in Banepa International Buddhist University in Lumbini
etc Many Buddhist organizations were founded and they were also
running different classes and research centers like Dharmakirti
Buddhist Research Center Anagarika Dhammavati founded this centre
Later on Anagarika Dhammavati was ordained as Bhikkhuni
according to Taiwanese tradition She is one of the well-known nuns in
the Theravada Buddhism in Nepal[37]
29
The Buddhist temples and organizations bring out number of
publications annually monthly weekly and on special occasions
Dharmodaya Anandabhumi and Dharmakirti are the oldest
Buddhist journals in Nepal and still continued to be published
Ven Amritananda was one of the greatest Buddhist scholars of
Nepal He wrote and translated many books on Buddhism There are
still no other monks or nun in Nepal who can be compared with
him[38]
Late Ven Sudharsan Mahasthavir came close to him Ven
Sudharsan was a pillar of Theravada Buddhism after Ven
Amritananda He was famous for different reason His field of interest
beside dhamma work consisted literature language Archaeology etc
He was a resident monk at Srikirti Vihar Kirtipur and held the post of
professor in History Archaeology and Buddhist philosophy at
Tribhuvan University until his death in July 2002 Some of his books in
Buddhism became course book for BA and MA students in Nepal
He had special interest in archaeology of Lumbini and was an expert on
this subject[39]
30
Revival of Theravada Buddhism in Nepal also had profound
effect in cultural and religious way of life of Nepalese Daily chanting
or Buddhapuja short term ordination observing Sila (Moral code)
caste system celebration of Vesak day celibate life were introduced
In the month of Bhadra or Gunla days (AugustSeptember) Buddhist
hymns are chanted and public discourses are given
Late Ven Sudharshan Mahasthavir formed Sri Kirti Buddhist
center at Sri Kirti Vihar with the aim of introducing Buddhism to other
ethnic groups other than Newars- the original inhabitants of Katmandu
valley This project succeeded in bringing other ethic groups into
Theravada Buddhism As a result of this many ethnic groups who were
originally Buddhists have started organizing Buddhist conferences and
Buddhist activities Another important development is formation of
Gyanmala Bhajan Khala - a Buddhist hymn group This group sings
regularly especially during certain auspicious days at Swayambhu and
other Buddhist sites The songs they sing are based on Buddha‟s
teaching and has been successful in promoting Buddhism in simple
melodious hymns which attracts many people who visits these
religious places
31
Theravadin in Nepalese Society
For centuries Nepalese were aware of only Buddhist priest
(Bajracharya) from Newar Buddhism (Vajrayana) and Tibetan Lamas
They were unaware of Theravadian Buddhist monks and nuns
Bajracharyas are household monks They lead domestic lives and are
not celibate Not all Tibetan monks are celibate It depends on the
school they belong to For example monks from Sakya School of
Tibetan tradition do not have to be celibate Theravada monks wear
distinctive saffron coloured robes They are celibate and lead virtuous
monastic life These monks and nuns have different identity in the eyes
of Nepalese especially the inhabitants of Kathmandu valley Their
simple way of life their full dedication in their work for the benefit of
mankind easily understood Theravada Scriptures translated in different
languages eg in Nepal Bhasa (Newari) Nepali in Hindi and in
English for easy accessibility by different groups helped to gain the
heart of Nepalese people Although many lay people have played
pivotal roles in revival of Theravada Buddhism in Nepal the leadership
32
of monks and nuns were vital in further development and survival of
this tradition
The lay Buddhists of Nepal are pluralistic They participate in
Buddhist ceremonies such as Vesak day daily chanting etc At the
same time they also follow Hindu customs in their daily lives
Buddhism is different from Hinduism and it is not a branch of
Hinduism Hindus believe that Buddha was a reincarnation of Lord
Vishnu Buddha never claimed to be anything other than a human
being ndash although a unique one in the history of mankind
Buddhism in Nepal is unique because of existence of three
different Buddhist traditions - Newar Buddhism (Vajrayana)
Tibetan Buddhism (Mahayana) and Theravada Buddhism
Different Buddhist groups practised different traditions Although the
principle underlying all these traditions is the same they differ in
details Theravada Buddhist tradition is different from Tibetan or
Newar Buddhist traditions but it is developing side-by-side with them
It was not possible for Theravada Buddhism to develop in Nepal
without close co-relation with other traditions but later developed on its
own right These various Buddhist traditions are coexisting in present
33
day Nepal Although they have different cultural traditions and are
developing in their own ways but the followers are the same
Therefore there is no separate identity of Theravadian lay Buddhists
There are number of lay Buddhist organizations such as Dharmodaya
Sabha Dharmakirti Institute Young Buddhist Associations Female
Buddhist Associations more recently Sukhi Hotu Nepal which are
playing important role in promotion of Buddha Dhamma but they are
multi-cultural and multi religious in their daily practices
CONCLUSION
Theravada Buddhism was introduced to Nepal at the time when
public meetings were banned It faced many obstacles at the beginning
Strong dedications of monks and nuns made it possible for its revival in
Nepal after many centuries of neglect Even though the revival
movement of this tradition was started only about 80 years ago it has
already gained strong foot hold in Nepal and gaining popularity day by
day The reason for its popularity lies in many things - the simple and
easily understood way the teachings were given the simple way of life
of monks and nuns lead and various beneficial activities undertaken by
34
Viharas Theravadin Buddhist monks and nuns are well accepted by
people and their contribution in promoting Buddha‟s teachings is
widely recognized Although small in number in comparison to other
Asian countries like Thailand Sri Lanka and Burma both the number
of monks and nuns and monasteries of this tradition are increasing day
by day If this trend continues it will become one of the prominent
religious traditions in Nepal It is only natural that this oldest Buddhist
tradition should gain its place of honour it deserve in a country where
the founder of the religion was born
35
Theravada Records in Nepal
List of Monks Novices and Anagarikas studying abroad
MONKS AND NOVICES
I Thailand
1 Bhikkhu Anil Man Dhammasakiyo (Sugandha)
2 Bhikkhu Vipassi Dhammaramo
3 Bhikkhu Jit Bahadur Gurung
4 Bhikkhu Krishna Thapamagar
5 Bhikkhu Pannamurti
6 Bhikkhu Sujan Sujano
7 Bhikkhu Anil Sumankitti
8 Bhikkhu Santosh Santosho
9 Bhikkhu Khemik Suddhasilo
10 Bhikkhu Suman Rocano
11 Bhikkhu Sanu Maharajano
12 Bhikkhu Santamano Dhwajjoshi
13 Bhikkhu Suman Dhwajjoshi
14 Bhikkhu Bijit Khemasakko
15 Bhikkhu Supreme Shakyavanso
Samaneras
1 Samanera Buddharatna Maharjan
2 Samanera Dhammaratna Maharjan
3 Samanera Bipin Maharjan
4 Samanera Prajwal Shakya
5 Samanera Ukesh Sakya
6 Samanera Gopi Maharjan
7 Samanera Sudip Deshar
8 Samanera Sudat Deshar
9 Samanera Deepi Maharjan
10 Samanera Ramit Shrestha
11 Samanera Anup Deshar
12 Samanera Suman Bajracharya bdquoA‟
13 Samanera Rajendra Deshar
14 Samanera Kapila Maharjan
15 Samanera Arbin Shakya
36
16 Samanera Kabindra Bajracharya
17 Samanera Ujjawal Shakya
18 Samanera Satish Shakya
19 Samanera Bimal Gurung
20 Samanera Surya Gurung
21 Samanera Sameer Maharjan
22 Samanera Anup Shakya
23 Samanera Arjun Magar
24 Samanera Kiran Desahar
25 Samanera Dipesh Shrestha
26 Samanera Tejendra Tamang
27 Samanera Ashim Shakya
28 Samanera Jalap Bajracharya
29 Samanera Arya Dev Bajracharya
30 Samanera Sudarshan Maharjan
31 Samanera Sangharatna
32 Samanera Suman Bajracharya bdquoB‟
33 Samanera Kijan Maharjan
34 Samanera Ramesh Maharjan
35 Samanera Niroj Maharjan
36 Samanera Jen Maharjan
37 Samanera Denish Bajracharya
38 Samanera Pritam Bahadur Shakya
39 Samanera Abhishek Shakya
40 Samanera Bishal Shakya
41 Samanera Sajal Shakya
42 Samanera Suraj Bhakta Shrestha
43 Samanera Dinesh Chaudhary
44 Samanera Shiv Swatantra Tharu
45 Samanera Sambhu Lal Khang
46 Samanera Buddharatna Chaudhary
47 Samanera Mukesh Chaudhary
II Myanmar (Burma)
Bhikkhu Samaneras
1 Bhikkhu Panavimala
2 Bhikkhu Dhyanratna
3 Bhikkhu Adiccho
4 Bhikkhu Vimalbuddhi
5 Bhikkhu Shobhan
6 Samanera Amato
7 Samanera Jutimma
8 Samanera Buddhapiyo
9 Samanera Kavindo
10 Samanera Nagasena
11 Samanera Gyanavudho
III Taiwan(ROC) 1 Bhikkhu Mangala 2 Bhikkhu Vazirbuddhi
IV Australia 1 Bhikkhu Upatissa
V India
1 Bhikkhu Dharmajyoti 2 Bhikkhu Ashokakirti
3 Bhikkhu Narawang Tamang
VI United kingdom 1 Bhikkhu Suman
VII USA 1 Bhikkhu Pragnaloka
VIII Sri Lanka
Bhikkhus
Bhikkhu Nanda
Bhikkhu Vineeta
Bhikkhu Ashoka
Bhikkhu Triratna
Bhikkhu Sagara
Bhikkhu Sankicca
Bhikkhu Vajirasiri
Bhikkhu Sarada
Bhikkhu Veenit
Bhikkhu Ratana
Bhikkhu Tissa
Bhikkhu Vajira
Bhikkhu Pannawimal
Bhikkhu Medhankar
Bhikkhu Pannasara
SARAMANERAS
Saranankara
Piyadassi
Dil Bhadra
Chandima
Samita
Narada bdquoA‟
Piyaratna
Kusala
Lakkhana
Udit
Vibekanada
Pannananda
Mettananda
Chandananda
Yassari
Upali
Subodhi
Mahanama
Kashyapa
Dhammapala
Narada bdquoB‟
Nalaka bdquoA‟
Daywasa
Santa Sobhana
Santa Siddhartha
Santa Maitri
Santa Kosala
Santa Sakya
Suvaca
Sukama Sila
Siddhartha
Nanda bdquoA‟
Rahula
Sudheera
Kosala Dheera
Panna Wansa
Jina Wansa
Mahinda
Nanda bdquoB‟
Seewali
Mahapantha
Assaji
Sarada
Sumana
Ananda
Nalaka bdquoB‟
Aloka
Suwarna
Subodh
Udena
Sangharatna bdquoA‟
Gyanendra
Khema
Soma bdquoA‟
Punna
Panna Ransi
Soma bdquoB‟
Santa bdquoA‟
Kapila Wansa
Asita Wansa
Sumanananda bdquoa‟
Vijitananda
Khemananda
Silananda
Medhananda
Somaratna
Soratha
Pragyananda
Sumangala
Santa Citta
Yasa
Dhamma Kitti
Panna Kitti
Santa Dheera
Vijitananda
Sumanananda bdquob‟
Vajra Bodhi
Dhammika
Santa bdquoB‟
Anuruddha
Sumana bdquoB‟
Jinavamsa
Panna Vansa
Buddha Ratna
Dhamma Ratna
Ariya Ratna
Piyadassi bdquoB‟
Sila Ratna
Sangha Ratna bdquoB‟
List of Anagarikas studying in abroad
I Thailand
1 Anagarika Sirisuta Maharjan
2 Anagarika Ramsobha Shrestha
3 Anagarika Sunita Napit
II Myanmar
1 Anagarika Javanvati
2 Anagarika Vimalajnani
3 Anagarika Ambika
4 Anagarika Buddhapali
5 Anagarika Darshana
6 Anagarika Agrajnani
7 Anagarika Nandavati
bdquob‟
III India 1 Anagarika Rupashila
IV Taiwan
1 Anagarika Pannavati
2 Anagarika Sani
3 Anagarika Nima
V Sri Lanka
1 Anagarika Pannawati
2 Anagarika Mettawati
3 Anagarika Keshawati
4 Anagarika Prasnnawati
5 Anagarika Sukhawati
6 Anagarika Shobhawati
7 Anagarika Subhadra
8 Anagarika
Shraddhagautami
9 Anagarika Upananda
10 Anagarika Shantawati
11 Anagarika Suciwati
Residences of Theravādin Monks in Nepal
01 Abhinava Buddha Vihara Lumbini
1) Bhikkhu Vimalananda Mahathera
2) Samanera Sunanda
02 Anandakut Vihara Swayambhu Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Kumara Kassapa Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Dharmamurti 3) Samanera Kondanya
4) S Prajnaratna 5) S Asoka
6) S Kumarjeeva 7) S Assaji
03 Bauddha Samaskrita Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Bhikkhu Dharmashobhana Mahathera
04 Bodhicharya Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Bodhisena Mahathera
2) Samanera Bodhideepa
05 Buddha Vihara Bhrikuti Mandap-Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Kondanya 2) Bhikkhu Sushil
3) Samanera Anuyoga 3) S Javana
4) S Udena
06 Buddha Vihara Biratnagar
1) Bhikkhu Aloka
07 Buddha Vihara Dharan
1) Bhikkhu Maitri (Tamang)
2) Bhikkhu Chhavikirti
08 Chatubrahma Vihara Matatirtha
1) Bhikkhu Thansettho
2) Bhikkhu Samyakaratna
3) Bhikkhu Bodhananda
9 Charumati Stupa Vihara Chabahil Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Tapassi Dhamma
10 Dharmacakra Ashrama Bagbazar
1) Bhikkhu Milinda
11 Dharmashila Buddha Vihara Pokhara
1) Bhikkhu Subhadda 2) Bhikkhu Saddhananda
12 Dhyanakuti Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Ashwaghosha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Rahul 3) Samanera Gautama
13 Gana Maha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Sanghanayaka Bhikkhu Subodhanand Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sobhita
3) Bhikkhu Samvegakirti
4) Samanera Sugatananda
6) S Chandananda
7) S Somananda
8) S Sumanavamsha
9) S Somavamsha
10) S Sumanasiri
14 IlayabahiTanabaha Patan
1) Bhikkhu Vimalkirti
15 International Bauddha Pariyatti Vihara Butwal
1) Bhikkhu Jatila
2) Bhikkhu Bhaddiya bdquoB‟
3) Samanera Jnanashree 4) S Jotika
16 International Buddhist Society Lumbini
1) Bhikkhu Maitri Mahathera
2) Samanera Mahapanta
3) S Vimala
17 Jana Udaya Vihara Sunakothi-Lalitpura
1) Bhikkhu Dharmagupta
18 Jitavana Vihara Thankot
1) Bhikkhu Dharmavamsha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sugatamuni Mahathera
3) Samanera Sunita
19 Kuti Vihara Koteshwar-KTM
1) Bhikkhu Yeshdhammo
2) Samanera Wayamo
3) S Milindo 4) S Sunanalankara
20 Manimandapa Mahavihara Patan
1) Bhikshu Shilbhadra Mahathera
2) Samanera Paduma 3) S Nayako
21 Muni Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Samanera Tejendra 2) S Jalapa
3) S Asima 4) S Aryaputra
22 Padma Sugandha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Sumedha 2) Samanera Sudatta
23 Pati Vihara Nagadesh-Bhaktapur
1) Bhikkhu Varasambodhi
24 Pranidhi Purna Maha Vihara Balambu
1) Samanera Sukha
25 Pugatabhoomi Jetavana Vihara Bhairahawa
1) Samanera Jagaro 2) S Suvanno
26 Purvaram Vihara Dhulikhel
1) Bhikkhu Gunaghosha Mahathero
27 Sangharama Vihara Kshetrapati Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Saddhatissa
2) Bhikkhu Kolita
3) Bhikkhu Sangharakshita
28 Shakya Singha Vihara Patan
1) Bhikkhu Dharmapala Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sunanda Mahathera
3) Bhikkhu Dharmarakshita
29 Shikhalapura Vihara Dhulikhel
1) Bhikkhu Dhammananda Mahathera
30 Shree Kirti Vihara Kirtipur
1) Bhikkhu Kirtijyoti 2) Bhikkhu Ananda
3) Bhikkhu Prajnakirti
4) Bhikkhu Dharmakirti
5) Samanera Sundara 6) Bhikkhu Pamit
7) S Subhashkirti 8) S Uttarakirti
31 Shreegha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Dharmasagara
2) Bhikkhu Medhankara
32 Sudarshana Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Rastrapala
33Sumangala Vihara Patan
1) Sanghaupanayaka Bhikkhu Buddhaghosha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Shobhan
3) Bhikkhu Prajnaratna
34 Surya Mangala Vihara Kapilvastu
1) Bhikkhu Suryamangala
35 Tokha Buddha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Samanera Shobhana 2) S Jnanodaya
36 Veluvanarama Vihara Thecho-Lalitpura
1) Samanera Uttama 2) S Chandimo
37 Vishwa Shanti Vihara New Baneshwar
1) Bhikshu Jnanapurnik Mahathera
2) Bhikshu Bodhijnana
3) Bhikshu Nigrodha
4) Bhikshu Udayabhadra
Samaneras
1) S Janak 2) S Sujat
3) S Obhaso 4) S Subhaddo
5) S Nandiyo 6) S Mahindo
7) S Pajjoto 8) S Aloka
9) S Buddhadatta 10) S Panita
11) S Kashyapa 12)S Dharmaghosha
13) S Nagita 14) S Vinaya
15) S Suchitta 16) S Sudatto
17) S Nemindo 18) S Rohito
19) S Jayanto 20) S Meghiyo
21) S Indriyo 22) S Suppamedho
23) S Bhanusarana 24) S Saddhadeepa
25) S Kittimo 26) S Janeyyo
27) S Adicca 28) S Kosalla
29) S Nyanuttara 30) S Bhaddaco
31) S Pabhassaro 32) S Uttaro
38 Yampi Maha Vihara Patan
1) Bhikkhu Bhaddiya
39 Non residencial Monks
1) Bhikshu Samyaka Sambodhi Pranputra
2) Bhikshu Dhyanratna
3) Bhikkhu Chandragupta Balambu
Present Anagarikas and resident in NEPAL
01 Amarapura Vihara Bungamati
1) A Charujnani 2) A Sunita
3) A Palitajnani 4) A Pamitajnani
5) A Padumajnani 6) A Rupawati
02 Bauddha Samaskrit Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Anagarika Sanghashila
03 Buddha ViharaDharan
1) A Sumedhavati 2) A Sushilavati
3) A Kanchana 4) A Shasanavati
04 Bauddha Rishi Mahapragya Ashram Anamnagar
1) Anagarika Prajnavati
05 Chatubrahma Vihara Matatirtha
1) Anagarika Anu
06 Dhammavasa Vihara Khusibun
1) A Krishgautami 2) A Suchita
3) A Shilgautami 4) A Kshantigautami
5) A Shyamavati
07 Dharmakirti Vihara Naghal-Kathmandu
1) Anagarika RatnaManjari
2) A Dhammavati
3) A Dhammadinna (Chameli)
4) A Anupama 5) A Sanghavati
6) A Khemavati 7) A Indravati
8) A Jayavati 9) A Danavati
10) A Tyagavati 11) AViryavati
12) A Shubhavati 13) A Ramavati
14) A Surammavati
15) A Hemavati 16) A Suppabhavati
17) A Supriya 18) A Amata
19) A Vannavati 20) A Suvannavati
08 Dharmashila Buddha Vihara Pokhara
1) Anagarika Karmashila
09 Gautami Vihara Lumbini
1) Anagarika Sujata 2) A Khamesi
10 IlayabahiTana Baha Lalitpur
1) A Shilaparami 2)AViryaparami
3) A Vineeta 4) A Shilachari
11 Int‟l Buddhist Meditation Centre Shankhamul
1) A Aggajnani 2) A Nirmalajnani
3) A Shantarakshita
12 Jaya Mangal ViharaTana Bahal-Patan
1) Anagarika Vijita 2) A Nekkhami
3) A Chittavati
13 Jyoti Vihara Chapagaun- Lalitpur
1) AnagarikaVirygautami
2) A Upeskshagautami
14 Kashivarna Buddha Vihara Panuati
1) Anagarika Satyaparami
15 Kindol Vihara Swayambhu
1) A Sumana 2) A Uttara
3) A Sumitra 4) A Molini
5) A Dhammavijaya 6) A Tejavati
7) A Shyamavati
16 Kunsa BahaHyumat
1) Anagarika Patachari 2) AUmavati
17 Mahabodhi Vihara Tansen
1) Anagarika Revati (Dhammadinna)
18 Muni Vihara Bhaktapur
1) A Sugandhavati 2) A Padmavati
19 Narsinharama Thaina-Patan
1) A Jnanashila 2) ASatyashila
3) AShilavati 4) A Yeshavati 5) A Dharani
6) A Jeenvati
7) A Shilpavatisushma
20 Padmachaitya Vihara Butwal
1) A Udayashila 2) A Santiwati
21 Padmakirti Vihara Kamalpokhari
1) A Kamala 2) A Karunavati
3) A Pabbhavati 4) A Dhyanavati
5) A Bhavanavati
22 Prajnanandarama Okubahal-Patan
1) Anagarika Jnanavati
23 Pranidhipurna Mahavihara Balambu
1) A Mudita 2) A Chandrashila bdquoB‟
24 SangharakshitaVihara Patan
1) Anagarika Abhaya 2) A Chandrashila
3) A Shilachari
25 Shanti Sukhavasa Chakupat-Patan
1) A Utpalavarna (Chini)
26 Shree Kirti Vihara Kirtipur
1) Anagarika Mina
27 SunandaramaThaina-Patan
1) A Madhavi 2) AMasukhi
3) A Mashobha 4) A Mashraddha
5) A Masudha
28 Sulakshanakirti Viahara Kirtipur
1) A Anoja 2) A Atula
3) A Anula
29 Sangharama ViharaDhalko-KTM
1) Anagarika Dharmarakshita
30 Vishwashanti Vihara New Baneshwar
1) A Shubha 2) A Khema
3) A Sudhamma
31 Vishwashanti Dharmakirti Vihara Basundhara
1) A Dhajavati (Kusum) 2) A Padmavati
3) A Bhadravati
32 Residing other Anagarikas
1) Anagarika Chandrajnani Patan
2) A Sraddhavati Shankhamul
3) A Amaravati Patan
4) A Dhammachari Patan
5) A Nanda Thasi
Some Prominent Personalities in the Theravada Movement1
Sanghamahanayakas of Nepal
1 Ven Pragyanand Mahasthavir 1930 ndash 1993 AD
2 Ven Sakyananda Mahasthavir 1993 - 1997 AD
3 Ven Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1997 - 2002 AD
4 Ven Subodhananda Mahasthavir 2002 - 2006 AD
5 Ven Buddhaghosa Mahasthavir 2006-
Amritananda Bhikkhu (1918-1990) original name Lal Kaji Sakya from Tansen
west Nepal he ordain as a novice in 1936 from ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara He studies and was ordained a monk in Sri Lanka in 1940 He
return to Nepal in 1942 and preached first publicly in Kathmandu He
formed Dharmodaya Sabha in 1944 and All Nepal Bhikkhu Mahasangha in
1951 and remained its unchallenged leader until his death He was well
known and traveled widely outside of Nepal because of his dynamism and
charisma He was also one of the greatest Buddhist scholars and writers of
Nepal
Aniruddha Bhikkhu (1915-2003) original name Gaja Ratna Tuladhar son of
Dasa Ratna Sahu (Later Ven Dhammaloka) He went to Sri Lanka in 1930
and ordained as samanera and studied there He had served many years in
Lumbini and third Sanghanayaka of Nepal
1 Sarah Levine and David N Gellner Rebuilding Buddhism The Theravada Movement in
Twentieth Century Nepal (UK Harvard University Press 2006) pp 293-296
Ashwaghosh Bhikkhu (1926- present) original name Buddha Ratna Sakya and
became a novice in 1944 and went to Sri Lanka for study where he took
higher ordination in 1949 he is known as bdquothe communist monk‟ and was a
nominee of the Unified Marxist-Leninist party one of Nepal‟s two main
political parites in the 1990s to the Upper House 1993-5 He had
established nepal‟s first Bhikkhu Training Center at Sangharama Dhalko
and became abbot of this vihara Presently he is abbot of Shrigha Vihara in
Kathmandu and of Dyanakuti Vihara Banepa
Buddhaghosh Bhikkhu (1921- present day) original name Sapta Ratna
Vajracharya in Kwa Baha Kathamandu The founder of Pariyatti Education
in Nepal and presently acting Sanghanayaka of Nepal (2006) and abbot of
Sri Sumangala Vihara in Lalitpur
Chandramani Bhikkhu (1876-1972) a Burmese monk who spent his life in
Kusinagara where he worked for the propagation of Buddhism until his
death He initiated with most of the early Nepalese Theravadins Monks and
Nuns He was the first president of Dharmodaya Sabha and father of
Theravadins of Nepal
Dharmachari Anagarika (1898-1978) born Laxmi Nani Tuladhar she
impressed by Ven Pragyananda in Kindol Vihara and took the precepts
from Chandramani in Kusinagara in 1934 and most prominent Nepali nun
She founded the first nunnery in Nepal at Kindol Vihara in 1947
Dhammaloka Bhikkhu (1891-1977) born Das Ratna Tuladhar Asan
kathamandu He traded in Lhasha went to Sri Lanka and taught Buddhism
as a layman Later became a monk in 1932 after his son Aniruddha ordain
in 1930 he established nepal‟s first Theravādin Vihara bdquoAnanda Kuti
Vihar‟ in Kathmandu
Dhammawati Anagarika (1925- present day) born as Ganesh Kumari Sakya in
Uku Baha lalitpur She ordain too precepts from Ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara and renamed as Dhammavati in 1950 She went to Burma for
study and return in 1963 after passed the Dhammacariya Examination She
was able to established Dhammakirti Nunnery Centre in 1965 and leader of
the Theravādin Nuns She has been re-ordained as Bhikkhuni according to
Mahayana tradition
Dharmaditya Dharmacharya (1902-1963) born as Jagat Man Vaidya in Chika
Bahi Lalitpur and the first Newar Buddhist modernist and the first newar
cultural nationalist He went to study in Calcutta where he became a
follower of anagarika Dhammapala the founder of Maha Bodhi Society
He had formed Buddhist revival foundation and published Buddhist
magazines etc
Nyanpurnika Bhikkhu (1936- present day) Born as Hera Lal Sakya in Tansen
He studied with Buddhaghosh in Lalitpur in Burma and in England He is
only monk who passed Dhammacariya examination of Burma He was the
founder of Vishwa Shanti Vihara and Vishwa Shanti Bauddha sikkyalaya
where train novices He is a prominent translator and writer
Kumar Kashyap Bhikkhu (1926- present day) born as Krishna Man Sakya he
was one of those who exiled to India by the Ranas in 1944 He went to
Study in Sri Lanka and hold nepal‟s first bdquoTripitaka acarya‟ Presently he is
president of All Nepal Bhikkhu Association and abbot of Ananda Kuti
Vihara
Mahapragya Bhikkhu (1901-1979) born Prem Bahadur (Nani Kaji ) Shrestha
He ordained into Tibetan tradition but exiled in 1926 and reordained as
novice in Theravada tradition one of the earlier Theravādin monks He
return to householderhood in Kalimpong in 1940s but then returned to
Kathmandu as a Buddhist sage (Bauddha Rishi) in the 1960s where he
taught until his death
Pragyananda Bhikkhu (1900-1993) born as Kul Man Singh Tuladhar in Itum
Baha Kathmandu a trader in Tibet where he met Ven Mahapragya and
impressed by him to ordained He became a Tibetan Gelung Karmasheel in
1928 and two years later a Theravādin under Ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara in 1930 He was nepal‟s first Sanghamahanayaka and well
respected monk
Shakyananda Bhikkhu (1909-1997) born as Chakra Dhan Sakya in Taksar
Bhojpur East Nepal He spent over forty years as a monk in Tansen outside
the Kathmandu and second sanghamahanayaka of Nepal
Subodhanand Bhikkhu (1916-2006) bor as Kul Raj Sakya in Taksar Bhojpur
East Nepal He was one of the monks exiled by the Ranas in 1944 He was
a prolific composer of Hymns in Nepal Bhasa In 2003 as the most senior
monk in Nepal he was the fourth Sanghanayaka of Nepal
Sudarshan Bhikkhu (1934-2002) born as Rudra Raj Sakya in Uku Baha
lalitpur He was famous a bdquothe boy monk‟ For many years he was a lecturer
in the culture Department of Tribhuvan University a prolific writer
preacher and abbot of Sri Kirti Vihara Kirtipur which is became multi-
cultural center and especially for Buddhist meetings and conferences He
was jailed for some months for Nepal Bhasa activities in the Panchayat
period He was a campaigner on Buddhist issues particularly to do with
Lumbini
Sumangal Bhikkhu (1929-1999) born Bhakta Krishna Shilpakar in Lalitpur He
was famous as ldquoDollar bhanterdquo He ordained in 1959 in Burma obtained a
master‟s degree in Buddhism from Rissho University Japan in 1972 and
was among the first monks to mobilize international connections for
Buddhist projects in Nepal He established Buddha Vihara in Bhrikuti
Mandap Kathmandu He helped raise funds from Thailand and Japan for
IBMc (1985) brought the Japanese healing movement Sei Mei Kyo to
Nepal and in 1993 opened an old people‟s home in Banepa
Glimpse of Theravādin activities in Nepal
Samanera ordination at Muni Vihara
Ordination Ceremony at Vishwa Shanti Vihara
Collecting Alms
Chanting Paritta in devotee‟s home
Giving Holy Thread to Devotees
Buddhist Art in Nepal
Main Buddha Image at Sri Kirti Vihara
Four holy places
Some of the Theravada Buddhist Viharas (Monasteries) in Nepal
Vihars In Kathmandu Valley Telephone No
1 Amarapura Buddha Vihar Bungamati 5551068
2 Anandakuti Vihar Swayambhu 4271420
3 Anandabhuwan Vihar Bhuikhyo 4270429
4 Ganamaha vihar Ganabaha 4253454
5 Gautam Buddha Vihar Panga co 4330576
6 Caturbrahma Vihar Matatirtha 4310558
7 Carumati Vihar Cabahil 4469897
8 Baudhajana Vihar Sunakothi co 5570209
9 Jitapur Gandhakuti Vihar khona Co 5542846
10 Jitawan Vihar Thankot 4311912
11 Jyoti udaya vihar Capagaun Co 5571459
12 Dhammavasa Vihar Khusibun 4358688
13 Dharmakirti Vihar Srigha Naghal 4259466
14 Dharmacakra vihar Bagbajar 4261976
15 Nagar Mandap Sri Kirti Vihar Kirtipur 4330836
16 Nagadesh Buddha Vihar Nagadesh Co 6635397
17 Nirvanmurti Anagarikaram Kindol 4285811
18 Padmasugandha Vihar Manjeshwori 4266255
19 Pranidhi Purna Mahavihar Balambu 43105924312455
20 Pati Vihar Thimi Co 6637601
21 Pippali Theravad Buddha Vihar Shiphal 4475066
22 Punya Udaya Vihar Jala Harisiddhi Co 5527456
23 Buddhabhoomi Mahavihar Tokha 4362514
24 Buddha Vihar Bhrikuti mandapa 4226702
25 Buddharatna Vihar Putalisadak 4244277
26 Bauddha samakrit Vihar Bhaktapur 6610842
27 Manimandap Vihar Patko Bhaktapur 5526517
28 Muni Vihar Bhaktapur 6616464
29 Yampi Mahavihar Ibahi Lalitpur 5539644
30 Yashodhara Baudha Bidyalaya Thaina Lalitpur 5521435
31 Biswo Shanti Vihar Baneshwor 4482384
32 Biswo Shanti Dharmakirti vihar Basundhara 4354251
33 Beluvanarama Vihar Theco Co 5570062
34 Sakyasingha Vihar Thaina Lalitpur 5524760
35 Santi Sukhawas Cakupat co 5523613
36 Siddhimangal Buddha Vihar Thasi 5581495
37 Sumangala Vihara Lagankhel 5531715
38 Sulakshan kirti Vihar Chobhar 4331718
39 Suwanrna Chatrapur Vihar Lubhu 5580430
40 Sangharama Vihar Dhalko Visnumati 4255960
41 Srigha Vihar Nagal 4259110
Vihars out side the Kathamandu Velley Telephone No
1 Ananda Vihar Tansen Co 075-520225520216
2 Citravan Vihar Narayangadha Co 056-521478
3 Taksar Vihar Tansen Co 075-520024
4 Dharmashila Buddha Vihar Phokhara 061-520517
5 Dyankuti Banepa Banepa 011-661244
6 Padma Chaitya Vihar Butawal 071-546470
7 Purwarama Vihar Dhulikhel 011-661979
8 Pragya Mahavihar Hetauda Co 057-520264520136
9 Buddha Vihar Dharan 025-520354
10 Buddha Vihar Biratnagar Co 021-522146530604
11 Beni Buddha Vihar Myagdi Co 069-520354
12 Bodhicharya vihar Banepa 011-661789
13 Lokachakra Buddha Vihar Dhan gadhi 091-622174
14 Sakyamuni Vihar Bhojpur Co 029-420260
15 Sugatapur Vihar Trisuli Co 010-560153
16 Sugandha Vihar Ridi Gulmi Co 079-529435
17 Swoyambhu Chetya Buddha Vihar Urlabari Co 021-540080
18 Swoyambhu Chetya Mahavihar Dharan Co 025-520190
19 Gyanodaya Buddha Vihar Baglung Co 068-520921520336
Footnotes
[1] This paper was written as a part of my MA thesis research on bdquoThe
Revival of Theravada Buddhism and its contribution to Nepalese Society‟ of
Mahachulalongkorn University Bangkok Thailand and would like to thank Mr
Dharma Sakya for every suggestion editing and help for the completion of this
article
[2] Nyanatiloka Buddhist Dictionary 3
rd ed The Free Distribution
version the Corporate Body of the Buddha education foundation Taiwan p
179
[3] Triratna Manandhar bdquoPresent of Buddhism in Nepal‟ (Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK Vol 8 May 2005) p 15
[4] helliphelliphelliphellip The New Encyclopedia of Britannica Vol24 (USA
Library of Congress Catalog 1993) p 781 Dhanabajra Vajracharya Cabahilko
Abhilekha (Inscription of Cabahil) The Charumati Voice (Kath Charumati
Buddhist Mission 2001) pp 17-20 Bhikkhu Sudarsan Mahasthavira Nepal
Upatyaka ma Ashokaki Chori Charumati (Charumati A daughter of
Ashoka in Nepal Valley) (The Charumati Vocie (Kath Charumati Buddhist
Mission 2001) p 20
[5] Beal Samuel Si Yu Ri Buddhist Records of the Western World
(New Delhi Motilal Banarsidass Publishers 1994) pp 80-81 Bhuwan Lal
Pradhan Nepalama Buddhadharma (Kath Nepal Rajkiya Pragyapratisthana
1988) pp 102 ndash 103
[6] NB Thapa A Short History of Nepal (Kath Ratna Pustak
bhandhar Nd) pp 30-33 Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ The
Nation Thailand‟s English Newspaper (Sunday special) Oct 18 1987
[7] Opcit NB Thapa p116
[8] David N Gellner Monk Householder and Tantric Priest Newar
Buddhism and its Hierarchy of Ritual (Cambridge University Press 1996) pp
41ff
[9] Bechert Heinz amp Jens-Uwe Hartmann ldquoObservation on the reform
of Buddhism in Nepalrdquo Journal of Nepal Research Centre vol VIII Kath
Kantipur Printing Press1988p 6
[10] Ria Kloppenborg Theravada Buddhism in Nepal‟ Kailash A
Journal of Himalayan Studies Vol 5 no 41977 p 302
[11] BP Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada Gukathan Wagu Kha (Kath
Hisi Press Nepal BS 20421985) pp44ff
[12] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p47ff
[13] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 51-53 Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal (BKK A Thesis of MA Mahamakut Graduate School
2001) p 97
[14] Bhikshu Sudarshan Mahasthavir bdquoRole of Theravada in the
Preservation of Newar Buddhism‟ wwwircnepalorgpapers
[15] Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 69-72
[16] Opcit Observation on the reform of Buddhism in Nepal p10ff
[17] Opcit Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ RV
Vandya Sanghanayaka Venerable Pragnananda Mahasthavir (Kath Nepal
Co-operative Press 1978) pp 11ff
[18] Bhkkhu Dharmaloka Mahasthavir A Pilgrimage in China (kath
published by Bhikkhu Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1999) p 13-15 Opcit Lacoul
Nepalay Sthavirvada p 74-75
[19] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka p 15
[20] Opcit Bhikkhu dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp16ff
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p100
[21] Ibit Bhikkhu Dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp 27-29
[22] See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A Homage
(Kath Anandakuti Vihar Trust 1992) Kuladharma Ratna Tuladhar Buddhism
in Nepal (Kath Dharmodaya Sabha 1986) pp15 Opcit Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 100
[23] Opcit K R Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal 16 RV Vandya
Sanghanayaka ven Pragnananda p 32 ff
[24] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka Pragnananda pp 34-35
Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthavirvada p 86
[25] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 18 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 101
[26] Bhikkhu Amritananda Mahasthavir A Short History of Theravada
Buddhism in Modern Nepal (Kath Anandakuti Vihar trust 1986) pp 8-9
Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir (Kath Anandakuti
Vihar Trust 1992) p 25
[27] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 19 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[28] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[29] Opcit Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir
p 26
[30] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit KR
Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 20
[31] Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha in Nepal
(BKK A Thesis of MA Buddhist Study Mahachulalongkorn University 2547)
p 23 [32]
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit Ratna
Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir p 26
[33] Amrit R Sthapit bdquowho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Aswaghosha‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 4 no 1 May 2001
p8
[34] helliphelliphelliphelliphellip bdquoWho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Nyanapurninka Mahasthavir‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 7
no 1 May 2004 p13 Viswo Shanti Vihar The Shanti Sandesh (Kath Viswo
Shanti Vihar 1998)
[35] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sumangala Mahasthavir
A monk who modernized Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the
LNBDS UK vol 2 no 1 May 1999 p10
[36] Opcit Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha
in Nepal pp 52ff
[37] Rina Tuladhara Dharmakirti 25 Years of Dharmakirti Buddhist
Study Circle A Glimpse (Kath Dharmakirti Vihar 1996) Mallika Sakya
bdquoWho is Who in Nepalese Buddhism Dhammavati Guruma‟ Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 5 no 1 May 2002 p10
[38] Opcit See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A
Homage Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 108
[39] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sudarshan Mahasthavir A
Gem of the Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol
6 no 1 May 2003 p13
24
In 1950 democracy replaced autocratic Rana regime under the
leadership of H M King Tribhuvan This heralded rapid development
of Theravada Buddhism Buddhist monks and nuns were able carry out
their duties freely without hindrances throughout the country The
office of bdquoDharmodaya Sabha‟ shifted from Kalimpong to Kathmandu
after the advent of democracy in 19501 In 1951 Bhikkhu Sangha led
by Ven Amritananda formed lsquoAkhil Nepal Bhikkhu Sangharsquo (All
Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha Council) for the further propagation of
Buddhism in Nepal Ven Amritananda played a great role in
propagation of Theravada Buddhism nationwide His close relationship
with their Majesties helped in his activities[28]
He visited many
countries on behalf of All Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha and Dharmodaya
Sabha In the same year Buddhists of Nepal succeeded in bringing the
relics of Ven Sariputta (Ven Sariputra) and Ven Maudhgalyana
(Ven Moggallana) the foremost disciples of the Buddha for the
exhibition in Nepal His Majesty King Tribhuvan chaired the reception
committee and a reception party was held in the Royal Palace[29]
Following year in 1952 Buddha Jayanti was celebrated throughout the
country with the support of HM King Tribhuvan On this occasion
25
HM King declared Baisakh Purnima or Buddha Jayanti day as a
public holiday throughout the kingdom[30]
In 1956 His late Majesty King Mahendra visited Lumbini the
birthplace of the Buddha and erected a Mahendra Pillar in Lumbini
zone In the same year during 2500th
Buddha Jayanti celebration HM
king banned animal slaughter on this auspicious day throughout the
kingdom[31]
Nepalese Buddhists led by All Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha
Council and Dharmodaya Sabha also organized the Fourth World
Fellowship of Buddhist Conference (WFB) in Kathmandu on this
year[32]
His Majesty‟s government cooperated fully and gave every
assistance for the success of the conference Gradually Theravada
Buddhist monasteries were founded Buddhist Education Buddhapuja
meditation public discourses publications of Buddhist texts and mass
ordination etc took place as a part of dhamma activities Burma Sri
Lanka Thailand and other countries helped Nepal in its effort for
Theravada revival Soon after Theravada Buddhist monks established
the first Bhikkhu training center- Sangharama Vihar and ordained
number of novices under the leadership of Ven Ashogosha
Mahasthavir[33]
Following their ordination they were sent to Sri
26
Lanka Burma and Thailand for their higher ordination and education
Many of these monks have returned to Nepal and are actively engaged
in propagation of dhamma Besides ordination of individual novices
mass ordinations for short periods were also held in different temple
After Anandakuti Vihar the Viswasanti Vihara also established
Vishwa Shanti Bauddha Shikshalaya a Buddhist School under Ven
Nyanapunnika Mahathavir[34]
It teaches both national and Buddhist
curriculum to the novices Now there are nearly 100 Theravada
temples more than four hundred monks and Samaneras and nearly 400
nuns in the country Present Sangha Nayaka is Most Ven
Subodhananda of Gana Mahavihara Kathmandu President of All
Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha is Kumar Kashyapa of Ananda Kuti Vihar
Swayambhu Kathmandu and the head office of All Nepal Bhikkhu
Sangha is in Viswo Santi Vihara New Baneshwor Kathmandu
27
Contribution to Nepalese society
Besides promoting Dhamma Theravada monks and nuns
(Anagarikas) are also involved in other welfare activities like
organising free health camps training centers either in the monasteries
or outside the monasteries They also founded center for old age and
Kindergarten Late Ven Sumangala Mahasthavira[35]
initiated free
clinic at Buddha Vihar a Buddhist home for the elderly at Benepa and
a Buddhist Kindergarten Free Clinics were popular because of lack of
adequate government run clinics in Nepal Many monasteries
organized free clinics Regular clinics like eye and Homeopathic were
run either on weekly or monthly basis Annual campaigns are also run
when it was felt necessary
In 1964 All Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha established a Theravada
education system Pariyatti Sikkha or Nepal Bauddha Pariyatti Siksa
(Buddhist Saturday School) Classes are run in Theravada Buddhist
monasteries Tibetan monasteries other Buddhist centers in public and
private schools There are more than 32 centers throughout the
28
country[36]
Presently its head office is at Viswo Santi Vihara in New
Baneswora Kathmandu
Besides Pariyatti Sikkha Ven Amritananda founded a
Buddhist school - bdquoAnandakuti Vidyapith Boarding School‟ and a
college- bdquoSiddharth Science Campus‟ Both Buddhist monks and lay
people used to teach in these institutions It was started as a Buddhist
school but for some reason it has become a private enterprise Besides
these many monks and nuns are also running other educational
institutions like bdquoNursery school (Siddhartha Shisu Niketan Buddha
Vihar) Primary school (Triple Gem Boarding School) and Higher
Schools There are some Higher Education institutes like Siddharth
University in Banepa International Buddhist University in Lumbini
etc Many Buddhist organizations were founded and they were also
running different classes and research centers like Dharmakirti
Buddhist Research Center Anagarika Dhammavati founded this centre
Later on Anagarika Dhammavati was ordained as Bhikkhuni
according to Taiwanese tradition She is one of the well-known nuns in
the Theravada Buddhism in Nepal[37]
29
The Buddhist temples and organizations bring out number of
publications annually monthly weekly and on special occasions
Dharmodaya Anandabhumi and Dharmakirti are the oldest
Buddhist journals in Nepal and still continued to be published
Ven Amritananda was one of the greatest Buddhist scholars of
Nepal He wrote and translated many books on Buddhism There are
still no other monks or nun in Nepal who can be compared with
him[38]
Late Ven Sudharsan Mahasthavir came close to him Ven
Sudharsan was a pillar of Theravada Buddhism after Ven
Amritananda He was famous for different reason His field of interest
beside dhamma work consisted literature language Archaeology etc
He was a resident monk at Srikirti Vihar Kirtipur and held the post of
professor in History Archaeology and Buddhist philosophy at
Tribhuvan University until his death in July 2002 Some of his books in
Buddhism became course book for BA and MA students in Nepal
He had special interest in archaeology of Lumbini and was an expert on
this subject[39]
30
Revival of Theravada Buddhism in Nepal also had profound
effect in cultural and religious way of life of Nepalese Daily chanting
or Buddhapuja short term ordination observing Sila (Moral code)
caste system celebration of Vesak day celibate life were introduced
In the month of Bhadra or Gunla days (AugustSeptember) Buddhist
hymns are chanted and public discourses are given
Late Ven Sudharshan Mahasthavir formed Sri Kirti Buddhist
center at Sri Kirti Vihar with the aim of introducing Buddhism to other
ethnic groups other than Newars- the original inhabitants of Katmandu
valley This project succeeded in bringing other ethic groups into
Theravada Buddhism As a result of this many ethnic groups who were
originally Buddhists have started organizing Buddhist conferences and
Buddhist activities Another important development is formation of
Gyanmala Bhajan Khala - a Buddhist hymn group This group sings
regularly especially during certain auspicious days at Swayambhu and
other Buddhist sites The songs they sing are based on Buddha‟s
teaching and has been successful in promoting Buddhism in simple
melodious hymns which attracts many people who visits these
religious places
31
Theravadin in Nepalese Society
For centuries Nepalese were aware of only Buddhist priest
(Bajracharya) from Newar Buddhism (Vajrayana) and Tibetan Lamas
They were unaware of Theravadian Buddhist monks and nuns
Bajracharyas are household monks They lead domestic lives and are
not celibate Not all Tibetan monks are celibate It depends on the
school they belong to For example monks from Sakya School of
Tibetan tradition do not have to be celibate Theravada monks wear
distinctive saffron coloured robes They are celibate and lead virtuous
monastic life These monks and nuns have different identity in the eyes
of Nepalese especially the inhabitants of Kathmandu valley Their
simple way of life their full dedication in their work for the benefit of
mankind easily understood Theravada Scriptures translated in different
languages eg in Nepal Bhasa (Newari) Nepali in Hindi and in
English for easy accessibility by different groups helped to gain the
heart of Nepalese people Although many lay people have played
pivotal roles in revival of Theravada Buddhism in Nepal the leadership
32
of monks and nuns were vital in further development and survival of
this tradition
The lay Buddhists of Nepal are pluralistic They participate in
Buddhist ceremonies such as Vesak day daily chanting etc At the
same time they also follow Hindu customs in their daily lives
Buddhism is different from Hinduism and it is not a branch of
Hinduism Hindus believe that Buddha was a reincarnation of Lord
Vishnu Buddha never claimed to be anything other than a human
being ndash although a unique one in the history of mankind
Buddhism in Nepal is unique because of existence of three
different Buddhist traditions - Newar Buddhism (Vajrayana)
Tibetan Buddhism (Mahayana) and Theravada Buddhism
Different Buddhist groups practised different traditions Although the
principle underlying all these traditions is the same they differ in
details Theravada Buddhist tradition is different from Tibetan or
Newar Buddhist traditions but it is developing side-by-side with them
It was not possible for Theravada Buddhism to develop in Nepal
without close co-relation with other traditions but later developed on its
own right These various Buddhist traditions are coexisting in present
33
day Nepal Although they have different cultural traditions and are
developing in their own ways but the followers are the same
Therefore there is no separate identity of Theravadian lay Buddhists
There are number of lay Buddhist organizations such as Dharmodaya
Sabha Dharmakirti Institute Young Buddhist Associations Female
Buddhist Associations more recently Sukhi Hotu Nepal which are
playing important role in promotion of Buddha Dhamma but they are
multi-cultural and multi religious in their daily practices
CONCLUSION
Theravada Buddhism was introduced to Nepal at the time when
public meetings were banned It faced many obstacles at the beginning
Strong dedications of monks and nuns made it possible for its revival in
Nepal after many centuries of neglect Even though the revival
movement of this tradition was started only about 80 years ago it has
already gained strong foot hold in Nepal and gaining popularity day by
day The reason for its popularity lies in many things - the simple and
easily understood way the teachings were given the simple way of life
of monks and nuns lead and various beneficial activities undertaken by
34
Viharas Theravadin Buddhist monks and nuns are well accepted by
people and their contribution in promoting Buddha‟s teachings is
widely recognized Although small in number in comparison to other
Asian countries like Thailand Sri Lanka and Burma both the number
of monks and nuns and monasteries of this tradition are increasing day
by day If this trend continues it will become one of the prominent
religious traditions in Nepal It is only natural that this oldest Buddhist
tradition should gain its place of honour it deserve in a country where
the founder of the religion was born
35
Theravada Records in Nepal
List of Monks Novices and Anagarikas studying abroad
MONKS AND NOVICES
I Thailand
1 Bhikkhu Anil Man Dhammasakiyo (Sugandha)
2 Bhikkhu Vipassi Dhammaramo
3 Bhikkhu Jit Bahadur Gurung
4 Bhikkhu Krishna Thapamagar
5 Bhikkhu Pannamurti
6 Bhikkhu Sujan Sujano
7 Bhikkhu Anil Sumankitti
8 Bhikkhu Santosh Santosho
9 Bhikkhu Khemik Suddhasilo
10 Bhikkhu Suman Rocano
11 Bhikkhu Sanu Maharajano
12 Bhikkhu Santamano Dhwajjoshi
13 Bhikkhu Suman Dhwajjoshi
14 Bhikkhu Bijit Khemasakko
15 Bhikkhu Supreme Shakyavanso
Samaneras
1 Samanera Buddharatna Maharjan
2 Samanera Dhammaratna Maharjan
3 Samanera Bipin Maharjan
4 Samanera Prajwal Shakya
5 Samanera Ukesh Sakya
6 Samanera Gopi Maharjan
7 Samanera Sudip Deshar
8 Samanera Sudat Deshar
9 Samanera Deepi Maharjan
10 Samanera Ramit Shrestha
11 Samanera Anup Deshar
12 Samanera Suman Bajracharya bdquoA‟
13 Samanera Rajendra Deshar
14 Samanera Kapila Maharjan
15 Samanera Arbin Shakya
36
16 Samanera Kabindra Bajracharya
17 Samanera Ujjawal Shakya
18 Samanera Satish Shakya
19 Samanera Bimal Gurung
20 Samanera Surya Gurung
21 Samanera Sameer Maharjan
22 Samanera Anup Shakya
23 Samanera Arjun Magar
24 Samanera Kiran Desahar
25 Samanera Dipesh Shrestha
26 Samanera Tejendra Tamang
27 Samanera Ashim Shakya
28 Samanera Jalap Bajracharya
29 Samanera Arya Dev Bajracharya
30 Samanera Sudarshan Maharjan
31 Samanera Sangharatna
32 Samanera Suman Bajracharya bdquoB‟
33 Samanera Kijan Maharjan
34 Samanera Ramesh Maharjan
35 Samanera Niroj Maharjan
36 Samanera Jen Maharjan
37 Samanera Denish Bajracharya
38 Samanera Pritam Bahadur Shakya
39 Samanera Abhishek Shakya
40 Samanera Bishal Shakya
41 Samanera Sajal Shakya
42 Samanera Suraj Bhakta Shrestha
43 Samanera Dinesh Chaudhary
44 Samanera Shiv Swatantra Tharu
45 Samanera Sambhu Lal Khang
46 Samanera Buddharatna Chaudhary
47 Samanera Mukesh Chaudhary
II Myanmar (Burma)
Bhikkhu Samaneras
1 Bhikkhu Panavimala
2 Bhikkhu Dhyanratna
3 Bhikkhu Adiccho
4 Bhikkhu Vimalbuddhi
5 Bhikkhu Shobhan
6 Samanera Amato
7 Samanera Jutimma
8 Samanera Buddhapiyo
9 Samanera Kavindo
10 Samanera Nagasena
11 Samanera Gyanavudho
III Taiwan(ROC) 1 Bhikkhu Mangala 2 Bhikkhu Vazirbuddhi
IV Australia 1 Bhikkhu Upatissa
V India
1 Bhikkhu Dharmajyoti 2 Bhikkhu Ashokakirti
3 Bhikkhu Narawang Tamang
VI United kingdom 1 Bhikkhu Suman
VII USA 1 Bhikkhu Pragnaloka
VIII Sri Lanka
Bhikkhus
Bhikkhu Nanda
Bhikkhu Vineeta
Bhikkhu Ashoka
Bhikkhu Triratna
Bhikkhu Sagara
Bhikkhu Sankicca
Bhikkhu Vajirasiri
Bhikkhu Sarada
Bhikkhu Veenit
Bhikkhu Ratana
Bhikkhu Tissa
Bhikkhu Vajira
Bhikkhu Pannawimal
Bhikkhu Medhankar
Bhikkhu Pannasara
SARAMANERAS
Saranankara
Piyadassi
Dil Bhadra
Chandima
Samita
Narada bdquoA‟
Piyaratna
Kusala
Lakkhana
Udit
Vibekanada
Pannananda
Mettananda
Chandananda
Yassari
Upali
Subodhi
Mahanama
Kashyapa
Dhammapala
Narada bdquoB‟
Nalaka bdquoA‟
Daywasa
Santa Sobhana
Santa Siddhartha
Santa Maitri
Santa Kosala
Santa Sakya
Suvaca
Sukama Sila
Siddhartha
Nanda bdquoA‟
Rahula
Sudheera
Kosala Dheera
Panna Wansa
Jina Wansa
Mahinda
Nanda bdquoB‟
Seewali
Mahapantha
Assaji
Sarada
Sumana
Ananda
Nalaka bdquoB‟
Aloka
Suwarna
Subodh
Udena
Sangharatna bdquoA‟
Gyanendra
Khema
Soma bdquoA‟
Punna
Panna Ransi
Soma bdquoB‟
Santa bdquoA‟
Kapila Wansa
Asita Wansa
Sumanananda bdquoa‟
Vijitananda
Khemananda
Silananda
Medhananda
Somaratna
Soratha
Pragyananda
Sumangala
Santa Citta
Yasa
Dhamma Kitti
Panna Kitti
Santa Dheera
Vijitananda
Sumanananda bdquob‟
Vajra Bodhi
Dhammika
Santa bdquoB‟
Anuruddha
Sumana bdquoB‟
Jinavamsa
Panna Vansa
Buddha Ratna
Dhamma Ratna
Ariya Ratna
Piyadassi bdquoB‟
Sila Ratna
Sangha Ratna bdquoB‟
List of Anagarikas studying in abroad
I Thailand
1 Anagarika Sirisuta Maharjan
2 Anagarika Ramsobha Shrestha
3 Anagarika Sunita Napit
II Myanmar
1 Anagarika Javanvati
2 Anagarika Vimalajnani
3 Anagarika Ambika
4 Anagarika Buddhapali
5 Anagarika Darshana
6 Anagarika Agrajnani
7 Anagarika Nandavati
bdquob‟
III India 1 Anagarika Rupashila
IV Taiwan
1 Anagarika Pannavati
2 Anagarika Sani
3 Anagarika Nima
V Sri Lanka
1 Anagarika Pannawati
2 Anagarika Mettawati
3 Anagarika Keshawati
4 Anagarika Prasnnawati
5 Anagarika Sukhawati
6 Anagarika Shobhawati
7 Anagarika Subhadra
8 Anagarika
Shraddhagautami
9 Anagarika Upananda
10 Anagarika Shantawati
11 Anagarika Suciwati
Residences of Theravādin Monks in Nepal
01 Abhinava Buddha Vihara Lumbini
1) Bhikkhu Vimalananda Mahathera
2) Samanera Sunanda
02 Anandakut Vihara Swayambhu Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Kumara Kassapa Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Dharmamurti 3) Samanera Kondanya
4) S Prajnaratna 5) S Asoka
6) S Kumarjeeva 7) S Assaji
03 Bauddha Samaskrita Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Bhikkhu Dharmashobhana Mahathera
04 Bodhicharya Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Bodhisena Mahathera
2) Samanera Bodhideepa
05 Buddha Vihara Bhrikuti Mandap-Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Kondanya 2) Bhikkhu Sushil
3) Samanera Anuyoga 3) S Javana
4) S Udena
06 Buddha Vihara Biratnagar
1) Bhikkhu Aloka
07 Buddha Vihara Dharan
1) Bhikkhu Maitri (Tamang)
2) Bhikkhu Chhavikirti
08 Chatubrahma Vihara Matatirtha
1) Bhikkhu Thansettho
2) Bhikkhu Samyakaratna
3) Bhikkhu Bodhananda
9 Charumati Stupa Vihara Chabahil Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Tapassi Dhamma
10 Dharmacakra Ashrama Bagbazar
1) Bhikkhu Milinda
11 Dharmashila Buddha Vihara Pokhara
1) Bhikkhu Subhadda 2) Bhikkhu Saddhananda
12 Dhyanakuti Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Ashwaghosha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Rahul 3) Samanera Gautama
13 Gana Maha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Sanghanayaka Bhikkhu Subodhanand Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sobhita
3) Bhikkhu Samvegakirti
4) Samanera Sugatananda
6) S Chandananda
7) S Somananda
8) S Sumanavamsha
9) S Somavamsha
10) S Sumanasiri
14 IlayabahiTanabaha Patan
1) Bhikkhu Vimalkirti
15 International Bauddha Pariyatti Vihara Butwal
1) Bhikkhu Jatila
2) Bhikkhu Bhaddiya bdquoB‟
3) Samanera Jnanashree 4) S Jotika
16 International Buddhist Society Lumbini
1) Bhikkhu Maitri Mahathera
2) Samanera Mahapanta
3) S Vimala
17 Jana Udaya Vihara Sunakothi-Lalitpura
1) Bhikkhu Dharmagupta
18 Jitavana Vihara Thankot
1) Bhikkhu Dharmavamsha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sugatamuni Mahathera
3) Samanera Sunita
19 Kuti Vihara Koteshwar-KTM
1) Bhikkhu Yeshdhammo
2) Samanera Wayamo
3) S Milindo 4) S Sunanalankara
20 Manimandapa Mahavihara Patan
1) Bhikshu Shilbhadra Mahathera
2) Samanera Paduma 3) S Nayako
21 Muni Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Samanera Tejendra 2) S Jalapa
3) S Asima 4) S Aryaputra
22 Padma Sugandha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Sumedha 2) Samanera Sudatta
23 Pati Vihara Nagadesh-Bhaktapur
1) Bhikkhu Varasambodhi
24 Pranidhi Purna Maha Vihara Balambu
1) Samanera Sukha
25 Pugatabhoomi Jetavana Vihara Bhairahawa
1) Samanera Jagaro 2) S Suvanno
26 Purvaram Vihara Dhulikhel
1) Bhikkhu Gunaghosha Mahathero
27 Sangharama Vihara Kshetrapati Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Saddhatissa
2) Bhikkhu Kolita
3) Bhikkhu Sangharakshita
28 Shakya Singha Vihara Patan
1) Bhikkhu Dharmapala Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sunanda Mahathera
3) Bhikkhu Dharmarakshita
29 Shikhalapura Vihara Dhulikhel
1) Bhikkhu Dhammananda Mahathera
30 Shree Kirti Vihara Kirtipur
1) Bhikkhu Kirtijyoti 2) Bhikkhu Ananda
3) Bhikkhu Prajnakirti
4) Bhikkhu Dharmakirti
5) Samanera Sundara 6) Bhikkhu Pamit
7) S Subhashkirti 8) S Uttarakirti
31 Shreegha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Dharmasagara
2) Bhikkhu Medhankara
32 Sudarshana Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Rastrapala
33Sumangala Vihara Patan
1) Sanghaupanayaka Bhikkhu Buddhaghosha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Shobhan
3) Bhikkhu Prajnaratna
34 Surya Mangala Vihara Kapilvastu
1) Bhikkhu Suryamangala
35 Tokha Buddha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Samanera Shobhana 2) S Jnanodaya
36 Veluvanarama Vihara Thecho-Lalitpura
1) Samanera Uttama 2) S Chandimo
37 Vishwa Shanti Vihara New Baneshwar
1) Bhikshu Jnanapurnik Mahathera
2) Bhikshu Bodhijnana
3) Bhikshu Nigrodha
4) Bhikshu Udayabhadra
Samaneras
1) S Janak 2) S Sujat
3) S Obhaso 4) S Subhaddo
5) S Nandiyo 6) S Mahindo
7) S Pajjoto 8) S Aloka
9) S Buddhadatta 10) S Panita
11) S Kashyapa 12)S Dharmaghosha
13) S Nagita 14) S Vinaya
15) S Suchitta 16) S Sudatto
17) S Nemindo 18) S Rohito
19) S Jayanto 20) S Meghiyo
21) S Indriyo 22) S Suppamedho
23) S Bhanusarana 24) S Saddhadeepa
25) S Kittimo 26) S Janeyyo
27) S Adicca 28) S Kosalla
29) S Nyanuttara 30) S Bhaddaco
31) S Pabhassaro 32) S Uttaro
38 Yampi Maha Vihara Patan
1) Bhikkhu Bhaddiya
39 Non residencial Monks
1) Bhikshu Samyaka Sambodhi Pranputra
2) Bhikshu Dhyanratna
3) Bhikkhu Chandragupta Balambu
Present Anagarikas and resident in NEPAL
01 Amarapura Vihara Bungamati
1) A Charujnani 2) A Sunita
3) A Palitajnani 4) A Pamitajnani
5) A Padumajnani 6) A Rupawati
02 Bauddha Samaskrit Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Anagarika Sanghashila
03 Buddha ViharaDharan
1) A Sumedhavati 2) A Sushilavati
3) A Kanchana 4) A Shasanavati
04 Bauddha Rishi Mahapragya Ashram Anamnagar
1) Anagarika Prajnavati
05 Chatubrahma Vihara Matatirtha
1) Anagarika Anu
06 Dhammavasa Vihara Khusibun
1) A Krishgautami 2) A Suchita
3) A Shilgautami 4) A Kshantigautami
5) A Shyamavati
07 Dharmakirti Vihara Naghal-Kathmandu
1) Anagarika RatnaManjari
2) A Dhammavati
3) A Dhammadinna (Chameli)
4) A Anupama 5) A Sanghavati
6) A Khemavati 7) A Indravati
8) A Jayavati 9) A Danavati
10) A Tyagavati 11) AViryavati
12) A Shubhavati 13) A Ramavati
14) A Surammavati
15) A Hemavati 16) A Suppabhavati
17) A Supriya 18) A Amata
19) A Vannavati 20) A Suvannavati
08 Dharmashila Buddha Vihara Pokhara
1) Anagarika Karmashila
09 Gautami Vihara Lumbini
1) Anagarika Sujata 2) A Khamesi
10 IlayabahiTana Baha Lalitpur
1) A Shilaparami 2)AViryaparami
3) A Vineeta 4) A Shilachari
11 Int‟l Buddhist Meditation Centre Shankhamul
1) A Aggajnani 2) A Nirmalajnani
3) A Shantarakshita
12 Jaya Mangal ViharaTana Bahal-Patan
1) Anagarika Vijita 2) A Nekkhami
3) A Chittavati
13 Jyoti Vihara Chapagaun- Lalitpur
1) AnagarikaVirygautami
2) A Upeskshagautami
14 Kashivarna Buddha Vihara Panuati
1) Anagarika Satyaparami
15 Kindol Vihara Swayambhu
1) A Sumana 2) A Uttara
3) A Sumitra 4) A Molini
5) A Dhammavijaya 6) A Tejavati
7) A Shyamavati
16 Kunsa BahaHyumat
1) Anagarika Patachari 2) AUmavati
17 Mahabodhi Vihara Tansen
1) Anagarika Revati (Dhammadinna)
18 Muni Vihara Bhaktapur
1) A Sugandhavati 2) A Padmavati
19 Narsinharama Thaina-Patan
1) A Jnanashila 2) ASatyashila
3) AShilavati 4) A Yeshavati 5) A Dharani
6) A Jeenvati
7) A Shilpavatisushma
20 Padmachaitya Vihara Butwal
1) A Udayashila 2) A Santiwati
21 Padmakirti Vihara Kamalpokhari
1) A Kamala 2) A Karunavati
3) A Pabbhavati 4) A Dhyanavati
5) A Bhavanavati
22 Prajnanandarama Okubahal-Patan
1) Anagarika Jnanavati
23 Pranidhipurna Mahavihara Balambu
1) A Mudita 2) A Chandrashila bdquoB‟
24 SangharakshitaVihara Patan
1) Anagarika Abhaya 2) A Chandrashila
3) A Shilachari
25 Shanti Sukhavasa Chakupat-Patan
1) A Utpalavarna (Chini)
26 Shree Kirti Vihara Kirtipur
1) Anagarika Mina
27 SunandaramaThaina-Patan
1) A Madhavi 2) AMasukhi
3) A Mashobha 4) A Mashraddha
5) A Masudha
28 Sulakshanakirti Viahara Kirtipur
1) A Anoja 2) A Atula
3) A Anula
29 Sangharama ViharaDhalko-KTM
1) Anagarika Dharmarakshita
30 Vishwashanti Vihara New Baneshwar
1) A Shubha 2) A Khema
3) A Sudhamma
31 Vishwashanti Dharmakirti Vihara Basundhara
1) A Dhajavati (Kusum) 2) A Padmavati
3) A Bhadravati
32 Residing other Anagarikas
1) Anagarika Chandrajnani Patan
2) A Sraddhavati Shankhamul
3) A Amaravati Patan
4) A Dhammachari Patan
5) A Nanda Thasi
Some Prominent Personalities in the Theravada Movement1
Sanghamahanayakas of Nepal
1 Ven Pragyanand Mahasthavir 1930 ndash 1993 AD
2 Ven Sakyananda Mahasthavir 1993 - 1997 AD
3 Ven Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1997 - 2002 AD
4 Ven Subodhananda Mahasthavir 2002 - 2006 AD
5 Ven Buddhaghosa Mahasthavir 2006-
Amritananda Bhikkhu (1918-1990) original name Lal Kaji Sakya from Tansen
west Nepal he ordain as a novice in 1936 from ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara He studies and was ordained a monk in Sri Lanka in 1940 He
return to Nepal in 1942 and preached first publicly in Kathmandu He
formed Dharmodaya Sabha in 1944 and All Nepal Bhikkhu Mahasangha in
1951 and remained its unchallenged leader until his death He was well
known and traveled widely outside of Nepal because of his dynamism and
charisma He was also one of the greatest Buddhist scholars and writers of
Nepal
Aniruddha Bhikkhu (1915-2003) original name Gaja Ratna Tuladhar son of
Dasa Ratna Sahu (Later Ven Dhammaloka) He went to Sri Lanka in 1930
and ordained as samanera and studied there He had served many years in
Lumbini and third Sanghanayaka of Nepal
1 Sarah Levine and David N Gellner Rebuilding Buddhism The Theravada Movement in
Twentieth Century Nepal (UK Harvard University Press 2006) pp 293-296
Ashwaghosh Bhikkhu (1926- present) original name Buddha Ratna Sakya and
became a novice in 1944 and went to Sri Lanka for study where he took
higher ordination in 1949 he is known as bdquothe communist monk‟ and was a
nominee of the Unified Marxist-Leninist party one of Nepal‟s two main
political parites in the 1990s to the Upper House 1993-5 He had
established nepal‟s first Bhikkhu Training Center at Sangharama Dhalko
and became abbot of this vihara Presently he is abbot of Shrigha Vihara in
Kathmandu and of Dyanakuti Vihara Banepa
Buddhaghosh Bhikkhu (1921- present day) original name Sapta Ratna
Vajracharya in Kwa Baha Kathamandu The founder of Pariyatti Education
in Nepal and presently acting Sanghanayaka of Nepal (2006) and abbot of
Sri Sumangala Vihara in Lalitpur
Chandramani Bhikkhu (1876-1972) a Burmese monk who spent his life in
Kusinagara where he worked for the propagation of Buddhism until his
death He initiated with most of the early Nepalese Theravadins Monks and
Nuns He was the first president of Dharmodaya Sabha and father of
Theravadins of Nepal
Dharmachari Anagarika (1898-1978) born Laxmi Nani Tuladhar she
impressed by Ven Pragyananda in Kindol Vihara and took the precepts
from Chandramani in Kusinagara in 1934 and most prominent Nepali nun
She founded the first nunnery in Nepal at Kindol Vihara in 1947
Dhammaloka Bhikkhu (1891-1977) born Das Ratna Tuladhar Asan
kathamandu He traded in Lhasha went to Sri Lanka and taught Buddhism
as a layman Later became a monk in 1932 after his son Aniruddha ordain
in 1930 he established nepal‟s first Theravādin Vihara bdquoAnanda Kuti
Vihar‟ in Kathmandu
Dhammawati Anagarika (1925- present day) born as Ganesh Kumari Sakya in
Uku Baha lalitpur She ordain too precepts from Ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara and renamed as Dhammavati in 1950 She went to Burma for
study and return in 1963 after passed the Dhammacariya Examination She
was able to established Dhammakirti Nunnery Centre in 1965 and leader of
the Theravādin Nuns She has been re-ordained as Bhikkhuni according to
Mahayana tradition
Dharmaditya Dharmacharya (1902-1963) born as Jagat Man Vaidya in Chika
Bahi Lalitpur and the first Newar Buddhist modernist and the first newar
cultural nationalist He went to study in Calcutta where he became a
follower of anagarika Dhammapala the founder of Maha Bodhi Society
He had formed Buddhist revival foundation and published Buddhist
magazines etc
Nyanpurnika Bhikkhu (1936- present day) Born as Hera Lal Sakya in Tansen
He studied with Buddhaghosh in Lalitpur in Burma and in England He is
only monk who passed Dhammacariya examination of Burma He was the
founder of Vishwa Shanti Vihara and Vishwa Shanti Bauddha sikkyalaya
where train novices He is a prominent translator and writer
Kumar Kashyap Bhikkhu (1926- present day) born as Krishna Man Sakya he
was one of those who exiled to India by the Ranas in 1944 He went to
Study in Sri Lanka and hold nepal‟s first bdquoTripitaka acarya‟ Presently he is
president of All Nepal Bhikkhu Association and abbot of Ananda Kuti
Vihara
Mahapragya Bhikkhu (1901-1979) born Prem Bahadur (Nani Kaji ) Shrestha
He ordained into Tibetan tradition but exiled in 1926 and reordained as
novice in Theravada tradition one of the earlier Theravādin monks He
return to householderhood in Kalimpong in 1940s but then returned to
Kathmandu as a Buddhist sage (Bauddha Rishi) in the 1960s where he
taught until his death
Pragyananda Bhikkhu (1900-1993) born as Kul Man Singh Tuladhar in Itum
Baha Kathmandu a trader in Tibet where he met Ven Mahapragya and
impressed by him to ordained He became a Tibetan Gelung Karmasheel in
1928 and two years later a Theravādin under Ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara in 1930 He was nepal‟s first Sanghamahanayaka and well
respected monk
Shakyananda Bhikkhu (1909-1997) born as Chakra Dhan Sakya in Taksar
Bhojpur East Nepal He spent over forty years as a monk in Tansen outside
the Kathmandu and second sanghamahanayaka of Nepal
Subodhanand Bhikkhu (1916-2006) bor as Kul Raj Sakya in Taksar Bhojpur
East Nepal He was one of the monks exiled by the Ranas in 1944 He was
a prolific composer of Hymns in Nepal Bhasa In 2003 as the most senior
monk in Nepal he was the fourth Sanghanayaka of Nepal
Sudarshan Bhikkhu (1934-2002) born as Rudra Raj Sakya in Uku Baha
lalitpur He was famous a bdquothe boy monk‟ For many years he was a lecturer
in the culture Department of Tribhuvan University a prolific writer
preacher and abbot of Sri Kirti Vihara Kirtipur which is became multi-
cultural center and especially for Buddhist meetings and conferences He
was jailed for some months for Nepal Bhasa activities in the Panchayat
period He was a campaigner on Buddhist issues particularly to do with
Lumbini
Sumangal Bhikkhu (1929-1999) born Bhakta Krishna Shilpakar in Lalitpur He
was famous as ldquoDollar bhanterdquo He ordained in 1959 in Burma obtained a
master‟s degree in Buddhism from Rissho University Japan in 1972 and
was among the first monks to mobilize international connections for
Buddhist projects in Nepal He established Buddha Vihara in Bhrikuti
Mandap Kathmandu He helped raise funds from Thailand and Japan for
IBMc (1985) brought the Japanese healing movement Sei Mei Kyo to
Nepal and in 1993 opened an old people‟s home in Banepa
Glimpse of Theravādin activities in Nepal
Samanera ordination at Muni Vihara
Ordination Ceremony at Vishwa Shanti Vihara
Collecting Alms
Chanting Paritta in devotee‟s home
Giving Holy Thread to Devotees
Buddhist Art in Nepal
Main Buddha Image at Sri Kirti Vihara
Four holy places
Some of the Theravada Buddhist Viharas (Monasteries) in Nepal
Vihars In Kathmandu Valley Telephone No
1 Amarapura Buddha Vihar Bungamati 5551068
2 Anandakuti Vihar Swayambhu 4271420
3 Anandabhuwan Vihar Bhuikhyo 4270429
4 Ganamaha vihar Ganabaha 4253454
5 Gautam Buddha Vihar Panga co 4330576
6 Caturbrahma Vihar Matatirtha 4310558
7 Carumati Vihar Cabahil 4469897
8 Baudhajana Vihar Sunakothi co 5570209
9 Jitapur Gandhakuti Vihar khona Co 5542846
10 Jitawan Vihar Thankot 4311912
11 Jyoti udaya vihar Capagaun Co 5571459
12 Dhammavasa Vihar Khusibun 4358688
13 Dharmakirti Vihar Srigha Naghal 4259466
14 Dharmacakra vihar Bagbajar 4261976
15 Nagar Mandap Sri Kirti Vihar Kirtipur 4330836
16 Nagadesh Buddha Vihar Nagadesh Co 6635397
17 Nirvanmurti Anagarikaram Kindol 4285811
18 Padmasugandha Vihar Manjeshwori 4266255
19 Pranidhi Purna Mahavihar Balambu 43105924312455
20 Pati Vihar Thimi Co 6637601
21 Pippali Theravad Buddha Vihar Shiphal 4475066
22 Punya Udaya Vihar Jala Harisiddhi Co 5527456
23 Buddhabhoomi Mahavihar Tokha 4362514
24 Buddha Vihar Bhrikuti mandapa 4226702
25 Buddharatna Vihar Putalisadak 4244277
26 Bauddha samakrit Vihar Bhaktapur 6610842
27 Manimandap Vihar Patko Bhaktapur 5526517
28 Muni Vihar Bhaktapur 6616464
29 Yampi Mahavihar Ibahi Lalitpur 5539644
30 Yashodhara Baudha Bidyalaya Thaina Lalitpur 5521435
31 Biswo Shanti Vihar Baneshwor 4482384
32 Biswo Shanti Dharmakirti vihar Basundhara 4354251
33 Beluvanarama Vihar Theco Co 5570062
34 Sakyasingha Vihar Thaina Lalitpur 5524760
35 Santi Sukhawas Cakupat co 5523613
36 Siddhimangal Buddha Vihar Thasi 5581495
37 Sumangala Vihara Lagankhel 5531715
38 Sulakshan kirti Vihar Chobhar 4331718
39 Suwanrna Chatrapur Vihar Lubhu 5580430
40 Sangharama Vihar Dhalko Visnumati 4255960
41 Srigha Vihar Nagal 4259110
Vihars out side the Kathamandu Velley Telephone No
1 Ananda Vihar Tansen Co 075-520225520216
2 Citravan Vihar Narayangadha Co 056-521478
3 Taksar Vihar Tansen Co 075-520024
4 Dharmashila Buddha Vihar Phokhara 061-520517
5 Dyankuti Banepa Banepa 011-661244
6 Padma Chaitya Vihar Butawal 071-546470
7 Purwarama Vihar Dhulikhel 011-661979
8 Pragya Mahavihar Hetauda Co 057-520264520136
9 Buddha Vihar Dharan 025-520354
10 Buddha Vihar Biratnagar Co 021-522146530604
11 Beni Buddha Vihar Myagdi Co 069-520354
12 Bodhicharya vihar Banepa 011-661789
13 Lokachakra Buddha Vihar Dhan gadhi 091-622174
14 Sakyamuni Vihar Bhojpur Co 029-420260
15 Sugatapur Vihar Trisuli Co 010-560153
16 Sugandha Vihar Ridi Gulmi Co 079-529435
17 Swoyambhu Chetya Buddha Vihar Urlabari Co 021-540080
18 Swoyambhu Chetya Mahavihar Dharan Co 025-520190
19 Gyanodaya Buddha Vihar Baglung Co 068-520921520336
Footnotes
[1] This paper was written as a part of my MA thesis research on bdquoThe
Revival of Theravada Buddhism and its contribution to Nepalese Society‟ of
Mahachulalongkorn University Bangkok Thailand and would like to thank Mr
Dharma Sakya for every suggestion editing and help for the completion of this
article
[2] Nyanatiloka Buddhist Dictionary 3
rd ed The Free Distribution
version the Corporate Body of the Buddha education foundation Taiwan p
179
[3] Triratna Manandhar bdquoPresent of Buddhism in Nepal‟ (Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK Vol 8 May 2005) p 15
[4] helliphelliphelliphellip The New Encyclopedia of Britannica Vol24 (USA
Library of Congress Catalog 1993) p 781 Dhanabajra Vajracharya Cabahilko
Abhilekha (Inscription of Cabahil) The Charumati Voice (Kath Charumati
Buddhist Mission 2001) pp 17-20 Bhikkhu Sudarsan Mahasthavira Nepal
Upatyaka ma Ashokaki Chori Charumati (Charumati A daughter of
Ashoka in Nepal Valley) (The Charumati Vocie (Kath Charumati Buddhist
Mission 2001) p 20
[5] Beal Samuel Si Yu Ri Buddhist Records of the Western World
(New Delhi Motilal Banarsidass Publishers 1994) pp 80-81 Bhuwan Lal
Pradhan Nepalama Buddhadharma (Kath Nepal Rajkiya Pragyapratisthana
1988) pp 102 ndash 103
[6] NB Thapa A Short History of Nepal (Kath Ratna Pustak
bhandhar Nd) pp 30-33 Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ The
Nation Thailand‟s English Newspaper (Sunday special) Oct 18 1987
[7] Opcit NB Thapa p116
[8] David N Gellner Monk Householder and Tantric Priest Newar
Buddhism and its Hierarchy of Ritual (Cambridge University Press 1996) pp
41ff
[9] Bechert Heinz amp Jens-Uwe Hartmann ldquoObservation on the reform
of Buddhism in Nepalrdquo Journal of Nepal Research Centre vol VIII Kath
Kantipur Printing Press1988p 6
[10] Ria Kloppenborg Theravada Buddhism in Nepal‟ Kailash A
Journal of Himalayan Studies Vol 5 no 41977 p 302
[11] BP Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada Gukathan Wagu Kha (Kath
Hisi Press Nepal BS 20421985) pp44ff
[12] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p47ff
[13] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 51-53 Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal (BKK A Thesis of MA Mahamakut Graduate School
2001) p 97
[14] Bhikshu Sudarshan Mahasthavir bdquoRole of Theravada in the
Preservation of Newar Buddhism‟ wwwircnepalorgpapers
[15] Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 69-72
[16] Opcit Observation on the reform of Buddhism in Nepal p10ff
[17] Opcit Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ RV
Vandya Sanghanayaka Venerable Pragnananda Mahasthavir (Kath Nepal
Co-operative Press 1978) pp 11ff
[18] Bhkkhu Dharmaloka Mahasthavir A Pilgrimage in China (kath
published by Bhikkhu Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1999) p 13-15 Opcit Lacoul
Nepalay Sthavirvada p 74-75
[19] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka p 15
[20] Opcit Bhikkhu dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp16ff
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p100
[21] Ibit Bhikkhu Dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp 27-29
[22] See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A Homage
(Kath Anandakuti Vihar Trust 1992) Kuladharma Ratna Tuladhar Buddhism
in Nepal (Kath Dharmodaya Sabha 1986) pp15 Opcit Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 100
[23] Opcit K R Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal 16 RV Vandya
Sanghanayaka ven Pragnananda p 32 ff
[24] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka Pragnananda pp 34-35
Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthavirvada p 86
[25] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 18 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 101
[26] Bhikkhu Amritananda Mahasthavir A Short History of Theravada
Buddhism in Modern Nepal (Kath Anandakuti Vihar trust 1986) pp 8-9
Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir (Kath Anandakuti
Vihar Trust 1992) p 25
[27] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 19 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[28] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[29] Opcit Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir
p 26
[30] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit KR
Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 20
[31] Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha in Nepal
(BKK A Thesis of MA Buddhist Study Mahachulalongkorn University 2547)
p 23 [32]
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit Ratna
Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir p 26
[33] Amrit R Sthapit bdquowho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Aswaghosha‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 4 no 1 May 2001
p8
[34] helliphelliphelliphelliphellip bdquoWho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Nyanapurninka Mahasthavir‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 7
no 1 May 2004 p13 Viswo Shanti Vihar The Shanti Sandesh (Kath Viswo
Shanti Vihar 1998)
[35] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sumangala Mahasthavir
A monk who modernized Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the
LNBDS UK vol 2 no 1 May 1999 p10
[36] Opcit Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha
in Nepal pp 52ff
[37] Rina Tuladhara Dharmakirti 25 Years of Dharmakirti Buddhist
Study Circle A Glimpse (Kath Dharmakirti Vihar 1996) Mallika Sakya
bdquoWho is Who in Nepalese Buddhism Dhammavati Guruma‟ Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 5 no 1 May 2002 p10
[38] Opcit See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A
Homage Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 108
[39] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sudarshan Mahasthavir A
Gem of the Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol
6 no 1 May 2003 p13
25
HM King declared Baisakh Purnima or Buddha Jayanti day as a
public holiday throughout the kingdom[30]
In 1956 His late Majesty King Mahendra visited Lumbini the
birthplace of the Buddha and erected a Mahendra Pillar in Lumbini
zone In the same year during 2500th
Buddha Jayanti celebration HM
king banned animal slaughter on this auspicious day throughout the
kingdom[31]
Nepalese Buddhists led by All Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha
Council and Dharmodaya Sabha also organized the Fourth World
Fellowship of Buddhist Conference (WFB) in Kathmandu on this
year[32]
His Majesty‟s government cooperated fully and gave every
assistance for the success of the conference Gradually Theravada
Buddhist monasteries were founded Buddhist Education Buddhapuja
meditation public discourses publications of Buddhist texts and mass
ordination etc took place as a part of dhamma activities Burma Sri
Lanka Thailand and other countries helped Nepal in its effort for
Theravada revival Soon after Theravada Buddhist monks established
the first Bhikkhu training center- Sangharama Vihar and ordained
number of novices under the leadership of Ven Ashogosha
Mahasthavir[33]
Following their ordination they were sent to Sri
26
Lanka Burma and Thailand for their higher ordination and education
Many of these monks have returned to Nepal and are actively engaged
in propagation of dhamma Besides ordination of individual novices
mass ordinations for short periods were also held in different temple
After Anandakuti Vihar the Viswasanti Vihara also established
Vishwa Shanti Bauddha Shikshalaya a Buddhist School under Ven
Nyanapunnika Mahathavir[34]
It teaches both national and Buddhist
curriculum to the novices Now there are nearly 100 Theravada
temples more than four hundred monks and Samaneras and nearly 400
nuns in the country Present Sangha Nayaka is Most Ven
Subodhananda of Gana Mahavihara Kathmandu President of All
Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha is Kumar Kashyapa of Ananda Kuti Vihar
Swayambhu Kathmandu and the head office of All Nepal Bhikkhu
Sangha is in Viswo Santi Vihara New Baneshwor Kathmandu
27
Contribution to Nepalese society
Besides promoting Dhamma Theravada monks and nuns
(Anagarikas) are also involved in other welfare activities like
organising free health camps training centers either in the monasteries
or outside the monasteries They also founded center for old age and
Kindergarten Late Ven Sumangala Mahasthavira[35]
initiated free
clinic at Buddha Vihar a Buddhist home for the elderly at Benepa and
a Buddhist Kindergarten Free Clinics were popular because of lack of
adequate government run clinics in Nepal Many monasteries
organized free clinics Regular clinics like eye and Homeopathic were
run either on weekly or monthly basis Annual campaigns are also run
when it was felt necessary
In 1964 All Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha established a Theravada
education system Pariyatti Sikkha or Nepal Bauddha Pariyatti Siksa
(Buddhist Saturday School) Classes are run in Theravada Buddhist
monasteries Tibetan monasteries other Buddhist centers in public and
private schools There are more than 32 centers throughout the
28
country[36]
Presently its head office is at Viswo Santi Vihara in New
Baneswora Kathmandu
Besides Pariyatti Sikkha Ven Amritananda founded a
Buddhist school - bdquoAnandakuti Vidyapith Boarding School‟ and a
college- bdquoSiddharth Science Campus‟ Both Buddhist monks and lay
people used to teach in these institutions It was started as a Buddhist
school but for some reason it has become a private enterprise Besides
these many monks and nuns are also running other educational
institutions like bdquoNursery school (Siddhartha Shisu Niketan Buddha
Vihar) Primary school (Triple Gem Boarding School) and Higher
Schools There are some Higher Education institutes like Siddharth
University in Banepa International Buddhist University in Lumbini
etc Many Buddhist organizations were founded and they were also
running different classes and research centers like Dharmakirti
Buddhist Research Center Anagarika Dhammavati founded this centre
Later on Anagarika Dhammavati was ordained as Bhikkhuni
according to Taiwanese tradition She is one of the well-known nuns in
the Theravada Buddhism in Nepal[37]
29
The Buddhist temples and organizations bring out number of
publications annually monthly weekly and on special occasions
Dharmodaya Anandabhumi and Dharmakirti are the oldest
Buddhist journals in Nepal and still continued to be published
Ven Amritananda was one of the greatest Buddhist scholars of
Nepal He wrote and translated many books on Buddhism There are
still no other monks or nun in Nepal who can be compared with
him[38]
Late Ven Sudharsan Mahasthavir came close to him Ven
Sudharsan was a pillar of Theravada Buddhism after Ven
Amritananda He was famous for different reason His field of interest
beside dhamma work consisted literature language Archaeology etc
He was a resident monk at Srikirti Vihar Kirtipur and held the post of
professor in History Archaeology and Buddhist philosophy at
Tribhuvan University until his death in July 2002 Some of his books in
Buddhism became course book for BA and MA students in Nepal
He had special interest in archaeology of Lumbini and was an expert on
this subject[39]
30
Revival of Theravada Buddhism in Nepal also had profound
effect in cultural and religious way of life of Nepalese Daily chanting
or Buddhapuja short term ordination observing Sila (Moral code)
caste system celebration of Vesak day celibate life were introduced
In the month of Bhadra or Gunla days (AugustSeptember) Buddhist
hymns are chanted and public discourses are given
Late Ven Sudharshan Mahasthavir formed Sri Kirti Buddhist
center at Sri Kirti Vihar with the aim of introducing Buddhism to other
ethnic groups other than Newars- the original inhabitants of Katmandu
valley This project succeeded in bringing other ethic groups into
Theravada Buddhism As a result of this many ethnic groups who were
originally Buddhists have started organizing Buddhist conferences and
Buddhist activities Another important development is formation of
Gyanmala Bhajan Khala - a Buddhist hymn group This group sings
regularly especially during certain auspicious days at Swayambhu and
other Buddhist sites The songs they sing are based on Buddha‟s
teaching and has been successful in promoting Buddhism in simple
melodious hymns which attracts many people who visits these
religious places
31
Theravadin in Nepalese Society
For centuries Nepalese were aware of only Buddhist priest
(Bajracharya) from Newar Buddhism (Vajrayana) and Tibetan Lamas
They were unaware of Theravadian Buddhist monks and nuns
Bajracharyas are household monks They lead domestic lives and are
not celibate Not all Tibetan monks are celibate It depends on the
school they belong to For example monks from Sakya School of
Tibetan tradition do not have to be celibate Theravada monks wear
distinctive saffron coloured robes They are celibate and lead virtuous
monastic life These monks and nuns have different identity in the eyes
of Nepalese especially the inhabitants of Kathmandu valley Their
simple way of life their full dedication in their work for the benefit of
mankind easily understood Theravada Scriptures translated in different
languages eg in Nepal Bhasa (Newari) Nepali in Hindi and in
English for easy accessibility by different groups helped to gain the
heart of Nepalese people Although many lay people have played
pivotal roles in revival of Theravada Buddhism in Nepal the leadership
32
of monks and nuns were vital in further development and survival of
this tradition
The lay Buddhists of Nepal are pluralistic They participate in
Buddhist ceremonies such as Vesak day daily chanting etc At the
same time they also follow Hindu customs in their daily lives
Buddhism is different from Hinduism and it is not a branch of
Hinduism Hindus believe that Buddha was a reincarnation of Lord
Vishnu Buddha never claimed to be anything other than a human
being ndash although a unique one in the history of mankind
Buddhism in Nepal is unique because of existence of three
different Buddhist traditions - Newar Buddhism (Vajrayana)
Tibetan Buddhism (Mahayana) and Theravada Buddhism
Different Buddhist groups practised different traditions Although the
principle underlying all these traditions is the same they differ in
details Theravada Buddhist tradition is different from Tibetan or
Newar Buddhist traditions but it is developing side-by-side with them
It was not possible for Theravada Buddhism to develop in Nepal
without close co-relation with other traditions but later developed on its
own right These various Buddhist traditions are coexisting in present
33
day Nepal Although they have different cultural traditions and are
developing in their own ways but the followers are the same
Therefore there is no separate identity of Theravadian lay Buddhists
There are number of lay Buddhist organizations such as Dharmodaya
Sabha Dharmakirti Institute Young Buddhist Associations Female
Buddhist Associations more recently Sukhi Hotu Nepal which are
playing important role in promotion of Buddha Dhamma but they are
multi-cultural and multi religious in their daily practices
CONCLUSION
Theravada Buddhism was introduced to Nepal at the time when
public meetings were banned It faced many obstacles at the beginning
Strong dedications of monks and nuns made it possible for its revival in
Nepal after many centuries of neglect Even though the revival
movement of this tradition was started only about 80 years ago it has
already gained strong foot hold in Nepal and gaining popularity day by
day The reason for its popularity lies in many things - the simple and
easily understood way the teachings were given the simple way of life
of monks and nuns lead and various beneficial activities undertaken by
34
Viharas Theravadin Buddhist monks and nuns are well accepted by
people and their contribution in promoting Buddha‟s teachings is
widely recognized Although small in number in comparison to other
Asian countries like Thailand Sri Lanka and Burma both the number
of monks and nuns and monasteries of this tradition are increasing day
by day If this trend continues it will become one of the prominent
religious traditions in Nepal It is only natural that this oldest Buddhist
tradition should gain its place of honour it deserve in a country where
the founder of the religion was born
35
Theravada Records in Nepal
List of Monks Novices and Anagarikas studying abroad
MONKS AND NOVICES
I Thailand
1 Bhikkhu Anil Man Dhammasakiyo (Sugandha)
2 Bhikkhu Vipassi Dhammaramo
3 Bhikkhu Jit Bahadur Gurung
4 Bhikkhu Krishna Thapamagar
5 Bhikkhu Pannamurti
6 Bhikkhu Sujan Sujano
7 Bhikkhu Anil Sumankitti
8 Bhikkhu Santosh Santosho
9 Bhikkhu Khemik Suddhasilo
10 Bhikkhu Suman Rocano
11 Bhikkhu Sanu Maharajano
12 Bhikkhu Santamano Dhwajjoshi
13 Bhikkhu Suman Dhwajjoshi
14 Bhikkhu Bijit Khemasakko
15 Bhikkhu Supreme Shakyavanso
Samaneras
1 Samanera Buddharatna Maharjan
2 Samanera Dhammaratna Maharjan
3 Samanera Bipin Maharjan
4 Samanera Prajwal Shakya
5 Samanera Ukesh Sakya
6 Samanera Gopi Maharjan
7 Samanera Sudip Deshar
8 Samanera Sudat Deshar
9 Samanera Deepi Maharjan
10 Samanera Ramit Shrestha
11 Samanera Anup Deshar
12 Samanera Suman Bajracharya bdquoA‟
13 Samanera Rajendra Deshar
14 Samanera Kapila Maharjan
15 Samanera Arbin Shakya
36
16 Samanera Kabindra Bajracharya
17 Samanera Ujjawal Shakya
18 Samanera Satish Shakya
19 Samanera Bimal Gurung
20 Samanera Surya Gurung
21 Samanera Sameer Maharjan
22 Samanera Anup Shakya
23 Samanera Arjun Magar
24 Samanera Kiran Desahar
25 Samanera Dipesh Shrestha
26 Samanera Tejendra Tamang
27 Samanera Ashim Shakya
28 Samanera Jalap Bajracharya
29 Samanera Arya Dev Bajracharya
30 Samanera Sudarshan Maharjan
31 Samanera Sangharatna
32 Samanera Suman Bajracharya bdquoB‟
33 Samanera Kijan Maharjan
34 Samanera Ramesh Maharjan
35 Samanera Niroj Maharjan
36 Samanera Jen Maharjan
37 Samanera Denish Bajracharya
38 Samanera Pritam Bahadur Shakya
39 Samanera Abhishek Shakya
40 Samanera Bishal Shakya
41 Samanera Sajal Shakya
42 Samanera Suraj Bhakta Shrestha
43 Samanera Dinesh Chaudhary
44 Samanera Shiv Swatantra Tharu
45 Samanera Sambhu Lal Khang
46 Samanera Buddharatna Chaudhary
47 Samanera Mukesh Chaudhary
II Myanmar (Burma)
Bhikkhu Samaneras
1 Bhikkhu Panavimala
2 Bhikkhu Dhyanratna
3 Bhikkhu Adiccho
4 Bhikkhu Vimalbuddhi
5 Bhikkhu Shobhan
6 Samanera Amato
7 Samanera Jutimma
8 Samanera Buddhapiyo
9 Samanera Kavindo
10 Samanera Nagasena
11 Samanera Gyanavudho
III Taiwan(ROC) 1 Bhikkhu Mangala 2 Bhikkhu Vazirbuddhi
IV Australia 1 Bhikkhu Upatissa
V India
1 Bhikkhu Dharmajyoti 2 Bhikkhu Ashokakirti
3 Bhikkhu Narawang Tamang
VI United kingdom 1 Bhikkhu Suman
VII USA 1 Bhikkhu Pragnaloka
VIII Sri Lanka
Bhikkhus
Bhikkhu Nanda
Bhikkhu Vineeta
Bhikkhu Ashoka
Bhikkhu Triratna
Bhikkhu Sagara
Bhikkhu Sankicca
Bhikkhu Vajirasiri
Bhikkhu Sarada
Bhikkhu Veenit
Bhikkhu Ratana
Bhikkhu Tissa
Bhikkhu Vajira
Bhikkhu Pannawimal
Bhikkhu Medhankar
Bhikkhu Pannasara
SARAMANERAS
Saranankara
Piyadassi
Dil Bhadra
Chandima
Samita
Narada bdquoA‟
Piyaratna
Kusala
Lakkhana
Udit
Vibekanada
Pannananda
Mettananda
Chandananda
Yassari
Upali
Subodhi
Mahanama
Kashyapa
Dhammapala
Narada bdquoB‟
Nalaka bdquoA‟
Daywasa
Santa Sobhana
Santa Siddhartha
Santa Maitri
Santa Kosala
Santa Sakya
Suvaca
Sukama Sila
Siddhartha
Nanda bdquoA‟
Rahula
Sudheera
Kosala Dheera
Panna Wansa
Jina Wansa
Mahinda
Nanda bdquoB‟
Seewali
Mahapantha
Assaji
Sarada
Sumana
Ananda
Nalaka bdquoB‟
Aloka
Suwarna
Subodh
Udena
Sangharatna bdquoA‟
Gyanendra
Khema
Soma bdquoA‟
Punna
Panna Ransi
Soma bdquoB‟
Santa bdquoA‟
Kapila Wansa
Asita Wansa
Sumanananda bdquoa‟
Vijitananda
Khemananda
Silananda
Medhananda
Somaratna
Soratha
Pragyananda
Sumangala
Santa Citta
Yasa
Dhamma Kitti
Panna Kitti
Santa Dheera
Vijitananda
Sumanananda bdquob‟
Vajra Bodhi
Dhammika
Santa bdquoB‟
Anuruddha
Sumana bdquoB‟
Jinavamsa
Panna Vansa
Buddha Ratna
Dhamma Ratna
Ariya Ratna
Piyadassi bdquoB‟
Sila Ratna
Sangha Ratna bdquoB‟
List of Anagarikas studying in abroad
I Thailand
1 Anagarika Sirisuta Maharjan
2 Anagarika Ramsobha Shrestha
3 Anagarika Sunita Napit
II Myanmar
1 Anagarika Javanvati
2 Anagarika Vimalajnani
3 Anagarika Ambika
4 Anagarika Buddhapali
5 Anagarika Darshana
6 Anagarika Agrajnani
7 Anagarika Nandavati
bdquob‟
III India 1 Anagarika Rupashila
IV Taiwan
1 Anagarika Pannavati
2 Anagarika Sani
3 Anagarika Nima
V Sri Lanka
1 Anagarika Pannawati
2 Anagarika Mettawati
3 Anagarika Keshawati
4 Anagarika Prasnnawati
5 Anagarika Sukhawati
6 Anagarika Shobhawati
7 Anagarika Subhadra
8 Anagarika
Shraddhagautami
9 Anagarika Upananda
10 Anagarika Shantawati
11 Anagarika Suciwati
Residences of Theravādin Monks in Nepal
01 Abhinava Buddha Vihara Lumbini
1) Bhikkhu Vimalananda Mahathera
2) Samanera Sunanda
02 Anandakut Vihara Swayambhu Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Kumara Kassapa Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Dharmamurti 3) Samanera Kondanya
4) S Prajnaratna 5) S Asoka
6) S Kumarjeeva 7) S Assaji
03 Bauddha Samaskrita Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Bhikkhu Dharmashobhana Mahathera
04 Bodhicharya Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Bodhisena Mahathera
2) Samanera Bodhideepa
05 Buddha Vihara Bhrikuti Mandap-Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Kondanya 2) Bhikkhu Sushil
3) Samanera Anuyoga 3) S Javana
4) S Udena
06 Buddha Vihara Biratnagar
1) Bhikkhu Aloka
07 Buddha Vihara Dharan
1) Bhikkhu Maitri (Tamang)
2) Bhikkhu Chhavikirti
08 Chatubrahma Vihara Matatirtha
1) Bhikkhu Thansettho
2) Bhikkhu Samyakaratna
3) Bhikkhu Bodhananda
9 Charumati Stupa Vihara Chabahil Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Tapassi Dhamma
10 Dharmacakra Ashrama Bagbazar
1) Bhikkhu Milinda
11 Dharmashila Buddha Vihara Pokhara
1) Bhikkhu Subhadda 2) Bhikkhu Saddhananda
12 Dhyanakuti Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Ashwaghosha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Rahul 3) Samanera Gautama
13 Gana Maha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Sanghanayaka Bhikkhu Subodhanand Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sobhita
3) Bhikkhu Samvegakirti
4) Samanera Sugatananda
6) S Chandananda
7) S Somananda
8) S Sumanavamsha
9) S Somavamsha
10) S Sumanasiri
14 IlayabahiTanabaha Patan
1) Bhikkhu Vimalkirti
15 International Bauddha Pariyatti Vihara Butwal
1) Bhikkhu Jatila
2) Bhikkhu Bhaddiya bdquoB‟
3) Samanera Jnanashree 4) S Jotika
16 International Buddhist Society Lumbini
1) Bhikkhu Maitri Mahathera
2) Samanera Mahapanta
3) S Vimala
17 Jana Udaya Vihara Sunakothi-Lalitpura
1) Bhikkhu Dharmagupta
18 Jitavana Vihara Thankot
1) Bhikkhu Dharmavamsha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sugatamuni Mahathera
3) Samanera Sunita
19 Kuti Vihara Koteshwar-KTM
1) Bhikkhu Yeshdhammo
2) Samanera Wayamo
3) S Milindo 4) S Sunanalankara
20 Manimandapa Mahavihara Patan
1) Bhikshu Shilbhadra Mahathera
2) Samanera Paduma 3) S Nayako
21 Muni Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Samanera Tejendra 2) S Jalapa
3) S Asima 4) S Aryaputra
22 Padma Sugandha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Sumedha 2) Samanera Sudatta
23 Pati Vihara Nagadesh-Bhaktapur
1) Bhikkhu Varasambodhi
24 Pranidhi Purna Maha Vihara Balambu
1) Samanera Sukha
25 Pugatabhoomi Jetavana Vihara Bhairahawa
1) Samanera Jagaro 2) S Suvanno
26 Purvaram Vihara Dhulikhel
1) Bhikkhu Gunaghosha Mahathero
27 Sangharama Vihara Kshetrapati Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Saddhatissa
2) Bhikkhu Kolita
3) Bhikkhu Sangharakshita
28 Shakya Singha Vihara Patan
1) Bhikkhu Dharmapala Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sunanda Mahathera
3) Bhikkhu Dharmarakshita
29 Shikhalapura Vihara Dhulikhel
1) Bhikkhu Dhammananda Mahathera
30 Shree Kirti Vihara Kirtipur
1) Bhikkhu Kirtijyoti 2) Bhikkhu Ananda
3) Bhikkhu Prajnakirti
4) Bhikkhu Dharmakirti
5) Samanera Sundara 6) Bhikkhu Pamit
7) S Subhashkirti 8) S Uttarakirti
31 Shreegha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Dharmasagara
2) Bhikkhu Medhankara
32 Sudarshana Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Rastrapala
33Sumangala Vihara Patan
1) Sanghaupanayaka Bhikkhu Buddhaghosha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Shobhan
3) Bhikkhu Prajnaratna
34 Surya Mangala Vihara Kapilvastu
1) Bhikkhu Suryamangala
35 Tokha Buddha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Samanera Shobhana 2) S Jnanodaya
36 Veluvanarama Vihara Thecho-Lalitpura
1) Samanera Uttama 2) S Chandimo
37 Vishwa Shanti Vihara New Baneshwar
1) Bhikshu Jnanapurnik Mahathera
2) Bhikshu Bodhijnana
3) Bhikshu Nigrodha
4) Bhikshu Udayabhadra
Samaneras
1) S Janak 2) S Sujat
3) S Obhaso 4) S Subhaddo
5) S Nandiyo 6) S Mahindo
7) S Pajjoto 8) S Aloka
9) S Buddhadatta 10) S Panita
11) S Kashyapa 12)S Dharmaghosha
13) S Nagita 14) S Vinaya
15) S Suchitta 16) S Sudatto
17) S Nemindo 18) S Rohito
19) S Jayanto 20) S Meghiyo
21) S Indriyo 22) S Suppamedho
23) S Bhanusarana 24) S Saddhadeepa
25) S Kittimo 26) S Janeyyo
27) S Adicca 28) S Kosalla
29) S Nyanuttara 30) S Bhaddaco
31) S Pabhassaro 32) S Uttaro
38 Yampi Maha Vihara Patan
1) Bhikkhu Bhaddiya
39 Non residencial Monks
1) Bhikshu Samyaka Sambodhi Pranputra
2) Bhikshu Dhyanratna
3) Bhikkhu Chandragupta Balambu
Present Anagarikas and resident in NEPAL
01 Amarapura Vihara Bungamati
1) A Charujnani 2) A Sunita
3) A Palitajnani 4) A Pamitajnani
5) A Padumajnani 6) A Rupawati
02 Bauddha Samaskrit Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Anagarika Sanghashila
03 Buddha ViharaDharan
1) A Sumedhavati 2) A Sushilavati
3) A Kanchana 4) A Shasanavati
04 Bauddha Rishi Mahapragya Ashram Anamnagar
1) Anagarika Prajnavati
05 Chatubrahma Vihara Matatirtha
1) Anagarika Anu
06 Dhammavasa Vihara Khusibun
1) A Krishgautami 2) A Suchita
3) A Shilgautami 4) A Kshantigautami
5) A Shyamavati
07 Dharmakirti Vihara Naghal-Kathmandu
1) Anagarika RatnaManjari
2) A Dhammavati
3) A Dhammadinna (Chameli)
4) A Anupama 5) A Sanghavati
6) A Khemavati 7) A Indravati
8) A Jayavati 9) A Danavati
10) A Tyagavati 11) AViryavati
12) A Shubhavati 13) A Ramavati
14) A Surammavati
15) A Hemavati 16) A Suppabhavati
17) A Supriya 18) A Amata
19) A Vannavati 20) A Suvannavati
08 Dharmashila Buddha Vihara Pokhara
1) Anagarika Karmashila
09 Gautami Vihara Lumbini
1) Anagarika Sujata 2) A Khamesi
10 IlayabahiTana Baha Lalitpur
1) A Shilaparami 2)AViryaparami
3) A Vineeta 4) A Shilachari
11 Int‟l Buddhist Meditation Centre Shankhamul
1) A Aggajnani 2) A Nirmalajnani
3) A Shantarakshita
12 Jaya Mangal ViharaTana Bahal-Patan
1) Anagarika Vijita 2) A Nekkhami
3) A Chittavati
13 Jyoti Vihara Chapagaun- Lalitpur
1) AnagarikaVirygautami
2) A Upeskshagautami
14 Kashivarna Buddha Vihara Panuati
1) Anagarika Satyaparami
15 Kindol Vihara Swayambhu
1) A Sumana 2) A Uttara
3) A Sumitra 4) A Molini
5) A Dhammavijaya 6) A Tejavati
7) A Shyamavati
16 Kunsa BahaHyumat
1) Anagarika Patachari 2) AUmavati
17 Mahabodhi Vihara Tansen
1) Anagarika Revati (Dhammadinna)
18 Muni Vihara Bhaktapur
1) A Sugandhavati 2) A Padmavati
19 Narsinharama Thaina-Patan
1) A Jnanashila 2) ASatyashila
3) AShilavati 4) A Yeshavati 5) A Dharani
6) A Jeenvati
7) A Shilpavatisushma
20 Padmachaitya Vihara Butwal
1) A Udayashila 2) A Santiwati
21 Padmakirti Vihara Kamalpokhari
1) A Kamala 2) A Karunavati
3) A Pabbhavati 4) A Dhyanavati
5) A Bhavanavati
22 Prajnanandarama Okubahal-Patan
1) Anagarika Jnanavati
23 Pranidhipurna Mahavihara Balambu
1) A Mudita 2) A Chandrashila bdquoB‟
24 SangharakshitaVihara Patan
1) Anagarika Abhaya 2) A Chandrashila
3) A Shilachari
25 Shanti Sukhavasa Chakupat-Patan
1) A Utpalavarna (Chini)
26 Shree Kirti Vihara Kirtipur
1) Anagarika Mina
27 SunandaramaThaina-Patan
1) A Madhavi 2) AMasukhi
3) A Mashobha 4) A Mashraddha
5) A Masudha
28 Sulakshanakirti Viahara Kirtipur
1) A Anoja 2) A Atula
3) A Anula
29 Sangharama ViharaDhalko-KTM
1) Anagarika Dharmarakshita
30 Vishwashanti Vihara New Baneshwar
1) A Shubha 2) A Khema
3) A Sudhamma
31 Vishwashanti Dharmakirti Vihara Basundhara
1) A Dhajavati (Kusum) 2) A Padmavati
3) A Bhadravati
32 Residing other Anagarikas
1) Anagarika Chandrajnani Patan
2) A Sraddhavati Shankhamul
3) A Amaravati Patan
4) A Dhammachari Patan
5) A Nanda Thasi
Some Prominent Personalities in the Theravada Movement1
Sanghamahanayakas of Nepal
1 Ven Pragyanand Mahasthavir 1930 ndash 1993 AD
2 Ven Sakyananda Mahasthavir 1993 - 1997 AD
3 Ven Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1997 - 2002 AD
4 Ven Subodhananda Mahasthavir 2002 - 2006 AD
5 Ven Buddhaghosa Mahasthavir 2006-
Amritananda Bhikkhu (1918-1990) original name Lal Kaji Sakya from Tansen
west Nepal he ordain as a novice in 1936 from ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara He studies and was ordained a monk in Sri Lanka in 1940 He
return to Nepal in 1942 and preached first publicly in Kathmandu He
formed Dharmodaya Sabha in 1944 and All Nepal Bhikkhu Mahasangha in
1951 and remained its unchallenged leader until his death He was well
known and traveled widely outside of Nepal because of his dynamism and
charisma He was also one of the greatest Buddhist scholars and writers of
Nepal
Aniruddha Bhikkhu (1915-2003) original name Gaja Ratna Tuladhar son of
Dasa Ratna Sahu (Later Ven Dhammaloka) He went to Sri Lanka in 1930
and ordained as samanera and studied there He had served many years in
Lumbini and third Sanghanayaka of Nepal
1 Sarah Levine and David N Gellner Rebuilding Buddhism The Theravada Movement in
Twentieth Century Nepal (UK Harvard University Press 2006) pp 293-296
Ashwaghosh Bhikkhu (1926- present) original name Buddha Ratna Sakya and
became a novice in 1944 and went to Sri Lanka for study where he took
higher ordination in 1949 he is known as bdquothe communist monk‟ and was a
nominee of the Unified Marxist-Leninist party one of Nepal‟s two main
political parites in the 1990s to the Upper House 1993-5 He had
established nepal‟s first Bhikkhu Training Center at Sangharama Dhalko
and became abbot of this vihara Presently he is abbot of Shrigha Vihara in
Kathmandu and of Dyanakuti Vihara Banepa
Buddhaghosh Bhikkhu (1921- present day) original name Sapta Ratna
Vajracharya in Kwa Baha Kathamandu The founder of Pariyatti Education
in Nepal and presently acting Sanghanayaka of Nepal (2006) and abbot of
Sri Sumangala Vihara in Lalitpur
Chandramani Bhikkhu (1876-1972) a Burmese monk who spent his life in
Kusinagara where he worked for the propagation of Buddhism until his
death He initiated with most of the early Nepalese Theravadins Monks and
Nuns He was the first president of Dharmodaya Sabha and father of
Theravadins of Nepal
Dharmachari Anagarika (1898-1978) born Laxmi Nani Tuladhar she
impressed by Ven Pragyananda in Kindol Vihara and took the precepts
from Chandramani in Kusinagara in 1934 and most prominent Nepali nun
She founded the first nunnery in Nepal at Kindol Vihara in 1947
Dhammaloka Bhikkhu (1891-1977) born Das Ratna Tuladhar Asan
kathamandu He traded in Lhasha went to Sri Lanka and taught Buddhism
as a layman Later became a monk in 1932 after his son Aniruddha ordain
in 1930 he established nepal‟s first Theravādin Vihara bdquoAnanda Kuti
Vihar‟ in Kathmandu
Dhammawati Anagarika (1925- present day) born as Ganesh Kumari Sakya in
Uku Baha lalitpur She ordain too precepts from Ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara and renamed as Dhammavati in 1950 She went to Burma for
study and return in 1963 after passed the Dhammacariya Examination She
was able to established Dhammakirti Nunnery Centre in 1965 and leader of
the Theravādin Nuns She has been re-ordained as Bhikkhuni according to
Mahayana tradition
Dharmaditya Dharmacharya (1902-1963) born as Jagat Man Vaidya in Chika
Bahi Lalitpur and the first Newar Buddhist modernist and the first newar
cultural nationalist He went to study in Calcutta where he became a
follower of anagarika Dhammapala the founder of Maha Bodhi Society
He had formed Buddhist revival foundation and published Buddhist
magazines etc
Nyanpurnika Bhikkhu (1936- present day) Born as Hera Lal Sakya in Tansen
He studied with Buddhaghosh in Lalitpur in Burma and in England He is
only monk who passed Dhammacariya examination of Burma He was the
founder of Vishwa Shanti Vihara and Vishwa Shanti Bauddha sikkyalaya
where train novices He is a prominent translator and writer
Kumar Kashyap Bhikkhu (1926- present day) born as Krishna Man Sakya he
was one of those who exiled to India by the Ranas in 1944 He went to
Study in Sri Lanka and hold nepal‟s first bdquoTripitaka acarya‟ Presently he is
president of All Nepal Bhikkhu Association and abbot of Ananda Kuti
Vihara
Mahapragya Bhikkhu (1901-1979) born Prem Bahadur (Nani Kaji ) Shrestha
He ordained into Tibetan tradition but exiled in 1926 and reordained as
novice in Theravada tradition one of the earlier Theravādin monks He
return to householderhood in Kalimpong in 1940s but then returned to
Kathmandu as a Buddhist sage (Bauddha Rishi) in the 1960s where he
taught until his death
Pragyananda Bhikkhu (1900-1993) born as Kul Man Singh Tuladhar in Itum
Baha Kathmandu a trader in Tibet where he met Ven Mahapragya and
impressed by him to ordained He became a Tibetan Gelung Karmasheel in
1928 and two years later a Theravādin under Ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara in 1930 He was nepal‟s first Sanghamahanayaka and well
respected monk
Shakyananda Bhikkhu (1909-1997) born as Chakra Dhan Sakya in Taksar
Bhojpur East Nepal He spent over forty years as a monk in Tansen outside
the Kathmandu and second sanghamahanayaka of Nepal
Subodhanand Bhikkhu (1916-2006) bor as Kul Raj Sakya in Taksar Bhojpur
East Nepal He was one of the monks exiled by the Ranas in 1944 He was
a prolific composer of Hymns in Nepal Bhasa In 2003 as the most senior
monk in Nepal he was the fourth Sanghanayaka of Nepal
Sudarshan Bhikkhu (1934-2002) born as Rudra Raj Sakya in Uku Baha
lalitpur He was famous a bdquothe boy monk‟ For many years he was a lecturer
in the culture Department of Tribhuvan University a prolific writer
preacher and abbot of Sri Kirti Vihara Kirtipur which is became multi-
cultural center and especially for Buddhist meetings and conferences He
was jailed for some months for Nepal Bhasa activities in the Panchayat
period He was a campaigner on Buddhist issues particularly to do with
Lumbini
Sumangal Bhikkhu (1929-1999) born Bhakta Krishna Shilpakar in Lalitpur He
was famous as ldquoDollar bhanterdquo He ordained in 1959 in Burma obtained a
master‟s degree in Buddhism from Rissho University Japan in 1972 and
was among the first monks to mobilize international connections for
Buddhist projects in Nepal He established Buddha Vihara in Bhrikuti
Mandap Kathmandu He helped raise funds from Thailand and Japan for
IBMc (1985) brought the Japanese healing movement Sei Mei Kyo to
Nepal and in 1993 opened an old people‟s home in Banepa
Glimpse of Theravādin activities in Nepal
Samanera ordination at Muni Vihara
Ordination Ceremony at Vishwa Shanti Vihara
Collecting Alms
Chanting Paritta in devotee‟s home
Giving Holy Thread to Devotees
Buddhist Art in Nepal
Main Buddha Image at Sri Kirti Vihara
Four holy places
Some of the Theravada Buddhist Viharas (Monasteries) in Nepal
Vihars In Kathmandu Valley Telephone No
1 Amarapura Buddha Vihar Bungamati 5551068
2 Anandakuti Vihar Swayambhu 4271420
3 Anandabhuwan Vihar Bhuikhyo 4270429
4 Ganamaha vihar Ganabaha 4253454
5 Gautam Buddha Vihar Panga co 4330576
6 Caturbrahma Vihar Matatirtha 4310558
7 Carumati Vihar Cabahil 4469897
8 Baudhajana Vihar Sunakothi co 5570209
9 Jitapur Gandhakuti Vihar khona Co 5542846
10 Jitawan Vihar Thankot 4311912
11 Jyoti udaya vihar Capagaun Co 5571459
12 Dhammavasa Vihar Khusibun 4358688
13 Dharmakirti Vihar Srigha Naghal 4259466
14 Dharmacakra vihar Bagbajar 4261976
15 Nagar Mandap Sri Kirti Vihar Kirtipur 4330836
16 Nagadesh Buddha Vihar Nagadesh Co 6635397
17 Nirvanmurti Anagarikaram Kindol 4285811
18 Padmasugandha Vihar Manjeshwori 4266255
19 Pranidhi Purna Mahavihar Balambu 43105924312455
20 Pati Vihar Thimi Co 6637601
21 Pippali Theravad Buddha Vihar Shiphal 4475066
22 Punya Udaya Vihar Jala Harisiddhi Co 5527456
23 Buddhabhoomi Mahavihar Tokha 4362514
24 Buddha Vihar Bhrikuti mandapa 4226702
25 Buddharatna Vihar Putalisadak 4244277
26 Bauddha samakrit Vihar Bhaktapur 6610842
27 Manimandap Vihar Patko Bhaktapur 5526517
28 Muni Vihar Bhaktapur 6616464
29 Yampi Mahavihar Ibahi Lalitpur 5539644
30 Yashodhara Baudha Bidyalaya Thaina Lalitpur 5521435
31 Biswo Shanti Vihar Baneshwor 4482384
32 Biswo Shanti Dharmakirti vihar Basundhara 4354251
33 Beluvanarama Vihar Theco Co 5570062
34 Sakyasingha Vihar Thaina Lalitpur 5524760
35 Santi Sukhawas Cakupat co 5523613
36 Siddhimangal Buddha Vihar Thasi 5581495
37 Sumangala Vihara Lagankhel 5531715
38 Sulakshan kirti Vihar Chobhar 4331718
39 Suwanrna Chatrapur Vihar Lubhu 5580430
40 Sangharama Vihar Dhalko Visnumati 4255960
41 Srigha Vihar Nagal 4259110
Vihars out side the Kathamandu Velley Telephone No
1 Ananda Vihar Tansen Co 075-520225520216
2 Citravan Vihar Narayangadha Co 056-521478
3 Taksar Vihar Tansen Co 075-520024
4 Dharmashila Buddha Vihar Phokhara 061-520517
5 Dyankuti Banepa Banepa 011-661244
6 Padma Chaitya Vihar Butawal 071-546470
7 Purwarama Vihar Dhulikhel 011-661979
8 Pragya Mahavihar Hetauda Co 057-520264520136
9 Buddha Vihar Dharan 025-520354
10 Buddha Vihar Biratnagar Co 021-522146530604
11 Beni Buddha Vihar Myagdi Co 069-520354
12 Bodhicharya vihar Banepa 011-661789
13 Lokachakra Buddha Vihar Dhan gadhi 091-622174
14 Sakyamuni Vihar Bhojpur Co 029-420260
15 Sugatapur Vihar Trisuli Co 010-560153
16 Sugandha Vihar Ridi Gulmi Co 079-529435
17 Swoyambhu Chetya Buddha Vihar Urlabari Co 021-540080
18 Swoyambhu Chetya Mahavihar Dharan Co 025-520190
19 Gyanodaya Buddha Vihar Baglung Co 068-520921520336
Footnotes
[1] This paper was written as a part of my MA thesis research on bdquoThe
Revival of Theravada Buddhism and its contribution to Nepalese Society‟ of
Mahachulalongkorn University Bangkok Thailand and would like to thank Mr
Dharma Sakya for every suggestion editing and help for the completion of this
article
[2] Nyanatiloka Buddhist Dictionary 3
rd ed The Free Distribution
version the Corporate Body of the Buddha education foundation Taiwan p
179
[3] Triratna Manandhar bdquoPresent of Buddhism in Nepal‟ (Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK Vol 8 May 2005) p 15
[4] helliphelliphelliphellip The New Encyclopedia of Britannica Vol24 (USA
Library of Congress Catalog 1993) p 781 Dhanabajra Vajracharya Cabahilko
Abhilekha (Inscription of Cabahil) The Charumati Voice (Kath Charumati
Buddhist Mission 2001) pp 17-20 Bhikkhu Sudarsan Mahasthavira Nepal
Upatyaka ma Ashokaki Chori Charumati (Charumati A daughter of
Ashoka in Nepal Valley) (The Charumati Vocie (Kath Charumati Buddhist
Mission 2001) p 20
[5] Beal Samuel Si Yu Ri Buddhist Records of the Western World
(New Delhi Motilal Banarsidass Publishers 1994) pp 80-81 Bhuwan Lal
Pradhan Nepalama Buddhadharma (Kath Nepal Rajkiya Pragyapratisthana
1988) pp 102 ndash 103
[6] NB Thapa A Short History of Nepal (Kath Ratna Pustak
bhandhar Nd) pp 30-33 Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ The
Nation Thailand‟s English Newspaper (Sunday special) Oct 18 1987
[7] Opcit NB Thapa p116
[8] David N Gellner Monk Householder and Tantric Priest Newar
Buddhism and its Hierarchy of Ritual (Cambridge University Press 1996) pp
41ff
[9] Bechert Heinz amp Jens-Uwe Hartmann ldquoObservation on the reform
of Buddhism in Nepalrdquo Journal of Nepal Research Centre vol VIII Kath
Kantipur Printing Press1988p 6
[10] Ria Kloppenborg Theravada Buddhism in Nepal‟ Kailash A
Journal of Himalayan Studies Vol 5 no 41977 p 302
[11] BP Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada Gukathan Wagu Kha (Kath
Hisi Press Nepal BS 20421985) pp44ff
[12] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p47ff
[13] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 51-53 Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal (BKK A Thesis of MA Mahamakut Graduate School
2001) p 97
[14] Bhikshu Sudarshan Mahasthavir bdquoRole of Theravada in the
Preservation of Newar Buddhism‟ wwwircnepalorgpapers
[15] Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 69-72
[16] Opcit Observation on the reform of Buddhism in Nepal p10ff
[17] Opcit Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ RV
Vandya Sanghanayaka Venerable Pragnananda Mahasthavir (Kath Nepal
Co-operative Press 1978) pp 11ff
[18] Bhkkhu Dharmaloka Mahasthavir A Pilgrimage in China (kath
published by Bhikkhu Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1999) p 13-15 Opcit Lacoul
Nepalay Sthavirvada p 74-75
[19] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka p 15
[20] Opcit Bhikkhu dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp16ff
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p100
[21] Ibit Bhikkhu Dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp 27-29
[22] See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A Homage
(Kath Anandakuti Vihar Trust 1992) Kuladharma Ratna Tuladhar Buddhism
in Nepal (Kath Dharmodaya Sabha 1986) pp15 Opcit Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 100
[23] Opcit K R Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal 16 RV Vandya
Sanghanayaka ven Pragnananda p 32 ff
[24] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka Pragnananda pp 34-35
Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthavirvada p 86
[25] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 18 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 101
[26] Bhikkhu Amritananda Mahasthavir A Short History of Theravada
Buddhism in Modern Nepal (Kath Anandakuti Vihar trust 1986) pp 8-9
Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir (Kath Anandakuti
Vihar Trust 1992) p 25
[27] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 19 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[28] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[29] Opcit Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir
p 26
[30] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit KR
Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 20
[31] Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha in Nepal
(BKK A Thesis of MA Buddhist Study Mahachulalongkorn University 2547)
p 23 [32]
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit Ratna
Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir p 26
[33] Amrit R Sthapit bdquowho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Aswaghosha‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 4 no 1 May 2001
p8
[34] helliphelliphelliphelliphellip bdquoWho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Nyanapurninka Mahasthavir‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 7
no 1 May 2004 p13 Viswo Shanti Vihar The Shanti Sandesh (Kath Viswo
Shanti Vihar 1998)
[35] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sumangala Mahasthavir
A monk who modernized Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the
LNBDS UK vol 2 no 1 May 1999 p10
[36] Opcit Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha
in Nepal pp 52ff
[37] Rina Tuladhara Dharmakirti 25 Years of Dharmakirti Buddhist
Study Circle A Glimpse (Kath Dharmakirti Vihar 1996) Mallika Sakya
bdquoWho is Who in Nepalese Buddhism Dhammavati Guruma‟ Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 5 no 1 May 2002 p10
[38] Opcit See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A
Homage Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 108
[39] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sudarshan Mahasthavir A
Gem of the Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol
6 no 1 May 2003 p13
26
Lanka Burma and Thailand for their higher ordination and education
Many of these monks have returned to Nepal and are actively engaged
in propagation of dhamma Besides ordination of individual novices
mass ordinations for short periods were also held in different temple
After Anandakuti Vihar the Viswasanti Vihara also established
Vishwa Shanti Bauddha Shikshalaya a Buddhist School under Ven
Nyanapunnika Mahathavir[34]
It teaches both national and Buddhist
curriculum to the novices Now there are nearly 100 Theravada
temples more than four hundred monks and Samaneras and nearly 400
nuns in the country Present Sangha Nayaka is Most Ven
Subodhananda of Gana Mahavihara Kathmandu President of All
Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha is Kumar Kashyapa of Ananda Kuti Vihar
Swayambhu Kathmandu and the head office of All Nepal Bhikkhu
Sangha is in Viswo Santi Vihara New Baneshwor Kathmandu
27
Contribution to Nepalese society
Besides promoting Dhamma Theravada monks and nuns
(Anagarikas) are also involved in other welfare activities like
organising free health camps training centers either in the monasteries
or outside the monasteries They also founded center for old age and
Kindergarten Late Ven Sumangala Mahasthavira[35]
initiated free
clinic at Buddha Vihar a Buddhist home for the elderly at Benepa and
a Buddhist Kindergarten Free Clinics were popular because of lack of
adequate government run clinics in Nepal Many monasteries
organized free clinics Regular clinics like eye and Homeopathic were
run either on weekly or monthly basis Annual campaigns are also run
when it was felt necessary
In 1964 All Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha established a Theravada
education system Pariyatti Sikkha or Nepal Bauddha Pariyatti Siksa
(Buddhist Saturday School) Classes are run in Theravada Buddhist
monasteries Tibetan monasteries other Buddhist centers in public and
private schools There are more than 32 centers throughout the
28
country[36]
Presently its head office is at Viswo Santi Vihara in New
Baneswora Kathmandu
Besides Pariyatti Sikkha Ven Amritananda founded a
Buddhist school - bdquoAnandakuti Vidyapith Boarding School‟ and a
college- bdquoSiddharth Science Campus‟ Both Buddhist monks and lay
people used to teach in these institutions It was started as a Buddhist
school but for some reason it has become a private enterprise Besides
these many monks and nuns are also running other educational
institutions like bdquoNursery school (Siddhartha Shisu Niketan Buddha
Vihar) Primary school (Triple Gem Boarding School) and Higher
Schools There are some Higher Education institutes like Siddharth
University in Banepa International Buddhist University in Lumbini
etc Many Buddhist organizations were founded and they were also
running different classes and research centers like Dharmakirti
Buddhist Research Center Anagarika Dhammavati founded this centre
Later on Anagarika Dhammavati was ordained as Bhikkhuni
according to Taiwanese tradition She is one of the well-known nuns in
the Theravada Buddhism in Nepal[37]
29
The Buddhist temples and organizations bring out number of
publications annually monthly weekly and on special occasions
Dharmodaya Anandabhumi and Dharmakirti are the oldest
Buddhist journals in Nepal and still continued to be published
Ven Amritananda was one of the greatest Buddhist scholars of
Nepal He wrote and translated many books on Buddhism There are
still no other monks or nun in Nepal who can be compared with
him[38]
Late Ven Sudharsan Mahasthavir came close to him Ven
Sudharsan was a pillar of Theravada Buddhism after Ven
Amritananda He was famous for different reason His field of interest
beside dhamma work consisted literature language Archaeology etc
He was a resident monk at Srikirti Vihar Kirtipur and held the post of
professor in History Archaeology and Buddhist philosophy at
Tribhuvan University until his death in July 2002 Some of his books in
Buddhism became course book for BA and MA students in Nepal
He had special interest in archaeology of Lumbini and was an expert on
this subject[39]
30
Revival of Theravada Buddhism in Nepal also had profound
effect in cultural and religious way of life of Nepalese Daily chanting
or Buddhapuja short term ordination observing Sila (Moral code)
caste system celebration of Vesak day celibate life were introduced
In the month of Bhadra or Gunla days (AugustSeptember) Buddhist
hymns are chanted and public discourses are given
Late Ven Sudharshan Mahasthavir formed Sri Kirti Buddhist
center at Sri Kirti Vihar with the aim of introducing Buddhism to other
ethnic groups other than Newars- the original inhabitants of Katmandu
valley This project succeeded in bringing other ethic groups into
Theravada Buddhism As a result of this many ethnic groups who were
originally Buddhists have started organizing Buddhist conferences and
Buddhist activities Another important development is formation of
Gyanmala Bhajan Khala - a Buddhist hymn group This group sings
regularly especially during certain auspicious days at Swayambhu and
other Buddhist sites The songs they sing are based on Buddha‟s
teaching and has been successful in promoting Buddhism in simple
melodious hymns which attracts many people who visits these
religious places
31
Theravadin in Nepalese Society
For centuries Nepalese were aware of only Buddhist priest
(Bajracharya) from Newar Buddhism (Vajrayana) and Tibetan Lamas
They were unaware of Theravadian Buddhist monks and nuns
Bajracharyas are household monks They lead domestic lives and are
not celibate Not all Tibetan monks are celibate It depends on the
school they belong to For example monks from Sakya School of
Tibetan tradition do not have to be celibate Theravada monks wear
distinctive saffron coloured robes They are celibate and lead virtuous
monastic life These monks and nuns have different identity in the eyes
of Nepalese especially the inhabitants of Kathmandu valley Their
simple way of life their full dedication in their work for the benefit of
mankind easily understood Theravada Scriptures translated in different
languages eg in Nepal Bhasa (Newari) Nepali in Hindi and in
English for easy accessibility by different groups helped to gain the
heart of Nepalese people Although many lay people have played
pivotal roles in revival of Theravada Buddhism in Nepal the leadership
32
of monks and nuns were vital in further development and survival of
this tradition
The lay Buddhists of Nepal are pluralistic They participate in
Buddhist ceremonies such as Vesak day daily chanting etc At the
same time they also follow Hindu customs in their daily lives
Buddhism is different from Hinduism and it is not a branch of
Hinduism Hindus believe that Buddha was a reincarnation of Lord
Vishnu Buddha never claimed to be anything other than a human
being ndash although a unique one in the history of mankind
Buddhism in Nepal is unique because of existence of three
different Buddhist traditions - Newar Buddhism (Vajrayana)
Tibetan Buddhism (Mahayana) and Theravada Buddhism
Different Buddhist groups practised different traditions Although the
principle underlying all these traditions is the same they differ in
details Theravada Buddhist tradition is different from Tibetan or
Newar Buddhist traditions but it is developing side-by-side with them
It was not possible for Theravada Buddhism to develop in Nepal
without close co-relation with other traditions but later developed on its
own right These various Buddhist traditions are coexisting in present
33
day Nepal Although they have different cultural traditions and are
developing in their own ways but the followers are the same
Therefore there is no separate identity of Theravadian lay Buddhists
There are number of lay Buddhist organizations such as Dharmodaya
Sabha Dharmakirti Institute Young Buddhist Associations Female
Buddhist Associations more recently Sukhi Hotu Nepal which are
playing important role in promotion of Buddha Dhamma but they are
multi-cultural and multi religious in their daily practices
CONCLUSION
Theravada Buddhism was introduced to Nepal at the time when
public meetings were banned It faced many obstacles at the beginning
Strong dedications of monks and nuns made it possible for its revival in
Nepal after many centuries of neglect Even though the revival
movement of this tradition was started only about 80 years ago it has
already gained strong foot hold in Nepal and gaining popularity day by
day The reason for its popularity lies in many things - the simple and
easily understood way the teachings were given the simple way of life
of monks and nuns lead and various beneficial activities undertaken by
34
Viharas Theravadin Buddhist monks and nuns are well accepted by
people and their contribution in promoting Buddha‟s teachings is
widely recognized Although small in number in comparison to other
Asian countries like Thailand Sri Lanka and Burma both the number
of monks and nuns and monasteries of this tradition are increasing day
by day If this trend continues it will become one of the prominent
religious traditions in Nepal It is only natural that this oldest Buddhist
tradition should gain its place of honour it deserve in a country where
the founder of the religion was born
35
Theravada Records in Nepal
List of Monks Novices and Anagarikas studying abroad
MONKS AND NOVICES
I Thailand
1 Bhikkhu Anil Man Dhammasakiyo (Sugandha)
2 Bhikkhu Vipassi Dhammaramo
3 Bhikkhu Jit Bahadur Gurung
4 Bhikkhu Krishna Thapamagar
5 Bhikkhu Pannamurti
6 Bhikkhu Sujan Sujano
7 Bhikkhu Anil Sumankitti
8 Bhikkhu Santosh Santosho
9 Bhikkhu Khemik Suddhasilo
10 Bhikkhu Suman Rocano
11 Bhikkhu Sanu Maharajano
12 Bhikkhu Santamano Dhwajjoshi
13 Bhikkhu Suman Dhwajjoshi
14 Bhikkhu Bijit Khemasakko
15 Bhikkhu Supreme Shakyavanso
Samaneras
1 Samanera Buddharatna Maharjan
2 Samanera Dhammaratna Maharjan
3 Samanera Bipin Maharjan
4 Samanera Prajwal Shakya
5 Samanera Ukesh Sakya
6 Samanera Gopi Maharjan
7 Samanera Sudip Deshar
8 Samanera Sudat Deshar
9 Samanera Deepi Maharjan
10 Samanera Ramit Shrestha
11 Samanera Anup Deshar
12 Samanera Suman Bajracharya bdquoA‟
13 Samanera Rajendra Deshar
14 Samanera Kapila Maharjan
15 Samanera Arbin Shakya
36
16 Samanera Kabindra Bajracharya
17 Samanera Ujjawal Shakya
18 Samanera Satish Shakya
19 Samanera Bimal Gurung
20 Samanera Surya Gurung
21 Samanera Sameer Maharjan
22 Samanera Anup Shakya
23 Samanera Arjun Magar
24 Samanera Kiran Desahar
25 Samanera Dipesh Shrestha
26 Samanera Tejendra Tamang
27 Samanera Ashim Shakya
28 Samanera Jalap Bajracharya
29 Samanera Arya Dev Bajracharya
30 Samanera Sudarshan Maharjan
31 Samanera Sangharatna
32 Samanera Suman Bajracharya bdquoB‟
33 Samanera Kijan Maharjan
34 Samanera Ramesh Maharjan
35 Samanera Niroj Maharjan
36 Samanera Jen Maharjan
37 Samanera Denish Bajracharya
38 Samanera Pritam Bahadur Shakya
39 Samanera Abhishek Shakya
40 Samanera Bishal Shakya
41 Samanera Sajal Shakya
42 Samanera Suraj Bhakta Shrestha
43 Samanera Dinesh Chaudhary
44 Samanera Shiv Swatantra Tharu
45 Samanera Sambhu Lal Khang
46 Samanera Buddharatna Chaudhary
47 Samanera Mukesh Chaudhary
II Myanmar (Burma)
Bhikkhu Samaneras
1 Bhikkhu Panavimala
2 Bhikkhu Dhyanratna
3 Bhikkhu Adiccho
4 Bhikkhu Vimalbuddhi
5 Bhikkhu Shobhan
6 Samanera Amato
7 Samanera Jutimma
8 Samanera Buddhapiyo
9 Samanera Kavindo
10 Samanera Nagasena
11 Samanera Gyanavudho
III Taiwan(ROC) 1 Bhikkhu Mangala 2 Bhikkhu Vazirbuddhi
IV Australia 1 Bhikkhu Upatissa
V India
1 Bhikkhu Dharmajyoti 2 Bhikkhu Ashokakirti
3 Bhikkhu Narawang Tamang
VI United kingdom 1 Bhikkhu Suman
VII USA 1 Bhikkhu Pragnaloka
VIII Sri Lanka
Bhikkhus
Bhikkhu Nanda
Bhikkhu Vineeta
Bhikkhu Ashoka
Bhikkhu Triratna
Bhikkhu Sagara
Bhikkhu Sankicca
Bhikkhu Vajirasiri
Bhikkhu Sarada
Bhikkhu Veenit
Bhikkhu Ratana
Bhikkhu Tissa
Bhikkhu Vajira
Bhikkhu Pannawimal
Bhikkhu Medhankar
Bhikkhu Pannasara
SARAMANERAS
Saranankara
Piyadassi
Dil Bhadra
Chandima
Samita
Narada bdquoA‟
Piyaratna
Kusala
Lakkhana
Udit
Vibekanada
Pannananda
Mettananda
Chandananda
Yassari
Upali
Subodhi
Mahanama
Kashyapa
Dhammapala
Narada bdquoB‟
Nalaka bdquoA‟
Daywasa
Santa Sobhana
Santa Siddhartha
Santa Maitri
Santa Kosala
Santa Sakya
Suvaca
Sukama Sila
Siddhartha
Nanda bdquoA‟
Rahula
Sudheera
Kosala Dheera
Panna Wansa
Jina Wansa
Mahinda
Nanda bdquoB‟
Seewali
Mahapantha
Assaji
Sarada
Sumana
Ananda
Nalaka bdquoB‟
Aloka
Suwarna
Subodh
Udena
Sangharatna bdquoA‟
Gyanendra
Khema
Soma bdquoA‟
Punna
Panna Ransi
Soma bdquoB‟
Santa bdquoA‟
Kapila Wansa
Asita Wansa
Sumanananda bdquoa‟
Vijitananda
Khemananda
Silananda
Medhananda
Somaratna
Soratha
Pragyananda
Sumangala
Santa Citta
Yasa
Dhamma Kitti
Panna Kitti
Santa Dheera
Vijitananda
Sumanananda bdquob‟
Vajra Bodhi
Dhammika
Santa bdquoB‟
Anuruddha
Sumana bdquoB‟
Jinavamsa
Panna Vansa
Buddha Ratna
Dhamma Ratna
Ariya Ratna
Piyadassi bdquoB‟
Sila Ratna
Sangha Ratna bdquoB‟
List of Anagarikas studying in abroad
I Thailand
1 Anagarika Sirisuta Maharjan
2 Anagarika Ramsobha Shrestha
3 Anagarika Sunita Napit
II Myanmar
1 Anagarika Javanvati
2 Anagarika Vimalajnani
3 Anagarika Ambika
4 Anagarika Buddhapali
5 Anagarika Darshana
6 Anagarika Agrajnani
7 Anagarika Nandavati
bdquob‟
III India 1 Anagarika Rupashila
IV Taiwan
1 Anagarika Pannavati
2 Anagarika Sani
3 Anagarika Nima
V Sri Lanka
1 Anagarika Pannawati
2 Anagarika Mettawati
3 Anagarika Keshawati
4 Anagarika Prasnnawati
5 Anagarika Sukhawati
6 Anagarika Shobhawati
7 Anagarika Subhadra
8 Anagarika
Shraddhagautami
9 Anagarika Upananda
10 Anagarika Shantawati
11 Anagarika Suciwati
Residences of Theravādin Monks in Nepal
01 Abhinava Buddha Vihara Lumbini
1) Bhikkhu Vimalananda Mahathera
2) Samanera Sunanda
02 Anandakut Vihara Swayambhu Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Kumara Kassapa Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Dharmamurti 3) Samanera Kondanya
4) S Prajnaratna 5) S Asoka
6) S Kumarjeeva 7) S Assaji
03 Bauddha Samaskrita Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Bhikkhu Dharmashobhana Mahathera
04 Bodhicharya Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Bodhisena Mahathera
2) Samanera Bodhideepa
05 Buddha Vihara Bhrikuti Mandap-Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Kondanya 2) Bhikkhu Sushil
3) Samanera Anuyoga 3) S Javana
4) S Udena
06 Buddha Vihara Biratnagar
1) Bhikkhu Aloka
07 Buddha Vihara Dharan
1) Bhikkhu Maitri (Tamang)
2) Bhikkhu Chhavikirti
08 Chatubrahma Vihara Matatirtha
1) Bhikkhu Thansettho
2) Bhikkhu Samyakaratna
3) Bhikkhu Bodhananda
9 Charumati Stupa Vihara Chabahil Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Tapassi Dhamma
10 Dharmacakra Ashrama Bagbazar
1) Bhikkhu Milinda
11 Dharmashila Buddha Vihara Pokhara
1) Bhikkhu Subhadda 2) Bhikkhu Saddhananda
12 Dhyanakuti Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Ashwaghosha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Rahul 3) Samanera Gautama
13 Gana Maha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Sanghanayaka Bhikkhu Subodhanand Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sobhita
3) Bhikkhu Samvegakirti
4) Samanera Sugatananda
6) S Chandananda
7) S Somananda
8) S Sumanavamsha
9) S Somavamsha
10) S Sumanasiri
14 IlayabahiTanabaha Patan
1) Bhikkhu Vimalkirti
15 International Bauddha Pariyatti Vihara Butwal
1) Bhikkhu Jatila
2) Bhikkhu Bhaddiya bdquoB‟
3) Samanera Jnanashree 4) S Jotika
16 International Buddhist Society Lumbini
1) Bhikkhu Maitri Mahathera
2) Samanera Mahapanta
3) S Vimala
17 Jana Udaya Vihara Sunakothi-Lalitpura
1) Bhikkhu Dharmagupta
18 Jitavana Vihara Thankot
1) Bhikkhu Dharmavamsha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sugatamuni Mahathera
3) Samanera Sunita
19 Kuti Vihara Koteshwar-KTM
1) Bhikkhu Yeshdhammo
2) Samanera Wayamo
3) S Milindo 4) S Sunanalankara
20 Manimandapa Mahavihara Patan
1) Bhikshu Shilbhadra Mahathera
2) Samanera Paduma 3) S Nayako
21 Muni Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Samanera Tejendra 2) S Jalapa
3) S Asima 4) S Aryaputra
22 Padma Sugandha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Sumedha 2) Samanera Sudatta
23 Pati Vihara Nagadesh-Bhaktapur
1) Bhikkhu Varasambodhi
24 Pranidhi Purna Maha Vihara Balambu
1) Samanera Sukha
25 Pugatabhoomi Jetavana Vihara Bhairahawa
1) Samanera Jagaro 2) S Suvanno
26 Purvaram Vihara Dhulikhel
1) Bhikkhu Gunaghosha Mahathero
27 Sangharama Vihara Kshetrapati Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Saddhatissa
2) Bhikkhu Kolita
3) Bhikkhu Sangharakshita
28 Shakya Singha Vihara Patan
1) Bhikkhu Dharmapala Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sunanda Mahathera
3) Bhikkhu Dharmarakshita
29 Shikhalapura Vihara Dhulikhel
1) Bhikkhu Dhammananda Mahathera
30 Shree Kirti Vihara Kirtipur
1) Bhikkhu Kirtijyoti 2) Bhikkhu Ananda
3) Bhikkhu Prajnakirti
4) Bhikkhu Dharmakirti
5) Samanera Sundara 6) Bhikkhu Pamit
7) S Subhashkirti 8) S Uttarakirti
31 Shreegha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Dharmasagara
2) Bhikkhu Medhankara
32 Sudarshana Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Rastrapala
33Sumangala Vihara Patan
1) Sanghaupanayaka Bhikkhu Buddhaghosha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Shobhan
3) Bhikkhu Prajnaratna
34 Surya Mangala Vihara Kapilvastu
1) Bhikkhu Suryamangala
35 Tokha Buddha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Samanera Shobhana 2) S Jnanodaya
36 Veluvanarama Vihara Thecho-Lalitpura
1) Samanera Uttama 2) S Chandimo
37 Vishwa Shanti Vihara New Baneshwar
1) Bhikshu Jnanapurnik Mahathera
2) Bhikshu Bodhijnana
3) Bhikshu Nigrodha
4) Bhikshu Udayabhadra
Samaneras
1) S Janak 2) S Sujat
3) S Obhaso 4) S Subhaddo
5) S Nandiyo 6) S Mahindo
7) S Pajjoto 8) S Aloka
9) S Buddhadatta 10) S Panita
11) S Kashyapa 12)S Dharmaghosha
13) S Nagita 14) S Vinaya
15) S Suchitta 16) S Sudatto
17) S Nemindo 18) S Rohito
19) S Jayanto 20) S Meghiyo
21) S Indriyo 22) S Suppamedho
23) S Bhanusarana 24) S Saddhadeepa
25) S Kittimo 26) S Janeyyo
27) S Adicca 28) S Kosalla
29) S Nyanuttara 30) S Bhaddaco
31) S Pabhassaro 32) S Uttaro
38 Yampi Maha Vihara Patan
1) Bhikkhu Bhaddiya
39 Non residencial Monks
1) Bhikshu Samyaka Sambodhi Pranputra
2) Bhikshu Dhyanratna
3) Bhikkhu Chandragupta Balambu
Present Anagarikas and resident in NEPAL
01 Amarapura Vihara Bungamati
1) A Charujnani 2) A Sunita
3) A Palitajnani 4) A Pamitajnani
5) A Padumajnani 6) A Rupawati
02 Bauddha Samaskrit Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Anagarika Sanghashila
03 Buddha ViharaDharan
1) A Sumedhavati 2) A Sushilavati
3) A Kanchana 4) A Shasanavati
04 Bauddha Rishi Mahapragya Ashram Anamnagar
1) Anagarika Prajnavati
05 Chatubrahma Vihara Matatirtha
1) Anagarika Anu
06 Dhammavasa Vihara Khusibun
1) A Krishgautami 2) A Suchita
3) A Shilgautami 4) A Kshantigautami
5) A Shyamavati
07 Dharmakirti Vihara Naghal-Kathmandu
1) Anagarika RatnaManjari
2) A Dhammavati
3) A Dhammadinna (Chameli)
4) A Anupama 5) A Sanghavati
6) A Khemavati 7) A Indravati
8) A Jayavati 9) A Danavati
10) A Tyagavati 11) AViryavati
12) A Shubhavati 13) A Ramavati
14) A Surammavati
15) A Hemavati 16) A Suppabhavati
17) A Supriya 18) A Amata
19) A Vannavati 20) A Suvannavati
08 Dharmashila Buddha Vihara Pokhara
1) Anagarika Karmashila
09 Gautami Vihara Lumbini
1) Anagarika Sujata 2) A Khamesi
10 IlayabahiTana Baha Lalitpur
1) A Shilaparami 2)AViryaparami
3) A Vineeta 4) A Shilachari
11 Int‟l Buddhist Meditation Centre Shankhamul
1) A Aggajnani 2) A Nirmalajnani
3) A Shantarakshita
12 Jaya Mangal ViharaTana Bahal-Patan
1) Anagarika Vijita 2) A Nekkhami
3) A Chittavati
13 Jyoti Vihara Chapagaun- Lalitpur
1) AnagarikaVirygautami
2) A Upeskshagautami
14 Kashivarna Buddha Vihara Panuati
1) Anagarika Satyaparami
15 Kindol Vihara Swayambhu
1) A Sumana 2) A Uttara
3) A Sumitra 4) A Molini
5) A Dhammavijaya 6) A Tejavati
7) A Shyamavati
16 Kunsa BahaHyumat
1) Anagarika Patachari 2) AUmavati
17 Mahabodhi Vihara Tansen
1) Anagarika Revati (Dhammadinna)
18 Muni Vihara Bhaktapur
1) A Sugandhavati 2) A Padmavati
19 Narsinharama Thaina-Patan
1) A Jnanashila 2) ASatyashila
3) AShilavati 4) A Yeshavati 5) A Dharani
6) A Jeenvati
7) A Shilpavatisushma
20 Padmachaitya Vihara Butwal
1) A Udayashila 2) A Santiwati
21 Padmakirti Vihara Kamalpokhari
1) A Kamala 2) A Karunavati
3) A Pabbhavati 4) A Dhyanavati
5) A Bhavanavati
22 Prajnanandarama Okubahal-Patan
1) Anagarika Jnanavati
23 Pranidhipurna Mahavihara Balambu
1) A Mudita 2) A Chandrashila bdquoB‟
24 SangharakshitaVihara Patan
1) Anagarika Abhaya 2) A Chandrashila
3) A Shilachari
25 Shanti Sukhavasa Chakupat-Patan
1) A Utpalavarna (Chini)
26 Shree Kirti Vihara Kirtipur
1) Anagarika Mina
27 SunandaramaThaina-Patan
1) A Madhavi 2) AMasukhi
3) A Mashobha 4) A Mashraddha
5) A Masudha
28 Sulakshanakirti Viahara Kirtipur
1) A Anoja 2) A Atula
3) A Anula
29 Sangharama ViharaDhalko-KTM
1) Anagarika Dharmarakshita
30 Vishwashanti Vihara New Baneshwar
1) A Shubha 2) A Khema
3) A Sudhamma
31 Vishwashanti Dharmakirti Vihara Basundhara
1) A Dhajavati (Kusum) 2) A Padmavati
3) A Bhadravati
32 Residing other Anagarikas
1) Anagarika Chandrajnani Patan
2) A Sraddhavati Shankhamul
3) A Amaravati Patan
4) A Dhammachari Patan
5) A Nanda Thasi
Some Prominent Personalities in the Theravada Movement1
Sanghamahanayakas of Nepal
1 Ven Pragyanand Mahasthavir 1930 ndash 1993 AD
2 Ven Sakyananda Mahasthavir 1993 - 1997 AD
3 Ven Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1997 - 2002 AD
4 Ven Subodhananda Mahasthavir 2002 - 2006 AD
5 Ven Buddhaghosa Mahasthavir 2006-
Amritananda Bhikkhu (1918-1990) original name Lal Kaji Sakya from Tansen
west Nepal he ordain as a novice in 1936 from ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara He studies and was ordained a monk in Sri Lanka in 1940 He
return to Nepal in 1942 and preached first publicly in Kathmandu He
formed Dharmodaya Sabha in 1944 and All Nepal Bhikkhu Mahasangha in
1951 and remained its unchallenged leader until his death He was well
known and traveled widely outside of Nepal because of his dynamism and
charisma He was also one of the greatest Buddhist scholars and writers of
Nepal
Aniruddha Bhikkhu (1915-2003) original name Gaja Ratna Tuladhar son of
Dasa Ratna Sahu (Later Ven Dhammaloka) He went to Sri Lanka in 1930
and ordained as samanera and studied there He had served many years in
Lumbini and third Sanghanayaka of Nepal
1 Sarah Levine and David N Gellner Rebuilding Buddhism The Theravada Movement in
Twentieth Century Nepal (UK Harvard University Press 2006) pp 293-296
Ashwaghosh Bhikkhu (1926- present) original name Buddha Ratna Sakya and
became a novice in 1944 and went to Sri Lanka for study where he took
higher ordination in 1949 he is known as bdquothe communist monk‟ and was a
nominee of the Unified Marxist-Leninist party one of Nepal‟s two main
political parites in the 1990s to the Upper House 1993-5 He had
established nepal‟s first Bhikkhu Training Center at Sangharama Dhalko
and became abbot of this vihara Presently he is abbot of Shrigha Vihara in
Kathmandu and of Dyanakuti Vihara Banepa
Buddhaghosh Bhikkhu (1921- present day) original name Sapta Ratna
Vajracharya in Kwa Baha Kathamandu The founder of Pariyatti Education
in Nepal and presently acting Sanghanayaka of Nepal (2006) and abbot of
Sri Sumangala Vihara in Lalitpur
Chandramani Bhikkhu (1876-1972) a Burmese monk who spent his life in
Kusinagara where he worked for the propagation of Buddhism until his
death He initiated with most of the early Nepalese Theravadins Monks and
Nuns He was the first president of Dharmodaya Sabha and father of
Theravadins of Nepal
Dharmachari Anagarika (1898-1978) born Laxmi Nani Tuladhar she
impressed by Ven Pragyananda in Kindol Vihara and took the precepts
from Chandramani in Kusinagara in 1934 and most prominent Nepali nun
She founded the first nunnery in Nepal at Kindol Vihara in 1947
Dhammaloka Bhikkhu (1891-1977) born Das Ratna Tuladhar Asan
kathamandu He traded in Lhasha went to Sri Lanka and taught Buddhism
as a layman Later became a monk in 1932 after his son Aniruddha ordain
in 1930 he established nepal‟s first Theravādin Vihara bdquoAnanda Kuti
Vihar‟ in Kathmandu
Dhammawati Anagarika (1925- present day) born as Ganesh Kumari Sakya in
Uku Baha lalitpur She ordain too precepts from Ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara and renamed as Dhammavati in 1950 She went to Burma for
study and return in 1963 after passed the Dhammacariya Examination She
was able to established Dhammakirti Nunnery Centre in 1965 and leader of
the Theravādin Nuns She has been re-ordained as Bhikkhuni according to
Mahayana tradition
Dharmaditya Dharmacharya (1902-1963) born as Jagat Man Vaidya in Chika
Bahi Lalitpur and the first Newar Buddhist modernist and the first newar
cultural nationalist He went to study in Calcutta where he became a
follower of anagarika Dhammapala the founder of Maha Bodhi Society
He had formed Buddhist revival foundation and published Buddhist
magazines etc
Nyanpurnika Bhikkhu (1936- present day) Born as Hera Lal Sakya in Tansen
He studied with Buddhaghosh in Lalitpur in Burma and in England He is
only monk who passed Dhammacariya examination of Burma He was the
founder of Vishwa Shanti Vihara and Vishwa Shanti Bauddha sikkyalaya
where train novices He is a prominent translator and writer
Kumar Kashyap Bhikkhu (1926- present day) born as Krishna Man Sakya he
was one of those who exiled to India by the Ranas in 1944 He went to
Study in Sri Lanka and hold nepal‟s first bdquoTripitaka acarya‟ Presently he is
president of All Nepal Bhikkhu Association and abbot of Ananda Kuti
Vihara
Mahapragya Bhikkhu (1901-1979) born Prem Bahadur (Nani Kaji ) Shrestha
He ordained into Tibetan tradition but exiled in 1926 and reordained as
novice in Theravada tradition one of the earlier Theravādin monks He
return to householderhood in Kalimpong in 1940s but then returned to
Kathmandu as a Buddhist sage (Bauddha Rishi) in the 1960s where he
taught until his death
Pragyananda Bhikkhu (1900-1993) born as Kul Man Singh Tuladhar in Itum
Baha Kathmandu a trader in Tibet where he met Ven Mahapragya and
impressed by him to ordained He became a Tibetan Gelung Karmasheel in
1928 and two years later a Theravādin under Ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara in 1930 He was nepal‟s first Sanghamahanayaka and well
respected monk
Shakyananda Bhikkhu (1909-1997) born as Chakra Dhan Sakya in Taksar
Bhojpur East Nepal He spent over forty years as a monk in Tansen outside
the Kathmandu and second sanghamahanayaka of Nepal
Subodhanand Bhikkhu (1916-2006) bor as Kul Raj Sakya in Taksar Bhojpur
East Nepal He was one of the monks exiled by the Ranas in 1944 He was
a prolific composer of Hymns in Nepal Bhasa In 2003 as the most senior
monk in Nepal he was the fourth Sanghanayaka of Nepal
Sudarshan Bhikkhu (1934-2002) born as Rudra Raj Sakya in Uku Baha
lalitpur He was famous a bdquothe boy monk‟ For many years he was a lecturer
in the culture Department of Tribhuvan University a prolific writer
preacher and abbot of Sri Kirti Vihara Kirtipur which is became multi-
cultural center and especially for Buddhist meetings and conferences He
was jailed for some months for Nepal Bhasa activities in the Panchayat
period He was a campaigner on Buddhist issues particularly to do with
Lumbini
Sumangal Bhikkhu (1929-1999) born Bhakta Krishna Shilpakar in Lalitpur He
was famous as ldquoDollar bhanterdquo He ordained in 1959 in Burma obtained a
master‟s degree in Buddhism from Rissho University Japan in 1972 and
was among the first monks to mobilize international connections for
Buddhist projects in Nepal He established Buddha Vihara in Bhrikuti
Mandap Kathmandu He helped raise funds from Thailand and Japan for
IBMc (1985) brought the Japanese healing movement Sei Mei Kyo to
Nepal and in 1993 opened an old people‟s home in Banepa
Glimpse of Theravādin activities in Nepal
Samanera ordination at Muni Vihara
Ordination Ceremony at Vishwa Shanti Vihara
Collecting Alms
Chanting Paritta in devotee‟s home
Giving Holy Thread to Devotees
Buddhist Art in Nepal
Main Buddha Image at Sri Kirti Vihara
Four holy places
Some of the Theravada Buddhist Viharas (Monasteries) in Nepal
Vihars In Kathmandu Valley Telephone No
1 Amarapura Buddha Vihar Bungamati 5551068
2 Anandakuti Vihar Swayambhu 4271420
3 Anandabhuwan Vihar Bhuikhyo 4270429
4 Ganamaha vihar Ganabaha 4253454
5 Gautam Buddha Vihar Panga co 4330576
6 Caturbrahma Vihar Matatirtha 4310558
7 Carumati Vihar Cabahil 4469897
8 Baudhajana Vihar Sunakothi co 5570209
9 Jitapur Gandhakuti Vihar khona Co 5542846
10 Jitawan Vihar Thankot 4311912
11 Jyoti udaya vihar Capagaun Co 5571459
12 Dhammavasa Vihar Khusibun 4358688
13 Dharmakirti Vihar Srigha Naghal 4259466
14 Dharmacakra vihar Bagbajar 4261976
15 Nagar Mandap Sri Kirti Vihar Kirtipur 4330836
16 Nagadesh Buddha Vihar Nagadesh Co 6635397
17 Nirvanmurti Anagarikaram Kindol 4285811
18 Padmasugandha Vihar Manjeshwori 4266255
19 Pranidhi Purna Mahavihar Balambu 43105924312455
20 Pati Vihar Thimi Co 6637601
21 Pippali Theravad Buddha Vihar Shiphal 4475066
22 Punya Udaya Vihar Jala Harisiddhi Co 5527456
23 Buddhabhoomi Mahavihar Tokha 4362514
24 Buddha Vihar Bhrikuti mandapa 4226702
25 Buddharatna Vihar Putalisadak 4244277
26 Bauddha samakrit Vihar Bhaktapur 6610842
27 Manimandap Vihar Patko Bhaktapur 5526517
28 Muni Vihar Bhaktapur 6616464
29 Yampi Mahavihar Ibahi Lalitpur 5539644
30 Yashodhara Baudha Bidyalaya Thaina Lalitpur 5521435
31 Biswo Shanti Vihar Baneshwor 4482384
32 Biswo Shanti Dharmakirti vihar Basundhara 4354251
33 Beluvanarama Vihar Theco Co 5570062
34 Sakyasingha Vihar Thaina Lalitpur 5524760
35 Santi Sukhawas Cakupat co 5523613
36 Siddhimangal Buddha Vihar Thasi 5581495
37 Sumangala Vihara Lagankhel 5531715
38 Sulakshan kirti Vihar Chobhar 4331718
39 Suwanrna Chatrapur Vihar Lubhu 5580430
40 Sangharama Vihar Dhalko Visnumati 4255960
41 Srigha Vihar Nagal 4259110
Vihars out side the Kathamandu Velley Telephone No
1 Ananda Vihar Tansen Co 075-520225520216
2 Citravan Vihar Narayangadha Co 056-521478
3 Taksar Vihar Tansen Co 075-520024
4 Dharmashila Buddha Vihar Phokhara 061-520517
5 Dyankuti Banepa Banepa 011-661244
6 Padma Chaitya Vihar Butawal 071-546470
7 Purwarama Vihar Dhulikhel 011-661979
8 Pragya Mahavihar Hetauda Co 057-520264520136
9 Buddha Vihar Dharan 025-520354
10 Buddha Vihar Biratnagar Co 021-522146530604
11 Beni Buddha Vihar Myagdi Co 069-520354
12 Bodhicharya vihar Banepa 011-661789
13 Lokachakra Buddha Vihar Dhan gadhi 091-622174
14 Sakyamuni Vihar Bhojpur Co 029-420260
15 Sugatapur Vihar Trisuli Co 010-560153
16 Sugandha Vihar Ridi Gulmi Co 079-529435
17 Swoyambhu Chetya Buddha Vihar Urlabari Co 021-540080
18 Swoyambhu Chetya Mahavihar Dharan Co 025-520190
19 Gyanodaya Buddha Vihar Baglung Co 068-520921520336
Footnotes
[1] This paper was written as a part of my MA thesis research on bdquoThe
Revival of Theravada Buddhism and its contribution to Nepalese Society‟ of
Mahachulalongkorn University Bangkok Thailand and would like to thank Mr
Dharma Sakya for every suggestion editing and help for the completion of this
article
[2] Nyanatiloka Buddhist Dictionary 3
rd ed The Free Distribution
version the Corporate Body of the Buddha education foundation Taiwan p
179
[3] Triratna Manandhar bdquoPresent of Buddhism in Nepal‟ (Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK Vol 8 May 2005) p 15
[4] helliphelliphelliphellip The New Encyclopedia of Britannica Vol24 (USA
Library of Congress Catalog 1993) p 781 Dhanabajra Vajracharya Cabahilko
Abhilekha (Inscription of Cabahil) The Charumati Voice (Kath Charumati
Buddhist Mission 2001) pp 17-20 Bhikkhu Sudarsan Mahasthavira Nepal
Upatyaka ma Ashokaki Chori Charumati (Charumati A daughter of
Ashoka in Nepal Valley) (The Charumati Vocie (Kath Charumati Buddhist
Mission 2001) p 20
[5] Beal Samuel Si Yu Ri Buddhist Records of the Western World
(New Delhi Motilal Banarsidass Publishers 1994) pp 80-81 Bhuwan Lal
Pradhan Nepalama Buddhadharma (Kath Nepal Rajkiya Pragyapratisthana
1988) pp 102 ndash 103
[6] NB Thapa A Short History of Nepal (Kath Ratna Pustak
bhandhar Nd) pp 30-33 Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ The
Nation Thailand‟s English Newspaper (Sunday special) Oct 18 1987
[7] Opcit NB Thapa p116
[8] David N Gellner Monk Householder and Tantric Priest Newar
Buddhism and its Hierarchy of Ritual (Cambridge University Press 1996) pp
41ff
[9] Bechert Heinz amp Jens-Uwe Hartmann ldquoObservation on the reform
of Buddhism in Nepalrdquo Journal of Nepal Research Centre vol VIII Kath
Kantipur Printing Press1988p 6
[10] Ria Kloppenborg Theravada Buddhism in Nepal‟ Kailash A
Journal of Himalayan Studies Vol 5 no 41977 p 302
[11] BP Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada Gukathan Wagu Kha (Kath
Hisi Press Nepal BS 20421985) pp44ff
[12] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p47ff
[13] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 51-53 Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal (BKK A Thesis of MA Mahamakut Graduate School
2001) p 97
[14] Bhikshu Sudarshan Mahasthavir bdquoRole of Theravada in the
Preservation of Newar Buddhism‟ wwwircnepalorgpapers
[15] Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 69-72
[16] Opcit Observation on the reform of Buddhism in Nepal p10ff
[17] Opcit Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ RV
Vandya Sanghanayaka Venerable Pragnananda Mahasthavir (Kath Nepal
Co-operative Press 1978) pp 11ff
[18] Bhkkhu Dharmaloka Mahasthavir A Pilgrimage in China (kath
published by Bhikkhu Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1999) p 13-15 Opcit Lacoul
Nepalay Sthavirvada p 74-75
[19] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka p 15
[20] Opcit Bhikkhu dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp16ff
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p100
[21] Ibit Bhikkhu Dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp 27-29
[22] See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A Homage
(Kath Anandakuti Vihar Trust 1992) Kuladharma Ratna Tuladhar Buddhism
in Nepal (Kath Dharmodaya Sabha 1986) pp15 Opcit Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 100
[23] Opcit K R Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal 16 RV Vandya
Sanghanayaka ven Pragnananda p 32 ff
[24] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka Pragnananda pp 34-35
Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthavirvada p 86
[25] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 18 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 101
[26] Bhikkhu Amritananda Mahasthavir A Short History of Theravada
Buddhism in Modern Nepal (Kath Anandakuti Vihar trust 1986) pp 8-9
Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir (Kath Anandakuti
Vihar Trust 1992) p 25
[27] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 19 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[28] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[29] Opcit Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir
p 26
[30] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit KR
Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 20
[31] Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha in Nepal
(BKK A Thesis of MA Buddhist Study Mahachulalongkorn University 2547)
p 23 [32]
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit Ratna
Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir p 26
[33] Amrit R Sthapit bdquowho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Aswaghosha‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 4 no 1 May 2001
p8
[34] helliphelliphelliphelliphellip bdquoWho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Nyanapurninka Mahasthavir‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 7
no 1 May 2004 p13 Viswo Shanti Vihar The Shanti Sandesh (Kath Viswo
Shanti Vihar 1998)
[35] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sumangala Mahasthavir
A monk who modernized Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the
LNBDS UK vol 2 no 1 May 1999 p10
[36] Opcit Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha
in Nepal pp 52ff
[37] Rina Tuladhara Dharmakirti 25 Years of Dharmakirti Buddhist
Study Circle A Glimpse (Kath Dharmakirti Vihar 1996) Mallika Sakya
bdquoWho is Who in Nepalese Buddhism Dhammavati Guruma‟ Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 5 no 1 May 2002 p10
[38] Opcit See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A
Homage Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 108
[39] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sudarshan Mahasthavir A
Gem of the Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol
6 no 1 May 2003 p13
27
Contribution to Nepalese society
Besides promoting Dhamma Theravada monks and nuns
(Anagarikas) are also involved in other welfare activities like
organising free health camps training centers either in the monasteries
or outside the monasteries They also founded center for old age and
Kindergarten Late Ven Sumangala Mahasthavira[35]
initiated free
clinic at Buddha Vihar a Buddhist home for the elderly at Benepa and
a Buddhist Kindergarten Free Clinics were popular because of lack of
adequate government run clinics in Nepal Many monasteries
organized free clinics Regular clinics like eye and Homeopathic were
run either on weekly or monthly basis Annual campaigns are also run
when it was felt necessary
In 1964 All Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha established a Theravada
education system Pariyatti Sikkha or Nepal Bauddha Pariyatti Siksa
(Buddhist Saturday School) Classes are run in Theravada Buddhist
monasteries Tibetan monasteries other Buddhist centers in public and
private schools There are more than 32 centers throughout the
28
country[36]
Presently its head office is at Viswo Santi Vihara in New
Baneswora Kathmandu
Besides Pariyatti Sikkha Ven Amritananda founded a
Buddhist school - bdquoAnandakuti Vidyapith Boarding School‟ and a
college- bdquoSiddharth Science Campus‟ Both Buddhist monks and lay
people used to teach in these institutions It was started as a Buddhist
school but for some reason it has become a private enterprise Besides
these many monks and nuns are also running other educational
institutions like bdquoNursery school (Siddhartha Shisu Niketan Buddha
Vihar) Primary school (Triple Gem Boarding School) and Higher
Schools There are some Higher Education institutes like Siddharth
University in Banepa International Buddhist University in Lumbini
etc Many Buddhist organizations were founded and they were also
running different classes and research centers like Dharmakirti
Buddhist Research Center Anagarika Dhammavati founded this centre
Later on Anagarika Dhammavati was ordained as Bhikkhuni
according to Taiwanese tradition She is one of the well-known nuns in
the Theravada Buddhism in Nepal[37]
29
The Buddhist temples and organizations bring out number of
publications annually monthly weekly and on special occasions
Dharmodaya Anandabhumi and Dharmakirti are the oldest
Buddhist journals in Nepal and still continued to be published
Ven Amritananda was one of the greatest Buddhist scholars of
Nepal He wrote and translated many books on Buddhism There are
still no other monks or nun in Nepal who can be compared with
him[38]
Late Ven Sudharsan Mahasthavir came close to him Ven
Sudharsan was a pillar of Theravada Buddhism after Ven
Amritananda He was famous for different reason His field of interest
beside dhamma work consisted literature language Archaeology etc
He was a resident monk at Srikirti Vihar Kirtipur and held the post of
professor in History Archaeology and Buddhist philosophy at
Tribhuvan University until his death in July 2002 Some of his books in
Buddhism became course book for BA and MA students in Nepal
He had special interest in archaeology of Lumbini and was an expert on
this subject[39]
30
Revival of Theravada Buddhism in Nepal also had profound
effect in cultural and religious way of life of Nepalese Daily chanting
or Buddhapuja short term ordination observing Sila (Moral code)
caste system celebration of Vesak day celibate life were introduced
In the month of Bhadra or Gunla days (AugustSeptember) Buddhist
hymns are chanted and public discourses are given
Late Ven Sudharshan Mahasthavir formed Sri Kirti Buddhist
center at Sri Kirti Vihar with the aim of introducing Buddhism to other
ethnic groups other than Newars- the original inhabitants of Katmandu
valley This project succeeded in bringing other ethic groups into
Theravada Buddhism As a result of this many ethnic groups who were
originally Buddhists have started organizing Buddhist conferences and
Buddhist activities Another important development is formation of
Gyanmala Bhajan Khala - a Buddhist hymn group This group sings
regularly especially during certain auspicious days at Swayambhu and
other Buddhist sites The songs they sing are based on Buddha‟s
teaching and has been successful in promoting Buddhism in simple
melodious hymns which attracts many people who visits these
religious places
31
Theravadin in Nepalese Society
For centuries Nepalese were aware of only Buddhist priest
(Bajracharya) from Newar Buddhism (Vajrayana) and Tibetan Lamas
They were unaware of Theravadian Buddhist monks and nuns
Bajracharyas are household monks They lead domestic lives and are
not celibate Not all Tibetan monks are celibate It depends on the
school they belong to For example monks from Sakya School of
Tibetan tradition do not have to be celibate Theravada monks wear
distinctive saffron coloured robes They are celibate and lead virtuous
monastic life These monks and nuns have different identity in the eyes
of Nepalese especially the inhabitants of Kathmandu valley Their
simple way of life their full dedication in their work for the benefit of
mankind easily understood Theravada Scriptures translated in different
languages eg in Nepal Bhasa (Newari) Nepali in Hindi and in
English for easy accessibility by different groups helped to gain the
heart of Nepalese people Although many lay people have played
pivotal roles in revival of Theravada Buddhism in Nepal the leadership
32
of monks and nuns were vital in further development and survival of
this tradition
The lay Buddhists of Nepal are pluralistic They participate in
Buddhist ceremonies such as Vesak day daily chanting etc At the
same time they also follow Hindu customs in their daily lives
Buddhism is different from Hinduism and it is not a branch of
Hinduism Hindus believe that Buddha was a reincarnation of Lord
Vishnu Buddha never claimed to be anything other than a human
being ndash although a unique one in the history of mankind
Buddhism in Nepal is unique because of existence of three
different Buddhist traditions - Newar Buddhism (Vajrayana)
Tibetan Buddhism (Mahayana) and Theravada Buddhism
Different Buddhist groups practised different traditions Although the
principle underlying all these traditions is the same they differ in
details Theravada Buddhist tradition is different from Tibetan or
Newar Buddhist traditions but it is developing side-by-side with them
It was not possible for Theravada Buddhism to develop in Nepal
without close co-relation with other traditions but later developed on its
own right These various Buddhist traditions are coexisting in present
33
day Nepal Although they have different cultural traditions and are
developing in their own ways but the followers are the same
Therefore there is no separate identity of Theravadian lay Buddhists
There are number of lay Buddhist organizations such as Dharmodaya
Sabha Dharmakirti Institute Young Buddhist Associations Female
Buddhist Associations more recently Sukhi Hotu Nepal which are
playing important role in promotion of Buddha Dhamma but they are
multi-cultural and multi religious in their daily practices
CONCLUSION
Theravada Buddhism was introduced to Nepal at the time when
public meetings were banned It faced many obstacles at the beginning
Strong dedications of monks and nuns made it possible for its revival in
Nepal after many centuries of neglect Even though the revival
movement of this tradition was started only about 80 years ago it has
already gained strong foot hold in Nepal and gaining popularity day by
day The reason for its popularity lies in many things - the simple and
easily understood way the teachings were given the simple way of life
of monks and nuns lead and various beneficial activities undertaken by
34
Viharas Theravadin Buddhist monks and nuns are well accepted by
people and their contribution in promoting Buddha‟s teachings is
widely recognized Although small in number in comparison to other
Asian countries like Thailand Sri Lanka and Burma both the number
of monks and nuns and monasteries of this tradition are increasing day
by day If this trend continues it will become one of the prominent
religious traditions in Nepal It is only natural that this oldest Buddhist
tradition should gain its place of honour it deserve in a country where
the founder of the religion was born
35
Theravada Records in Nepal
List of Monks Novices and Anagarikas studying abroad
MONKS AND NOVICES
I Thailand
1 Bhikkhu Anil Man Dhammasakiyo (Sugandha)
2 Bhikkhu Vipassi Dhammaramo
3 Bhikkhu Jit Bahadur Gurung
4 Bhikkhu Krishna Thapamagar
5 Bhikkhu Pannamurti
6 Bhikkhu Sujan Sujano
7 Bhikkhu Anil Sumankitti
8 Bhikkhu Santosh Santosho
9 Bhikkhu Khemik Suddhasilo
10 Bhikkhu Suman Rocano
11 Bhikkhu Sanu Maharajano
12 Bhikkhu Santamano Dhwajjoshi
13 Bhikkhu Suman Dhwajjoshi
14 Bhikkhu Bijit Khemasakko
15 Bhikkhu Supreme Shakyavanso
Samaneras
1 Samanera Buddharatna Maharjan
2 Samanera Dhammaratna Maharjan
3 Samanera Bipin Maharjan
4 Samanera Prajwal Shakya
5 Samanera Ukesh Sakya
6 Samanera Gopi Maharjan
7 Samanera Sudip Deshar
8 Samanera Sudat Deshar
9 Samanera Deepi Maharjan
10 Samanera Ramit Shrestha
11 Samanera Anup Deshar
12 Samanera Suman Bajracharya bdquoA‟
13 Samanera Rajendra Deshar
14 Samanera Kapila Maharjan
15 Samanera Arbin Shakya
36
16 Samanera Kabindra Bajracharya
17 Samanera Ujjawal Shakya
18 Samanera Satish Shakya
19 Samanera Bimal Gurung
20 Samanera Surya Gurung
21 Samanera Sameer Maharjan
22 Samanera Anup Shakya
23 Samanera Arjun Magar
24 Samanera Kiran Desahar
25 Samanera Dipesh Shrestha
26 Samanera Tejendra Tamang
27 Samanera Ashim Shakya
28 Samanera Jalap Bajracharya
29 Samanera Arya Dev Bajracharya
30 Samanera Sudarshan Maharjan
31 Samanera Sangharatna
32 Samanera Suman Bajracharya bdquoB‟
33 Samanera Kijan Maharjan
34 Samanera Ramesh Maharjan
35 Samanera Niroj Maharjan
36 Samanera Jen Maharjan
37 Samanera Denish Bajracharya
38 Samanera Pritam Bahadur Shakya
39 Samanera Abhishek Shakya
40 Samanera Bishal Shakya
41 Samanera Sajal Shakya
42 Samanera Suraj Bhakta Shrestha
43 Samanera Dinesh Chaudhary
44 Samanera Shiv Swatantra Tharu
45 Samanera Sambhu Lal Khang
46 Samanera Buddharatna Chaudhary
47 Samanera Mukesh Chaudhary
II Myanmar (Burma)
Bhikkhu Samaneras
1 Bhikkhu Panavimala
2 Bhikkhu Dhyanratna
3 Bhikkhu Adiccho
4 Bhikkhu Vimalbuddhi
5 Bhikkhu Shobhan
6 Samanera Amato
7 Samanera Jutimma
8 Samanera Buddhapiyo
9 Samanera Kavindo
10 Samanera Nagasena
11 Samanera Gyanavudho
III Taiwan(ROC) 1 Bhikkhu Mangala 2 Bhikkhu Vazirbuddhi
IV Australia 1 Bhikkhu Upatissa
V India
1 Bhikkhu Dharmajyoti 2 Bhikkhu Ashokakirti
3 Bhikkhu Narawang Tamang
VI United kingdom 1 Bhikkhu Suman
VII USA 1 Bhikkhu Pragnaloka
VIII Sri Lanka
Bhikkhus
Bhikkhu Nanda
Bhikkhu Vineeta
Bhikkhu Ashoka
Bhikkhu Triratna
Bhikkhu Sagara
Bhikkhu Sankicca
Bhikkhu Vajirasiri
Bhikkhu Sarada
Bhikkhu Veenit
Bhikkhu Ratana
Bhikkhu Tissa
Bhikkhu Vajira
Bhikkhu Pannawimal
Bhikkhu Medhankar
Bhikkhu Pannasara
SARAMANERAS
Saranankara
Piyadassi
Dil Bhadra
Chandima
Samita
Narada bdquoA‟
Piyaratna
Kusala
Lakkhana
Udit
Vibekanada
Pannananda
Mettananda
Chandananda
Yassari
Upali
Subodhi
Mahanama
Kashyapa
Dhammapala
Narada bdquoB‟
Nalaka bdquoA‟
Daywasa
Santa Sobhana
Santa Siddhartha
Santa Maitri
Santa Kosala
Santa Sakya
Suvaca
Sukama Sila
Siddhartha
Nanda bdquoA‟
Rahula
Sudheera
Kosala Dheera
Panna Wansa
Jina Wansa
Mahinda
Nanda bdquoB‟
Seewali
Mahapantha
Assaji
Sarada
Sumana
Ananda
Nalaka bdquoB‟
Aloka
Suwarna
Subodh
Udena
Sangharatna bdquoA‟
Gyanendra
Khema
Soma bdquoA‟
Punna
Panna Ransi
Soma bdquoB‟
Santa bdquoA‟
Kapila Wansa
Asita Wansa
Sumanananda bdquoa‟
Vijitananda
Khemananda
Silananda
Medhananda
Somaratna
Soratha
Pragyananda
Sumangala
Santa Citta
Yasa
Dhamma Kitti
Panna Kitti
Santa Dheera
Vijitananda
Sumanananda bdquob‟
Vajra Bodhi
Dhammika
Santa bdquoB‟
Anuruddha
Sumana bdquoB‟
Jinavamsa
Panna Vansa
Buddha Ratna
Dhamma Ratna
Ariya Ratna
Piyadassi bdquoB‟
Sila Ratna
Sangha Ratna bdquoB‟
List of Anagarikas studying in abroad
I Thailand
1 Anagarika Sirisuta Maharjan
2 Anagarika Ramsobha Shrestha
3 Anagarika Sunita Napit
II Myanmar
1 Anagarika Javanvati
2 Anagarika Vimalajnani
3 Anagarika Ambika
4 Anagarika Buddhapali
5 Anagarika Darshana
6 Anagarika Agrajnani
7 Anagarika Nandavati
bdquob‟
III India 1 Anagarika Rupashila
IV Taiwan
1 Anagarika Pannavati
2 Anagarika Sani
3 Anagarika Nima
V Sri Lanka
1 Anagarika Pannawati
2 Anagarika Mettawati
3 Anagarika Keshawati
4 Anagarika Prasnnawati
5 Anagarika Sukhawati
6 Anagarika Shobhawati
7 Anagarika Subhadra
8 Anagarika
Shraddhagautami
9 Anagarika Upananda
10 Anagarika Shantawati
11 Anagarika Suciwati
Residences of Theravādin Monks in Nepal
01 Abhinava Buddha Vihara Lumbini
1) Bhikkhu Vimalananda Mahathera
2) Samanera Sunanda
02 Anandakut Vihara Swayambhu Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Kumara Kassapa Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Dharmamurti 3) Samanera Kondanya
4) S Prajnaratna 5) S Asoka
6) S Kumarjeeva 7) S Assaji
03 Bauddha Samaskrita Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Bhikkhu Dharmashobhana Mahathera
04 Bodhicharya Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Bodhisena Mahathera
2) Samanera Bodhideepa
05 Buddha Vihara Bhrikuti Mandap-Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Kondanya 2) Bhikkhu Sushil
3) Samanera Anuyoga 3) S Javana
4) S Udena
06 Buddha Vihara Biratnagar
1) Bhikkhu Aloka
07 Buddha Vihara Dharan
1) Bhikkhu Maitri (Tamang)
2) Bhikkhu Chhavikirti
08 Chatubrahma Vihara Matatirtha
1) Bhikkhu Thansettho
2) Bhikkhu Samyakaratna
3) Bhikkhu Bodhananda
9 Charumati Stupa Vihara Chabahil Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Tapassi Dhamma
10 Dharmacakra Ashrama Bagbazar
1) Bhikkhu Milinda
11 Dharmashila Buddha Vihara Pokhara
1) Bhikkhu Subhadda 2) Bhikkhu Saddhananda
12 Dhyanakuti Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Ashwaghosha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Rahul 3) Samanera Gautama
13 Gana Maha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Sanghanayaka Bhikkhu Subodhanand Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sobhita
3) Bhikkhu Samvegakirti
4) Samanera Sugatananda
6) S Chandananda
7) S Somananda
8) S Sumanavamsha
9) S Somavamsha
10) S Sumanasiri
14 IlayabahiTanabaha Patan
1) Bhikkhu Vimalkirti
15 International Bauddha Pariyatti Vihara Butwal
1) Bhikkhu Jatila
2) Bhikkhu Bhaddiya bdquoB‟
3) Samanera Jnanashree 4) S Jotika
16 International Buddhist Society Lumbini
1) Bhikkhu Maitri Mahathera
2) Samanera Mahapanta
3) S Vimala
17 Jana Udaya Vihara Sunakothi-Lalitpura
1) Bhikkhu Dharmagupta
18 Jitavana Vihara Thankot
1) Bhikkhu Dharmavamsha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sugatamuni Mahathera
3) Samanera Sunita
19 Kuti Vihara Koteshwar-KTM
1) Bhikkhu Yeshdhammo
2) Samanera Wayamo
3) S Milindo 4) S Sunanalankara
20 Manimandapa Mahavihara Patan
1) Bhikshu Shilbhadra Mahathera
2) Samanera Paduma 3) S Nayako
21 Muni Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Samanera Tejendra 2) S Jalapa
3) S Asima 4) S Aryaputra
22 Padma Sugandha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Sumedha 2) Samanera Sudatta
23 Pati Vihara Nagadesh-Bhaktapur
1) Bhikkhu Varasambodhi
24 Pranidhi Purna Maha Vihara Balambu
1) Samanera Sukha
25 Pugatabhoomi Jetavana Vihara Bhairahawa
1) Samanera Jagaro 2) S Suvanno
26 Purvaram Vihara Dhulikhel
1) Bhikkhu Gunaghosha Mahathero
27 Sangharama Vihara Kshetrapati Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Saddhatissa
2) Bhikkhu Kolita
3) Bhikkhu Sangharakshita
28 Shakya Singha Vihara Patan
1) Bhikkhu Dharmapala Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sunanda Mahathera
3) Bhikkhu Dharmarakshita
29 Shikhalapura Vihara Dhulikhel
1) Bhikkhu Dhammananda Mahathera
30 Shree Kirti Vihara Kirtipur
1) Bhikkhu Kirtijyoti 2) Bhikkhu Ananda
3) Bhikkhu Prajnakirti
4) Bhikkhu Dharmakirti
5) Samanera Sundara 6) Bhikkhu Pamit
7) S Subhashkirti 8) S Uttarakirti
31 Shreegha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Dharmasagara
2) Bhikkhu Medhankara
32 Sudarshana Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Rastrapala
33Sumangala Vihara Patan
1) Sanghaupanayaka Bhikkhu Buddhaghosha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Shobhan
3) Bhikkhu Prajnaratna
34 Surya Mangala Vihara Kapilvastu
1) Bhikkhu Suryamangala
35 Tokha Buddha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Samanera Shobhana 2) S Jnanodaya
36 Veluvanarama Vihara Thecho-Lalitpura
1) Samanera Uttama 2) S Chandimo
37 Vishwa Shanti Vihara New Baneshwar
1) Bhikshu Jnanapurnik Mahathera
2) Bhikshu Bodhijnana
3) Bhikshu Nigrodha
4) Bhikshu Udayabhadra
Samaneras
1) S Janak 2) S Sujat
3) S Obhaso 4) S Subhaddo
5) S Nandiyo 6) S Mahindo
7) S Pajjoto 8) S Aloka
9) S Buddhadatta 10) S Panita
11) S Kashyapa 12)S Dharmaghosha
13) S Nagita 14) S Vinaya
15) S Suchitta 16) S Sudatto
17) S Nemindo 18) S Rohito
19) S Jayanto 20) S Meghiyo
21) S Indriyo 22) S Suppamedho
23) S Bhanusarana 24) S Saddhadeepa
25) S Kittimo 26) S Janeyyo
27) S Adicca 28) S Kosalla
29) S Nyanuttara 30) S Bhaddaco
31) S Pabhassaro 32) S Uttaro
38 Yampi Maha Vihara Patan
1) Bhikkhu Bhaddiya
39 Non residencial Monks
1) Bhikshu Samyaka Sambodhi Pranputra
2) Bhikshu Dhyanratna
3) Bhikkhu Chandragupta Balambu
Present Anagarikas and resident in NEPAL
01 Amarapura Vihara Bungamati
1) A Charujnani 2) A Sunita
3) A Palitajnani 4) A Pamitajnani
5) A Padumajnani 6) A Rupawati
02 Bauddha Samaskrit Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Anagarika Sanghashila
03 Buddha ViharaDharan
1) A Sumedhavati 2) A Sushilavati
3) A Kanchana 4) A Shasanavati
04 Bauddha Rishi Mahapragya Ashram Anamnagar
1) Anagarika Prajnavati
05 Chatubrahma Vihara Matatirtha
1) Anagarika Anu
06 Dhammavasa Vihara Khusibun
1) A Krishgautami 2) A Suchita
3) A Shilgautami 4) A Kshantigautami
5) A Shyamavati
07 Dharmakirti Vihara Naghal-Kathmandu
1) Anagarika RatnaManjari
2) A Dhammavati
3) A Dhammadinna (Chameli)
4) A Anupama 5) A Sanghavati
6) A Khemavati 7) A Indravati
8) A Jayavati 9) A Danavati
10) A Tyagavati 11) AViryavati
12) A Shubhavati 13) A Ramavati
14) A Surammavati
15) A Hemavati 16) A Suppabhavati
17) A Supriya 18) A Amata
19) A Vannavati 20) A Suvannavati
08 Dharmashila Buddha Vihara Pokhara
1) Anagarika Karmashila
09 Gautami Vihara Lumbini
1) Anagarika Sujata 2) A Khamesi
10 IlayabahiTana Baha Lalitpur
1) A Shilaparami 2)AViryaparami
3) A Vineeta 4) A Shilachari
11 Int‟l Buddhist Meditation Centre Shankhamul
1) A Aggajnani 2) A Nirmalajnani
3) A Shantarakshita
12 Jaya Mangal ViharaTana Bahal-Patan
1) Anagarika Vijita 2) A Nekkhami
3) A Chittavati
13 Jyoti Vihara Chapagaun- Lalitpur
1) AnagarikaVirygautami
2) A Upeskshagautami
14 Kashivarna Buddha Vihara Panuati
1) Anagarika Satyaparami
15 Kindol Vihara Swayambhu
1) A Sumana 2) A Uttara
3) A Sumitra 4) A Molini
5) A Dhammavijaya 6) A Tejavati
7) A Shyamavati
16 Kunsa BahaHyumat
1) Anagarika Patachari 2) AUmavati
17 Mahabodhi Vihara Tansen
1) Anagarika Revati (Dhammadinna)
18 Muni Vihara Bhaktapur
1) A Sugandhavati 2) A Padmavati
19 Narsinharama Thaina-Patan
1) A Jnanashila 2) ASatyashila
3) AShilavati 4) A Yeshavati 5) A Dharani
6) A Jeenvati
7) A Shilpavatisushma
20 Padmachaitya Vihara Butwal
1) A Udayashila 2) A Santiwati
21 Padmakirti Vihara Kamalpokhari
1) A Kamala 2) A Karunavati
3) A Pabbhavati 4) A Dhyanavati
5) A Bhavanavati
22 Prajnanandarama Okubahal-Patan
1) Anagarika Jnanavati
23 Pranidhipurna Mahavihara Balambu
1) A Mudita 2) A Chandrashila bdquoB‟
24 SangharakshitaVihara Patan
1) Anagarika Abhaya 2) A Chandrashila
3) A Shilachari
25 Shanti Sukhavasa Chakupat-Patan
1) A Utpalavarna (Chini)
26 Shree Kirti Vihara Kirtipur
1) Anagarika Mina
27 SunandaramaThaina-Patan
1) A Madhavi 2) AMasukhi
3) A Mashobha 4) A Mashraddha
5) A Masudha
28 Sulakshanakirti Viahara Kirtipur
1) A Anoja 2) A Atula
3) A Anula
29 Sangharama ViharaDhalko-KTM
1) Anagarika Dharmarakshita
30 Vishwashanti Vihara New Baneshwar
1) A Shubha 2) A Khema
3) A Sudhamma
31 Vishwashanti Dharmakirti Vihara Basundhara
1) A Dhajavati (Kusum) 2) A Padmavati
3) A Bhadravati
32 Residing other Anagarikas
1) Anagarika Chandrajnani Patan
2) A Sraddhavati Shankhamul
3) A Amaravati Patan
4) A Dhammachari Patan
5) A Nanda Thasi
Some Prominent Personalities in the Theravada Movement1
Sanghamahanayakas of Nepal
1 Ven Pragyanand Mahasthavir 1930 ndash 1993 AD
2 Ven Sakyananda Mahasthavir 1993 - 1997 AD
3 Ven Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1997 - 2002 AD
4 Ven Subodhananda Mahasthavir 2002 - 2006 AD
5 Ven Buddhaghosa Mahasthavir 2006-
Amritananda Bhikkhu (1918-1990) original name Lal Kaji Sakya from Tansen
west Nepal he ordain as a novice in 1936 from ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara He studies and was ordained a monk in Sri Lanka in 1940 He
return to Nepal in 1942 and preached first publicly in Kathmandu He
formed Dharmodaya Sabha in 1944 and All Nepal Bhikkhu Mahasangha in
1951 and remained its unchallenged leader until his death He was well
known and traveled widely outside of Nepal because of his dynamism and
charisma He was also one of the greatest Buddhist scholars and writers of
Nepal
Aniruddha Bhikkhu (1915-2003) original name Gaja Ratna Tuladhar son of
Dasa Ratna Sahu (Later Ven Dhammaloka) He went to Sri Lanka in 1930
and ordained as samanera and studied there He had served many years in
Lumbini and third Sanghanayaka of Nepal
1 Sarah Levine and David N Gellner Rebuilding Buddhism The Theravada Movement in
Twentieth Century Nepal (UK Harvard University Press 2006) pp 293-296
Ashwaghosh Bhikkhu (1926- present) original name Buddha Ratna Sakya and
became a novice in 1944 and went to Sri Lanka for study where he took
higher ordination in 1949 he is known as bdquothe communist monk‟ and was a
nominee of the Unified Marxist-Leninist party one of Nepal‟s two main
political parites in the 1990s to the Upper House 1993-5 He had
established nepal‟s first Bhikkhu Training Center at Sangharama Dhalko
and became abbot of this vihara Presently he is abbot of Shrigha Vihara in
Kathmandu and of Dyanakuti Vihara Banepa
Buddhaghosh Bhikkhu (1921- present day) original name Sapta Ratna
Vajracharya in Kwa Baha Kathamandu The founder of Pariyatti Education
in Nepal and presently acting Sanghanayaka of Nepal (2006) and abbot of
Sri Sumangala Vihara in Lalitpur
Chandramani Bhikkhu (1876-1972) a Burmese monk who spent his life in
Kusinagara where he worked for the propagation of Buddhism until his
death He initiated with most of the early Nepalese Theravadins Monks and
Nuns He was the first president of Dharmodaya Sabha and father of
Theravadins of Nepal
Dharmachari Anagarika (1898-1978) born Laxmi Nani Tuladhar she
impressed by Ven Pragyananda in Kindol Vihara and took the precepts
from Chandramani in Kusinagara in 1934 and most prominent Nepali nun
She founded the first nunnery in Nepal at Kindol Vihara in 1947
Dhammaloka Bhikkhu (1891-1977) born Das Ratna Tuladhar Asan
kathamandu He traded in Lhasha went to Sri Lanka and taught Buddhism
as a layman Later became a monk in 1932 after his son Aniruddha ordain
in 1930 he established nepal‟s first Theravādin Vihara bdquoAnanda Kuti
Vihar‟ in Kathmandu
Dhammawati Anagarika (1925- present day) born as Ganesh Kumari Sakya in
Uku Baha lalitpur She ordain too precepts from Ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara and renamed as Dhammavati in 1950 She went to Burma for
study and return in 1963 after passed the Dhammacariya Examination She
was able to established Dhammakirti Nunnery Centre in 1965 and leader of
the Theravādin Nuns She has been re-ordained as Bhikkhuni according to
Mahayana tradition
Dharmaditya Dharmacharya (1902-1963) born as Jagat Man Vaidya in Chika
Bahi Lalitpur and the first Newar Buddhist modernist and the first newar
cultural nationalist He went to study in Calcutta where he became a
follower of anagarika Dhammapala the founder of Maha Bodhi Society
He had formed Buddhist revival foundation and published Buddhist
magazines etc
Nyanpurnika Bhikkhu (1936- present day) Born as Hera Lal Sakya in Tansen
He studied with Buddhaghosh in Lalitpur in Burma and in England He is
only monk who passed Dhammacariya examination of Burma He was the
founder of Vishwa Shanti Vihara and Vishwa Shanti Bauddha sikkyalaya
where train novices He is a prominent translator and writer
Kumar Kashyap Bhikkhu (1926- present day) born as Krishna Man Sakya he
was one of those who exiled to India by the Ranas in 1944 He went to
Study in Sri Lanka and hold nepal‟s first bdquoTripitaka acarya‟ Presently he is
president of All Nepal Bhikkhu Association and abbot of Ananda Kuti
Vihara
Mahapragya Bhikkhu (1901-1979) born Prem Bahadur (Nani Kaji ) Shrestha
He ordained into Tibetan tradition but exiled in 1926 and reordained as
novice in Theravada tradition one of the earlier Theravādin monks He
return to householderhood in Kalimpong in 1940s but then returned to
Kathmandu as a Buddhist sage (Bauddha Rishi) in the 1960s where he
taught until his death
Pragyananda Bhikkhu (1900-1993) born as Kul Man Singh Tuladhar in Itum
Baha Kathmandu a trader in Tibet where he met Ven Mahapragya and
impressed by him to ordained He became a Tibetan Gelung Karmasheel in
1928 and two years later a Theravādin under Ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara in 1930 He was nepal‟s first Sanghamahanayaka and well
respected monk
Shakyananda Bhikkhu (1909-1997) born as Chakra Dhan Sakya in Taksar
Bhojpur East Nepal He spent over forty years as a monk in Tansen outside
the Kathmandu and second sanghamahanayaka of Nepal
Subodhanand Bhikkhu (1916-2006) bor as Kul Raj Sakya in Taksar Bhojpur
East Nepal He was one of the monks exiled by the Ranas in 1944 He was
a prolific composer of Hymns in Nepal Bhasa In 2003 as the most senior
monk in Nepal he was the fourth Sanghanayaka of Nepal
Sudarshan Bhikkhu (1934-2002) born as Rudra Raj Sakya in Uku Baha
lalitpur He was famous a bdquothe boy monk‟ For many years he was a lecturer
in the culture Department of Tribhuvan University a prolific writer
preacher and abbot of Sri Kirti Vihara Kirtipur which is became multi-
cultural center and especially for Buddhist meetings and conferences He
was jailed for some months for Nepal Bhasa activities in the Panchayat
period He was a campaigner on Buddhist issues particularly to do with
Lumbini
Sumangal Bhikkhu (1929-1999) born Bhakta Krishna Shilpakar in Lalitpur He
was famous as ldquoDollar bhanterdquo He ordained in 1959 in Burma obtained a
master‟s degree in Buddhism from Rissho University Japan in 1972 and
was among the first monks to mobilize international connections for
Buddhist projects in Nepal He established Buddha Vihara in Bhrikuti
Mandap Kathmandu He helped raise funds from Thailand and Japan for
IBMc (1985) brought the Japanese healing movement Sei Mei Kyo to
Nepal and in 1993 opened an old people‟s home in Banepa
Glimpse of Theravādin activities in Nepal
Samanera ordination at Muni Vihara
Ordination Ceremony at Vishwa Shanti Vihara
Collecting Alms
Chanting Paritta in devotee‟s home
Giving Holy Thread to Devotees
Buddhist Art in Nepal
Main Buddha Image at Sri Kirti Vihara
Four holy places
Some of the Theravada Buddhist Viharas (Monasteries) in Nepal
Vihars In Kathmandu Valley Telephone No
1 Amarapura Buddha Vihar Bungamati 5551068
2 Anandakuti Vihar Swayambhu 4271420
3 Anandabhuwan Vihar Bhuikhyo 4270429
4 Ganamaha vihar Ganabaha 4253454
5 Gautam Buddha Vihar Panga co 4330576
6 Caturbrahma Vihar Matatirtha 4310558
7 Carumati Vihar Cabahil 4469897
8 Baudhajana Vihar Sunakothi co 5570209
9 Jitapur Gandhakuti Vihar khona Co 5542846
10 Jitawan Vihar Thankot 4311912
11 Jyoti udaya vihar Capagaun Co 5571459
12 Dhammavasa Vihar Khusibun 4358688
13 Dharmakirti Vihar Srigha Naghal 4259466
14 Dharmacakra vihar Bagbajar 4261976
15 Nagar Mandap Sri Kirti Vihar Kirtipur 4330836
16 Nagadesh Buddha Vihar Nagadesh Co 6635397
17 Nirvanmurti Anagarikaram Kindol 4285811
18 Padmasugandha Vihar Manjeshwori 4266255
19 Pranidhi Purna Mahavihar Balambu 43105924312455
20 Pati Vihar Thimi Co 6637601
21 Pippali Theravad Buddha Vihar Shiphal 4475066
22 Punya Udaya Vihar Jala Harisiddhi Co 5527456
23 Buddhabhoomi Mahavihar Tokha 4362514
24 Buddha Vihar Bhrikuti mandapa 4226702
25 Buddharatna Vihar Putalisadak 4244277
26 Bauddha samakrit Vihar Bhaktapur 6610842
27 Manimandap Vihar Patko Bhaktapur 5526517
28 Muni Vihar Bhaktapur 6616464
29 Yampi Mahavihar Ibahi Lalitpur 5539644
30 Yashodhara Baudha Bidyalaya Thaina Lalitpur 5521435
31 Biswo Shanti Vihar Baneshwor 4482384
32 Biswo Shanti Dharmakirti vihar Basundhara 4354251
33 Beluvanarama Vihar Theco Co 5570062
34 Sakyasingha Vihar Thaina Lalitpur 5524760
35 Santi Sukhawas Cakupat co 5523613
36 Siddhimangal Buddha Vihar Thasi 5581495
37 Sumangala Vihara Lagankhel 5531715
38 Sulakshan kirti Vihar Chobhar 4331718
39 Suwanrna Chatrapur Vihar Lubhu 5580430
40 Sangharama Vihar Dhalko Visnumati 4255960
41 Srigha Vihar Nagal 4259110
Vihars out side the Kathamandu Velley Telephone No
1 Ananda Vihar Tansen Co 075-520225520216
2 Citravan Vihar Narayangadha Co 056-521478
3 Taksar Vihar Tansen Co 075-520024
4 Dharmashila Buddha Vihar Phokhara 061-520517
5 Dyankuti Banepa Banepa 011-661244
6 Padma Chaitya Vihar Butawal 071-546470
7 Purwarama Vihar Dhulikhel 011-661979
8 Pragya Mahavihar Hetauda Co 057-520264520136
9 Buddha Vihar Dharan 025-520354
10 Buddha Vihar Biratnagar Co 021-522146530604
11 Beni Buddha Vihar Myagdi Co 069-520354
12 Bodhicharya vihar Banepa 011-661789
13 Lokachakra Buddha Vihar Dhan gadhi 091-622174
14 Sakyamuni Vihar Bhojpur Co 029-420260
15 Sugatapur Vihar Trisuli Co 010-560153
16 Sugandha Vihar Ridi Gulmi Co 079-529435
17 Swoyambhu Chetya Buddha Vihar Urlabari Co 021-540080
18 Swoyambhu Chetya Mahavihar Dharan Co 025-520190
19 Gyanodaya Buddha Vihar Baglung Co 068-520921520336
Footnotes
[1] This paper was written as a part of my MA thesis research on bdquoThe
Revival of Theravada Buddhism and its contribution to Nepalese Society‟ of
Mahachulalongkorn University Bangkok Thailand and would like to thank Mr
Dharma Sakya for every suggestion editing and help for the completion of this
article
[2] Nyanatiloka Buddhist Dictionary 3
rd ed The Free Distribution
version the Corporate Body of the Buddha education foundation Taiwan p
179
[3] Triratna Manandhar bdquoPresent of Buddhism in Nepal‟ (Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK Vol 8 May 2005) p 15
[4] helliphelliphelliphellip The New Encyclopedia of Britannica Vol24 (USA
Library of Congress Catalog 1993) p 781 Dhanabajra Vajracharya Cabahilko
Abhilekha (Inscription of Cabahil) The Charumati Voice (Kath Charumati
Buddhist Mission 2001) pp 17-20 Bhikkhu Sudarsan Mahasthavira Nepal
Upatyaka ma Ashokaki Chori Charumati (Charumati A daughter of
Ashoka in Nepal Valley) (The Charumati Vocie (Kath Charumati Buddhist
Mission 2001) p 20
[5] Beal Samuel Si Yu Ri Buddhist Records of the Western World
(New Delhi Motilal Banarsidass Publishers 1994) pp 80-81 Bhuwan Lal
Pradhan Nepalama Buddhadharma (Kath Nepal Rajkiya Pragyapratisthana
1988) pp 102 ndash 103
[6] NB Thapa A Short History of Nepal (Kath Ratna Pustak
bhandhar Nd) pp 30-33 Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ The
Nation Thailand‟s English Newspaper (Sunday special) Oct 18 1987
[7] Opcit NB Thapa p116
[8] David N Gellner Monk Householder and Tantric Priest Newar
Buddhism and its Hierarchy of Ritual (Cambridge University Press 1996) pp
41ff
[9] Bechert Heinz amp Jens-Uwe Hartmann ldquoObservation on the reform
of Buddhism in Nepalrdquo Journal of Nepal Research Centre vol VIII Kath
Kantipur Printing Press1988p 6
[10] Ria Kloppenborg Theravada Buddhism in Nepal‟ Kailash A
Journal of Himalayan Studies Vol 5 no 41977 p 302
[11] BP Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada Gukathan Wagu Kha (Kath
Hisi Press Nepal BS 20421985) pp44ff
[12] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p47ff
[13] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 51-53 Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal (BKK A Thesis of MA Mahamakut Graduate School
2001) p 97
[14] Bhikshu Sudarshan Mahasthavir bdquoRole of Theravada in the
Preservation of Newar Buddhism‟ wwwircnepalorgpapers
[15] Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 69-72
[16] Opcit Observation on the reform of Buddhism in Nepal p10ff
[17] Opcit Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ RV
Vandya Sanghanayaka Venerable Pragnananda Mahasthavir (Kath Nepal
Co-operative Press 1978) pp 11ff
[18] Bhkkhu Dharmaloka Mahasthavir A Pilgrimage in China (kath
published by Bhikkhu Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1999) p 13-15 Opcit Lacoul
Nepalay Sthavirvada p 74-75
[19] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka p 15
[20] Opcit Bhikkhu dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp16ff
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p100
[21] Ibit Bhikkhu Dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp 27-29
[22] See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A Homage
(Kath Anandakuti Vihar Trust 1992) Kuladharma Ratna Tuladhar Buddhism
in Nepal (Kath Dharmodaya Sabha 1986) pp15 Opcit Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 100
[23] Opcit K R Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal 16 RV Vandya
Sanghanayaka ven Pragnananda p 32 ff
[24] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka Pragnananda pp 34-35
Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthavirvada p 86
[25] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 18 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 101
[26] Bhikkhu Amritananda Mahasthavir A Short History of Theravada
Buddhism in Modern Nepal (Kath Anandakuti Vihar trust 1986) pp 8-9
Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir (Kath Anandakuti
Vihar Trust 1992) p 25
[27] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 19 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[28] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[29] Opcit Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir
p 26
[30] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit KR
Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 20
[31] Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha in Nepal
(BKK A Thesis of MA Buddhist Study Mahachulalongkorn University 2547)
p 23 [32]
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit Ratna
Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir p 26
[33] Amrit R Sthapit bdquowho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Aswaghosha‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 4 no 1 May 2001
p8
[34] helliphelliphelliphelliphellip bdquoWho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Nyanapurninka Mahasthavir‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 7
no 1 May 2004 p13 Viswo Shanti Vihar The Shanti Sandesh (Kath Viswo
Shanti Vihar 1998)
[35] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sumangala Mahasthavir
A monk who modernized Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the
LNBDS UK vol 2 no 1 May 1999 p10
[36] Opcit Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha
in Nepal pp 52ff
[37] Rina Tuladhara Dharmakirti 25 Years of Dharmakirti Buddhist
Study Circle A Glimpse (Kath Dharmakirti Vihar 1996) Mallika Sakya
bdquoWho is Who in Nepalese Buddhism Dhammavati Guruma‟ Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 5 no 1 May 2002 p10
[38] Opcit See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A
Homage Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 108
[39] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sudarshan Mahasthavir A
Gem of the Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol
6 no 1 May 2003 p13
28
country[36]
Presently its head office is at Viswo Santi Vihara in New
Baneswora Kathmandu
Besides Pariyatti Sikkha Ven Amritananda founded a
Buddhist school - bdquoAnandakuti Vidyapith Boarding School‟ and a
college- bdquoSiddharth Science Campus‟ Both Buddhist monks and lay
people used to teach in these institutions It was started as a Buddhist
school but for some reason it has become a private enterprise Besides
these many monks and nuns are also running other educational
institutions like bdquoNursery school (Siddhartha Shisu Niketan Buddha
Vihar) Primary school (Triple Gem Boarding School) and Higher
Schools There are some Higher Education institutes like Siddharth
University in Banepa International Buddhist University in Lumbini
etc Many Buddhist organizations were founded and they were also
running different classes and research centers like Dharmakirti
Buddhist Research Center Anagarika Dhammavati founded this centre
Later on Anagarika Dhammavati was ordained as Bhikkhuni
according to Taiwanese tradition She is one of the well-known nuns in
the Theravada Buddhism in Nepal[37]
29
The Buddhist temples and organizations bring out number of
publications annually monthly weekly and on special occasions
Dharmodaya Anandabhumi and Dharmakirti are the oldest
Buddhist journals in Nepal and still continued to be published
Ven Amritananda was one of the greatest Buddhist scholars of
Nepal He wrote and translated many books on Buddhism There are
still no other monks or nun in Nepal who can be compared with
him[38]
Late Ven Sudharsan Mahasthavir came close to him Ven
Sudharsan was a pillar of Theravada Buddhism after Ven
Amritananda He was famous for different reason His field of interest
beside dhamma work consisted literature language Archaeology etc
He was a resident monk at Srikirti Vihar Kirtipur and held the post of
professor in History Archaeology and Buddhist philosophy at
Tribhuvan University until his death in July 2002 Some of his books in
Buddhism became course book for BA and MA students in Nepal
He had special interest in archaeology of Lumbini and was an expert on
this subject[39]
30
Revival of Theravada Buddhism in Nepal also had profound
effect in cultural and religious way of life of Nepalese Daily chanting
or Buddhapuja short term ordination observing Sila (Moral code)
caste system celebration of Vesak day celibate life were introduced
In the month of Bhadra or Gunla days (AugustSeptember) Buddhist
hymns are chanted and public discourses are given
Late Ven Sudharshan Mahasthavir formed Sri Kirti Buddhist
center at Sri Kirti Vihar with the aim of introducing Buddhism to other
ethnic groups other than Newars- the original inhabitants of Katmandu
valley This project succeeded in bringing other ethic groups into
Theravada Buddhism As a result of this many ethnic groups who were
originally Buddhists have started organizing Buddhist conferences and
Buddhist activities Another important development is formation of
Gyanmala Bhajan Khala - a Buddhist hymn group This group sings
regularly especially during certain auspicious days at Swayambhu and
other Buddhist sites The songs they sing are based on Buddha‟s
teaching and has been successful in promoting Buddhism in simple
melodious hymns which attracts many people who visits these
religious places
31
Theravadin in Nepalese Society
For centuries Nepalese were aware of only Buddhist priest
(Bajracharya) from Newar Buddhism (Vajrayana) and Tibetan Lamas
They were unaware of Theravadian Buddhist monks and nuns
Bajracharyas are household monks They lead domestic lives and are
not celibate Not all Tibetan monks are celibate It depends on the
school they belong to For example monks from Sakya School of
Tibetan tradition do not have to be celibate Theravada monks wear
distinctive saffron coloured robes They are celibate and lead virtuous
monastic life These monks and nuns have different identity in the eyes
of Nepalese especially the inhabitants of Kathmandu valley Their
simple way of life their full dedication in their work for the benefit of
mankind easily understood Theravada Scriptures translated in different
languages eg in Nepal Bhasa (Newari) Nepali in Hindi and in
English for easy accessibility by different groups helped to gain the
heart of Nepalese people Although many lay people have played
pivotal roles in revival of Theravada Buddhism in Nepal the leadership
32
of monks and nuns were vital in further development and survival of
this tradition
The lay Buddhists of Nepal are pluralistic They participate in
Buddhist ceremonies such as Vesak day daily chanting etc At the
same time they also follow Hindu customs in their daily lives
Buddhism is different from Hinduism and it is not a branch of
Hinduism Hindus believe that Buddha was a reincarnation of Lord
Vishnu Buddha never claimed to be anything other than a human
being ndash although a unique one in the history of mankind
Buddhism in Nepal is unique because of existence of three
different Buddhist traditions - Newar Buddhism (Vajrayana)
Tibetan Buddhism (Mahayana) and Theravada Buddhism
Different Buddhist groups practised different traditions Although the
principle underlying all these traditions is the same they differ in
details Theravada Buddhist tradition is different from Tibetan or
Newar Buddhist traditions but it is developing side-by-side with them
It was not possible for Theravada Buddhism to develop in Nepal
without close co-relation with other traditions but later developed on its
own right These various Buddhist traditions are coexisting in present
33
day Nepal Although they have different cultural traditions and are
developing in their own ways but the followers are the same
Therefore there is no separate identity of Theravadian lay Buddhists
There are number of lay Buddhist organizations such as Dharmodaya
Sabha Dharmakirti Institute Young Buddhist Associations Female
Buddhist Associations more recently Sukhi Hotu Nepal which are
playing important role in promotion of Buddha Dhamma but they are
multi-cultural and multi religious in their daily practices
CONCLUSION
Theravada Buddhism was introduced to Nepal at the time when
public meetings were banned It faced many obstacles at the beginning
Strong dedications of monks and nuns made it possible for its revival in
Nepal after many centuries of neglect Even though the revival
movement of this tradition was started only about 80 years ago it has
already gained strong foot hold in Nepal and gaining popularity day by
day The reason for its popularity lies in many things - the simple and
easily understood way the teachings were given the simple way of life
of monks and nuns lead and various beneficial activities undertaken by
34
Viharas Theravadin Buddhist monks and nuns are well accepted by
people and their contribution in promoting Buddha‟s teachings is
widely recognized Although small in number in comparison to other
Asian countries like Thailand Sri Lanka and Burma both the number
of monks and nuns and monasteries of this tradition are increasing day
by day If this trend continues it will become one of the prominent
religious traditions in Nepal It is only natural that this oldest Buddhist
tradition should gain its place of honour it deserve in a country where
the founder of the religion was born
35
Theravada Records in Nepal
List of Monks Novices and Anagarikas studying abroad
MONKS AND NOVICES
I Thailand
1 Bhikkhu Anil Man Dhammasakiyo (Sugandha)
2 Bhikkhu Vipassi Dhammaramo
3 Bhikkhu Jit Bahadur Gurung
4 Bhikkhu Krishna Thapamagar
5 Bhikkhu Pannamurti
6 Bhikkhu Sujan Sujano
7 Bhikkhu Anil Sumankitti
8 Bhikkhu Santosh Santosho
9 Bhikkhu Khemik Suddhasilo
10 Bhikkhu Suman Rocano
11 Bhikkhu Sanu Maharajano
12 Bhikkhu Santamano Dhwajjoshi
13 Bhikkhu Suman Dhwajjoshi
14 Bhikkhu Bijit Khemasakko
15 Bhikkhu Supreme Shakyavanso
Samaneras
1 Samanera Buddharatna Maharjan
2 Samanera Dhammaratna Maharjan
3 Samanera Bipin Maharjan
4 Samanera Prajwal Shakya
5 Samanera Ukesh Sakya
6 Samanera Gopi Maharjan
7 Samanera Sudip Deshar
8 Samanera Sudat Deshar
9 Samanera Deepi Maharjan
10 Samanera Ramit Shrestha
11 Samanera Anup Deshar
12 Samanera Suman Bajracharya bdquoA‟
13 Samanera Rajendra Deshar
14 Samanera Kapila Maharjan
15 Samanera Arbin Shakya
36
16 Samanera Kabindra Bajracharya
17 Samanera Ujjawal Shakya
18 Samanera Satish Shakya
19 Samanera Bimal Gurung
20 Samanera Surya Gurung
21 Samanera Sameer Maharjan
22 Samanera Anup Shakya
23 Samanera Arjun Magar
24 Samanera Kiran Desahar
25 Samanera Dipesh Shrestha
26 Samanera Tejendra Tamang
27 Samanera Ashim Shakya
28 Samanera Jalap Bajracharya
29 Samanera Arya Dev Bajracharya
30 Samanera Sudarshan Maharjan
31 Samanera Sangharatna
32 Samanera Suman Bajracharya bdquoB‟
33 Samanera Kijan Maharjan
34 Samanera Ramesh Maharjan
35 Samanera Niroj Maharjan
36 Samanera Jen Maharjan
37 Samanera Denish Bajracharya
38 Samanera Pritam Bahadur Shakya
39 Samanera Abhishek Shakya
40 Samanera Bishal Shakya
41 Samanera Sajal Shakya
42 Samanera Suraj Bhakta Shrestha
43 Samanera Dinesh Chaudhary
44 Samanera Shiv Swatantra Tharu
45 Samanera Sambhu Lal Khang
46 Samanera Buddharatna Chaudhary
47 Samanera Mukesh Chaudhary
II Myanmar (Burma)
Bhikkhu Samaneras
1 Bhikkhu Panavimala
2 Bhikkhu Dhyanratna
3 Bhikkhu Adiccho
4 Bhikkhu Vimalbuddhi
5 Bhikkhu Shobhan
6 Samanera Amato
7 Samanera Jutimma
8 Samanera Buddhapiyo
9 Samanera Kavindo
10 Samanera Nagasena
11 Samanera Gyanavudho
III Taiwan(ROC) 1 Bhikkhu Mangala 2 Bhikkhu Vazirbuddhi
IV Australia 1 Bhikkhu Upatissa
V India
1 Bhikkhu Dharmajyoti 2 Bhikkhu Ashokakirti
3 Bhikkhu Narawang Tamang
VI United kingdom 1 Bhikkhu Suman
VII USA 1 Bhikkhu Pragnaloka
VIII Sri Lanka
Bhikkhus
Bhikkhu Nanda
Bhikkhu Vineeta
Bhikkhu Ashoka
Bhikkhu Triratna
Bhikkhu Sagara
Bhikkhu Sankicca
Bhikkhu Vajirasiri
Bhikkhu Sarada
Bhikkhu Veenit
Bhikkhu Ratana
Bhikkhu Tissa
Bhikkhu Vajira
Bhikkhu Pannawimal
Bhikkhu Medhankar
Bhikkhu Pannasara
SARAMANERAS
Saranankara
Piyadassi
Dil Bhadra
Chandima
Samita
Narada bdquoA‟
Piyaratna
Kusala
Lakkhana
Udit
Vibekanada
Pannananda
Mettananda
Chandananda
Yassari
Upali
Subodhi
Mahanama
Kashyapa
Dhammapala
Narada bdquoB‟
Nalaka bdquoA‟
Daywasa
Santa Sobhana
Santa Siddhartha
Santa Maitri
Santa Kosala
Santa Sakya
Suvaca
Sukama Sila
Siddhartha
Nanda bdquoA‟
Rahula
Sudheera
Kosala Dheera
Panna Wansa
Jina Wansa
Mahinda
Nanda bdquoB‟
Seewali
Mahapantha
Assaji
Sarada
Sumana
Ananda
Nalaka bdquoB‟
Aloka
Suwarna
Subodh
Udena
Sangharatna bdquoA‟
Gyanendra
Khema
Soma bdquoA‟
Punna
Panna Ransi
Soma bdquoB‟
Santa bdquoA‟
Kapila Wansa
Asita Wansa
Sumanananda bdquoa‟
Vijitananda
Khemananda
Silananda
Medhananda
Somaratna
Soratha
Pragyananda
Sumangala
Santa Citta
Yasa
Dhamma Kitti
Panna Kitti
Santa Dheera
Vijitananda
Sumanananda bdquob‟
Vajra Bodhi
Dhammika
Santa bdquoB‟
Anuruddha
Sumana bdquoB‟
Jinavamsa
Panna Vansa
Buddha Ratna
Dhamma Ratna
Ariya Ratna
Piyadassi bdquoB‟
Sila Ratna
Sangha Ratna bdquoB‟
List of Anagarikas studying in abroad
I Thailand
1 Anagarika Sirisuta Maharjan
2 Anagarika Ramsobha Shrestha
3 Anagarika Sunita Napit
II Myanmar
1 Anagarika Javanvati
2 Anagarika Vimalajnani
3 Anagarika Ambika
4 Anagarika Buddhapali
5 Anagarika Darshana
6 Anagarika Agrajnani
7 Anagarika Nandavati
bdquob‟
III India 1 Anagarika Rupashila
IV Taiwan
1 Anagarika Pannavati
2 Anagarika Sani
3 Anagarika Nima
V Sri Lanka
1 Anagarika Pannawati
2 Anagarika Mettawati
3 Anagarika Keshawati
4 Anagarika Prasnnawati
5 Anagarika Sukhawati
6 Anagarika Shobhawati
7 Anagarika Subhadra
8 Anagarika
Shraddhagautami
9 Anagarika Upananda
10 Anagarika Shantawati
11 Anagarika Suciwati
Residences of Theravādin Monks in Nepal
01 Abhinava Buddha Vihara Lumbini
1) Bhikkhu Vimalananda Mahathera
2) Samanera Sunanda
02 Anandakut Vihara Swayambhu Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Kumara Kassapa Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Dharmamurti 3) Samanera Kondanya
4) S Prajnaratna 5) S Asoka
6) S Kumarjeeva 7) S Assaji
03 Bauddha Samaskrita Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Bhikkhu Dharmashobhana Mahathera
04 Bodhicharya Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Bodhisena Mahathera
2) Samanera Bodhideepa
05 Buddha Vihara Bhrikuti Mandap-Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Kondanya 2) Bhikkhu Sushil
3) Samanera Anuyoga 3) S Javana
4) S Udena
06 Buddha Vihara Biratnagar
1) Bhikkhu Aloka
07 Buddha Vihara Dharan
1) Bhikkhu Maitri (Tamang)
2) Bhikkhu Chhavikirti
08 Chatubrahma Vihara Matatirtha
1) Bhikkhu Thansettho
2) Bhikkhu Samyakaratna
3) Bhikkhu Bodhananda
9 Charumati Stupa Vihara Chabahil Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Tapassi Dhamma
10 Dharmacakra Ashrama Bagbazar
1) Bhikkhu Milinda
11 Dharmashila Buddha Vihara Pokhara
1) Bhikkhu Subhadda 2) Bhikkhu Saddhananda
12 Dhyanakuti Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Ashwaghosha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Rahul 3) Samanera Gautama
13 Gana Maha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Sanghanayaka Bhikkhu Subodhanand Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sobhita
3) Bhikkhu Samvegakirti
4) Samanera Sugatananda
6) S Chandananda
7) S Somananda
8) S Sumanavamsha
9) S Somavamsha
10) S Sumanasiri
14 IlayabahiTanabaha Patan
1) Bhikkhu Vimalkirti
15 International Bauddha Pariyatti Vihara Butwal
1) Bhikkhu Jatila
2) Bhikkhu Bhaddiya bdquoB‟
3) Samanera Jnanashree 4) S Jotika
16 International Buddhist Society Lumbini
1) Bhikkhu Maitri Mahathera
2) Samanera Mahapanta
3) S Vimala
17 Jana Udaya Vihara Sunakothi-Lalitpura
1) Bhikkhu Dharmagupta
18 Jitavana Vihara Thankot
1) Bhikkhu Dharmavamsha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sugatamuni Mahathera
3) Samanera Sunita
19 Kuti Vihara Koteshwar-KTM
1) Bhikkhu Yeshdhammo
2) Samanera Wayamo
3) S Milindo 4) S Sunanalankara
20 Manimandapa Mahavihara Patan
1) Bhikshu Shilbhadra Mahathera
2) Samanera Paduma 3) S Nayako
21 Muni Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Samanera Tejendra 2) S Jalapa
3) S Asima 4) S Aryaputra
22 Padma Sugandha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Sumedha 2) Samanera Sudatta
23 Pati Vihara Nagadesh-Bhaktapur
1) Bhikkhu Varasambodhi
24 Pranidhi Purna Maha Vihara Balambu
1) Samanera Sukha
25 Pugatabhoomi Jetavana Vihara Bhairahawa
1) Samanera Jagaro 2) S Suvanno
26 Purvaram Vihara Dhulikhel
1) Bhikkhu Gunaghosha Mahathero
27 Sangharama Vihara Kshetrapati Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Saddhatissa
2) Bhikkhu Kolita
3) Bhikkhu Sangharakshita
28 Shakya Singha Vihara Patan
1) Bhikkhu Dharmapala Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sunanda Mahathera
3) Bhikkhu Dharmarakshita
29 Shikhalapura Vihara Dhulikhel
1) Bhikkhu Dhammananda Mahathera
30 Shree Kirti Vihara Kirtipur
1) Bhikkhu Kirtijyoti 2) Bhikkhu Ananda
3) Bhikkhu Prajnakirti
4) Bhikkhu Dharmakirti
5) Samanera Sundara 6) Bhikkhu Pamit
7) S Subhashkirti 8) S Uttarakirti
31 Shreegha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Dharmasagara
2) Bhikkhu Medhankara
32 Sudarshana Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Rastrapala
33Sumangala Vihara Patan
1) Sanghaupanayaka Bhikkhu Buddhaghosha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Shobhan
3) Bhikkhu Prajnaratna
34 Surya Mangala Vihara Kapilvastu
1) Bhikkhu Suryamangala
35 Tokha Buddha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Samanera Shobhana 2) S Jnanodaya
36 Veluvanarama Vihara Thecho-Lalitpura
1) Samanera Uttama 2) S Chandimo
37 Vishwa Shanti Vihara New Baneshwar
1) Bhikshu Jnanapurnik Mahathera
2) Bhikshu Bodhijnana
3) Bhikshu Nigrodha
4) Bhikshu Udayabhadra
Samaneras
1) S Janak 2) S Sujat
3) S Obhaso 4) S Subhaddo
5) S Nandiyo 6) S Mahindo
7) S Pajjoto 8) S Aloka
9) S Buddhadatta 10) S Panita
11) S Kashyapa 12)S Dharmaghosha
13) S Nagita 14) S Vinaya
15) S Suchitta 16) S Sudatto
17) S Nemindo 18) S Rohito
19) S Jayanto 20) S Meghiyo
21) S Indriyo 22) S Suppamedho
23) S Bhanusarana 24) S Saddhadeepa
25) S Kittimo 26) S Janeyyo
27) S Adicca 28) S Kosalla
29) S Nyanuttara 30) S Bhaddaco
31) S Pabhassaro 32) S Uttaro
38 Yampi Maha Vihara Patan
1) Bhikkhu Bhaddiya
39 Non residencial Monks
1) Bhikshu Samyaka Sambodhi Pranputra
2) Bhikshu Dhyanratna
3) Bhikkhu Chandragupta Balambu
Present Anagarikas and resident in NEPAL
01 Amarapura Vihara Bungamati
1) A Charujnani 2) A Sunita
3) A Palitajnani 4) A Pamitajnani
5) A Padumajnani 6) A Rupawati
02 Bauddha Samaskrit Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Anagarika Sanghashila
03 Buddha ViharaDharan
1) A Sumedhavati 2) A Sushilavati
3) A Kanchana 4) A Shasanavati
04 Bauddha Rishi Mahapragya Ashram Anamnagar
1) Anagarika Prajnavati
05 Chatubrahma Vihara Matatirtha
1) Anagarika Anu
06 Dhammavasa Vihara Khusibun
1) A Krishgautami 2) A Suchita
3) A Shilgautami 4) A Kshantigautami
5) A Shyamavati
07 Dharmakirti Vihara Naghal-Kathmandu
1) Anagarika RatnaManjari
2) A Dhammavati
3) A Dhammadinna (Chameli)
4) A Anupama 5) A Sanghavati
6) A Khemavati 7) A Indravati
8) A Jayavati 9) A Danavati
10) A Tyagavati 11) AViryavati
12) A Shubhavati 13) A Ramavati
14) A Surammavati
15) A Hemavati 16) A Suppabhavati
17) A Supriya 18) A Amata
19) A Vannavati 20) A Suvannavati
08 Dharmashila Buddha Vihara Pokhara
1) Anagarika Karmashila
09 Gautami Vihara Lumbini
1) Anagarika Sujata 2) A Khamesi
10 IlayabahiTana Baha Lalitpur
1) A Shilaparami 2)AViryaparami
3) A Vineeta 4) A Shilachari
11 Int‟l Buddhist Meditation Centre Shankhamul
1) A Aggajnani 2) A Nirmalajnani
3) A Shantarakshita
12 Jaya Mangal ViharaTana Bahal-Patan
1) Anagarika Vijita 2) A Nekkhami
3) A Chittavati
13 Jyoti Vihara Chapagaun- Lalitpur
1) AnagarikaVirygautami
2) A Upeskshagautami
14 Kashivarna Buddha Vihara Panuati
1) Anagarika Satyaparami
15 Kindol Vihara Swayambhu
1) A Sumana 2) A Uttara
3) A Sumitra 4) A Molini
5) A Dhammavijaya 6) A Tejavati
7) A Shyamavati
16 Kunsa BahaHyumat
1) Anagarika Patachari 2) AUmavati
17 Mahabodhi Vihara Tansen
1) Anagarika Revati (Dhammadinna)
18 Muni Vihara Bhaktapur
1) A Sugandhavati 2) A Padmavati
19 Narsinharama Thaina-Patan
1) A Jnanashila 2) ASatyashila
3) AShilavati 4) A Yeshavati 5) A Dharani
6) A Jeenvati
7) A Shilpavatisushma
20 Padmachaitya Vihara Butwal
1) A Udayashila 2) A Santiwati
21 Padmakirti Vihara Kamalpokhari
1) A Kamala 2) A Karunavati
3) A Pabbhavati 4) A Dhyanavati
5) A Bhavanavati
22 Prajnanandarama Okubahal-Patan
1) Anagarika Jnanavati
23 Pranidhipurna Mahavihara Balambu
1) A Mudita 2) A Chandrashila bdquoB‟
24 SangharakshitaVihara Patan
1) Anagarika Abhaya 2) A Chandrashila
3) A Shilachari
25 Shanti Sukhavasa Chakupat-Patan
1) A Utpalavarna (Chini)
26 Shree Kirti Vihara Kirtipur
1) Anagarika Mina
27 SunandaramaThaina-Patan
1) A Madhavi 2) AMasukhi
3) A Mashobha 4) A Mashraddha
5) A Masudha
28 Sulakshanakirti Viahara Kirtipur
1) A Anoja 2) A Atula
3) A Anula
29 Sangharama ViharaDhalko-KTM
1) Anagarika Dharmarakshita
30 Vishwashanti Vihara New Baneshwar
1) A Shubha 2) A Khema
3) A Sudhamma
31 Vishwashanti Dharmakirti Vihara Basundhara
1) A Dhajavati (Kusum) 2) A Padmavati
3) A Bhadravati
32 Residing other Anagarikas
1) Anagarika Chandrajnani Patan
2) A Sraddhavati Shankhamul
3) A Amaravati Patan
4) A Dhammachari Patan
5) A Nanda Thasi
Some Prominent Personalities in the Theravada Movement1
Sanghamahanayakas of Nepal
1 Ven Pragyanand Mahasthavir 1930 ndash 1993 AD
2 Ven Sakyananda Mahasthavir 1993 - 1997 AD
3 Ven Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1997 - 2002 AD
4 Ven Subodhananda Mahasthavir 2002 - 2006 AD
5 Ven Buddhaghosa Mahasthavir 2006-
Amritananda Bhikkhu (1918-1990) original name Lal Kaji Sakya from Tansen
west Nepal he ordain as a novice in 1936 from ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara He studies and was ordained a monk in Sri Lanka in 1940 He
return to Nepal in 1942 and preached first publicly in Kathmandu He
formed Dharmodaya Sabha in 1944 and All Nepal Bhikkhu Mahasangha in
1951 and remained its unchallenged leader until his death He was well
known and traveled widely outside of Nepal because of his dynamism and
charisma He was also one of the greatest Buddhist scholars and writers of
Nepal
Aniruddha Bhikkhu (1915-2003) original name Gaja Ratna Tuladhar son of
Dasa Ratna Sahu (Later Ven Dhammaloka) He went to Sri Lanka in 1930
and ordained as samanera and studied there He had served many years in
Lumbini and third Sanghanayaka of Nepal
1 Sarah Levine and David N Gellner Rebuilding Buddhism The Theravada Movement in
Twentieth Century Nepal (UK Harvard University Press 2006) pp 293-296
Ashwaghosh Bhikkhu (1926- present) original name Buddha Ratna Sakya and
became a novice in 1944 and went to Sri Lanka for study where he took
higher ordination in 1949 he is known as bdquothe communist monk‟ and was a
nominee of the Unified Marxist-Leninist party one of Nepal‟s two main
political parites in the 1990s to the Upper House 1993-5 He had
established nepal‟s first Bhikkhu Training Center at Sangharama Dhalko
and became abbot of this vihara Presently he is abbot of Shrigha Vihara in
Kathmandu and of Dyanakuti Vihara Banepa
Buddhaghosh Bhikkhu (1921- present day) original name Sapta Ratna
Vajracharya in Kwa Baha Kathamandu The founder of Pariyatti Education
in Nepal and presently acting Sanghanayaka of Nepal (2006) and abbot of
Sri Sumangala Vihara in Lalitpur
Chandramani Bhikkhu (1876-1972) a Burmese monk who spent his life in
Kusinagara where he worked for the propagation of Buddhism until his
death He initiated with most of the early Nepalese Theravadins Monks and
Nuns He was the first president of Dharmodaya Sabha and father of
Theravadins of Nepal
Dharmachari Anagarika (1898-1978) born Laxmi Nani Tuladhar she
impressed by Ven Pragyananda in Kindol Vihara and took the precepts
from Chandramani in Kusinagara in 1934 and most prominent Nepali nun
She founded the first nunnery in Nepal at Kindol Vihara in 1947
Dhammaloka Bhikkhu (1891-1977) born Das Ratna Tuladhar Asan
kathamandu He traded in Lhasha went to Sri Lanka and taught Buddhism
as a layman Later became a monk in 1932 after his son Aniruddha ordain
in 1930 he established nepal‟s first Theravādin Vihara bdquoAnanda Kuti
Vihar‟ in Kathmandu
Dhammawati Anagarika (1925- present day) born as Ganesh Kumari Sakya in
Uku Baha lalitpur She ordain too precepts from Ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara and renamed as Dhammavati in 1950 She went to Burma for
study and return in 1963 after passed the Dhammacariya Examination She
was able to established Dhammakirti Nunnery Centre in 1965 and leader of
the Theravādin Nuns She has been re-ordained as Bhikkhuni according to
Mahayana tradition
Dharmaditya Dharmacharya (1902-1963) born as Jagat Man Vaidya in Chika
Bahi Lalitpur and the first Newar Buddhist modernist and the first newar
cultural nationalist He went to study in Calcutta where he became a
follower of anagarika Dhammapala the founder of Maha Bodhi Society
He had formed Buddhist revival foundation and published Buddhist
magazines etc
Nyanpurnika Bhikkhu (1936- present day) Born as Hera Lal Sakya in Tansen
He studied with Buddhaghosh in Lalitpur in Burma and in England He is
only monk who passed Dhammacariya examination of Burma He was the
founder of Vishwa Shanti Vihara and Vishwa Shanti Bauddha sikkyalaya
where train novices He is a prominent translator and writer
Kumar Kashyap Bhikkhu (1926- present day) born as Krishna Man Sakya he
was one of those who exiled to India by the Ranas in 1944 He went to
Study in Sri Lanka and hold nepal‟s first bdquoTripitaka acarya‟ Presently he is
president of All Nepal Bhikkhu Association and abbot of Ananda Kuti
Vihara
Mahapragya Bhikkhu (1901-1979) born Prem Bahadur (Nani Kaji ) Shrestha
He ordained into Tibetan tradition but exiled in 1926 and reordained as
novice in Theravada tradition one of the earlier Theravādin monks He
return to householderhood in Kalimpong in 1940s but then returned to
Kathmandu as a Buddhist sage (Bauddha Rishi) in the 1960s where he
taught until his death
Pragyananda Bhikkhu (1900-1993) born as Kul Man Singh Tuladhar in Itum
Baha Kathmandu a trader in Tibet where he met Ven Mahapragya and
impressed by him to ordained He became a Tibetan Gelung Karmasheel in
1928 and two years later a Theravādin under Ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara in 1930 He was nepal‟s first Sanghamahanayaka and well
respected monk
Shakyananda Bhikkhu (1909-1997) born as Chakra Dhan Sakya in Taksar
Bhojpur East Nepal He spent over forty years as a monk in Tansen outside
the Kathmandu and second sanghamahanayaka of Nepal
Subodhanand Bhikkhu (1916-2006) bor as Kul Raj Sakya in Taksar Bhojpur
East Nepal He was one of the monks exiled by the Ranas in 1944 He was
a prolific composer of Hymns in Nepal Bhasa In 2003 as the most senior
monk in Nepal he was the fourth Sanghanayaka of Nepal
Sudarshan Bhikkhu (1934-2002) born as Rudra Raj Sakya in Uku Baha
lalitpur He was famous a bdquothe boy monk‟ For many years he was a lecturer
in the culture Department of Tribhuvan University a prolific writer
preacher and abbot of Sri Kirti Vihara Kirtipur which is became multi-
cultural center and especially for Buddhist meetings and conferences He
was jailed for some months for Nepal Bhasa activities in the Panchayat
period He was a campaigner on Buddhist issues particularly to do with
Lumbini
Sumangal Bhikkhu (1929-1999) born Bhakta Krishna Shilpakar in Lalitpur He
was famous as ldquoDollar bhanterdquo He ordained in 1959 in Burma obtained a
master‟s degree in Buddhism from Rissho University Japan in 1972 and
was among the first monks to mobilize international connections for
Buddhist projects in Nepal He established Buddha Vihara in Bhrikuti
Mandap Kathmandu He helped raise funds from Thailand and Japan for
IBMc (1985) brought the Japanese healing movement Sei Mei Kyo to
Nepal and in 1993 opened an old people‟s home in Banepa
Glimpse of Theravādin activities in Nepal
Samanera ordination at Muni Vihara
Ordination Ceremony at Vishwa Shanti Vihara
Collecting Alms
Chanting Paritta in devotee‟s home
Giving Holy Thread to Devotees
Buddhist Art in Nepal
Main Buddha Image at Sri Kirti Vihara
Four holy places
Some of the Theravada Buddhist Viharas (Monasteries) in Nepal
Vihars In Kathmandu Valley Telephone No
1 Amarapura Buddha Vihar Bungamati 5551068
2 Anandakuti Vihar Swayambhu 4271420
3 Anandabhuwan Vihar Bhuikhyo 4270429
4 Ganamaha vihar Ganabaha 4253454
5 Gautam Buddha Vihar Panga co 4330576
6 Caturbrahma Vihar Matatirtha 4310558
7 Carumati Vihar Cabahil 4469897
8 Baudhajana Vihar Sunakothi co 5570209
9 Jitapur Gandhakuti Vihar khona Co 5542846
10 Jitawan Vihar Thankot 4311912
11 Jyoti udaya vihar Capagaun Co 5571459
12 Dhammavasa Vihar Khusibun 4358688
13 Dharmakirti Vihar Srigha Naghal 4259466
14 Dharmacakra vihar Bagbajar 4261976
15 Nagar Mandap Sri Kirti Vihar Kirtipur 4330836
16 Nagadesh Buddha Vihar Nagadesh Co 6635397
17 Nirvanmurti Anagarikaram Kindol 4285811
18 Padmasugandha Vihar Manjeshwori 4266255
19 Pranidhi Purna Mahavihar Balambu 43105924312455
20 Pati Vihar Thimi Co 6637601
21 Pippali Theravad Buddha Vihar Shiphal 4475066
22 Punya Udaya Vihar Jala Harisiddhi Co 5527456
23 Buddhabhoomi Mahavihar Tokha 4362514
24 Buddha Vihar Bhrikuti mandapa 4226702
25 Buddharatna Vihar Putalisadak 4244277
26 Bauddha samakrit Vihar Bhaktapur 6610842
27 Manimandap Vihar Patko Bhaktapur 5526517
28 Muni Vihar Bhaktapur 6616464
29 Yampi Mahavihar Ibahi Lalitpur 5539644
30 Yashodhara Baudha Bidyalaya Thaina Lalitpur 5521435
31 Biswo Shanti Vihar Baneshwor 4482384
32 Biswo Shanti Dharmakirti vihar Basundhara 4354251
33 Beluvanarama Vihar Theco Co 5570062
34 Sakyasingha Vihar Thaina Lalitpur 5524760
35 Santi Sukhawas Cakupat co 5523613
36 Siddhimangal Buddha Vihar Thasi 5581495
37 Sumangala Vihara Lagankhel 5531715
38 Sulakshan kirti Vihar Chobhar 4331718
39 Suwanrna Chatrapur Vihar Lubhu 5580430
40 Sangharama Vihar Dhalko Visnumati 4255960
41 Srigha Vihar Nagal 4259110
Vihars out side the Kathamandu Velley Telephone No
1 Ananda Vihar Tansen Co 075-520225520216
2 Citravan Vihar Narayangadha Co 056-521478
3 Taksar Vihar Tansen Co 075-520024
4 Dharmashila Buddha Vihar Phokhara 061-520517
5 Dyankuti Banepa Banepa 011-661244
6 Padma Chaitya Vihar Butawal 071-546470
7 Purwarama Vihar Dhulikhel 011-661979
8 Pragya Mahavihar Hetauda Co 057-520264520136
9 Buddha Vihar Dharan 025-520354
10 Buddha Vihar Biratnagar Co 021-522146530604
11 Beni Buddha Vihar Myagdi Co 069-520354
12 Bodhicharya vihar Banepa 011-661789
13 Lokachakra Buddha Vihar Dhan gadhi 091-622174
14 Sakyamuni Vihar Bhojpur Co 029-420260
15 Sugatapur Vihar Trisuli Co 010-560153
16 Sugandha Vihar Ridi Gulmi Co 079-529435
17 Swoyambhu Chetya Buddha Vihar Urlabari Co 021-540080
18 Swoyambhu Chetya Mahavihar Dharan Co 025-520190
19 Gyanodaya Buddha Vihar Baglung Co 068-520921520336
Footnotes
[1] This paper was written as a part of my MA thesis research on bdquoThe
Revival of Theravada Buddhism and its contribution to Nepalese Society‟ of
Mahachulalongkorn University Bangkok Thailand and would like to thank Mr
Dharma Sakya for every suggestion editing and help for the completion of this
article
[2] Nyanatiloka Buddhist Dictionary 3
rd ed The Free Distribution
version the Corporate Body of the Buddha education foundation Taiwan p
179
[3] Triratna Manandhar bdquoPresent of Buddhism in Nepal‟ (Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK Vol 8 May 2005) p 15
[4] helliphelliphelliphellip The New Encyclopedia of Britannica Vol24 (USA
Library of Congress Catalog 1993) p 781 Dhanabajra Vajracharya Cabahilko
Abhilekha (Inscription of Cabahil) The Charumati Voice (Kath Charumati
Buddhist Mission 2001) pp 17-20 Bhikkhu Sudarsan Mahasthavira Nepal
Upatyaka ma Ashokaki Chori Charumati (Charumati A daughter of
Ashoka in Nepal Valley) (The Charumati Vocie (Kath Charumati Buddhist
Mission 2001) p 20
[5] Beal Samuel Si Yu Ri Buddhist Records of the Western World
(New Delhi Motilal Banarsidass Publishers 1994) pp 80-81 Bhuwan Lal
Pradhan Nepalama Buddhadharma (Kath Nepal Rajkiya Pragyapratisthana
1988) pp 102 ndash 103
[6] NB Thapa A Short History of Nepal (Kath Ratna Pustak
bhandhar Nd) pp 30-33 Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ The
Nation Thailand‟s English Newspaper (Sunday special) Oct 18 1987
[7] Opcit NB Thapa p116
[8] David N Gellner Monk Householder and Tantric Priest Newar
Buddhism and its Hierarchy of Ritual (Cambridge University Press 1996) pp
41ff
[9] Bechert Heinz amp Jens-Uwe Hartmann ldquoObservation on the reform
of Buddhism in Nepalrdquo Journal of Nepal Research Centre vol VIII Kath
Kantipur Printing Press1988p 6
[10] Ria Kloppenborg Theravada Buddhism in Nepal‟ Kailash A
Journal of Himalayan Studies Vol 5 no 41977 p 302
[11] BP Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada Gukathan Wagu Kha (Kath
Hisi Press Nepal BS 20421985) pp44ff
[12] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p47ff
[13] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 51-53 Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal (BKK A Thesis of MA Mahamakut Graduate School
2001) p 97
[14] Bhikshu Sudarshan Mahasthavir bdquoRole of Theravada in the
Preservation of Newar Buddhism‟ wwwircnepalorgpapers
[15] Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 69-72
[16] Opcit Observation on the reform of Buddhism in Nepal p10ff
[17] Opcit Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ RV
Vandya Sanghanayaka Venerable Pragnananda Mahasthavir (Kath Nepal
Co-operative Press 1978) pp 11ff
[18] Bhkkhu Dharmaloka Mahasthavir A Pilgrimage in China (kath
published by Bhikkhu Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1999) p 13-15 Opcit Lacoul
Nepalay Sthavirvada p 74-75
[19] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka p 15
[20] Opcit Bhikkhu dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp16ff
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p100
[21] Ibit Bhikkhu Dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp 27-29
[22] See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A Homage
(Kath Anandakuti Vihar Trust 1992) Kuladharma Ratna Tuladhar Buddhism
in Nepal (Kath Dharmodaya Sabha 1986) pp15 Opcit Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 100
[23] Opcit K R Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal 16 RV Vandya
Sanghanayaka ven Pragnananda p 32 ff
[24] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka Pragnananda pp 34-35
Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthavirvada p 86
[25] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 18 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 101
[26] Bhikkhu Amritananda Mahasthavir A Short History of Theravada
Buddhism in Modern Nepal (Kath Anandakuti Vihar trust 1986) pp 8-9
Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir (Kath Anandakuti
Vihar Trust 1992) p 25
[27] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 19 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[28] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[29] Opcit Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir
p 26
[30] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit KR
Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 20
[31] Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha in Nepal
(BKK A Thesis of MA Buddhist Study Mahachulalongkorn University 2547)
p 23 [32]
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit Ratna
Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir p 26
[33] Amrit R Sthapit bdquowho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Aswaghosha‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 4 no 1 May 2001
p8
[34] helliphelliphelliphelliphellip bdquoWho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Nyanapurninka Mahasthavir‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 7
no 1 May 2004 p13 Viswo Shanti Vihar The Shanti Sandesh (Kath Viswo
Shanti Vihar 1998)
[35] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sumangala Mahasthavir
A monk who modernized Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the
LNBDS UK vol 2 no 1 May 1999 p10
[36] Opcit Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha
in Nepal pp 52ff
[37] Rina Tuladhara Dharmakirti 25 Years of Dharmakirti Buddhist
Study Circle A Glimpse (Kath Dharmakirti Vihar 1996) Mallika Sakya
bdquoWho is Who in Nepalese Buddhism Dhammavati Guruma‟ Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 5 no 1 May 2002 p10
[38] Opcit See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A
Homage Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 108
[39] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sudarshan Mahasthavir A
Gem of the Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol
6 no 1 May 2003 p13
29
The Buddhist temples and organizations bring out number of
publications annually monthly weekly and on special occasions
Dharmodaya Anandabhumi and Dharmakirti are the oldest
Buddhist journals in Nepal and still continued to be published
Ven Amritananda was one of the greatest Buddhist scholars of
Nepal He wrote and translated many books on Buddhism There are
still no other monks or nun in Nepal who can be compared with
him[38]
Late Ven Sudharsan Mahasthavir came close to him Ven
Sudharsan was a pillar of Theravada Buddhism after Ven
Amritananda He was famous for different reason His field of interest
beside dhamma work consisted literature language Archaeology etc
He was a resident monk at Srikirti Vihar Kirtipur and held the post of
professor in History Archaeology and Buddhist philosophy at
Tribhuvan University until his death in July 2002 Some of his books in
Buddhism became course book for BA and MA students in Nepal
He had special interest in archaeology of Lumbini and was an expert on
this subject[39]
30
Revival of Theravada Buddhism in Nepal also had profound
effect in cultural and religious way of life of Nepalese Daily chanting
or Buddhapuja short term ordination observing Sila (Moral code)
caste system celebration of Vesak day celibate life were introduced
In the month of Bhadra or Gunla days (AugustSeptember) Buddhist
hymns are chanted and public discourses are given
Late Ven Sudharshan Mahasthavir formed Sri Kirti Buddhist
center at Sri Kirti Vihar with the aim of introducing Buddhism to other
ethnic groups other than Newars- the original inhabitants of Katmandu
valley This project succeeded in bringing other ethic groups into
Theravada Buddhism As a result of this many ethnic groups who were
originally Buddhists have started organizing Buddhist conferences and
Buddhist activities Another important development is formation of
Gyanmala Bhajan Khala - a Buddhist hymn group This group sings
regularly especially during certain auspicious days at Swayambhu and
other Buddhist sites The songs they sing are based on Buddha‟s
teaching and has been successful in promoting Buddhism in simple
melodious hymns which attracts many people who visits these
religious places
31
Theravadin in Nepalese Society
For centuries Nepalese were aware of only Buddhist priest
(Bajracharya) from Newar Buddhism (Vajrayana) and Tibetan Lamas
They were unaware of Theravadian Buddhist monks and nuns
Bajracharyas are household monks They lead domestic lives and are
not celibate Not all Tibetan monks are celibate It depends on the
school they belong to For example monks from Sakya School of
Tibetan tradition do not have to be celibate Theravada monks wear
distinctive saffron coloured robes They are celibate and lead virtuous
monastic life These monks and nuns have different identity in the eyes
of Nepalese especially the inhabitants of Kathmandu valley Their
simple way of life their full dedication in their work for the benefit of
mankind easily understood Theravada Scriptures translated in different
languages eg in Nepal Bhasa (Newari) Nepali in Hindi and in
English for easy accessibility by different groups helped to gain the
heart of Nepalese people Although many lay people have played
pivotal roles in revival of Theravada Buddhism in Nepal the leadership
32
of monks and nuns were vital in further development and survival of
this tradition
The lay Buddhists of Nepal are pluralistic They participate in
Buddhist ceremonies such as Vesak day daily chanting etc At the
same time they also follow Hindu customs in their daily lives
Buddhism is different from Hinduism and it is not a branch of
Hinduism Hindus believe that Buddha was a reincarnation of Lord
Vishnu Buddha never claimed to be anything other than a human
being ndash although a unique one in the history of mankind
Buddhism in Nepal is unique because of existence of three
different Buddhist traditions - Newar Buddhism (Vajrayana)
Tibetan Buddhism (Mahayana) and Theravada Buddhism
Different Buddhist groups practised different traditions Although the
principle underlying all these traditions is the same they differ in
details Theravada Buddhist tradition is different from Tibetan or
Newar Buddhist traditions but it is developing side-by-side with them
It was not possible for Theravada Buddhism to develop in Nepal
without close co-relation with other traditions but later developed on its
own right These various Buddhist traditions are coexisting in present
33
day Nepal Although they have different cultural traditions and are
developing in their own ways but the followers are the same
Therefore there is no separate identity of Theravadian lay Buddhists
There are number of lay Buddhist organizations such as Dharmodaya
Sabha Dharmakirti Institute Young Buddhist Associations Female
Buddhist Associations more recently Sukhi Hotu Nepal which are
playing important role in promotion of Buddha Dhamma but they are
multi-cultural and multi religious in their daily practices
CONCLUSION
Theravada Buddhism was introduced to Nepal at the time when
public meetings were banned It faced many obstacles at the beginning
Strong dedications of monks and nuns made it possible for its revival in
Nepal after many centuries of neglect Even though the revival
movement of this tradition was started only about 80 years ago it has
already gained strong foot hold in Nepal and gaining popularity day by
day The reason for its popularity lies in many things - the simple and
easily understood way the teachings were given the simple way of life
of monks and nuns lead and various beneficial activities undertaken by
34
Viharas Theravadin Buddhist monks and nuns are well accepted by
people and their contribution in promoting Buddha‟s teachings is
widely recognized Although small in number in comparison to other
Asian countries like Thailand Sri Lanka and Burma both the number
of monks and nuns and monasteries of this tradition are increasing day
by day If this trend continues it will become one of the prominent
religious traditions in Nepal It is only natural that this oldest Buddhist
tradition should gain its place of honour it deserve in a country where
the founder of the religion was born
35
Theravada Records in Nepal
List of Monks Novices and Anagarikas studying abroad
MONKS AND NOVICES
I Thailand
1 Bhikkhu Anil Man Dhammasakiyo (Sugandha)
2 Bhikkhu Vipassi Dhammaramo
3 Bhikkhu Jit Bahadur Gurung
4 Bhikkhu Krishna Thapamagar
5 Bhikkhu Pannamurti
6 Bhikkhu Sujan Sujano
7 Bhikkhu Anil Sumankitti
8 Bhikkhu Santosh Santosho
9 Bhikkhu Khemik Suddhasilo
10 Bhikkhu Suman Rocano
11 Bhikkhu Sanu Maharajano
12 Bhikkhu Santamano Dhwajjoshi
13 Bhikkhu Suman Dhwajjoshi
14 Bhikkhu Bijit Khemasakko
15 Bhikkhu Supreme Shakyavanso
Samaneras
1 Samanera Buddharatna Maharjan
2 Samanera Dhammaratna Maharjan
3 Samanera Bipin Maharjan
4 Samanera Prajwal Shakya
5 Samanera Ukesh Sakya
6 Samanera Gopi Maharjan
7 Samanera Sudip Deshar
8 Samanera Sudat Deshar
9 Samanera Deepi Maharjan
10 Samanera Ramit Shrestha
11 Samanera Anup Deshar
12 Samanera Suman Bajracharya bdquoA‟
13 Samanera Rajendra Deshar
14 Samanera Kapila Maharjan
15 Samanera Arbin Shakya
36
16 Samanera Kabindra Bajracharya
17 Samanera Ujjawal Shakya
18 Samanera Satish Shakya
19 Samanera Bimal Gurung
20 Samanera Surya Gurung
21 Samanera Sameer Maharjan
22 Samanera Anup Shakya
23 Samanera Arjun Magar
24 Samanera Kiran Desahar
25 Samanera Dipesh Shrestha
26 Samanera Tejendra Tamang
27 Samanera Ashim Shakya
28 Samanera Jalap Bajracharya
29 Samanera Arya Dev Bajracharya
30 Samanera Sudarshan Maharjan
31 Samanera Sangharatna
32 Samanera Suman Bajracharya bdquoB‟
33 Samanera Kijan Maharjan
34 Samanera Ramesh Maharjan
35 Samanera Niroj Maharjan
36 Samanera Jen Maharjan
37 Samanera Denish Bajracharya
38 Samanera Pritam Bahadur Shakya
39 Samanera Abhishek Shakya
40 Samanera Bishal Shakya
41 Samanera Sajal Shakya
42 Samanera Suraj Bhakta Shrestha
43 Samanera Dinesh Chaudhary
44 Samanera Shiv Swatantra Tharu
45 Samanera Sambhu Lal Khang
46 Samanera Buddharatna Chaudhary
47 Samanera Mukesh Chaudhary
II Myanmar (Burma)
Bhikkhu Samaneras
1 Bhikkhu Panavimala
2 Bhikkhu Dhyanratna
3 Bhikkhu Adiccho
4 Bhikkhu Vimalbuddhi
5 Bhikkhu Shobhan
6 Samanera Amato
7 Samanera Jutimma
8 Samanera Buddhapiyo
9 Samanera Kavindo
10 Samanera Nagasena
11 Samanera Gyanavudho
III Taiwan(ROC) 1 Bhikkhu Mangala 2 Bhikkhu Vazirbuddhi
IV Australia 1 Bhikkhu Upatissa
V India
1 Bhikkhu Dharmajyoti 2 Bhikkhu Ashokakirti
3 Bhikkhu Narawang Tamang
VI United kingdom 1 Bhikkhu Suman
VII USA 1 Bhikkhu Pragnaloka
VIII Sri Lanka
Bhikkhus
Bhikkhu Nanda
Bhikkhu Vineeta
Bhikkhu Ashoka
Bhikkhu Triratna
Bhikkhu Sagara
Bhikkhu Sankicca
Bhikkhu Vajirasiri
Bhikkhu Sarada
Bhikkhu Veenit
Bhikkhu Ratana
Bhikkhu Tissa
Bhikkhu Vajira
Bhikkhu Pannawimal
Bhikkhu Medhankar
Bhikkhu Pannasara
SARAMANERAS
Saranankara
Piyadassi
Dil Bhadra
Chandima
Samita
Narada bdquoA‟
Piyaratna
Kusala
Lakkhana
Udit
Vibekanada
Pannananda
Mettananda
Chandananda
Yassari
Upali
Subodhi
Mahanama
Kashyapa
Dhammapala
Narada bdquoB‟
Nalaka bdquoA‟
Daywasa
Santa Sobhana
Santa Siddhartha
Santa Maitri
Santa Kosala
Santa Sakya
Suvaca
Sukama Sila
Siddhartha
Nanda bdquoA‟
Rahula
Sudheera
Kosala Dheera
Panna Wansa
Jina Wansa
Mahinda
Nanda bdquoB‟
Seewali
Mahapantha
Assaji
Sarada
Sumana
Ananda
Nalaka bdquoB‟
Aloka
Suwarna
Subodh
Udena
Sangharatna bdquoA‟
Gyanendra
Khema
Soma bdquoA‟
Punna
Panna Ransi
Soma bdquoB‟
Santa bdquoA‟
Kapila Wansa
Asita Wansa
Sumanananda bdquoa‟
Vijitananda
Khemananda
Silananda
Medhananda
Somaratna
Soratha
Pragyananda
Sumangala
Santa Citta
Yasa
Dhamma Kitti
Panna Kitti
Santa Dheera
Vijitananda
Sumanananda bdquob‟
Vajra Bodhi
Dhammika
Santa bdquoB‟
Anuruddha
Sumana bdquoB‟
Jinavamsa
Panna Vansa
Buddha Ratna
Dhamma Ratna
Ariya Ratna
Piyadassi bdquoB‟
Sila Ratna
Sangha Ratna bdquoB‟
List of Anagarikas studying in abroad
I Thailand
1 Anagarika Sirisuta Maharjan
2 Anagarika Ramsobha Shrestha
3 Anagarika Sunita Napit
II Myanmar
1 Anagarika Javanvati
2 Anagarika Vimalajnani
3 Anagarika Ambika
4 Anagarika Buddhapali
5 Anagarika Darshana
6 Anagarika Agrajnani
7 Anagarika Nandavati
bdquob‟
III India 1 Anagarika Rupashila
IV Taiwan
1 Anagarika Pannavati
2 Anagarika Sani
3 Anagarika Nima
V Sri Lanka
1 Anagarika Pannawati
2 Anagarika Mettawati
3 Anagarika Keshawati
4 Anagarika Prasnnawati
5 Anagarika Sukhawati
6 Anagarika Shobhawati
7 Anagarika Subhadra
8 Anagarika
Shraddhagautami
9 Anagarika Upananda
10 Anagarika Shantawati
11 Anagarika Suciwati
Residences of Theravādin Monks in Nepal
01 Abhinava Buddha Vihara Lumbini
1) Bhikkhu Vimalananda Mahathera
2) Samanera Sunanda
02 Anandakut Vihara Swayambhu Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Kumara Kassapa Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Dharmamurti 3) Samanera Kondanya
4) S Prajnaratna 5) S Asoka
6) S Kumarjeeva 7) S Assaji
03 Bauddha Samaskrita Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Bhikkhu Dharmashobhana Mahathera
04 Bodhicharya Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Bodhisena Mahathera
2) Samanera Bodhideepa
05 Buddha Vihara Bhrikuti Mandap-Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Kondanya 2) Bhikkhu Sushil
3) Samanera Anuyoga 3) S Javana
4) S Udena
06 Buddha Vihara Biratnagar
1) Bhikkhu Aloka
07 Buddha Vihara Dharan
1) Bhikkhu Maitri (Tamang)
2) Bhikkhu Chhavikirti
08 Chatubrahma Vihara Matatirtha
1) Bhikkhu Thansettho
2) Bhikkhu Samyakaratna
3) Bhikkhu Bodhananda
9 Charumati Stupa Vihara Chabahil Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Tapassi Dhamma
10 Dharmacakra Ashrama Bagbazar
1) Bhikkhu Milinda
11 Dharmashila Buddha Vihara Pokhara
1) Bhikkhu Subhadda 2) Bhikkhu Saddhananda
12 Dhyanakuti Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Ashwaghosha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Rahul 3) Samanera Gautama
13 Gana Maha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Sanghanayaka Bhikkhu Subodhanand Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sobhita
3) Bhikkhu Samvegakirti
4) Samanera Sugatananda
6) S Chandananda
7) S Somananda
8) S Sumanavamsha
9) S Somavamsha
10) S Sumanasiri
14 IlayabahiTanabaha Patan
1) Bhikkhu Vimalkirti
15 International Bauddha Pariyatti Vihara Butwal
1) Bhikkhu Jatila
2) Bhikkhu Bhaddiya bdquoB‟
3) Samanera Jnanashree 4) S Jotika
16 International Buddhist Society Lumbini
1) Bhikkhu Maitri Mahathera
2) Samanera Mahapanta
3) S Vimala
17 Jana Udaya Vihara Sunakothi-Lalitpura
1) Bhikkhu Dharmagupta
18 Jitavana Vihara Thankot
1) Bhikkhu Dharmavamsha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sugatamuni Mahathera
3) Samanera Sunita
19 Kuti Vihara Koteshwar-KTM
1) Bhikkhu Yeshdhammo
2) Samanera Wayamo
3) S Milindo 4) S Sunanalankara
20 Manimandapa Mahavihara Patan
1) Bhikshu Shilbhadra Mahathera
2) Samanera Paduma 3) S Nayako
21 Muni Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Samanera Tejendra 2) S Jalapa
3) S Asima 4) S Aryaputra
22 Padma Sugandha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Sumedha 2) Samanera Sudatta
23 Pati Vihara Nagadesh-Bhaktapur
1) Bhikkhu Varasambodhi
24 Pranidhi Purna Maha Vihara Balambu
1) Samanera Sukha
25 Pugatabhoomi Jetavana Vihara Bhairahawa
1) Samanera Jagaro 2) S Suvanno
26 Purvaram Vihara Dhulikhel
1) Bhikkhu Gunaghosha Mahathero
27 Sangharama Vihara Kshetrapati Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Saddhatissa
2) Bhikkhu Kolita
3) Bhikkhu Sangharakshita
28 Shakya Singha Vihara Patan
1) Bhikkhu Dharmapala Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sunanda Mahathera
3) Bhikkhu Dharmarakshita
29 Shikhalapura Vihara Dhulikhel
1) Bhikkhu Dhammananda Mahathera
30 Shree Kirti Vihara Kirtipur
1) Bhikkhu Kirtijyoti 2) Bhikkhu Ananda
3) Bhikkhu Prajnakirti
4) Bhikkhu Dharmakirti
5) Samanera Sundara 6) Bhikkhu Pamit
7) S Subhashkirti 8) S Uttarakirti
31 Shreegha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Dharmasagara
2) Bhikkhu Medhankara
32 Sudarshana Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Rastrapala
33Sumangala Vihara Patan
1) Sanghaupanayaka Bhikkhu Buddhaghosha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Shobhan
3) Bhikkhu Prajnaratna
34 Surya Mangala Vihara Kapilvastu
1) Bhikkhu Suryamangala
35 Tokha Buddha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Samanera Shobhana 2) S Jnanodaya
36 Veluvanarama Vihara Thecho-Lalitpura
1) Samanera Uttama 2) S Chandimo
37 Vishwa Shanti Vihara New Baneshwar
1) Bhikshu Jnanapurnik Mahathera
2) Bhikshu Bodhijnana
3) Bhikshu Nigrodha
4) Bhikshu Udayabhadra
Samaneras
1) S Janak 2) S Sujat
3) S Obhaso 4) S Subhaddo
5) S Nandiyo 6) S Mahindo
7) S Pajjoto 8) S Aloka
9) S Buddhadatta 10) S Panita
11) S Kashyapa 12)S Dharmaghosha
13) S Nagita 14) S Vinaya
15) S Suchitta 16) S Sudatto
17) S Nemindo 18) S Rohito
19) S Jayanto 20) S Meghiyo
21) S Indriyo 22) S Suppamedho
23) S Bhanusarana 24) S Saddhadeepa
25) S Kittimo 26) S Janeyyo
27) S Adicca 28) S Kosalla
29) S Nyanuttara 30) S Bhaddaco
31) S Pabhassaro 32) S Uttaro
38 Yampi Maha Vihara Patan
1) Bhikkhu Bhaddiya
39 Non residencial Monks
1) Bhikshu Samyaka Sambodhi Pranputra
2) Bhikshu Dhyanratna
3) Bhikkhu Chandragupta Balambu
Present Anagarikas and resident in NEPAL
01 Amarapura Vihara Bungamati
1) A Charujnani 2) A Sunita
3) A Palitajnani 4) A Pamitajnani
5) A Padumajnani 6) A Rupawati
02 Bauddha Samaskrit Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Anagarika Sanghashila
03 Buddha ViharaDharan
1) A Sumedhavati 2) A Sushilavati
3) A Kanchana 4) A Shasanavati
04 Bauddha Rishi Mahapragya Ashram Anamnagar
1) Anagarika Prajnavati
05 Chatubrahma Vihara Matatirtha
1) Anagarika Anu
06 Dhammavasa Vihara Khusibun
1) A Krishgautami 2) A Suchita
3) A Shilgautami 4) A Kshantigautami
5) A Shyamavati
07 Dharmakirti Vihara Naghal-Kathmandu
1) Anagarika RatnaManjari
2) A Dhammavati
3) A Dhammadinna (Chameli)
4) A Anupama 5) A Sanghavati
6) A Khemavati 7) A Indravati
8) A Jayavati 9) A Danavati
10) A Tyagavati 11) AViryavati
12) A Shubhavati 13) A Ramavati
14) A Surammavati
15) A Hemavati 16) A Suppabhavati
17) A Supriya 18) A Amata
19) A Vannavati 20) A Suvannavati
08 Dharmashila Buddha Vihara Pokhara
1) Anagarika Karmashila
09 Gautami Vihara Lumbini
1) Anagarika Sujata 2) A Khamesi
10 IlayabahiTana Baha Lalitpur
1) A Shilaparami 2)AViryaparami
3) A Vineeta 4) A Shilachari
11 Int‟l Buddhist Meditation Centre Shankhamul
1) A Aggajnani 2) A Nirmalajnani
3) A Shantarakshita
12 Jaya Mangal ViharaTana Bahal-Patan
1) Anagarika Vijita 2) A Nekkhami
3) A Chittavati
13 Jyoti Vihara Chapagaun- Lalitpur
1) AnagarikaVirygautami
2) A Upeskshagautami
14 Kashivarna Buddha Vihara Panuati
1) Anagarika Satyaparami
15 Kindol Vihara Swayambhu
1) A Sumana 2) A Uttara
3) A Sumitra 4) A Molini
5) A Dhammavijaya 6) A Tejavati
7) A Shyamavati
16 Kunsa BahaHyumat
1) Anagarika Patachari 2) AUmavati
17 Mahabodhi Vihara Tansen
1) Anagarika Revati (Dhammadinna)
18 Muni Vihara Bhaktapur
1) A Sugandhavati 2) A Padmavati
19 Narsinharama Thaina-Patan
1) A Jnanashila 2) ASatyashila
3) AShilavati 4) A Yeshavati 5) A Dharani
6) A Jeenvati
7) A Shilpavatisushma
20 Padmachaitya Vihara Butwal
1) A Udayashila 2) A Santiwati
21 Padmakirti Vihara Kamalpokhari
1) A Kamala 2) A Karunavati
3) A Pabbhavati 4) A Dhyanavati
5) A Bhavanavati
22 Prajnanandarama Okubahal-Patan
1) Anagarika Jnanavati
23 Pranidhipurna Mahavihara Balambu
1) A Mudita 2) A Chandrashila bdquoB‟
24 SangharakshitaVihara Patan
1) Anagarika Abhaya 2) A Chandrashila
3) A Shilachari
25 Shanti Sukhavasa Chakupat-Patan
1) A Utpalavarna (Chini)
26 Shree Kirti Vihara Kirtipur
1) Anagarika Mina
27 SunandaramaThaina-Patan
1) A Madhavi 2) AMasukhi
3) A Mashobha 4) A Mashraddha
5) A Masudha
28 Sulakshanakirti Viahara Kirtipur
1) A Anoja 2) A Atula
3) A Anula
29 Sangharama ViharaDhalko-KTM
1) Anagarika Dharmarakshita
30 Vishwashanti Vihara New Baneshwar
1) A Shubha 2) A Khema
3) A Sudhamma
31 Vishwashanti Dharmakirti Vihara Basundhara
1) A Dhajavati (Kusum) 2) A Padmavati
3) A Bhadravati
32 Residing other Anagarikas
1) Anagarika Chandrajnani Patan
2) A Sraddhavati Shankhamul
3) A Amaravati Patan
4) A Dhammachari Patan
5) A Nanda Thasi
Some Prominent Personalities in the Theravada Movement1
Sanghamahanayakas of Nepal
1 Ven Pragyanand Mahasthavir 1930 ndash 1993 AD
2 Ven Sakyananda Mahasthavir 1993 - 1997 AD
3 Ven Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1997 - 2002 AD
4 Ven Subodhananda Mahasthavir 2002 - 2006 AD
5 Ven Buddhaghosa Mahasthavir 2006-
Amritananda Bhikkhu (1918-1990) original name Lal Kaji Sakya from Tansen
west Nepal he ordain as a novice in 1936 from ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara He studies and was ordained a monk in Sri Lanka in 1940 He
return to Nepal in 1942 and preached first publicly in Kathmandu He
formed Dharmodaya Sabha in 1944 and All Nepal Bhikkhu Mahasangha in
1951 and remained its unchallenged leader until his death He was well
known and traveled widely outside of Nepal because of his dynamism and
charisma He was also one of the greatest Buddhist scholars and writers of
Nepal
Aniruddha Bhikkhu (1915-2003) original name Gaja Ratna Tuladhar son of
Dasa Ratna Sahu (Later Ven Dhammaloka) He went to Sri Lanka in 1930
and ordained as samanera and studied there He had served many years in
Lumbini and third Sanghanayaka of Nepal
1 Sarah Levine and David N Gellner Rebuilding Buddhism The Theravada Movement in
Twentieth Century Nepal (UK Harvard University Press 2006) pp 293-296
Ashwaghosh Bhikkhu (1926- present) original name Buddha Ratna Sakya and
became a novice in 1944 and went to Sri Lanka for study where he took
higher ordination in 1949 he is known as bdquothe communist monk‟ and was a
nominee of the Unified Marxist-Leninist party one of Nepal‟s two main
political parites in the 1990s to the Upper House 1993-5 He had
established nepal‟s first Bhikkhu Training Center at Sangharama Dhalko
and became abbot of this vihara Presently he is abbot of Shrigha Vihara in
Kathmandu and of Dyanakuti Vihara Banepa
Buddhaghosh Bhikkhu (1921- present day) original name Sapta Ratna
Vajracharya in Kwa Baha Kathamandu The founder of Pariyatti Education
in Nepal and presently acting Sanghanayaka of Nepal (2006) and abbot of
Sri Sumangala Vihara in Lalitpur
Chandramani Bhikkhu (1876-1972) a Burmese monk who spent his life in
Kusinagara where he worked for the propagation of Buddhism until his
death He initiated with most of the early Nepalese Theravadins Monks and
Nuns He was the first president of Dharmodaya Sabha and father of
Theravadins of Nepal
Dharmachari Anagarika (1898-1978) born Laxmi Nani Tuladhar she
impressed by Ven Pragyananda in Kindol Vihara and took the precepts
from Chandramani in Kusinagara in 1934 and most prominent Nepali nun
She founded the first nunnery in Nepal at Kindol Vihara in 1947
Dhammaloka Bhikkhu (1891-1977) born Das Ratna Tuladhar Asan
kathamandu He traded in Lhasha went to Sri Lanka and taught Buddhism
as a layman Later became a monk in 1932 after his son Aniruddha ordain
in 1930 he established nepal‟s first Theravādin Vihara bdquoAnanda Kuti
Vihar‟ in Kathmandu
Dhammawati Anagarika (1925- present day) born as Ganesh Kumari Sakya in
Uku Baha lalitpur She ordain too precepts from Ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara and renamed as Dhammavati in 1950 She went to Burma for
study and return in 1963 after passed the Dhammacariya Examination She
was able to established Dhammakirti Nunnery Centre in 1965 and leader of
the Theravādin Nuns She has been re-ordained as Bhikkhuni according to
Mahayana tradition
Dharmaditya Dharmacharya (1902-1963) born as Jagat Man Vaidya in Chika
Bahi Lalitpur and the first Newar Buddhist modernist and the first newar
cultural nationalist He went to study in Calcutta where he became a
follower of anagarika Dhammapala the founder of Maha Bodhi Society
He had formed Buddhist revival foundation and published Buddhist
magazines etc
Nyanpurnika Bhikkhu (1936- present day) Born as Hera Lal Sakya in Tansen
He studied with Buddhaghosh in Lalitpur in Burma and in England He is
only monk who passed Dhammacariya examination of Burma He was the
founder of Vishwa Shanti Vihara and Vishwa Shanti Bauddha sikkyalaya
where train novices He is a prominent translator and writer
Kumar Kashyap Bhikkhu (1926- present day) born as Krishna Man Sakya he
was one of those who exiled to India by the Ranas in 1944 He went to
Study in Sri Lanka and hold nepal‟s first bdquoTripitaka acarya‟ Presently he is
president of All Nepal Bhikkhu Association and abbot of Ananda Kuti
Vihara
Mahapragya Bhikkhu (1901-1979) born Prem Bahadur (Nani Kaji ) Shrestha
He ordained into Tibetan tradition but exiled in 1926 and reordained as
novice in Theravada tradition one of the earlier Theravādin monks He
return to householderhood in Kalimpong in 1940s but then returned to
Kathmandu as a Buddhist sage (Bauddha Rishi) in the 1960s where he
taught until his death
Pragyananda Bhikkhu (1900-1993) born as Kul Man Singh Tuladhar in Itum
Baha Kathmandu a trader in Tibet where he met Ven Mahapragya and
impressed by him to ordained He became a Tibetan Gelung Karmasheel in
1928 and two years later a Theravādin under Ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara in 1930 He was nepal‟s first Sanghamahanayaka and well
respected monk
Shakyananda Bhikkhu (1909-1997) born as Chakra Dhan Sakya in Taksar
Bhojpur East Nepal He spent over forty years as a monk in Tansen outside
the Kathmandu and second sanghamahanayaka of Nepal
Subodhanand Bhikkhu (1916-2006) bor as Kul Raj Sakya in Taksar Bhojpur
East Nepal He was one of the monks exiled by the Ranas in 1944 He was
a prolific composer of Hymns in Nepal Bhasa In 2003 as the most senior
monk in Nepal he was the fourth Sanghanayaka of Nepal
Sudarshan Bhikkhu (1934-2002) born as Rudra Raj Sakya in Uku Baha
lalitpur He was famous a bdquothe boy monk‟ For many years he was a lecturer
in the culture Department of Tribhuvan University a prolific writer
preacher and abbot of Sri Kirti Vihara Kirtipur which is became multi-
cultural center and especially for Buddhist meetings and conferences He
was jailed for some months for Nepal Bhasa activities in the Panchayat
period He was a campaigner on Buddhist issues particularly to do with
Lumbini
Sumangal Bhikkhu (1929-1999) born Bhakta Krishna Shilpakar in Lalitpur He
was famous as ldquoDollar bhanterdquo He ordained in 1959 in Burma obtained a
master‟s degree in Buddhism from Rissho University Japan in 1972 and
was among the first monks to mobilize international connections for
Buddhist projects in Nepal He established Buddha Vihara in Bhrikuti
Mandap Kathmandu He helped raise funds from Thailand and Japan for
IBMc (1985) brought the Japanese healing movement Sei Mei Kyo to
Nepal and in 1993 opened an old people‟s home in Banepa
Glimpse of Theravādin activities in Nepal
Samanera ordination at Muni Vihara
Ordination Ceremony at Vishwa Shanti Vihara
Collecting Alms
Chanting Paritta in devotee‟s home
Giving Holy Thread to Devotees
Buddhist Art in Nepal
Main Buddha Image at Sri Kirti Vihara
Four holy places
Some of the Theravada Buddhist Viharas (Monasteries) in Nepal
Vihars In Kathmandu Valley Telephone No
1 Amarapura Buddha Vihar Bungamati 5551068
2 Anandakuti Vihar Swayambhu 4271420
3 Anandabhuwan Vihar Bhuikhyo 4270429
4 Ganamaha vihar Ganabaha 4253454
5 Gautam Buddha Vihar Panga co 4330576
6 Caturbrahma Vihar Matatirtha 4310558
7 Carumati Vihar Cabahil 4469897
8 Baudhajana Vihar Sunakothi co 5570209
9 Jitapur Gandhakuti Vihar khona Co 5542846
10 Jitawan Vihar Thankot 4311912
11 Jyoti udaya vihar Capagaun Co 5571459
12 Dhammavasa Vihar Khusibun 4358688
13 Dharmakirti Vihar Srigha Naghal 4259466
14 Dharmacakra vihar Bagbajar 4261976
15 Nagar Mandap Sri Kirti Vihar Kirtipur 4330836
16 Nagadesh Buddha Vihar Nagadesh Co 6635397
17 Nirvanmurti Anagarikaram Kindol 4285811
18 Padmasugandha Vihar Manjeshwori 4266255
19 Pranidhi Purna Mahavihar Balambu 43105924312455
20 Pati Vihar Thimi Co 6637601
21 Pippali Theravad Buddha Vihar Shiphal 4475066
22 Punya Udaya Vihar Jala Harisiddhi Co 5527456
23 Buddhabhoomi Mahavihar Tokha 4362514
24 Buddha Vihar Bhrikuti mandapa 4226702
25 Buddharatna Vihar Putalisadak 4244277
26 Bauddha samakrit Vihar Bhaktapur 6610842
27 Manimandap Vihar Patko Bhaktapur 5526517
28 Muni Vihar Bhaktapur 6616464
29 Yampi Mahavihar Ibahi Lalitpur 5539644
30 Yashodhara Baudha Bidyalaya Thaina Lalitpur 5521435
31 Biswo Shanti Vihar Baneshwor 4482384
32 Biswo Shanti Dharmakirti vihar Basundhara 4354251
33 Beluvanarama Vihar Theco Co 5570062
34 Sakyasingha Vihar Thaina Lalitpur 5524760
35 Santi Sukhawas Cakupat co 5523613
36 Siddhimangal Buddha Vihar Thasi 5581495
37 Sumangala Vihara Lagankhel 5531715
38 Sulakshan kirti Vihar Chobhar 4331718
39 Suwanrna Chatrapur Vihar Lubhu 5580430
40 Sangharama Vihar Dhalko Visnumati 4255960
41 Srigha Vihar Nagal 4259110
Vihars out side the Kathamandu Velley Telephone No
1 Ananda Vihar Tansen Co 075-520225520216
2 Citravan Vihar Narayangadha Co 056-521478
3 Taksar Vihar Tansen Co 075-520024
4 Dharmashila Buddha Vihar Phokhara 061-520517
5 Dyankuti Banepa Banepa 011-661244
6 Padma Chaitya Vihar Butawal 071-546470
7 Purwarama Vihar Dhulikhel 011-661979
8 Pragya Mahavihar Hetauda Co 057-520264520136
9 Buddha Vihar Dharan 025-520354
10 Buddha Vihar Biratnagar Co 021-522146530604
11 Beni Buddha Vihar Myagdi Co 069-520354
12 Bodhicharya vihar Banepa 011-661789
13 Lokachakra Buddha Vihar Dhan gadhi 091-622174
14 Sakyamuni Vihar Bhojpur Co 029-420260
15 Sugatapur Vihar Trisuli Co 010-560153
16 Sugandha Vihar Ridi Gulmi Co 079-529435
17 Swoyambhu Chetya Buddha Vihar Urlabari Co 021-540080
18 Swoyambhu Chetya Mahavihar Dharan Co 025-520190
19 Gyanodaya Buddha Vihar Baglung Co 068-520921520336
Footnotes
[1] This paper was written as a part of my MA thesis research on bdquoThe
Revival of Theravada Buddhism and its contribution to Nepalese Society‟ of
Mahachulalongkorn University Bangkok Thailand and would like to thank Mr
Dharma Sakya for every suggestion editing and help for the completion of this
article
[2] Nyanatiloka Buddhist Dictionary 3
rd ed The Free Distribution
version the Corporate Body of the Buddha education foundation Taiwan p
179
[3] Triratna Manandhar bdquoPresent of Buddhism in Nepal‟ (Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK Vol 8 May 2005) p 15
[4] helliphelliphelliphellip The New Encyclopedia of Britannica Vol24 (USA
Library of Congress Catalog 1993) p 781 Dhanabajra Vajracharya Cabahilko
Abhilekha (Inscription of Cabahil) The Charumati Voice (Kath Charumati
Buddhist Mission 2001) pp 17-20 Bhikkhu Sudarsan Mahasthavira Nepal
Upatyaka ma Ashokaki Chori Charumati (Charumati A daughter of
Ashoka in Nepal Valley) (The Charumati Vocie (Kath Charumati Buddhist
Mission 2001) p 20
[5] Beal Samuel Si Yu Ri Buddhist Records of the Western World
(New Delhi Motilal Banarsidass Publishers 1994) pp 80-81 Bhuwan Lal
Pradhan Nepalama Buddhadharma (Kath Nepal Rajkiya Pragyapratisthana
1988) pp 102 ndash 103
[6] NB Thapa A Short History of Nepal (Kath Ratna Pustak
bhandhar Nd) pp 30-33 Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ The
Nation Thailand‟s English Newspaper (Sunday special) Oct 18 1987
[7] Opcit NB Thapa p116
[8] David N Gellner Monk Householder and Tantric Priest Newar
Buddhism and its Hierarchy of Ritual (Cambridge University Press 1996) pp
41ff
[9] Bechert Heinz amp Jens-Uwe Hartmann ldquoObservation on the reform
of Buddhism in Nepalrdquo Journal of Nepal Research Centre vol VIII Kath
Kantipur Printing Press1988p 6
[10] Ria Kloppenborg Theravada Buddhism in Nepal‟ Kailash A
Journal of Himalayan Studies Vol 5 no 41977 p 302
[11] BP Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada Gukathan Wagu Kha (Kath
Hisi Press Nepal BS 20421985) pp44ff
[12] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p47ff
[13] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 51-53 Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal (BKK A Thesis of MA Mahamakut Graduate School
2001) p 97
[14] Bhikshu Sudarshan Mahasthavir bdquoRole of Theravada in the
Preservation of Newar Buddhism‟ wwwircnepalorgpapers
[15] Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 69-72
[16] Opcit Observation on the reform of Buddhism in Nepal p10ff
[17] Opcit Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ RV
Vandya Sanghanayaka Venerable Pragnananda Mahasthavir (Kath Nepal
Co-operative Press 1978) pp 11ff
[18] Bhkkhu Dharmaloka Mahasthavir A Pilgrimage in China (kath
published by Bhikkhu Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1999) p 13-15 Opcit Lacoul
Nepalay Sthavirvada p 74-75
[19] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka p 15
[20] Opcit Bhikkhu dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp16ff
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p100
[21] Ibit Bhikkhu Dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp 27-29
[22] See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A Homage
(Kath Anandakuti Vihar Trust 1992) Kuladharma Ratna Tuladhar Buddhism
in Nepal (Kath Dharmodaya Sabha 1986) pp15 Opcit Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 100
[23] Opcit K R Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal 16 RV Vandya
Sanghanayaka ven Pragnananda p 32 ff
[24] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka Pragnananda pp 34-35
Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthavirvada p 86
[25] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 18 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 101
[26] Bhikkhu Amritananda Mahasthavir A Short History of Theravada
Buddhism in Modern Nepal (Kath Anandakuti Vihar trust 1986) pp 8-9
Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir (Kath Anandakuti
Vihar Trust 1992) p 25
[27] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 19 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[28] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[29] Opcit Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir
p 26
[30] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit KR
Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 20
[31] Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha in Nepal
(BKK A Thesis of MA Buddhist Study Mahachulalongkorn University 2547)
p 23 [32]
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit Ratna
Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir p 26
[33] Amrit R Sthapit bdquowho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Aswaghosha‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 4 no 1 May 2001
p8
[34] helliphelliphelliphelliphellip bdquoWho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Nyanapurninka Mahasthavir‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 7
no 1 May 2004 p13 Viswo Shanti Vihar The Shanti Sandesh (Kath Viswo
Shanti Vihar 1998)
[35] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sumangala Mahasthavir
A monk who modernized Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the
LNBDS UK vol 2 no 1 May 1999 p10
[36] Opcit Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha
in Nepal pp 52ff
[37] Rina Tuladhara Dharmakirti 25 Years of Dharmakirti Buddhist
Study Circle A Glimpse (Kath Dharmakirti Vihar 1996) Mallika Sakya
bdquoWho is Who in Nepalese Buddhism Dhammavati Guruma‟ Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 5 no 1 May 2002 p10
[38] Opcit See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A
Homage Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 108
[39] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sudarshan Mahasthavir A
Gem of the Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol
6 no 1 May 2003 p13
30
Revival of Theravada Buddhism in Nepal also had profound
effect in cultural and religious way of life of Nepalese Daily chanting
or Buddhapuja short term ordination observing Sila (Moral code)
caste system celebration of Vesak day celibate life were introduced
In the month of Bhadra or Gunla days (AugustSeptember) Buddhist
hymns are chanted and public discourses are given
Late Ven Sudharshan Mahasthavir formed Sri Kirti Buddhist
center at Sri Kirti Vihar with the aim of introducing Buddhism to other
ethnic groups other than Newars- the original inhabitants of Katmandu
valley This project succeeded in bringing other ethic groups into
Theravada Buddhism As a result of this many ethnic groups who were
originally Buddhists have started organizing Buddhist conferences and
Buddhist activities Another important development is formation of
Gyanmala Bhajan Khala - a Buddhist hymn group This group sings
regularly especially during certain auspicious days at Swayambhu and
other Buddhist sites The songs they sing are based on Buddha‟s
teaching and has been successful in promoting Buddhism in simple
melodious hymns which attracts many people who visits these
religious places
31
Theravadin in Nepalese Society
For centuries Nepalese were aware of only Buddhist priest
(Bajracharya) from Newar Buddhism (Vajrayana) and Tibetan Lamas
They were unaware of Theravadian Buddhist monks and nuns
Bajracharyas are household monks They lead domestic lives and are
not celibate Not all Tibetan monks are celibate It depends on the
school they belong to For example monks from Sakya School of
Tibetan tradition do not have to be celibate Theravada monks wear
distinctive saffron coloured robes They are celibate and lead virtuous
monastic life These monks and nuns have different identity in the eyes
of Nepalese especially the inhabitants of Kathmandu valley Their
simple way of life their full dedication in their work for the benefit of
mankind easily understood Theravada Scriptures translated in different
languages eg in Nepal Bhasa (Newari) Nepali in Hindi and in
English for easy accessibility by different groups helped to gain the
heart of Nepalese people Although many lay people have played
pivotal roles in revival of Theravada Buddhism in Nepal the leadership
32
of monks and nuns were vital in further development and survival of
this tradition
The lay Buddhists of Nepal are pluralistic They participate in
Buddhist ceremonies such as Vesak day daily chanting etc At the
same time they also follow Hindu customs in their daily lives
Buddhism is different from Hinduism and it is not a branch of
Hinduism Hindus believe that Buddha was a reincarnation of Lord
Vishnu Buddha never claimed to be anything other than a human
being ndash although a unique one in the history of mankind
Buddhism in Nepal is unique because of existence of three
different Buddhist traditions - Newar Buddhism (Vajrayana)
Tibetan Buddhism (Mahayana) and Theravada Buddhism
Different Buddhist groups practised different traditions Although the
principle underlying all these traditions is the same they differ in
details Theravada Buddhist tradition is different from Tibetan or
Newar Buddhist traditions but it is developing side-by-side with them
It was not possible for Theravada Buddhism to develop in Nepal
without close co-relation with other traditions but later developed on its
own right These various Buddhist traditions are coexisting in present
33
day Nepal Although they have different cultural traditions and are
developing in their own ways but the followers are the same
Therefore there is no separate identity of Theravadian lay Buddhists
There are number of lay Buddhist organizations such as Dharmodaya
Sabha Dharmakirti Institute Young Buddhist Associations Female
Buddhist Associations more recently Sukhi Hotu Nepal which are
playing important role in promotion of Buddha Dhamma but they are
multi-cultural and multi religious in their daily practices
CONCLUSION
Theravada Buddhism was introduced to Nepal at the time when
public meetings were banned It faced many obstacles at the beginning
Strong dedications of monks and nuns made it possible for its revival in
Nepal after many centuries of neglect Even though the revival
movement of this tradition was started only about 80 years ago it has
already gained strong foot hold in Nepal and gaining popularity day by
day The reason for its popularity lies in many things - the simple and
easily understood way the teachings were given the simple way of life
of monks and nuns lead and various beneficial activities undertaken by
34
Viharas Theravadin Buddhist monks and nuns are well accepted by
people and their contribution in promoting Buddha‟s teachings is
widely recognized Although small in number in comparison to other
Asian countries like Thailand Sri Lanka and Burma both the number
of monks and nuns and monasteries of this tradition are increasing day
by day If this trend continues it will become one of the prominent
religious traditions in Nepal It is only natural that this oldest Buddhist
tradition should gain its place of honour it deserve in a country where
the founder of the religion was born
35
Theravada Records in Nepal
List of Monks Novices and Anagarikas studying abroad
MONKS AND NOVICES
I Thailand
1 Bhikkhu Anil Man Dhammasakiyo (Sugandha)
2 Bhikkhu Vipassi Dhammaramo
3 Bhikkhu Jit Bahadur Gurung
4 Bhikkhu Krishna Thapamagar
5 Bhikkhu Pannamurti
6 Bhikkhu Sujan Sujano
7 Bhikkhu Anil Sumankitti
8 Bhikkhu Santosh Santosho
9 Bhikkhu Khemik Suddhasilo
10 Bhikkhu Suman Rocano
11 Bhikkhu Sanu Maharajano
12 Bhikkhu Santamano Dhwajjoshi
13 Bhikkhu Suman Dhwajjoshi
14 Bhikkhu Bijit Khemasakko
15 Bhikkhu Supreme Shakyavanso
Samaneras
1 Samanera Buddharatna Maharjan
2 Samanera Dhammaratna Maharjan
3 Samanera Bipin Maharjan
4 Samanera Prajwal Shakya
5 Samanera Ukesh Sakya
6 Samanera Gopi Maharjan
7 Samanera Sudip Deshar
8 Samanera Sudat Deshar
9 Samanera Deepi Maharjan
10 Samanera Ramit Shrestha
11 Samanera Anup Deshar
12 Samanera Suman Bajracharya bdquoA‟
13 Samanera Rajendra Deshar
14 Samanera Kapila Maharjan
15 Samanera Arbin Shakya
36
16 Samanera Kabindra Bajracharya
17 Samanera Ujjawal Shakya
18 Samanera Satish Shakya
19 Samanera Bimal Gurung
20 Samanera Surya Gurung
21 Samanera Sameer Maharjan
22 Samanera Anup Shakya
23 Samanera Arjun Magar
24 Samanera Kiran Desahar
25 Samanera Dipesh Shrestha
26 Samanera Tejendra Tamang
27 Samanera Ashim Shakya
28 Samanera Jalap Bajracharya
29 Samanera Arya Dev Bajracharya
30 Samanera Sudarshan Maharjan
31 Samanera Sangharatna
32 Samanera Suman Bajracharya bdquoB‟
33 Samanera Kijan Maharjan
34 Samanera Ramesh Maharjan
35 Samanera Niroj Maharjan
36 Samanera Jen Maharjan
37 Samanera Denish Bajracharya
38 Samanera Pritam Bahadur Shakya
39 Samanera Abhishek Shakya
40 Samanera Bishal Shakya
41 Samanera Sajal Shakya
42 Samanera Suraj Bhakta Shrestha
43 Samanera Dinesh Chaudhary
44 Samanera Shiv Swatantra Tharu
45 Samanera Sambhu Lal Khang
46 Samanera Buddharatna Chaudhary
47 Samanera Mukesh Chaudhary
II Myanmar (Burma)
Bhikkhu Samaneras
1 Bhikkhu Panavimala
2 Bhikkhu Dhyanratna
3 Bhikkhu Adiccho
4 Bhikkhu Vimalbuddhi
5 Bhikkhu Shobhan
6 Samanera Amato
7 Samanera Jutimma
8 Samanera Buddhapiyo
9 Samanera Kavindo
10 Samanera Nagasena
11 Samanera Gyanavudho
III Taiwan(ROC) 1 Bhikkhu Mangala 2 Bhikkhu Vazirbuddhi
IV Australia 1 Bhikkhu Upatissa
V India
1 Bhikkhu Dharmajyoti 2 Bhikkhu Ashokakirti
3 Bhikkhu Narawang Tamang
VI United kingdom 1 Bhikkhu Suman
VII USA 1 Bhikkhu Pragnaloka
VIII Sri Lanka
Bhikkhus
Bhikkhu Nanda
Bhikkhu Vineeta
Bhikkhu Ashoka
Bhikkhu Triratna
Bhikkhu Sagara
Bhikkhu Sankicca
Bhikkhu Vajirasiri
Bhikkhu Sarada
Bhikkhu Veenit
Bhikkhu Ratana
Bhikkhu Tissa
Bhikkhu Vajira
Bhikkhu Pannawimal
Bhikkhu Medhankar
Bhikkhu Pannasara
SARAMANERAS
Saranankara
Piyadassi
Dil Bhadra
Chandima
Samita
Narada bdquoA‟
Piyaratna
Kusala
Lakkhana
Udit
Vibekanada
Pannananda
Mettananda
Chandananda
Yassari
Upali
Subodhi
Mahanama
Kashyapa
Dhammapala
Narada bdquoB‟
Nalaka bdquoA‟
Daywasa
Santa Sobhana
Santa Siddhartha
Santa Maitri
Santa Kosala
Santa Sakya
Suvaca
Sukama Sila
Siddhartha
Nanda bdquoA‟
Rahula
Sudheera
Kosala Dheera
Panna Wansa
Jina Wansa
Mahinda
Nanda bdquoB‟
Seewali
Mahapantha
Assaji
Sarada
Sumana
Ananda
Nalaka bdquoB‟
Aloka
Suwarna
Subodh
Udena
Sangharatna bdquoA‟
Gyanendra
Khema
Soma bdquoA‟
Punna
Panna Ransi
Soma bdquoB‟
Santa bdquoA‟
Kapila Wansa
Asita Wansa
Sumanananda bdquoa‟
Vijitananda
Khemananda
Silananda
Medhananda
Somaratna
Soratha
Pragyananda
Sumangala
Santa Citta
Yasa
Dhamma Kitti
Panna Kitti
Santa Dheera
Vijitananda
Sumanananda bdquob‟
Vajra Bodhi
Dhammika
Santa bdquoB‟
Anuruddha
Sumana bdquoB‟
Jinavamsa
Panna Vansa
Buddha Ratna
Dhamma Ratna
Ariya Ratna
Piyadassi bdquoB‟
Sila Ratna
Sangha Ratna bdquoB‟
List of Anagarikas studying in abroad
I Thailand
1 Anagarika Sirisuta Maharjan
2 Anagarika Ramsobha Shrestha
3 Anagarika Sunita Napit
II Myanmar
1 Anagarika Javanvati
2 Anagarika Vimalajnani
3 Anagarika Ambika
4 Anagarika Buddhapali
5 Anagarika Darshana
6 Anagarika Agrajnani
7 Anagarika Nandavati
bdquob‟
III India 1 Anagarika Rupashila
IV Taiwan
1 Anagarika Pannavati
2 Anagarika Sani
3 Anagarika Nima
V Sri Lanka
1 Anagarika Pannawati
2 Anagarika Mettawati
3 Anagarika Keshawati
4 Anagarika Prasnnawati
5 Anagarika Sukhawati
6 Anagarika Shobhawati
7 Anagarika Subhadra
8 Anagarika
Shraddhagautami
9 Anagarika Upananda
10 Anagarika Shantawati
11 Anagarika Suciwati
Residences of Theravādin Monks in Nepal
01 Abhinava Buddha Vihara Lumbini
1) Bhikkhu Vimalananda Mahathera
2) Samanera Sunanda
02 Anandakut Vihara Swayambhu Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Kumara Kassapa Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Dharmamurti 3) Samanera Kondanya
4) S Prajnaratna 5) S Asoka
6) S Kumarjeeva 7) S Assaji
03 Bauddha Samaskrita Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Bhikkhu Dharmashobhana Mahathera
04 Bodhicharya Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Bodhisena Mahathera
2) Samanera Bodhideepa
05 Buddha Vihara Bhrikuti Mandap-Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Kondanya 2) Bhikkhu Sushil
3) Samanera Anuyoga 3) S Javana
4) S Udena
06 Buddha Vihara Biratnagar
1) Bhikkhu Aloka
07 Buddha Vihara Dharan
1) Bhikkhu Maitri (Tamang)
2) Bhikkhu Chhavikirti
08 Chatubrahma Vihara Matatirtha
1) Bhikkhu Thansettho
2) Bhikkhu Samyakaratna
3) Bhikkhu Bodhananda
9 Charumati Stupa Vihara Chabahil Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Tapassi Dhamma
10 Dharmacakra Ashrama Bagbazar
1) Bhikkhu Milinda
11 Dharmashila Buddha Vihara Pokhara
1) Bhikkhu Subhadda 2) Bhikkhu Saddhananda
12 Dhyanakuti Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Ashwaghosha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Rahul 3) Samanera Gautama
13 Gana Maha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Sanghanayaka Bhikkhu Subodhanand Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sobhita
3) Bhikkhu Samvegakirti
4) Samanera Sugatananda
6) S Chandananda
7) S Somananda
8) S Sumanavamsha
9) S Somavamsha
10) S Sumanasiri
14 IlayabahiTanabaha Patan
1) Bhikkhu Vimalkirti
15 International Bauddha Pariyatti Vihara Butwal
1) Bhikkhu Jatila
2) Bhikkhu Bhaddiya bdquoB‟
3) Samanera Jnanashree 4) S Jotika
16 International Buddhist Society Lumbini
1) Bhikkhu Maitri Mahathera
2) Samanera Mahapanta
3) S Vimala
17 Jana Udaya Vihara Sunakothi-Lalitpura
1) Bhikkhu Dharmagupta
18 Jitavana Vihara Thankot
1) Bhikkhu Dharmavamsha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sugatamuni Mahathera
3) Samanera Sunita
19 Kuti Vihara Koteshwar-KTM
1) Bhikkhu Yeshdhammo
2) Samanera Wayamo
3) S Milindo 4) S Sunanalankara
20 Manimandapa Mahavihara Patan
1) Bhikshu Shilbhadra Mahathera
2) Samanera Paduma 3) S Nayako
21 Muni Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Samanera Tejendra 2) S Jalapa
3) S Asima 4) S Aryaputra
22 Padma Sugandha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Sumedha 2) Samanera Sudatta
23 Pati Vihara Nagadesh-Bhaktapur
1) Bhikkhu Varasambodhi
24 Pranidhi Purna Maha Vihara Balambu
1) Samanera Sukha
25 Pugatabhoomi Jetavana Vihara Bhairahawa
1) Samanera Jagaro 2) S Suvanno
26 Purvaram Vihara Dhulikhel
1) Bhikkhu Gunaghosha Mahathero
27 Sangharama Vihara Kshetrapati Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Saddhatissa
2) Bhikkhu Kolita
3) Bhikkhu Sangharakshita
28 Shakya Singha Vihara Patan
1) Bhikkhu Dharmapala Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sunanda Mahathera
3) Bhikkhu Dharmarakshita
29 Shikhalapura Vihara Dhulikhel
1) Bhikkhu Dhammananda Mahathera
30 Shree Kirti Vihara Kirtipur
1) Bhikkhu Kirtijyoti 2) Bhikkhu Ananda
3) Bhikkhu Prajnakirti
4) Bhikkhu Dharmakirti
5) Samanera Sundara 6) Bhikkhu Pamit
7) S Subhashkirti 8) S Uttarakirti
31 Shreegha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Dharmasagara
2) Bhikkhu Medhankara
32 Sudarshana Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Rastrapala
33Sumangala Vihara Patan
1) Sanghaupanayaka Bhikkhu Buddhaghosha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Shobhan
3) Bhikkhu Prajnaratna
34 Surya Mangala Vihara Kapilvastu
1) Bhikkhu Suryamangala
35 Tokha Buddha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Samanera Shobhana 2) S Jnanodaya
36 Veluvanarama Vihara Thecho-Lalitpura
1) Samanera Uttama 2) S Chandimo
37 Vishwa Shanti Vihara New Baneshwar
1) Bhikshu Jnanapurnik Mahathera
2) Bhikshu Bodhijnana
3) Bhikshu Nigrodha
4) Bhikshu Udayabhadra
Samaneras
1) S Janak 2) S Sujat
3) S Obhaso 4) S Subhaddo
5) S Nandiyo 6) S Mahindo
7) S Pajjoto 8) S Aloka
9) S Buddhadatta 10) S Panita
11) S Kashyapa 12)S Dharmaghosha
13) S Nagita 14) S Vinaya
15) S Suchitta 16) S Sudatto
17) S Nemindo 18) S Rohito
19) S Jayanto 20) S Meghiyo
21) S Indriyo 22) S Suppamedho
23) S Bhanusarana 24) S Saddhadeepa
25) S Kittimo 26) S Janeyyo
27) S Adicca 28) S Kosalla
29) S Nyanuttara 30) S Bhaddaco
31) S Pabhassaro 32) S Uttaro
38 Yampi Maha Vihara Patan
1) Bhikkhu Bhaddiya
39 Non residencial Monks
1) Bhikshu Samyaka Sambodhi Pranputra
2) Bhikshu Dhyanratna
3) Bhikkhu Chandragupta Balambu
Present Anagarikas and resident in NEPAL
01 Amarapura Vihara Bungamati
1) A Charujnani 2) A Sunita
3) A Palitajnani 4) A Pamitajnani
5) A Padumajnani 6) A Rupawati
02 Bauddha Samaskrit Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Anagarika Sanghashila
03 Buddha ViharaDharan
1) A Sumedhavati 2) A Sushilavati
3) A Kanchana 4) A Shasanavati
04 Bauddha Rishi Mahapragya Ashram Anamnagar
1) Anagarika Prajnavati
05 Chatubrahma Vihara Matatirtha
1) Anagarika Anu
06 Dhammavasa Vihara Khusibun
1) A Krishgautami 2) A Suchita
3) A Shilgautami 4) A Kshantigautami
5) A Shyamavati
07 Dharmakirti Vihara Naghal-Kathmandu
1) Anagarika RatnaManjari
2) A Dhammavati
3) A Dhammadinna (Chameli)
4) A Anupama 5) A Sanghavati
6) A Khemavati 7) A Indravati
8) A Jayavati 9) A Danavati
10) A Tyagavati 11) AViryavati
12) A Shubhavati 13) A Ramavati
14) A Surammavati
15) A Hemavati 16) A Suppabhavati
17) A Supriya 18) A Amata
19) A Vannavati 20) A Suvannavati
08 Dharmashila Buddha Vihara Pokhara
1) Anagarika Karmashila
09 Gautami Vihara Lumbini
1) Anagarika Sujata 2) A Khamesi
10 IlayabahiTana Baha Lalitpur
1) A Shilaparami 2)AViryaparami
3) A Vineeta 4) A Shilachari
11 Int‟l Buddhist Meditation Centre Shankhamul
1) A Aggajnani 2) A Nirmalajnani
3) A Shantarakshita
12 Jaya Mangal ViharaTana Bahal-Patan
1) Anagarika Vijita 2) A Nekkhami
3) A Chittavati
13 Jyoti Vihara Chapagaun- Lalitpur
1) AnagarikaVirygautami
2) A Upeskshagautami
14 Kashivarna Buddha Vihara Panuati
1) Anagarika Satyaparami
15 Kindol Vihara Swayambhu
1) A Sumana 2) A Uttara
3) A Sumitra 4) A Molini
5) A Dhammavijaya 6) A Tejavati
7) A Shyamavati
16 Kunsa BahaHyumat
1) Anagarika Patachari 2) AUmavati
17 Mahabodhi Vihara Tansen
1) Anagarika Revati (Dhammadinna)
18 Muni Vihara Bhaktapur
1) A Sugandhavati 2) A Padmavati
19 Narsinharama Thaina-Patan
1) A Jnanashila 2) ASatyashila
3) AShilavati 4) A Yeshavati 5) A Dharani
6) A Jeenvati
7) A Shilpavatisushma
20 Padmachaitya Vihara Butwal
1) A Udayashila 2) A Santiwati
21 Padmakirti Vihara Kamalpokhari
1) A Kamala 2) A Karunavati
3) A Pabbhavati 4) A Dhyanavati
5) A Bhavanavati
22 Prajnanandarama Okubahal-Patan
1) Anagarika Jnanavati
23 Pranidhipurna Mahavihara Balambu
1) A Mudita 2) A Chandrashila bdquoB‟
24 SangharakshitaVihara Patan
1) Anagarika Abhaya 2) A Chandrashila
3) A Shilachari
25 Shanti Sukhavasa Chakupat-Patan
1) A Utpalavarna (Chini)
26 Shree Kirti Vihara Kirtipur
1) Anagarika Mina
27 SunandaramaThaina-Patan
1) A Madhavi 2) AMasukhi
3) A Mashobha 4) A Mashraddha
5) A Masudha
28 Sulakshanakirti Viahara Kirtipur
1) A Anoja 2) A Atula
3) A Anula
29 Sangharama ViharaDhalko-KTM
1) Anagarika Dharmarakshita
30 Vishwashanti Vihara New Baneshwar
1) A Shubha 2) A Khema
3) A Sudhamma
31 Vishwashanti Dharmakirti Vihara Basundhara
1) A Dhajavati (Kusum) 2) A Padmavati
3) A Bhadravati
32 Residing other Anagarikas
1) Anagarika Chandrajnani Patan
2) A Sraddhavati Shankhamul
3) A Amaravati Patan
4) A Dhammachari Patan
5) A Nanda Thasi
Some Prominent Personalities in the Theravada Movement1
Sanghamahanayakas of Nepal
1 Ven Pragyanand Mahasthavir 1930 ndash 1993 AD
2 Ven Sakyananda Mahasthavir 1993 - 1997 AD
3 Ven Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1997 - 2002 AD
4 Ven Subodhananda Mahasthavir 2002 - 2006 AD
5 Ven Buddhaghosa Mahasthavir 2006-
Amritananda Bhikkhu (1918-1990) original name Lal Kaji Sakya from Tansen
west Nepal he ordain as a novice in 1936 from ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara He studies and was ordained a monk in Sri Lanka in 1940 He
return to Nepal in 1942 and preached first publicly in Kathmandu He
formed Dharmodaya Sabha in 1944 and All Nepal Bhikkhu Mahasangha in
1951 and remained its unchallenged leader until his death He was well
known and traveled widely outside of Nepal because of his dynamism and
charisma He was also one of the greatest Buddhist scholars and writers of
Nepal
Aniruddha Bhikkhu (1915-2003) original name Gaja Ratna Tuladhar son of
Dasa Ratna Sahu (Later Ven Dhammaloka) He went to Sri Lanka in 1930
and ordained as samanera and studied there He had served many years in
Lumbini and third Sanghanayaka of Nepal
1 Sarah Levine and David N Gellner Rebuilding Buddhism The Theravada Movement in
Twentieth Century Nepal (UK Harvard University Press 2006) pp 293-296
Ashwaghosh Bhikkhu (1926- present) original name Buddha Ratna Sakya and
became a novice in 1944 and went to Sri Lanka for study where he took
higher ordination in 1949 he is known as bdquothe communist monk‟ and was a
nominee of the Unified Marxist-Leninist party one of Nepal‟s two main
political parites in the 1990s to the Upper House 1993-5 He had
established nepal‟s first Bhikkhu Training Center at Sangharama Dhalko
and became abbot of this vihara Presently he is abbot of Shrigha Vihara in
Kathmandu and of Dyanakuti Vihara Banepa
Buddhaghosh Bhikkhu (1921- present day) original name Sapta Ratna
Vajracharya in Kwa Baha Kathamandu The founder of Pariyatti Education
in Nepal and presently acting Sanghanayaka of Nepal (2006) and abbot of
Sri Sumangala Vihara in Lalitpur
Chandramani Bhikkhu (1876-1972) a Burmese monk who spent his life in
Kusinagara where he worked for the propagation of Buddhism until his
death He initiated with most of the early Nepalese Theravadins Monks and
Nuns He was the first president of Dharmodaya Sabha and father of
Theravadins of Nepal
Dharmachari Anagarika (1898-1978) born Laxmi Nani Tuladhar she
impressed by Ven Pragyananda in Kindol Vihara and took the precepts
from Chandramani in Kusinagara in 1934 and most prominent Nepali nun
She founded the first nunnery in Nepal at Kindol Vihara in 1947
Dhammaloka Bhikkhu (1891-1977) born Das Ratna Tuladhar Asan
kathamandu He traded in Lhasha went to Sri Lanka and taught Buddhism
as a layman Later became a monk in 1932 after his son Aniruddha ordain
in 1930 he established nepal‟s first Theravādin Vihara bdquoAnanda Kuti
Vihar‟ in Kathmandu
Dhammawati Anagarika (1925- present day) born as Ganesh Kumari Sakya in
Uku Baha lalitpur She ordain too precepts from Ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara and renamed as Dhammavati in 1950 She went to Burma for
study and return in 1963 after passed the Dhammacariya Examination She
was able to established Dhammakirti Nunnery Centre in 1965 and leader of
the Theravādin Nuns She has been re-ordained as Bhikkhuni according to
Mahayana tradition
Dharmaditya Dharmacharya (1902-1963) born as Jagat Man Vaidya in Chika
Bahi Lalitpur and the first Newar Buddhist modernist and the first newar
cultural nationalist He went to study in Calcutta where he became a
follower of anagarika Dhammapala the founder of Maha Bodhi Society
He had formed Buddhist revival foundation and published Buddhist
magazines etc
Nyanpurnika Bhikkhu (1936- present day) Born as Hera Lal Sakya in Tansen
He studied with Buddhaghosh in Lalitpur in Burma and in England He is
only monk who passed Dhammacariya examination of Burma He was the
founder of Vishwa Shanti Vihara and Vishwa Shanti Bauddha sikkyalaya
where train novices He is a prominent translator and writer
Kumar Kashyap Bhikkhu (1926- present day) born as Krishna Man Sakya he
was one of those who exiled to India by the Ranas in 1944 He went to
Study in Sri Lanka and hold nepal‟s first bdquoTripitaka acarya‟ Presently he is
president of All Nepal Bhikkhu Association and abbot of Ananda Kuti
Vihara
Mahapragya Bhikkhu (1901-1979) born Prem Bahadur (Nani Kaji ) Shrestha
He ordained into Tibetan tradition but exiled in 1926 and reordained as
novice in Theravada tradition one of the earlier Theravādin monks He
return to householderhood in Kalimpong in 1940s but then returned to
Kathmandu as a Buddhist sage (Bauddha Rishi) in the 1960s where he
taught until his death
Pragyananda Bhikkhu (1900-1993) born as Kul Man Singh Tuladhar in Itum
Baha Kathmandu a trader in Tibet where he met Ven Mahapragya and
impressed by him to ordained He became a Tibetan Gelung Karmasheel in
1928 and two years later a Theravādin under Ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara in 1930 He was nepal‟s first Sanghamahanayaka and well
respected monk
Shakyananda Bhikkhu (1909-1997) born as Chakra Dhan Sakya in Taksar
Bhojpur East Nepal He spent over forty years as a monk in Tansen outside
the Kathmandu and second sanghamahanayaka of Nepal
Subodhanand Bhikkhu (1916-2006) bor as Kul Raj Sakya in Taksar Bhojpur
East Nepal He was one of the monks exiled by the Ranas in 1944 He was
a prolific composer of Hymns in Nepal Bhasa In 2003 as the most senior
monk in Nepal he was the fourth Sanghanayaka of Nepal
Sudarshan Bhikkhu (1934-2002) born as Rudra Raj Sakya in Uku Baha
lalitpur He was famous a bdquothe boy monk‟ For many years he was a lecturer
in the culture Department of Tribhuvan University a prolific writer
preacher and abbot of Sri Kirti Vihara Kirtipur which is became multi-
cultural center and especially for Buddhist meetings and conferences He
was jailed for some months for Nepal Bhasa activities in the Panchayat
period He was a campaigner on Buddhist issues particularly to do with
Lumbini
Sumangal Bhikkhu (1929-1999) born Bhakta Krishna Shilpakar in Lalitpur He
was famous as ldquoDollar bhanterdquo He ordained in 1959 in Burma obtained a
master‟s degree in Buddhism from Rissho University Japan in 1972 and
was among the first monks to mobilize international connections for
Buddhist projects in Nepal He established Buddha Vihara in Bhrikuti
Mandap Kathmandu He helped raise funds from Thailand and Japan for
IBMc (1985) brought the Japanese healing movement Sei Mei Kyo to
Nepal and in 1993 opened an old people‟s home in Banepa
Glimpse of Theravādin activities in Nepal
Samanera ordination at Muni Vihara
Ordination Ceremony at Vishwa Shanti Vihara
Collecting Alms
Chanting Paritta in devotee‟s home
Giving Holy Thread to Devotees
Buddhist Art in Nepal
Main Buddha Image at Sri Kirti Vihara
Four holy places
Some of the Theravada Buddhist Viharas (Monasteries) in Nepal
Vihars In Kathmandu Valley Telephone No
1 Amarapura Buddha Vihar Bungamati 5551068
2 Anandakuti Vihar Swayambhu 4271420
3 Anandabhuwan Vihar Bhuikhyo 4270429
4 Ganamaha vihar Ganabaha 4253454
5 Gautam Buddha Vihar Panga co 4330576
6 Caturbrahma Vihar Matatirtha 4310558
7 Carumati Vihar Cabahil 4469897
8 Baudhajana Vihar Sunakothi co 5570209
9 Jitapur Gandhakuti Vihar khona Co 5542846
10 Jitawan Vihar Thankot 4311912
11 Jyoti udaya vihar Capagaun Co 5571459
12 Dhammavasa Vihar Khusibun 4358688
13 Dharmakirti Vihar Srigha Naghal 4259466
14 Dharmacakra vihar Bagbajar 4261976
15 Nagar Mandap Sri Kirti Vihar Kirtipur 4330836
16 Nagadesh Buddha Vihar Nagadesh Co 6635397
17 Nirvanmurti Anagarikaram Kindol 4285811
18 Padmasugandha Vihar Manjeshwori 4266255
19 Pranidhi Purna Mahavihar Balambu 43105924312455
20 Pati Vihar Thimi Co 6637601
21 Pippali Theravad Buddha Vihar Shiphal 4475066
22 Punya Udaya Vihar Jala Harisiddhi Co 5527456
23 Buddhabhoomi Mahavihar Tokha 4362514
24 Buddha Vihar Bhrikuti mandapa 4226702
25 Buddharatna Vihar Putalisadak 4244277
26 Bauddha samakrit Vihar Bhaktapur 6610842
27 Manimandap Vihar Patko Bhaktapur 5526517
28 Muni Vihar Bhaktapur 6616464
29 Yampi Mahavihar Ibahi Lalitpur 5539644
30 Yashodhara Baudha Bidyalaya Thaina Lalitpur 5521435
31 Biswo Shanti Vihar Baneshwor 4482384
32 Biswo Shanti Dharmakirti vihar Basundhara 4354251
33 Beluvanarama Vihar Theco Co 5570062
34 Sakyasingha Vihar Thaina Lalitpur 5524760
35 Santi Sukhawas Cakupat co 5523613
36 Siddhimangal Buddha Vihar Thasi 5581495
37 Sumangala Vihara Lagankhel 5531715
38 Sulakshan kirti Vihar Chobhar 4331718
39 Suwanrna Chatrapur Vihar Lubhu 5580430
40 Sangharama Vihar Dhalko Visnumati 4255960
41 Srigha Vihar Nagal 4259110
Vihars out side the Kathamandu Velley Telephone No
1 Ananda Vihar Tansen Co 075-520225520216
2 Citravan Vihar Narayangadha Co 056-521478
3 Taksar Vihar Tansen Co 075-520024
4 Dharmashila Buddha Vihar Phokhara 061-520517
5 Dyankuti Banepa Banepa 011-661244
6 Padma Chaitya Vihar Butawal 071-546470
7 Purwarama Vihar Dhulikhel 011-661979
8 Pragya Mahavihar Hetauda Co 057-520264520136
9 Buddha Vihar Dharan 025-520354
10 Buddha Vihar Biratnagar Co 021-522146530604
11 Beni Buddha Vihar Myagdi Co 069-520354
12 Bodhicharya vihar Banepa 011-661789
13 Lokachakra Buddha Vihar Dhan gadhi 091-622174
14 Sakyamuni Vihar Bhojpur Co 029-420260
15 Sugatapur Vihar Trisuli Co 010-560153
16 Sugandha Vihar Ridi Gulmi Co 079-529435
17 Swoyambhu Chetya Buddha Vihar Urlabari Co 021-540080
18 Swoyambhu Chetya Mahavihar Dharan Co 025-520190
19 Gyanodaya Buddha Vihar Baglung Co 068-520921520336
Footnotes
[1] This paper was written as a part of my MA thesis research on bdquoThe
Revival of Theravada Buddhism and its contribution to Nepalese Society‟ of
Mahachulalongkorn University Bangkok Thailand and would like to thank Mr
Dharma Sakya for every suggestion editing and help for the completion of this
article
[2] Nyanatiloka Buddhist Dictionary 3
rd ed The Free Distribution
version the Corporate Body of the Buddha education foundation Taiwan p
179
[3] Triratna Manandhar bdquoPresent of Buddhism in Nepal‟ (Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK Vol 8 May 2005) p 15
[4] helliphelliphelliphellip The New Encyclopedia of Britannica Vol24 (USA
Library of Congress Catalog 1993) p 781 Dhanabajra Vajracharya Cabahilko
Abhilekha (Inscription of Cabahil) The Charumati Voice (Kath Charumati
Buddhist Mission 2001) pp 17-20 Bhikkhu Sudarsan Mahasthavira Nepal
Upatyaka ma Ashokaki Chori Charumati (Charumati A daughter of
Ashoka in Nepal Valley) (The Charumati Vocie (Kath Charumati Buddhist
Mission 2001) p 20
[5] Beal Samuel Si Yu Ri Buddhist Records of the Western World
(New Delhi Motilal Banarsidass Publishers 1994) pp 80-81 Bhuwan Lal
Pradhan Nepalama Buddhadharma (Kath Nepal Rajkiya Pragyapratisthana
1988) pp 102 ndash 103
[6] NB Thapa A Short History of Nepal (Kath Ratna Pustak
bhandhar Nd) pp 30-33 Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ The
Nation Thailand‟s English Newspaper (Sunday special) Oct 18 1987
[7] Opcit NB Thapa p116
[8] David N Gellner Monk Householder and Tantric Priest Newar
Buddhism and its Hierarchy of Ritual (Cambridge University Press 1996) pp
41ff
[9] Bechert Heinz amp Jens-Uwe Hartmann ldquoObservation on the reform
of Buddhism in Nepalrdquo Journal of Nepal Research Centre vol VIII Kath
Kantipur Printing Press1988p 6
[10] Ria Kloppenborg Theravada Buddhism in Nepal‟ Kailash A
Journal of Himalayan Studies Vol 5 no 41977 p 302
[11] BP Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada Gukathan Wagu Kha (Kath
Hisi Press Nepal BS 20421985) pp44ff
[12] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p47ff
[13] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 51-53 Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal (BKK A Thesis of MA Mahamakut Graduate School
2001) p 97
[14] Bhikshu Sudarshan Mahasthavir bdquoRole of Theravada in the
Preservation of Newar Buddhism‟ wwwircnepalorgpapers
[15] Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 69-72
[16] Opcit Observation on the reform of Buddhism in Nepal p10ff
[17] Opcit Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ RV
Vandya Sanghanayaka Venerable Pragnananda Mahasthavir (Kath Nepal
Co-operative Press 1978) pp 11ff
[18] Bhkkhu Dharmaloka Mahasthavir A Pilgrimage in China (kath
published by Bhikkhu Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1999) p 13-15 Opcit Lacoul
Nepalay Sthavirvada p 74-75
[19] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka p 15
[20] Opcit Bhikkhu dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp16ff
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p100
[21] Ibit Bhikkhu Dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp 27-29
[22] See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A Homage
(Kath Anandakuti Vihar Trust 1992) Kuladharma Ratna Tuladhar Buddhism
in Nepal (Kath Dharmodaya Sabha 1986) pp15 Opcit Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 100
[23] Opcit K R Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal 16 RV Vandya
Sanghanayaka ven Pragnananda p 32 ff
[24] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka Pragnananda pp 34-35
Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthavirvada p 86
[25] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 18 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 101
[26] Bhikkhu Amritananda Mahasthavir A Short History of Theravada
Buddhism in Modern Nepal (Kath Anandakuti Vihar trust 1986) pp 8-9
Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir (Kath Anandakuti
Vihar Trust 1992) p 25
[27] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 19 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[28] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[29] Opcit Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir
p 26
[30] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit KR
Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 20
[31] Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha in Nepal
(BKK A Thesis of MA Buddhist Study Mahachulalongkorn University 2547)
p 23 [32]
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit Ratna
Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir p 26
[33] Amrit R Sthapit bdquowho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Aswaghosha‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 4 no 1 May 2001
p8
[34] helliphelliphelliphelliphellip bdquoWho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Nyanapurninka Mahasthavir‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 7
no 1 May 2004 p13 Viswo Shanti Vihar The Shanti Sandesh (Kath Viswo
Shanti Vihar 1998)
[35] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sumangala Mahasthavir
A monk who modernized Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the
LNBDS UK vol 2 no 1 May 1999 p10
[36] Opcit Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha
in Nepal pp 52ff
[37] Rina Tuladhara Dharmakirti 25 Years of Dharmakirti Buddhist
Study Circle A Glimpse (Kath Dharmakirti Vihar 1996) Mallika Sakya
bdquoWho is Who in Nepalese Buddhism Dhammavati Guruma‟ Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 5 no 1 May 2002 p10
[38] Opcit See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A
Homage Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 108
[39] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sudarshan Mahasthavir A
Gem of the Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol
6 no 1 May 2003 p13
31
Theravadin in Nepalese Society
For centuries Nepalese were aware of only Buddhist priest
(Bajracharya) from Newar Buddhism (Vajrayana) and Tibetan Lamas
They were unaware of Theravadian Buddhist monks and nuns
Bajracharyas are household monks They lead domestic lives and are
not celibate Not all Tibetan monks are celibate It depends on the
school they belong to For example monks from Sakya School of
Tibetan tradition do not have to be celibate Theravada monks wear
distinctive saffron coloured robes They are celibate and lead virtuous
monastic life These monks and nuns have different identity in the eyes
of Nepalese especially the inhabitants of Kathmandu valley Their
simple way of life their full dedication in their work for the benefit of
mankind easily understood Theravada Scriptures translated in different
languages eg in Nepal Bhasa (Newari) Nepali in Hindi and in
English for easy accessibility by different groups helped to gain the
heart of Nepalese people Although many lay people have played
pivotal roles in revival of Theravada Buddhism in Nepal the leadership
32
of monks and nuns were vital in further development and survival of
this tradition
The lay Buddhists of Nepal are pluralistic They participate in
Buddhist ceremonies such as Vesak day daily chanting etc At the
same time they also follow Hindu customs in their daily lives
Buddhism is different from Hinduism and it is not a branch of
Hinduism Hindus believe that Buddha was a reincarnation of Lord
Vishnu Buddha never claimed to be anything other than a human
being ndash although a unique one in the history of mankind
Buddhism in Nepal is unique because of existence of three
different Buddhist traditions - Newar Buddhism (Vajrayana)
Tibetan Buddhism (Mahayana) and Theravada Buddhism
Different Buddhist groups practised different traditions Although the
principle underlying all these traditions is the same they differ in
details Theravada Buddhist tradition is different from Tibetan or
Newar Buddhist traditions but it is developing side-by-side with them
It was not possible for Theravada Buddhism to develop in Nepal
without close co-relation with other traditions but later developed on its
own right These various Buddhist traditions are coexisting in present
33
day Nepal Although they have different cultural traditions and are
developing in their own ways but the followers are the same
Therefore there is no separate identity of Theravadian lay Buddhists
There are number of lay Buddhist organizations such as Dharmodaya
Sabha Dharmakirti Institute Young Buddhist Associations Female
Buddhist Associations more recently Sukhi Hotu Nepal which are
playing important role in promotion of Buddha Dhamma but they are
multi-cultural and multi religious in their daily practices
CONCLUSION
Theravada Buddhism was introduced to Nepal at the time when
public meetings were banned It faced many obstacles at the beginning
Strong dedications of monks and nuns made it possible for its revival in
Nepal after many centuries of neglect Even though the revival
movement of this tradition was started only about 80 years ago it has
already gained strong foot hold in Nepal and gaining popularity day by
day The reason for its popularity lies in many things - the simple and
easily understood way the teachings were given the simple way of life
of monks and nuns lead and various beneficial activities undertaken by
34
Viharas Theravadin Buddhist monks and nuns are well accepted by
people and their contribution in promoting Buddha‟s teachings is
widely recognized Although small in number in comparison to other
Asian countries like Thailand Sri Lanka and Burma both the number
of monks and nuns and monasteries of this tradition are increasing day
by day If this trend continues it will become one of the prominent
religious traditions in Nepal It is only natural that this oldest Buddhist
tradition should gain its place of honour it deserve in a country where
the founder of the religion was born
35
Theravada Records in Nepal
List of Monks Novices and Anagarikas studying abroad
MONKS AND NOVICES
I Thailand
1 Bhikkhu Anil Man Dhammasakiyo (Sugandha)
2 Bhikkhu Vipassi Dhammaramo
3 Bhikkhu Jit Bahadur Gurung
4 Bhikkhu Krishna Thapamagar
5 Bhikkhu Pannamurti
6 Bhikkhu Sujan Sujano
7 Bhikkhu Anil Sumankitti
8 Bhikkhu Santosh Santosho
9 Bhikkhu Khemik Suddhasilo
10 Bhikkhu Suman Rocano
11 Bhikkhu Sanu Maharajano
12 Bhikkhu Santamano Dhwajjoshi
13 Bhikkhu Suman Dhwajjoshi
14 Bhikkhu Bijit Khemasakko
15 Bhikkhu Supreme Shakyavanso
Samaneras
1 Samanera Buddharatna Maharjan
2 Samanera Dhammaratna Maharjan
3 Samanera Bipin Maharjan
4 Samanera Prajwal Shakya
5 Samanera Ukesh Sakya
6 Samanera Gopi Maharjan
7 Samanera Sudip Deshar
8 Samanera Sudat Deshar
9 Samanera Deepi Maharjan
10 Samanera Ramit Shrestha
11 Samanera Anup Deshar
12 Samanera Suman Bajracharya bdquoA‟
13 Samanera Rajendra Deshar
14 Samanera Kapila Maharjan
15 Samanera Arbin Shakya
36
16 Samanera Kabindra Bajracharya
17 Samanera Ujjawal Shakya
18 Samanera Satish Shakya
19 Samanera Bimal Gurung
20 Samanera Surya Gurung
21 Samanera Sameer Maharjan
22 Samanera Anup Shakya
23 Samanera Arjun Magar
24 Samanera Kiran Desahar
25 Samanera Dipesh Shrestha
26 Samanera Tejendra Tamang
27 Samanera Ashim Shakya
28 Samanera Jalap Bajracharya
29 Samanera Arya Dev Bajracharya
30 Samanera Sudarshan Maharjan
31 Samanera Sangharatna
32 Samanera Suman Bajracharya bdquoB‟
33 Samanera Kijan Maharjan
34 Samanera Ramesh Maharjan
35 Samanera Niroj Maharjan
36 Samanera Jen Maharjan
37 Samanera Denish Bajracharya
38 Samanera Pritam Bahadur Shakya
39 Samanera Abhishek Shakya
40 Samanera Bishal Shakya
41 Samanera Sajal Shakya
42 Samanera Suraj Bhakta Shrestha
43 Samanera Dinesh Chaudhary
44 Samanera Shiv Swatantra Tharu
45 Samanera Sambhu Lal Khang
46 Samanera Buddharatna Chaudhary
47 Samanera Mukesh Chaudhary
II Myanmar (Burma)
Bhikkhu Samaneras
1 Bhikkhu Panavimala
2 Bhikkhu Dhyanratna
3 Bhikkhu Adiccho
4 Bhikkhu Vimalbuddhi
5 Bhikkhu Shobhan
6 Samanera Amato
7 Samanera Jutimma
8 Samanera Buddhapiyo
9 Samanera Kavindo
10 Samanera Nagasena
11 Samanera Gyanavudho
III Taiwan(ROC) 1 Bhikkhu Mangala 2 Bhikkhu Vazirbuddhi
IV Australia 1 Bhikkhu Upatissa
V India
1 Bhikkhu Dharmajyoti 2 Bhikkhu Ashokakirti
3 Bhikkhu Narawang Tamang
VI United kingdom 1 Bhikkhu Suman
VII USA 1 Bhikkhu Pragnaloka
VIII Sri Lanka
Bhikkhus
Bhikkhu Nanda
Bhikkhu Vineeta
Bhikkhu Ashoka
Bhikkhu Triratna
Bhikkhu Sagara
Bhikkhu Sankicca
Bhikkhu Vajirasiri
Bhikkhu Sarada
Bhikkhu Veenit
Bhikkhu Ratana
Bhikkhu Tissa
Bhikkhu Vajira
Bhikkhu Pannawimal
Bhikkhu Medhankar
Bhikkhu Pannasara
SARAMANERAS
Saranankara
Piyadassi
Dil Bhadra
Chandima
Samita
Narada bdquoA‟
Piyaratna
Kusala
Lakkhana
Udit
Vibekanada
Pannananda
Mettananda
Chandananda
Yassari
Upali
Subodhi
Mahanama
Kashyapa
Dhammapala
Narada bdquoB‟
Nalaka bdquoA‟
Daywasa
Santa Sobhana
Santa Siddhartha
Santa Maitri
Santa Kosala
Santa Sakya
Suvaca
Sukama Sila
Siddhartha
Nanda bdquoA‟
Rahula
Sudheera
Kosala Dheera
Panna Wansa
Jina Wansa
Mahinda
Nanda bdquoB‟
Seewali
Mahapantha
Assaji
Sarada
Sumana
Ananda
Nalaka bdquoB‟
Aloka
Suwarna
Subodh
Udena
Sangharatna bdquoA‟
Gyanendra
Khema
Soma bdquoA‟
Punna
Panna Ransi
Soma bdquoB‟
Santa bdquoA‟
Kapila Wansa
Asita Wansa
Sumanananda bdquoa‟
Vijitananda
Khemananda
Silananda
Medhananda
Somaratna
Soratha
Pragyananda
Sumangala
Santa Citta
Yasa
Dhamma Kitti
Panna Kitti
Santa Dheera
Vijitananda
Sumanananda bdquob‟
Vajra Bodhi
Dhammika
Santa bdquoB‟
Anuruddha
Sumana bdquoB‟
Jinavamsa
Panna Vansa
Buddha Ratna
Dhamma Ratna
Ariya Ratna
Piyadassi bdquoB‟
Sila Ratna
Sangha Ratna bdquoB‟
List of Anagarikas studying in abroad
I Thailand
1 Anagarika Sirisuta Maharjan
2 Anagarika Ramsobha Shrestha
3 Anagarika Sunita Napit
II Myanmar
1 Anagarika Javanvati
2 Anagarika Vimalajnani
3 Anagarika Ambika
4 Anagarika Buddhapali
5 Anagarika Darshana
6 Anagarika Agrajnani
7 Anagarika Nandavati
bdquob‟
III India 1 Anagarika Rupashila
IV Taiwan
1 Anagarika Pannavati
2 Anagarika Sani
3 Anagarika Nima
V Sri Lanka
1 Anagarika Pannawati
2 Anagarika Mettawati
3 Anagarika Keshawati
4 Anagarika Prasnnawati
5 Anagarika Sukhawati
6 Anagarika Shobhawati
7 Anagarika Subhadra
8 Anagarika
Shraddhagautami
9 Anagarika Upananda
10 Anagarika Shantawati
11 Anagarika Suciwati
Residences of Theravādin Monks in Nepal
01 Abhinava Buddha Vihara Lumbini
1) Bhikkhu Vimalananda Mahathera
2) Samanera Sunanda
02 Anandakut Vihara Swayambhu Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Kumara Kassapa Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Dharmamurti 3) Samanera Kondanya
4) S Prajnaratna 5) S Asoka
6) S Kumarjeeva 7) S Assaji
03 Bauddha Samaskrita Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Bhikkhu Dharmashobhana Mahathera
04 Bodhicharya Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Bodhisena Mahathera
2) Samanera Bodhideepa
05 Buddha Vihara Bhrikuti Mandap-Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Kondanya 2) Bhikkhu Sushil
3) Samanera Anuyoga 3) S Javana
4) S Udena
06 Buddha Vihara Biratnagar
1) Bhikkhu Aloka
07 Buddha Vihara Dharan
1) Bhikkhu Maitri (Tamang)
2) Bhikkhu Chhavikirti
08 Chatubrahma Vihara Matatirtha
1) Bhikkhu Thansettho
2) Bhikkhu Samyakaratna
3) Bhikkhu Bodhananda
9 Charumati Stupa Vihara Chabahil Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Tapassi Dhamma
10 Dharmacakra Ashrama Bagbazar
1) Bhikkhu Milinda
11 Dharmashila Buddha Vihara Pokhara
1) Bhikkhu Subhadda 2) Bhikkhu Saddhananda
12 Dhyanakuti Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Ashwaghosha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Rahul 3) Samanera Gautama
13 Gana Maha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Sanghanayaka Bhikkhu Subodhanand Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sobhita
3) Bhikkhu Samvegakirti
4) Samanera Sugatananda
6) S Chandananda
7) S Somananda
8) S Sumanavamsha
9) S Somavamsha
10) S Sumanasiri
14 IlayabahiTanabaha Patan
1) Bhikkhu Vimalkirti
15 International Bauddha Pariyatti Vihara Butwal
1) Bhikkhu Jatila
2) Bhikkhu Bhaddiya bdquoB‟
3) Samanera Jnanashree 4) S Jotika
16 International Buddhist Society Lumbini
1) Bhikkhu Maitri Mahathera
2) Samanera Mahapanta
3) S Vimala
17 Jana Udaya Vihara Sunakothi-Lalitpura
1) Bhikkhu Dharmagupta
18 Jitavana Vihara Thankot
1) Bhikkhu Dharmavamsha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sugatamuni Mahathera
3) Samanera Sunita
19 Kuti Vihara Koteshwar-KTM
1) Bhikkhu Yeshdhammo
2) Samanera Wayamo
3) S Milindo 4) S Sunanalankara
20 Manimandapa Mahavihara Patan
1) Bhikshu Shilbhadra Mahathera
2) Samanera Paduma 3) S Nayako
21 Muni Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Samanera Tejendra 2) S Jalapa
3) S Asima 4) S Aryaputra
22 Padma Sugandha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Sumedha 2) Samanera Sudatta
23 Pati Vihara Nagadesh-Bhaktapur
1) Bhikkhu Varasambodhi
24 Pranidhi Purna Maha Vihara Balambu
1) Samanera Sukha
25 Pugatabhoomi Jetavana Vihara Bhairahawa
1) Samanera Jagaro 2) S Suvanno
26 Purvaram Vihara Dhulikhel
1) Bhikkhu Gunaghosha Mahathero
27 Sangharama Vihara Kshetrapati Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Saddhatissa
2) Bhikkhu Kolita
3) Bhikkhu Sangharakshita
28 Shakya Singha Vihara Patan
1) Bhikkhu Dharmapala Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sunanda Mahathera
3) Bhikkhu Dharmarakshita
29 Shikhalapura Vihara Dhulikhel
1) Bhikkhu Dhammananda Mahathera
30 Shree Kirti Vihara Kirtipur
1) Bhikkhu Kirtijyoti 2) Bhikkhu Ananda
3) Bhikkhu Prajnakirti
4) Bhikkhu Dharmakirti
5) Samanera Sundara 6) Bhikkhu Pamit
7) S Subhashkirti 8) S Uttarakirti
31 Shreegha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Dharmasagara
2) Bhikkhu Medhankara
32 Sudarshana Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Rastrapala
33Sumangala Vihara Patan
1) Sanghaupanayaka Bhikkhu Buddhaghosha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Shobhan
3) Bhikkhu Prajnaratna
34 Surya Mangala Vihara Kapilvastu
1) Bhikkhu Suryamangala
35 Tokha Buddha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Samanera Shobhana 2) S Jnanodaya
36 Veluvanarama Vihara Thecho-Lalitpura
1) Samanera Uttama 2) S Chandimo
37 Vishwa Shanti Vihara New Baneshwar
1) Bhikshu Jnanapurnik Mahathera
2) Bhikshu Bodhijnana
3) Bhikshu Nigrodha
4) Bhikshu Udayabhadra
Samaneras
1) S Janak 2) S Sujat
3) S Obhaso 4) S Subhaddo
5) S Nandiyo 6) S Mahindo
7) S Pajjoto 8) S Aloka
9) S Buddhadatta 10) S Panita
11) S Kashyapa 12)S Dharmaghosha
13) S Nagita 14) S Vinaya
15) S Suchitta 16) S Sudatto
17) S Nemindo 18) S Rohito
19) S Jayanto 20) S Meghiyo
21) S Indriyo 22) S Suppamedho
23) S Bhanusarana 24) S Saddhadeepa
25) S Kittimo 26) S Janeyyo
27) S Adicca 28) S Kosalla
29) S Nyanuttara 30) S Bhaddaco
31) S Pabhassaro 32) S Uttaro
38 Yampi Maha Vihara Patan
1) Bhikkhu Bhaddiya
39 Non residencial Monks
1) Bhikshu Samyaka Sambodhi Pranputra
2) Bhikshu Dhyanratna
3) Bhikkhu Chandragupta Balambu
Present Anagarikas and resident in NEPAL
01 Amarapura Vihara Bungamati
1) A Charujnani 2) A Sunita
3) A Palitajnani 4) A Pamitajnani
5) A Padumajnani 6) A Rupawati
02 Bauddha Samaskrit Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Anagarika Sanghashila
03 Buddha ViharaDharan
1) A Sumedhavati 2) A Sushilavati
3) A Kanchana 4) A Shasanavati
04 Bauddha Rishi Mahapragya Ashram Anamnagar
1) Anagarika Prajnavati
05 Chatubrahma Vihara Matatirtha
1) Anagarika Anu
06 Dhammavasa Vihara Khusibun
1) A Krishgautami 2) A Suchita
3) A Shilgautami 4) A Kshantigautami
5) A Shyamavati
07 Dharmakirti Vihara Naghal-Kathmandu
1) Anagarika RatnaManjari
2) A Dhammavati
3) A Dhammadinna (Chameli)
4) A Anupama 5) A Sanghavati
6) A Khemavati 7) A Indravati
8) A Jayavati 9) A Danavati
10) A Tyagavati 11) AViryavati
12) A Shubhavati 13) A Ramavati
14) A Surammavati
15) A Hemavati 16) A Suppabhavati
17) A Supriya 18) A Amata
19) A Vannavati 20) A Suvannavati
08 Dharmashila Buddha Vihara Pokhara
1) Anagarika Karmashila
09 Gautami Vihara Lumbini
1) Anagarika Sujata 2) A Khamesi
10 IlayabahiTana Baha Lalitpur
1) A Shilaparami 2)AViryaparami
3) A Vineeta 4) A Shilachari
11 Int‟l Buddhist Meditation Centre Shankhamul
1) A Aggajnani 2) A Nirmalajnani
3) A Shantarakshita
12 Jaya Mangal ViharaTana Bahal-Patan
1) Anagarika Vijita 2) A Nekkhami
3) A Chittavati
13 Jyoti Vihara Chapagaun- Lalitpur
1) AnagarikaVirygautami
2) A Upeskshagautami
14 Kashivarna Buddha Vihara Panuati
1) Anagarika Satyaparami
15 Kindol Vihara Swayambhu
1) A Sumana 2) A Uttara
3) A Sumitra 4) A Molini
5) A Dhammavijaya 6) A Tejavati
7) A Shyamavati
16 Kunsa BahaHyumat
1) Anagarika Patachari 2) AUmavati
17 Mahabodhi Vihara Tansen
1) Anagarika Revati (Dhammadinna)
18 Muni Vihara Bhaktapur
1) A Sugandhavati 2) A Padmavati
19 Narsinharama Thaina-Patan
1) A Jnanashila 2) ASatyashila
3) AShilavati 4) A Yeshavati 5) A Dharani
6) A Jeenvati
7) A Shilpavatisushma
20 Padmachaitya Vihara Butwal
1) A Udayashila 2) A Santiwati
21 Padmakirti Vihara Kamalpokhari
1) A Kamala 2) A Karunavati
3) A Pabbhavati 4) A Dhyanavati
5) A Bhavanavati
22 Prajnanandarama Okubahal-Patan
1) Anagarika Jnanavati
23 Pranidhipurna Mahavihara Balambu
1) A Mudita 2) A Chandrashila bdquoB‟
24 SangharakshitaVihara Patan
1) Anagarika Abhaya 2) A Chandrashila
3) A Shilachari
25 Shanti Sukhavasa Chakupat-Patan
1) A Utpalavarna (Chini)
26 Shree Kirti Vihara Kirtipur
1) Anagarika Mina
27 SunandaramaThaina-Patan
1) A Madhavi 2) AMasukhi
3) A Mashobha 4) A Mashraddha
5) A Masudha
28 Sulakshanakirti Viahara Kirtipur
1) A Anoja 2) A Atula
3) A Anula
29 Sangharama ViharaDhalko-KTM
1) Anagarika Dharmarakshita
30 Vishwashanti Vihara New Baneshwar
1) A Shubha 2) A Khema
3) A Sudhamma
31 Vishwashanti Dharmakirti Vihara Basundhara
1) A Dhajavati (Kusum) 2) A Padmavati
3) A Bhadravati
32 Residing other Anagarikas
1) Anagarika Chandrajnani Patan
2) A Sraddhavati Shankhamul
3) A Amaravati Patan
4) A Dhammachari Patan
5) A Nanda Thasi
Some Prominent Personalities in the Theravada Movement1
Sanghamahanayakas of Nepal
1 Ven Pragyanand Mahasthavir 1930 ndash 1993 AD
2 Ven Sakyananda Mahasthavir 1993 - 1997 AD
3 Ven Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1997 - 2002 AD
4 Ven Subodhananda Mahasthavir 2002 - 2006 AD
5 Ven Buddhaghosa Mahasthavir 2006-
Amritananda Bhikkhu (1918-1990) original name Lal Kaji Sakya from Tansen
west Nepal he ordain as a novice in 1936 from ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara He studies and was ordained a monk in Sri Lanka in 1940 He
return to Nepal in 1942 and preached first publicly in Kathmandu He
formed Dharmodaya Sabha in 1944 and All Nepal Bhikkhu Mahasangha in
1951 and remained its unchallenged leader until his death He was well
known and traveled widely outside of Nepal because of his dynamism and
charisma He was also one of the greatest Buddhist scholars and writers of
Nepal
Aniruddha Bhikkhu (1915-2003) original name Gaja Ratna Tuladhar son of
Dasa Ratna Sahu (Later Ven Dhammaloka) He went to Sri Lanka in 1930
and ordained as samanera and studied there He had served many years in
Lumbini and third Sanghanayaka of Nepal
1 Sarah Levine and David N Gellner Rebuilding Buddhism The Theravada Movement in
Twentieth Century Nepal (UK Harvard University Press 2006) pp 293-296
Ashwaghosh Bhikkhu (1926- present) original name Buddha Ratna Sakya and
became a novice in 1944 and went to Sri Lanka for study where he took
higher ordination in 1949 he is known as bdquothe communist monk‟ and was a
nominee of the Unified Marxist-Leninist party one of Nepal‟s two main
political parites in the 1990s to the Upper House 1993-5 He had
established nepal‟s first Bhikkhu Training Center at Sangharama Dhalko
and became abbot of this vihara Presently he is abbot of Shrigha Vihara in
Kathmandu and of Dyanakuti Vihara Banepa
Buddhaghosh Bhikkhu (1921- present day) original name Sapta Ratna
Vajracharya in Kwa Baha Kathamandu The founder of Pariyatti Education
in Nepal and presently acting Sanghanayaka of Nepal (2006) and abbot of
Sri Sumangala Vihara in Lalitpur
Chandramani Bhikkhu (1876-1972) a Burmese monk who spent his life in
Kusinagara where he worked for the propagation of Buddhism until his
death He initiated with most of the early Nepalese Theravadins Monks and
Nuns He was the first president of Dharmodaya Sabha and father of
Theravadins of Nepal
Dharmachari Anagarika (1898-1978) born Laxmi Nani Tuladhar she
impressed by Ven Pragyananda in Kindol Vihara and took the precepts
from Chandramani in Kusinagara in 1934 and most prominent Nepali nun
She founded the first nunnery in Nepal at Kindol Vihara in 1947
Dhammaloka Bhikkhu (1891-1977) born Das Ratna Tuladhar Asan
kathamandu He traded in Lhasha went to Sri Lanka and taught Buddhism
as a layman Later became a monk in 1932 after his son Aniruddha ordain
in 1930 he established nepal‟s first Theravādin Vihara bdquoAnanda Kuti
Vihar‟ in Kathmandu
Dhammawati Anagarika (1925- present day) born as Ganesh Kumari Sakya in
Uku Baha lalitpur She ordain too precepts from Ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara and renamed as Dhammavati in 1950 She went to Burma for
study and return in 1963 after passed the Dhammacariya Examination She
was able to established Dhammakirti Nunnery Centre in 1965 and leader of
the Theravādin Nuns She has been re-ordained as Bhikkhuni according to
Mahayana tradition
Dharmaditya Dharmacharya (1902-1963) born as Jagat Man Vaidya in Chika
Bahi Lalitpur and the first Newar Buddhist modernist and the first newar
cultural nationalist He went to study in Calcutta where he became a
follower of anagarika Dhammapala the founder of Maha Bodhi Society
He had formed Buddhist revival foundation and published Buddhist
magazines etc
Nyanpurnika Bhikkhu (1936- present day) Born as Hera Lal Sakya in Tansen
He studied with Buddhaghosh in Lalitpur in Burma and in England He is
only monk who passed Dhammacariya examination of Burma He was the
founder of Vishwa Shanti Vihara and Vishwa Shanti Bauddha sikkyalaya
where train novices He is a prominent translator and writer
Kumar Kashyap Bhikkhu (1926- present day) born as Krishna Man Sakya he
was one of those who exiled to India by the Ranas in 1944 He went to
Study in Sri Lanka and hold nepal‟s first bdquoTripitaka acarya‟ Presently he is
president of All Nepal Bhikkhu Association and abbot of Ananda Kuti
Vihara
Mahapragya Bhikkhu (1901-1979) born Prem Bahadur (Nani Kaji ) Shrestha
He ordained into Tibetan tradition but exiled in 1926 and reordained as
novice in Theravada tradition one of the earlier Theravādin monks He
return to householderhood in Kalimpong in 1940s but then returned to
Kathmandu as a Buddhist sage (Bauddha Rishi) in the 1960s where he
taught until his death
Pragyananda Bhikkhu (1900-1993) born as Kul Man Singh Tuladhar in Itum
Baha Kathmandu a trader in Tibet where he met Ven Mahapragya and
impressed by him to ordained He became a Tibetan Gelung Karmasheel in
1928 and two years later a Theravādin under Ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara in 1930 He was nepal‟s first Sanghamahanayaka and well
respected monk
Shakyananda Bhikkhu (1909-1997) born as Chakra Dhan Sakya in Taksar
Bhojpur East Nepal He spent over forty years as a monk in Tansen outside
the Kathmandu and second sanghamahanayaka of Nepal
Subodhanand Bhikkhu (1916-2006) bor as Kul Raj Sakya in Taksar Bhojpur
East Nepal He was one of the monks exiled by the Ranas in 1944 He was
a prolific composer of Hymns in Nepal Bhasa In 2003 as the most senior
monk in Nepal he was the fourth Sanghanayaka of Nepal
Sudarshan Bhikkhu (1934-2002) born as Rudra Raj Sakya in Uku Baha
lalitpur He was famous a bdquothe boy monk‟ For many years he was a lecturer
in the culture Department of Tribhuvan University a prolific writer
preacher and abbot of Sri Kirti Vihara Kirtipur which is became multi-
cultural center and especially for Buddhist meetings and conferences He
was jailed for some months for Nepal Bhasa activities in the Panchayat
period He was a campaigner on Buddhist issues particularly to do with
Lumbini
Sumangal Bhikkhu (1929-1999) born Bhakta Krishna Shilpakar in Lalitpur He
was famous as ldquoDollar bhanterdquo He ordained in 1959 in Burma obtained a
master‟s degree in Buddhism from Rissho University Japan in 1972 and
was among the first monks to mobilize international connections for
Buddhist projects in Nepal He established Buddha Vihara in Bhrikuti
Mandap Kathmandu He helped raise funds from Thailand and Japan for
IBMc (1985) brought the Japanese healing movement Sei Mei Kyo to
Nepal and in 1993 opened an old people‟s home in Banepa
Glimpse of Theravādin activities in Nepal
Samanera ordination at Muni Vihara
Ordination Ceremony at Vishwa Shanti Vihara
Collecting Alms
Chanting Paritta in devotee‟s home
Giving Holy Thread to Devotees
Buddhist Art in Nepal
Main Buddha Image at Sri Kirti Vihara
Four holy places
Some of the Theravada Buddhist Viharas (Monasteries) in Nepal
Vihars In Kathmandu Valley Telephone No
1 Amarapura Buddha Vihar Bungamati 5551068
2 Anandakuti Vihar Swayambhu 4271420
3 Anandabhuwan Vihar Bhuikhyo 4270429
4 Ganamaha vihar Ganabaha 4253454
5 Gautam Buddha Vihar Panga co 4330576
6 Caturbrahma Vihar Matatirtha 4310558
7 Carumati Vihar Cabahil 4469897
8 Baudhajana Vihar Sunakothi co 5570209
9 Jitapur Gandhakuti Vihar khona Co 5542846
10 Jitawan Vihar Thankot 4311912
11 Jyoti udaya vihar Capagaun Co 5571459
12 Dhammavasa Vihar Khusibun 4358688
13 Dharmakirti Vihar Srigha Naghal 4259466
14 Dharmacakra vihar Bagbajar 4261976
15 Nagar Mandap Sri Kirti Vihar Kirtipur 4330836
16 Nagadesh Buddha Vihar Nagadesh Co 6635397
17 Nirvanmurti Anagarikaram Kindol 4285811
18 Padmasugandha Vihar Manjeshwori 4266255
19 Pranidhi Purna Mahavihar Balambu 43105924312455
20 Pati Vihar Thimi Co 6637601
21 Pippali Theravad Buddha Vihar Shiphal 4475066
22 Punya Udaya Vihar Jala Harisiddhi Co 5527456
23 Buddhabhoomi Mahavihar Tokha 4362514
24 Buddha Vihar Bhrikuti mandapa 4226702
25 Buddharatna Vihar Putalisadak 4244277
26 Bauddha samakrit Vihar Bhaktapur 6610842
27 Manimandap Vihar Patko Bhaktapur 5526517
28 Muni Vihar Bhaktapur 6616464
29 Yampi Mahavihar Ibahi Lalitpur 5539644
30 Yashodhara Baudha Bidyalaya Thaina Lalitpur 5521435
31 Biswo Shanti Vihar Baneshwor 4482384
32 Biswo Shanti Dharmakirti vihar Basundhara 4354251
33 Beluvanarama Vihar Theco Co 5570062
34 Sakyasingha Vihar Thaina Lalitpur 5524760
35 Santi Sukhawas Cakupat co 5523613
36 Siddhimangal Buddha Vihar Thasi 5581495
37 Sumangala Vihara Lagankhel 5531715
38 Sulakshan kirti Vihar Chobhar 4331718
39 Suwanrna Chatrapur Vihar Lubhu 5580430
40 Sangharama Vihar Dhalko Visnumati 4255960
41 Srigha Vihar Nagal 4259110
Vihars out side the Kathamandu Velley Telephone No
1 Ananda Vihar Tansen Co 075-520225520216
2 Citravan Vihar Narayangadha Co 056-521478
3 Taksar Vihar Tansen Co 075-520024
4 Dharmashila Buddha Vihar Phokhara 061-520517
5 Dyankuti Banepa Banepa 011-661244
6 Padma Chaitya Vihar Butawal 071-546470
7 Purwarama Vihar Dhulikhel 011-661979
8 Pragya Mahavihar Hetauda Co 057-520264520136
9 Buddha Vihar Dharan 025-520354
10 Buddha Vihar Biratnagar Co 021-522146530604
11 Beni Buddha Vihar Myagdi Co 069-520354
12 Bodhicharya vihar Banepa 011-661789
13 Lokachakra Buddha Vihar Dhan gadhi 091-622174
14 Sakyamuni Vihar Bhojpur Co 029-420260
15 Sugatapur Vihar Trisuli Co 010-560153
16 Sugandha Vihar Ridi Gulmi Co 079-529435
17 Swoyambhu Chetya Buddha Vihar Urlabari Co 021-540080
18 Swoyambhu Chetya Mahavihar Dharan Co 025-520190
19 Gyanodaya Buddha Vihar Baglung Co 068-520921520336
Footnotes
[1] This paper was written as a part of my MA thesis research on bdquoThe
Revival of Theravada Buddhism and its contribution to Nepalese Society‟ of
Mahachulalongkorn University Bangkok Thailand and would like to thank Mr
Dharma Sakya for every suggestion editing and help for the completion of this
article
[2] Nyanatiloka Buddhist Dictionary 3
rd ed The Free Distribution
version the Corporate Body of the Buddha education foundation Taiwan p
179
[3] Triratna Manandhar bdquoPresent of Buddhism in Nepal‟ (Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK Vol 8 May 2005) p 15
[4] helliphelliphelliphellip The New Encyclopedia of Britannica Vol24 (USA
Library of Congress Catalog 1993) p 781 Dhanabajra Vajracharya Cabahilko
Abhilekha (Inscription of Cabahil) The Charumati Voice (Kath Charumati
Buddhist Mission 2001) pp 17-20 Bhikkhu Sudarsan Mahasthavira Nepal
Upatyaka ma Ashokaki Chori Charumati (Charumati A daughter of
Ashoka in Nepal Valley) (The Charumati Vocie (Kath Charumati Buddhist
Mission 2001) p 20
[5] Beal Samuel Si Yu Ri Buddhist Records of the Western World
(New Delhi Motilal Banarsidass Publishers 1994) pp 80-81 Bhuwan Lal
Pradhan Nepalama Buddhadharma (Kath Nepal Rajkiya Pragyapratisthana
1988) pp 102 ndash 103
[6] NB Thapa A Short History of Nepal (Kath Ratna Pustak
bhandhar Nd) pp 30-33 Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ The
Nation Thailand‟s English Newspaper (Sunday special) Oct 18 1987
[7] Opcit NB Thapa p116
[8] David N Gellner Monk Householder and Tantric Priest Newar
Buddhism and its Hierarchy of Ritual (Cambridge University Press 1996) pp
41ff
[9] Bechert Heinz amp Jens-Uwe Hartmann ldquoObservation on the reform
of Buddhism in Nepalrdquo Journal of Nepal Research Centre vol VIII Kath
Kantipur Printing Press1988p 6
[10] Ria Kloppenborg Theravada Buddhism in Nepal‟ Kailash A
Journal of Himalayan Studies Vol 5 no 41977 p 302
[11] BP Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada Gukathan Wagu Kha (Kath
Hisi Press Nepal BS 20421985) pp44ff
[12] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p47ff
[13] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 51-53 Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal (BKK A Thesis of MA Mahamakut Graduate School
2001) p 97
[14] Bhikshu Sudarshan Mahasthavir bdquoRole of Theravada in the
Preservation of Newar Buddhism‟ wwwircnepalorgpapers
[15] Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 69-72
[16] Opcit Observation on the reform of Buddhism in Nepal p10ff
[17] Opcit Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ RV
Vandya Sanghanayaka Venerable Pragnananda Mahasthavir (Kath Nepal
Co-operative Press 1978) pp 11ff
[18] Bhkkhu Dharmaloka Mahasthavir A Pilgrimage in China (kath
published by Bhikkhu Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1999) p 13-15 Opcit Lacoul
Nepalay Sthavirvada p 74-75
[19] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka p 15
[20] Opcit Bhikkhu dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp16ff
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p100
[21] Ibit Bhikkhu Dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp 27-29
[22] See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A Homage
(Kath Anandakuti Vihar Trust 1992) Kuladharma Ratna Tuladhar Buddhism
in Nepal (Kath Dharmodaya Sabha 1986) pp15 Opcit Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 100
[23] Opcit K R Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal 16 RV Vandya
Sanghanayaka ven Pragnananda p 32 ff
[24] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka Pragnananda pp 34-35
Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthavirvada p 86
[25] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 18 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 101
[26] Bhikkhu Amritananda Mahasthavir A Short History of Theravada
Buddhism in Modern Nepal (Kath Anandakuti Vihar trust 1986) pp 8-9
Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir (Kath Anandakuti
Vihar Trust 1992) p 25
[27] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 19 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[28] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[29] Opcit Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir
p 26
[30] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit KR
Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 20
[31] Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha in Nepal
(BKK A Thesis of MA Buddhist Study Mahachulalongkorn University 2547)
p 23 [32]
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit Ratna
Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir p 26
[33] Amrit R Sthapit bdquowho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Aswaghosha‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 4 no 1 May 2001
p8
[34] helliphelliphelliphelliphellip bdquoWho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Nyanapurninka Mahasthavir‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 7
no 1 May 2004 p13 Viswo Shanti Vihar The Shanti Sandesh (Kath Viswo
Shanti Vihar 1998)
[35] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sumangala Mahasthavir
A monk who modernized Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the
LNBDS UK vol 2 no 1 May 1999 p10
[36] Opcit Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha
in Nepal pp 52ff
[37] Rina Tuladhara Dharmakirti 25 Years of Dharmakirti Buddhist
Study Circle A Glimpse (Kath Dharmakirti Vihar 1996) Mallika Sakya
bdquoWho is Who in Nepalese Buddhism Dhammavati Guruma‟ Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 5 no 1 May 2002 p10
[38] Opcit See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A
Homage Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 108
[39] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sudarshan Mahasthavir A
Gem of the Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol
6 no 1 May 2003 p13
32
of monks and nuns were vital in further development and survival of
this tradition
The lay Buddhists of Nepal are pluralistic They participate in
Buddhist ceremonies such as Vesak day daily chanting etc At the
same time they also follow Hindu customs in their daily lives
Buddhism is different from Hinduism and it is not a branch of
Hinduism Hindus believe that Buddha was a reincarnation of Lord
Vishnu Buddha never claimed to be anything other than a human
being ndash although a unique one in the history of mankind
Buddhism in Nepal is unique because of existence of three
different Buddhist traditions - Newar Buddhism (Vajrayana)
Tibetan Buddhism (Mahayana) and Theravada Buddhism
Different Buddhist groups practised different traditions Although the
principle underlying all these traditions is the same they differ in
details Theravada Buddhist tradition is different from Tibetan or
Newar Buddhist traditions but it is developing side-by-side with them
It was not possible for Theravada Buddhism to develop in Nepal
without close co-relation with other traditions but later developed on its
own right These various Buddhist traditions are coexisting in present
33
day Nepal Although they have different cultural traditions and are
developing in their own ways but the followers are the same
Therefore there is no separate identity of Theravadian lay Buddhists
There are number of lay Buddhist organizations such as Dharmodaya
Sabha Dharmakirti Institute Young Buddhist Associations Female
Buddhist Associations more recently Sukhi Hotu Nepal which are
playing important role in promotion of Buddha Dhamma but they are
multi-cultural and multi religious in their daily practices
CONCLUSION
Theravada Buddhism was introduced to Nepal at the time when
public meetings were banned It faced many obstacles at the beginning
Strong dedications of monks and nuns made it possible for its revival in
Nepal after many centuries of neglect Even though the revival
movement of this tradition was started only about 80 years ago it has
already gained strong foot hold in Nepal and gaining popularity day by
day The reason for its popularity lies in many things - the simple and
easily understood way the teachings were given the simple way of life
of monks and nuns lead and various beneficial activities undertaken by
34
Viharas Theravadin Buddhist monks and nuns are well accepted by
people and their contribution in promoting Buddha‟s teachings is
widely recognized Although small in number in comparison to other
Asian countries like Thailand Sri Lanka and Burma both the number
of monks and nuns and monasteries of this tradition are increasing day
by day If this trend continues it will become one of the prominent
religious traditions in Nepal It is only natural that this oldest Buddhist
tradition should gain its place of honour it deserve in a country where
the founder of the religion was born
35
Theravada Records in Nepal
List of Monks Novices and Anagarikas studying abroad
MONKS AND NOVICES
I Thailand
1 Bhikkhu Anil Man Dhammasakiyo (Sugandha)
2 Bhikkhu Vipassi Dhammaramo
3 Bhikkhu Jit Bahadur Gurung
4 Bhikkhu Krishna Thapamagar
5 Bhikkhu Pannamurti
6 Bhikkhu Sujan Sujano
7 Bhikkhu Anil Sumankitti
8 Bhikkhu Santosh Santosho
9 Bhikkhu Khemik Suddhasilo
10 Bhikkhu Suman Rocano
11 Bhikkhu Sanu Maharajano
12 Bhikkhu Santamano Dhwajjoshi
13 Bhikkhu Suman Dhwajjoshi
14 Bhikkhu Bijit Khemasakko
15 Bhikkhu Supreme Shakyavanso
Samaneras
1 Samanera Buddharatna Maharjan
2 Samanera Dhammaratna Maharjan
3 Samanera Bipin Maharjan
4 Samanera Prajwal Shakya
5 Samanera Ukesh Sakya
6 Samanera Gopi Maharjan
7 Samanera Sudip Deshar
8 Samanera Sudat Deshar
9 Samanera Deepi Maharjan
10 Samanera Ramit Shrestha
11 Samanera Anup Deshar
12 Samanera Suman Bajracharya bdquoA‟
13 Samanera Rajendra Deshar
14 Samanera Kapila Maharjan
15 Samanera Arbin Shakya
36
16 Samanera Kabindra Bajracharya
17 Samanera Ujjawal Shakya
18 Samanera Satish Shakya
19 Samanera Bimal Gurung
20 Samanera Surya Gurung
21 Samanera Sameer Maharjan
22 Samanera Anup Shakya
23 Samanera Arjun Magar
24 Samanera Kiran Desahar
25 Samanera Dipesh Shrestha
26 Samanera Tejendra Tamang
27 Samanera Ashim Shakya
28 Samanera Jalap Bajracharya
29 Samanera Arya Dev Bajracharya
30 Samanera Sudarshan Maharjan
31 Samanera Sangharatna
32 Samanera Suman Bajracharya bdquoB‟
33 Samanera Kijan Maharjan
34 Samanera Ramesh Maharjan
35 Samanera Niroj Maharjan
36 Samanera Jen Maharjan
37 Samanera Denish Bajracharya
38 Samanera Pritam Bahadur Shakya
39 Samanera Abhishek Shakya
40 Samanera Bishal Shakya
41 Samanera Sajal Shakya
42 Samanera Suraj Bhakta Shrestha
43 Samanera Dinesh Chaudhary
44 Samanera Shiv Swatantra Tharu
45 Samanera Sambhu Lal Khang
46 Samanera Buddharatna Chaudhary
47 Samanera Mukesh Chaudhary
II Myanmar (Burma)
Bhikkhu Samaneras
1 Bhikkhu Panavimala
2 Bhikkhu Dhyanratna
3 Bhikkhu Adiccho
4 Bhikkhu Vimalbuddhi
5 Bhikkhu Shobhan
6 Samanera Amato
7 Samanera Jutimma
8 Samanera Buddhapiyo
9 Samanera Kavindo
10 Samanera Nagasena
11 Samanera Gyanavudho
III Taiwan(ROC) 1 Bhikkhu Mangala 2 Bhikkhu Vazirbuddhi
IV Australia 1 Bhikkhu Upatissa
V India
1 Bhikkhu Dharmajyoti 2 Bhikkhu Ashokakirti
3 Bhikkhu Narawang Tamang
VI United kingdom 1 Bhikkhu Suman
VII USA 1 Bhikkhu Pragnaloka
VIII Sri Lanka
Bhikkhus
Bhikkhu Nanda
Bhikkhu Vineeta
Bhikkhu Ashoka
Bhikkhu Triratna
Bhikkhu Sagara
Bhikkhu Sankicca
Bhikkhu Vajirasiri
Bhikkhu Sarada
Bhikkhu Veenit
Bhikkhu Ratana
Bhikkhu Tissa
Bhikkhu Vajira
Bhikkhu Pannawimal
Bhikkhu Medhankar
Bhikkhu Pannasara
SARAMANERAS
Saranankara
Piyadassi
Dil Bhadra
Chandima
Samita
Narada bdquoA‟
Piyaratna
Kusala
Lakkhana
Udit
Vibekanada
Pannananda
Mettananda
Chandananda
Yassari
Upali
Subodhi
Mahanama
Kashyapa
Dhammapala
Narada bdquoB‟
Nalaka bdquoA‟
Daywasa
Santa Sobhana
Santa Siddhartha
Santa Maitri
Santa Kosala
Santa Sakya
Suvaca
Sukama Sila
Siddhartha
Nanda bdquoA‟
Rahula
Sudheera
Kosala Dheera
Panna Wansa
Jina Wansa
Mahinda
Nanda bdquoB‟
Seewali
Mahapantha
Assaji
Sarada
Sumana
Ananda
Nalaka bdquoB‟
Aloka
Suwarna
Subodh
Udena
Sangharatna bdquoA‟
Gyanendra
Khema
Soma bdquoA‟
Punna
Panna Ransi
Soma bdquoB‟
Santa bdquoA‟
Kapila Wansa
Asita Wansa
Sumanananda bdquoa‟
Vijitananda
Khemananda
Silananda
Medhananda
Somaratna
Soratha
Pragyananda
Sumangala
Santa Citta
Yasa
Dhamma Kitti
Panna Kitti
Santa Dheera
Vijitananda
Sumanananda bdquob‟
Vajra Bodhi
Dhammika
Santa bdquoB‟
Anuruddha
Sumana bdquoB‟
Jinavamsa
Panna Vansa
Buddha Ratna
Dhamma Ratna
Ariya Ratna
Piyadassi bdquoB‟
Sila Ratna
Sangha Ratna bdquoB‟
List of Anagarikas studying in abroad
I Thailand
1 Anagarika Sirisuta Maharjan
2 Anagarika Ramsobha Shrestha
3 Anagarika Sunita Napit
II Myanmar
1 Anagarika Javanvati
2 Anagarika Vimalajnani
3 Anagarika Ambika
4 Anagarika Buddhapali
5 Anagarika Darshana
6 Anagarika Agrajnani
7 Anagarika Nandavati
bdquob‟
III India 1 Anagarika Rupashila
IV Taiwan
1 Anagarika Pannavati
2 Anagarika Sani
3 Anagarika Nima
V Sri Lanka
1 Anagarika Pannawati
2 Anagarika Mettawati
3 Anagarika Keshawati
4 Anagarika Prasnnawati
5 Anagarika Sukhawati
6 Anagarika Shobhawati
7 Anagarika Subhadra
8 Anagarika
Shraddhagautami
9 Anagarika Upananda
10 Anagarika Shantawati
11 Anagarika Suciwati
Residences of Theravādin Monks in Nepal
01 Abhinava Buddha Vihara Lumbini
1) Bhikkhu Vimalananda Mahathera
2) Samanera Sunanda
02 Anandakut Vihara Swayambhu Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Kumara Kassapa Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Dharmamurti 3) Samanera Kondanya
4) S Prajnaratna 5) S Asoka
6) S Kumarjeeva 7) S Assaji
03 Bauddha Samaskrita Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Bhikkhu Dharmashobhana Mahathera
04 Bodhicharya Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Bodhisena Mahathera
2) Samanera Bodhideepa
05 Buddha Vihara Bhrikuti Mandap-Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Kondanya 2) Bhikkhu Sushil
3) Samanera Anuyoga 3) S Javana
4) S Udena
06 Buddha Vihara Biratnagar
1) Bhikkhu Aloka
07 Buddha Vihara Dharan
1) Bhikkhu Maitri (Tamang)
2) Bhikkhu Chhavikirti
08 Chatubrahma Vihara Matatirtha
1) Bhikkhu Thansettho
2) Bhikkhu Samyakaratna
3) Bhikkhu Bodhananda
9 Charumati Stupa Vihara Chabahil Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Tapassi Dhamma
10 Dharmacakra Ashrama Bagbazar
1) Bhikkhu Milinda
11 Dharmashila Buddha Vihara Pokhara
1) Bhikkhu Subhadda 2) Bhikkhu Saddhananda
12 Dhyanakuti Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Ashwaghosha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Rahul 3) Samanera Gautama
13 Gana Maha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Sanghanayaka Bhikkhu Subodhanand Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sobhita
3) Bhikkhu Samvegakirti
4) Samanera Sugatananda
6) S Chandananda
7) S Somananda
8) S Sumanavamsha
9) S Somavamsha
10) S Sumanasiri
14 IlayabahiTanabaha Patan
1) Bhikkhu Vimalkirti
15 International Bauddha Pariyatti Vihara Butwal
1) Bhikkhu Jatila
2) Bhikkhu Bhaddiya bdquoB‟
3) Samanera Jnanashree 4) S Jotika
16 International Buddhist Society Lumbini
1) Bhikkhu Maitri Mahathera
2) Samanera Mahapanta
3) S Vimala
17 Jana Udaya Vihara Sunakothi-Lalitpura
1) Bhikkhu Dharmagupta
18 Jitavana Vihara Thankot
1) Bhikkhu Dharmavamsha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sugatamuni Mahathera
3) Samanera Sunita
19 Kuti Vihara Koteshwar-KTM
1) Bhikkhu Yeshdhammo
2) Samanera Wayamo
3) S Milindo 4) S Sunanalankara
20 Manimandapa Mahavihara Patan
1) Bhikshu Shilbhadra Mahathera
2) Samanera Paduma 3) S Nayako
21 Muni Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Samanera Tejendra 2) S Jalapa
3) S Asima 4) S Aryaputra
22 Padma Sugandha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Sumedha 2) Samanera Sudatta
23 Pati Vihara Nagadesh-Bhaktapur
1) Bhikkhu Varasambodhi
24 Pranidhi Purna Maha Vihara Balambu
1) Samanera Sukha
25 Pugatabhoomi Jetavana Vihara Bhairahawa
1) Samanera Jagaro 2) S Suvanno
26 Purvaram Vihara Dhulikhel
1) Bhikkhu Gunaghosha Mahathero
27 Sangharama Vihara Kshetrapati Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Saddhatissa
2) Bhikkhu Kolita
3) Bhikkhu Sangharakshita
28 Shakya Singha Vihara Patan
1) Bhikkhu Dharmapala Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sunanda Mahathera
3) Bhikkhu Dharmarakshita
29 Shikhalapura Vihara Dhulikhel
1) Bhikkhu Dhammananda Mahathera
30 Shree Kirti Vihara Kirtipur
1) Bhikkhu Kirtijyoti 2) Bhikkhu Ananda
3) Bhikkhu Prajnakirti
4) Bhikkhu Dharmakirti
5) Samanera Sundara 6) Bhikkhu Pamit
7) S Subhashkirti 8) S Uttarakirti
31 Shreegha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Dharmasagara
2) Bhikkhu Medhankara
32 Sudarshana Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Rastrapala
33Sumangala Vihara Patan
1) Sanghaupanayaka Bhikkhu Buddhaghosha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Shobhan
3) Bhikkhu Prajnaratna
34 Surya Mangala Vihara Kapilvastu
1) Bhikkhu Suryamangala
35 Tokha Buddha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Samanera Shobhana 2) S Jnanodaya
36 Veluvanarama Vihara Thecho-Lalitpura
1) Samanera Uttama 2) S Chandimo
37 Vishwa Shanti Vihara New Baneshwar
1) Bhikshu Jnanapurnik Mahathera
2) Bhikshu Bodhijnana
3) Bhikshu Nigrodha
4) Bhikshu Udayabhadra
Samaneras
1) S Janak 2) S Sujat
3) S Obhaso 4) S Subhaddo
5) S Nandiyo 6) S Mahindo
7) S Pajjoto 8) S Aloka
9) S Buddhadatta 10) S Panita
11) S Kashyapa 12)S Dharmaghosha
13) S Nagita 14) S Vinaya
15) S Suchitta 16) S Sudatto
17) S Nemindo 18) S Rohito
19) S Jayanto 20) S Meghiyo
21) S Indriyo 22) S Suppamedho
23) S Bhanusarana 24) S Saddhadeepa
25) S Kittimo 26) S Janeyyo
27) S Adicca 28) S Kosalla
29) S Nyanuttara 30) S Bhaddaco
31) S Pabhassaro 32) S Uttaro
38 Yampi Maha Vihara Patan
1) Bhikkhu Bhaddiya
39 Non residencial Monks
1) Bhikshu Samyaka Sambodhi Pranputra
2) Bhikshu Dhyanratna
3) Bhikkhu Chandragupta Balambu
Present Anagarikas and resident in NEPAL
01 Amarapura Vihara Bungamati
1) A Charujnani 2) A Sunita
3) A Palitajnani 4) A Pamitajnani
5) A Padumajnani 6) A Rupawati
02 Bauddha Samaskrit Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Anagarika Sanghashila
03 Buddha ViharaDharan
1) A Sumedhavati 2) A Sushilavati
3) A Kanchana 4) A Shasanavati
04 Bauddha Rishi Mahapragya Ashram Anamnagar
1) Anagarika Prajnavati
05 Chatubrahma Vihara Matatirtha
1) Anagarika Anu
06 Dhammavasa Vihara Khusibun
1) A Krishgautami 2) A Suchita
3) A Shilgautami 4) A Kshantigautami
5) A Shyamavati
07 Dharmakirti Vihara Naghal-Kathmandu
1) Anagarika RatnaManjari
2) A Dhammavati
3) A Dhammadinna (Chameli)
4) A Anupama 5) A Sanghavati
6) A Khemavati 7) A Indravati
8) A Jayavati 9) A Danavati
10) A Tyagavati 11) AViryavati
12) A Shubhavati 13) A Ramavati
14) A Surammavati
15) A Hemavati 16) A Suppabhavati
17) A Supriya 18) A Amata
19) A Vannavati 20) A Suvannavati
08 Dharmashila Buddha Vihara Pokhara
1) Anagarika Karmashila
09 Gautami Vihara Lumbini
1) Anagarika Sujata 2) A Khamesi
10 IlayabahiTana Baha Lalitpur
1) A Shilaparami 2)AViryaparami
3) A Vineeta 4) A Shilachari
11 Int‟l Buddhist Meditation Centre Shankhamul
1) A Aggajnani 2) A Nirmalajnani
3) A Shantarakshita
12 Jaya Mangal ViharaTana Bahal-Patan
1) Anagarika Vijita 2) A Nekkhami
3) A Chittavati
13 Jyoti Vihara Chapagaun- Lalitpur
1) AnagarikaVirygautami
2) A Upeskshagautami
14 Kashivarna Buddha Vihara Panuati
1) Anagarika Satyaparami
15 Kindol Vihara Swayambhu
1) A Sumana 2) A Uttara
3) A Sumitra 4) A Molini
5) A Dhammavijaya 6) A Tejavati
7) A Shyamavati
16 Kunsa BahaHyumat
1) Anagarika Patachari 2) AUmavati
17 Mahabodhi Vihara Tansen
1) Anagarika Revati (Dhammadinna)
18 Muni Vihara Bhaktapur
1) A Sugandhavati 2) A Padmavati
19 Narsinharama Thaina-Patan
1) A Jnanashila 2) ASatyashila
3) AShilavati 4) A Yeshavati 5) A Dharani
6) A Jeenvati
7) A Shilpavatisushma
20 Padmachaitya Vihara Butwal
1) A Udayashila 2) A Santiwati
21 Padmakirti Vihara Kamalpokhari
1) A Kamala 2) A Karunavati
3) A Pabbhavati 4) A Dhyanavati
5) A Bhavanavati
22 Prajnanandarama Okubahal-Patan
1) Anagarika Jnanavati
23 Pranidhipurna Mahavihara Balambu
1) A Mudita 2) A Chandrashila bdquoB‟
24 SangharakshitaVihara Patan
1) Anagarika Abhaya 2) A Chandrashila
3) A Shilachari
25 Shanti Sukhavasa Chakupat-Patan
1) A Utpalavarna (Chini)
26 Shree Kirti Vihara Kirtipur
1) Anagarika Mina
27 SunandaramaThaina-Patan
1) A Madhavi 2) AMasukhi
3) A Mashobha 4) A Mashraddha
5) A Masudha
28 Sulakshanakirti Viahara Kirtipur
1) A Anoja 2) A Atula
3) A Anula
29 Sangharama ViharaDhalko-KTM
1) Anagarika Dharmarakshita
30 Vishwashanti Vihara New Baneshwar
1) A Shubha 2) A Khema
3) A Sudhamma
31 Vishwashanti Dharmakirti Vihara Basundhara
1) A Dhajavati (Kusum) 2) A Padmavati
3) A Bhadravati
32 Residing other Anagarikas
1) Anagarika Chandrajnani Patan
2) A Sraddhavati Shankhamul
3) A Amaravati Patan
4) A Dhammachari Patan
5) A Nanda Thasi
Some Prominent Personalities in the Theravada Movement1
Sanghamahanayakas of Nepal
1 Ven Pragyanand Mahasthavir 1930 ndash 1993 AD
2 Ven Sakyananda Mahasthavir 1993 - 1997 AD
3 Ven Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1997 - 2002 AD
4 Ven Subodhananda Mahasthavir 2002 - 2006 AD
5 Ven Buddhaghosa Mahasthavir 2006-
Amritananda Bhikkhu (1918-1990) original name Lal Kaji Sakya from Tansen
west Nepal he ordain as a novice in 1936 from ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara He studies and was ordained a monk in Sri Lanka in 1940 He
return to Nepal in 1942 and preached first publicly in Kathmandu He
formed Dharmodaya Sabha in 1944 and All Nepal Bhikkhu Mahasangha in
1951 and remained its unchallenged leader until his death He was well
known and traveled widely outside of Nepal because of his dynamism and
charisma He was also one of the greatest Buddhist scholars and writers of
Nepal
Aniruddha Bhikkhu (1915-2003) original name Gaja Ratna Tuladhar son of
Dasa Ratna Sahu (Later Ven Dhammaloka) He went to Sri Lanka in 1930
and ordained as samanera and studied there He had served many years in
Lumbini and third Sanghanayaka of Nepal
1 Sarah Levine and David N Gellner Rebuilding Buddhism The Theravada Movement in
Twentieth Century Nepal (UK Harvard University Press 2006) pp 293-296
Ashwaghosh Bhikkhu (1926- present) original name Buddha Ratna Sakya and
became a novice in 1944 and went to Sri Lanka for study where he took
higher ordination in 1949 he is known as bdquothe communist monk‟ and was a
nominee of the Unified Marxist-Leninist party one of Nepal‟s two main
political parites in the 1990s to the Upper House 1993-5 He had
established nepal‟s first Bhikkhu Training Center at Sangharama Dhalko
and became abbot of this vihara Presently he is abbot of Shrigha Vihara in
Kathmandu and of Dyanakuti Vihara Banepa
Buddhaghosh Bhikkhu (1921- present day) original name Sapta Ratna
Vajracharya in Kwa Baha Kathamandu The founder of Pariyatti Education
in Nepal and presently acting Sanghanayaka of Nepal (2006) and abbot of
Sri Sumangala Vihara in Lalitpur
Chandramani Bhikkhu (1876-1972) a Burmese monk who spent his life in
Kusinagara where he worked for the propagation of Buddhism until his
death He initiated with most of the early Nepalese Theravadins Monks and
Nuns He was the first president of Dharmodaya Sabha and father of
Theravadins of Nepal
Dharmachari Anagarika (1898-1978) born Laxmi Nani Tuladhar she
impressed by Ven Pragyananda in Kindol Vihara and took the precepts
from Chandramani in Kusinagara in 1934 and most prominent Nepali nun
She founded the first nunnery in Nepal at Kindol Vihara in 1947
Dhammaloka Bhikkhu (1891-1977) born Das Ratna Tuladhar Asan
kathamandu He traded in Lhasha went to Sri Lanka and taught Buddhism
as a layman Later became a monk in 1932 after his son Aniruddha ordain
in 1930 he established nepal‟s first Theravādin Vihara bdquoAnanda Kuti
Vihar‟ in Kathmandu
Dhammawati Anagarika (1925- present day) born as Ganesh Kumari Sakya in
Uku Baha lalitpur She ordain too precepts from Ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara and renamed as Dhammavati in 1950 She went to Burma for
study and return in 1963 after passed the Dhammacariya Examination She
was able to established Dhammakirti Nunnery Centre in 1965 and leader of
the Theravādin Nuns She has been re-ordained as Bhikkhuni according to
Mahayana tradition
Dharmaditya Dharmacharya (1902-1963) born as Jagat Man Vaidya in Chika
Bahi Lalitpur and the first Newar Buddhist modernist and the first newar
cultural nationalist He went to study in Calcutta where he became a
follower of anagarika Dhammapala the founder of Maha Bodhi Society
He had formed Buddhist revival foundation and published Buddhist
magazines etc
Nyanpurnika Bhikkhu (1936- present day) Born as Hera Lal Sakya in Tansen
He studied with Buddhaghosh in Lalitpur in Burma and in England He is
only monk who passed Dhammacariya examination of Burma He was the
founder of Vishwa Shanti Vihara and Vishwa Shanti Bauddha sikkyalaya
where train novices He is a prominent translator and writer
Kumar Kashyap Bhikkhu (1926- present day) born as Krishna Man Sakya he
was one of those who exiled to India by the Ranas in 1944 He went to
Study in Sri Lanka and hold nepal‟s first bdquoTripitaka acarya‟ Presently he is
president of All Nepal Bhikkhu Association and abbot of Ananda Kuti
Vihara
Mahapragya Bhikkhu (1901-1979) born Prem Bahadur (Nani Kaji ) Shrestha
He ordained into Tibetan tradition but exiled in 1926 and reordained as
novice in Theravada tradition one of the earlier Theravādin monks He
return to householderhood in Kalimpong in 1940s but then returned to
Kathmandu as a Buddhist sage (Bauddha Rishi) in the 1960s where he
taught until his death
Pragyananda Bhikkhu (1900-1993) born as Kul Man Singh Tuladhar in Itum
Baha Kathmandu a trader in Tibet where he met Ven Mahapragya and
impressed by him to ordained He became a Tibetan Gelung Karmasheel in
1928 and two years later a Theravādin under Ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara in 1930 He was nepal‟s first Sanghamahanayaka and well
respected monk
Shakyananda Bhikkhu (1909-1997) born as Chakra Dhan Sakya in Taksar
Bhojpur East Nepal He spent over forty years as a monk in Tansen outside
the Kathmandu and second sanghamahanayaka of Nepal
Subodhanand Bhikkhu (1916-2006) bor as Kul Raj Sakya in Taksar Bhojpur
East Nepal He was one of the monks exiled by the Ranas in 1944 He was
a prolific composer of Hymns in Nepal Bhasa In 2003 as the most senior
monk in Nepal he was the fourth Sanghanayaka of Nepal
Sudarshan Bhikkhu (1934-2002) born as Rudra Raj Sakya in Uku Baha
lalitpur He was famous a bdquothe boy monk‟ For many years he was a lecturer
in the culture Department of Tribhuvan University a prolific writer
preacher and abbot of Sri Kirti Vihara Kirtipur which is became multi-
cultural center and especially for Buddhist meetings and conferences He
was jailed for some months for Nepal Bhasa activities in the Panchayat
period He was a campaigner on Buddhist issues particularly to do with
Lumbini
Sumangal Bhikkhu (1929-1999) born Bhakta Krishna Shilpakar in Lalitpur He
was famous as ldquoDollar bhanterdquo He ordained in 1959 in Burma obtained a
master‟s degree in Buddhism from Rissho University Japan in 1972 and
was among the first monks to mobilize international connections for
Buddhist projects in Nepal He established Buddha Vihara in Bhrikuti
Mandap Kathmandu He helped raise funds from Thailand and Japan for
IBMc (1985) brought the Japanese healing movement Sei Mei Kyo to
Nepal and in 1993 opened an old people‟s home in Banepa
Glimpse of Theravādin activities in Nepal
Samanera ordination at Muni Vihara
Ordination Ceremony at Vishwa Shanti Vihara
Collecting Alms
Chanting Paritta in devotee‟s home
Giving Holy Thread to Devotees
Buddhist Art in Nepal
Main Buddha Image at Sri Kirti Vihara
Four holy places
Some of the Theravada Buddhist Viharas (Monasteries) in Nepal
Vihars In Kathmandu Valley Telephone No
1 Amarapura Buddha Vihar Bungamati 5551068
2 Anandakuti Vihar Swayambhu 4271420
3 Anandabhuwan Vihar Bhuikhyo 4270429
4 Ganamaha vihar Ganabaha 4253454
5 Gautam Buddha Vihar Panga co 4330576
6 Caturbrahma Vihar Matatirtha 4310558
7 Carumati Vihar Cabahil 4469897
8 Baudhajana Vihar Sunakothi co 5570209
9 Jitapur Gandhakuti Vihar khona Co 5542846
10 Jitawan Vihar Thankot 4311912
11 Jyoti udaya vihar Capagaun Co 5571459
12 Dhammavasa Vihar Khusibun 4358688
13 Dharmakirti Vihar Srigha Naghal 4259466
14 Dharmacakra vihar Bagbajar 4261976
15 Nagar Mandap Sri Kirti Vihar Kirtipur 4330836
16 Nagadesh Buddha Vihar Nagadesh Co 6635397
17 Nirvanmurti Anagarikaram Kindol 4285811
18 Padmasugandha Vihar Manjeshwori 4266255
19 Pranidhi Purna Mahavihar Balambu 43105924312455
20 Pati Vihar Thimi Co 6637601
21 Pippali Theravad Buddha Vihar Shiphal 4475066
22 Punya Udaya Vihar Jala Harisiddhi Co 5527456
23 Buddhabhoomi Mahavihar Tokha 4362514
24 Buddha Vihar Bhrikuti mandapa 4226702
25 Buddharatna Vihar Putalisadak 4244277
26 Bauddha samakrit Vihar Bhaktapur 6610842
27 Manimandap Vihar Patko Bhaktapur 5526517
28 Muni Vihar Bhaktapur 6616464
29 Yampi Mahavihar Ibahi Lalitpur 5539644
30 Yashodhara Baudha Bidyalaya Thaina Lalitpur 5521435
31 Biswo Shanti Vihar Baneshwor 4482384
32 Biswo Shanti Dharmakirti vihar Basundhara 4354251
33 Beluvanarama Vihar Theco Co 5570062
34 Sakyasingha Vihar Thaina Lalitpur 5524760
35 Santi Sukhawas Cakupat co 5523613
36 Siddhimangal Buddha Vihar Thasi 5581495
37 Sumangala Vihara Lagankhel 5531715
38 Sulakshan kirti Vihar Chobhar 4331718
39 Suwanrna Chatrapur Vihar Lubhu 5580430
40 Sangharama Vihar Dhalko Visnumati 4255960
41 Srigha Vihar Nagal 4259110
Vihars out side the Kathamandu Velley Telephone No
1 Ananda Vihar Tansen Co 075-520225520216
2 Citravan Vihar Narayangadha Co 056-521478
3 Taksar Vihar Tansen Co 075-520024
4 Dharmashila Buddha Vihar Phokhara 061-520517
5 Dyankuti Banepa Banepa 011-661244
6 Padma Chaitya Vihar Butawal 071-546470
7 Purwarama Vihar Dhulikhel 011-661979
8 Pragya Mahavihar Hetauda Co 057-520264520136
9 Buddha Vihar Dharan 025-520354
10 Buddha Vihar Biratnagar Co 021-522146530604
11 Beni Buddha Vihar Myagdi Co 069-520354
12 Bodhicharya vihar Banepa 011-661789
13 Lokachakra Buddha Vihar Dhan gadhi 091-622174
14 Sakyamuni Vihar Bhojpur Co 029-420260
15 Sugatapur Vihar Trisuli Co 010-560153
16 Sugandha Vihar Ridi Gulmi Co 079-529435
17 Swoyambhu Chetya Buddha Vihar Urlabari Co 021-540080
18 Swoyambhu Chetya Mahavihar Dharan Co 025-520190
19 Gyanodaya Buddha Vihar Baglung Co 068-520921520336
Footnotes
[1] This paper was written as a part of my MA thesis research on bdquoThe
Revival of Theravada Buddhism and its contribution to Nepalese Society‟ of
Mahachulalongkorn University Bangkok Thailand and would like to thank Mr
Dharma Sakya for every suggestion editing and help for the completion of this
article
[2] Nyanatiloka Buddhist Dictionary 3
rd ed The Free Distribution
version the Corporate Body of the Buddha education foundation Taiwan p
179
[3] Triratna Manandhar bdquoPresent of Buddhism in Nepal‟ (Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK Vol 8 May 2005) p 15
[4] helliphelliphelliphellip The New Encyclopedia of Britannica Vol24 (USA
Library of Congress Catalog 1993) p 781 Dhanabajra Vajracharya Cabahilko
Abhilekha (Inscription of Cabahil) The Charumati Voice (Kath Charumati
Buddhist Mission 2001) pp 17-20 Bhikkhu Sudarsan Mahasthavira Nepal
Upatyaka ma Ashokaki Chori Charumati (Charumati A daughter of
Ashoka in Nepal Valley) (The Charumati Vocie (Kath Charumati Buddhist
Mission 2001) p 20
[5] Beal Samuel Si Yu Ri Buddhist Records of the Western World
(New Delhi Motilal Banarsidass Publishers 1994) pp 80-81 Bhuwan Lal
Pradhan Nepalama Buddhadharma (Kath Nepal Rajkiya Pragyapratisthana
1988) pp 102 ndash 103
[6] NB Thapa A Short History of Nepal (Kath Ratna Pustak
bhandhar Nd) pp 30-33 Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ The
Nation Thailand‟s English Newspaper (Sunday special) Oct 18 1987
[7] Opcit NB Thapa p116
[8] David N Gellner Monk Householder and Tantric Priest Newar
Buddhism and its Hierarchy of Ritual (Cambridge University Press 1996) pp
41ff
[9] Bechert Heinz amp Jens-Uwe Hartmann ldquoObservation on the reform
of Buddhism in Nepalrdquo Journal of Nepal Research Centre vol VIII Kath
Kantipur Printing Press1988p 6
[10] Ria Kloppenborg Theravada Buddhism in Nepal‟ Kailash A
Journal of Himalayan Studies Vol 5 no 41977 p 302
[11] BP Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada Gukathan Wagu Kha (Kath
Hisi Press Nepal BS 20421985) pp44ff
[12] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p47ff
[13] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 51-53 Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal (BKK A Thesis of MA Mahamakut Graduate School
2001) p 97
[14] Bhikshu Sudarshan Mahasthavir bdquoRole of Theravada in the
Preservation of Newar Buddhism‟ wwwircnepalorgpapers
[15] Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 69-72
[16] Opcit Observation on the reform of Buddhism in Nepal p10ff
[17] Opcit Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ RV
Vandya Sanghanayaka Venerable Pragnananda Mahasthavir (Kath Nepal
Co-operative Press 1978) pp 11ff
[18] Bhkkhu Dharmaloka Mahasthavir A Pilgrimage in China (kath
published by Bhikkhu Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1999) p 13-15 Opcit Lacoul
Nepalay Sthavirvada p 74-75
[19] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka p 15
[20] Opcit Bhikkhu dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp16ff
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p100
[21] Ibit Bhikkhu Dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp 27-29
[22] See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A Homage
(Kath Anandakuti Vihar Trust 1992) Kuladharma Ratna Tuladhar Buddhism
in Nepal (Kath Dharmodaya Sabha 1986) pp15 Opcit Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 100
[23] Opcit K R Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal 16 RV Vandya
Sanghanayaka ven Pragnananda p 32 ff
[24] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka Pragnananda pp 34-35
Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthavirvada p 86
[25] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 18 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 101
[26] Bhikkhu Amritananda Mahasthavir A Short History of Theravada
Buddhism in Modern Nepal (Kath Anandakuti Vihar trust 1986) pp 8-9
Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir (Kath Anandakuti
Vihar Trust 1992) p 25
[27] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 19 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[28] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[29] Opcit Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir
p 26
[30] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit KR
Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 20
[31] Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha in Nepal
(BKK A Thesis of MA Buddhist Study Mahachulalongkorn University 2547)
p 23 [32]
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit Ratna
Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir p 26
[33] Amrit R Sthapit bdquowho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Aswaghosha‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 4 no 1 May 2001
p8
[34] helliphelliphelliphelliphellip bdquoWho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Nyanapurninka Mahasthavir‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 7
no 1 May 2004 p13 Viswo Shanti Vihar The Shanti Sandesh (Kath Viswo
Shanti Vihar 1998)
[35] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sumangala Mahasthavir
A monk who modernized Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the
LNBDS UK vol 2 no 1 May 1999 p10
[36] Opcit Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha
in Nepal pp 52ff
[37] Rina Tuladhara Dharmakirti 25 Years of Dharmakirti Buddhist
Study Circle A Glimpse (Kath Dharmakirti Vihar 1996) Mallika Sakya
bdquoWho is Who in Nepalese Buddhism Dhammavati Guruma‟ Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 5 no 1 May 2002 p10
[38] Opcit See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A
Homage Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 108
[39] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sudarshan Mahasthavir A
Gem of the Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol
6 no 1 May 2003 p13
33
day Nepal Although they have different cultural traditions and are
developing in their own ways but the followers are the same
Therefore there is no separate identity of Theravadian lay Buddhists
There are number of lay Buddhist organizations such as Dharmodaya
Sabha Dharmakirti Institute Young Buddhist Associations Female
Buddhist Associations more recently Sukhi Hotu Nepal which are
playing important role in promotion of Buddha Dhamma but they are
multi-cultural and multi religious in their daily practices
CONCLUSION
Theravada Buddhism was introduced to Nepal at the time when
public meetings were banned It faced many obstacles at the beginning
Strong dedications of monks and nuns made it possible for its revival in
Nepal after many centuries of neglect Even though the revival
movement of this tradition was started only about 80 years ago it has
already gained strong foot hold in Nepal and gaining popularity day by
day The reason for its popularity lies in many things - the simple and
easily understood way the teachings were given the simple way of life
of monks and nuns lead and various beneficial activities undertaken by
34
Viharas Theravadin Buddhist monks and nuns are well accepted by
people and their contribution in promoting Buddha‟s teachings is
widely recognized Although small in number in comparison to other
Asian countries like Thailand Sri Lanka and Burma both the number
of monks and nuns and monasteries of this tradition are increasing day
by day If this trend continues it will become one of the prominent
religious traditions in Nepal It is only natural that this oldest Buddhist
tradition should gain its place of honour it deserve in a country where
the founder of the religion was born
35
Theravada Records in Nepal
List of Monks Novices and Anagarikas studying abroad
MONKS AND NOVICES
I Thailand
1 Bhikkhu Anil Man Dhammasakiyo (Sugandha)
2 Bhikkhu Vipassi Dhammaramo
3 Bhikkhu Jit Bahadur Gurung
4 Bhikkhu Krishna Thapamagar
5 Bhikkhu Pannamurti
6 Bhikkhu Sujan Sujano
7 Bhikkhu Anil Sumankitti
8 Bhikkhu Santosh Santosho
9 Bhikkhu Khemik Suddhasilo
10 Bhikkhu Suman Rocano
11 Bhikkhu Sanu Maharajano
12 Bhikkhu Santamano Dhwajjoshi
13 Bhikkhu Suman Dhwajjoshi
14 Bhikkhu Bijit Khemasakko
15 Bhikkhu Supreme Shakyavanso
Samaneras
1 Samanera Buddharatna Maharjan
2 Samanera Dhammaratna Maharjan
3 Samanera Bipin Maharjan
4 Samanera Prajwal Shakya
5 Samanera Ukesh Sakya
6 Samanera Gopi Maharjan
7 Samanera Sudip Deshar
8 Samanera Sudat Deshar
9 Samanera Deepi Maharjan
10 Samanera Ramit Shrestha
11 Samanera Anup Deshar
12 Samanera Suman Bajracharya bdquoA‟
13 Samanera Rajendra Deshar
14 Samanera Kapila Maharjan
15 Samanera Arbin Shakya
36
16 Samanera Kabindra Bajracharya
17 Samanera Ujjawal Shakya
18 Samanera Satish Shakya
19 Samanera Bimal Gurung
20 Samanera Surya Gurung
21 Samanera Sameer Maharjan
22 Samanera Anup Shakya
23 Samanera Arjun Magar
24 Samanera Kiran Desahar
25 Samanera Dipesh Shrestha
26 Samanera Tejendra Tamang
27 Samanera Ashim Shakya
28 Samanera Jalap Bajracharya
29 Samanera Arya Dev Bajracharya
30 Samanera Sudarshan Maharjan
31 Samanera Sangharatna
32 Samanera Suman Bajracharya bdquoB‟
33 Samanera Kijan Maharjan
34 Samanera Ramesh Maharjan
35 Samanera Niroj Maharjan
36 Samanera Jen Maharjan
37 Samanera Denish Bajracharya
38 Samanera Pritam Bahadur Shakya
39 Samanera Abhishek Shakya
40 Samanera Bishal Shakya
41 Samanera Sajal Shakya
42 Samanera Suraj Bhakta Shrestha
43 Samanera Dinesh Chaudhary
44 Samanera Shiv Swatantra Tharu
45 Samanera Sambhu Lal Khang
46 Samanera Buddharatna Chaudhary
47 Samanera Mukesh Chaudhary
II Myanmar (Burma)
Bhikkhu Samaneras
1 Bhikkhu Panavimala
2 Bhikkhu Dhyanratna
3 Bhikkhu Adiccho
4 Bhikkhu Vimalbuddhi
5 Bhikkhu Shobhan
6 Samanera Amato
7 Samanera Jutimma
8 Samanera Buddhapiyo
9 Samanera Kavindo
10 Samanera Nagasena
11 Samanera Gyanavudho
III Taiwan(ROC) 1 Bhikkhu Mangala 2 Bhikkhu Vazirbuddhi
IV Australia 1 Bhikkhu Upatissa
V India
1 Bhikkhu Dharmajyoti 2 Bhikkhu Ashokakirti
3 Bhikkhu Narawang Tamang
VI United kingdom 1 Bhikkhu Suman
VII USA 1 Bhikkhu Pragnaloka
VIII Sri Lanka
Bhikkhus
Bhikkhu Nanda
Bhikkhu Vineeta
Bhikkhu Ashoka
Bhikkhu Triratna
Bhikkhu Sagara
Bhikkhu Sankicca
Bhikkhu Vajirasiri
Bhikkhu Sarada
Bhikkhu Veenit
Bhikkhu Ratana
Bhikkhu Tissa
Bhikkhu Vajira
Bhikkhu Pannawimal
Bhikkhu Medhankar
Bhikkhu Pannasara
SARAMANERAS
Saranankara
Piyadassi
Dil Bhadra
Chandima
Samita
Narada bdquoA‟
Piyaratna
Kusala
Lakkhana
Udit
Vibekanada
Pannananda
Mettananda
Chandananda
Yassari
Upali
Subodhi
Mahanama
Kashyapa
Dhammapala
Narada bdquoB‟
Nalaka bdquoA‟
Daywasa
Santa Sobhana
Santa Siddhartha
Santa Maitri
Santa Kosala
Santa Sakya
Suvaca
Sukama Sila
Siddhartha
Nanda bdquoA‟
Rahula
Sudheera
Kosala Dheera
Panna Wansa
Jina Wansa
Mahinda
Nanda bdquoB‟
Seewali
Mahapantha
Assaji
Sarada
Sumana
Ananda
Nalaka bdquoB‟
Aloka
Suwarna
Subodh
Udena
Sangharatna bdquoA‟
Gyanendra
Khema
Soma bdquoA‟
Punna
Panna Ransi
Soma bdquoB‟
Santa bdquoA‟
Kapila Wansa
Asita Wansa
Sumanananda bdquoa‟
Vijitananda
Khemananda
Silananda
Medhananda
Somaratna
Soratha
Pragyananda
Sumangala
Santa Citta
Yasa
Dhamma Kitti
Panna Kitti
Santa Dheera
Vijitananda
Sumanananda bdquob‟
Vajra Bodhi
Dhammika
Santa bdquoB‟
Anuruddha
Sumana bdquoB‟
Jinavamsa
Panna Vansa
Buddha Ratna
Dhamma Ratna
Ariya Ratna
Piyadassi bdquoB‟
Sila Ratna
Sangha Ratna bdquoB‟
List of Anagarikas studying in abroad
I Thailand
1 Anagarika Sirisuta Maharjan
2 Anagarika Ramsobha Shrestha
3 Anagarika Sunita Napit
II Myanmar
1 Anagarika Javanvati
2 Anagarika Vimalajnani
3 Anagarika Ambika
4 Anagarika Buddhapali
5 Anagarika Darshana
6 Anagarika Agrajnani
7 Anagarika Nandavati
bdquob‟
III India 1 Anagarika Rupashila
IV Taiwan
1 Anagarika Pannavati
2 Anagarika Sani
3 Anagarika Nima
V Sri Lanka
1 Anagarika Pannawati
2 Anagarika Mettawati
3 Anagarika Keshawati
4 Anagarika Prasnnawati
5 Anagarika Sukhawati
6 Anagarika Shobhawati
7 Anagarika Subhadra
8 Anagarika
Shraddhagautami
9 Anagarika Upananda
10 Anagarika Shantawati
11 Anagarika Suciwati
Residences of Theravādin Monks in Nepal
01 Abhinava Buddha Vihara Lumbini
1) Bhikkhu Vimalananda Mahathera
2) Samanera Sunanda
02 Anandakut Vihara Swayambhu Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Kumara Kassapa Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Dharmamurti 3) Samanera Kondanya
4) S Prajnaratna 5) S Asoka
6) S Kumarjeeva 7) S Assaji
03 Bauddha Samaskrita Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Bhikkhu Dharmashobhana Mahathera
04 Bodhicharya Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Bodhisena Mahathera
2) Samanera Bodhideepa
05 Buddha Vihara Bhrikuti Mandap-Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Kondanya 2) Bhikkhu Sushil
3) Samanera Anuyoga 3) S Javana
4) S Udena
06 Buddha Vihara Biratnagar
1) Bhikkhu Aloka
07 Buddha Vihara Dharan
1) Bhikkhu Maitri (Tamang)
2) Bhikkhu Chhavikirti
08 Chatubrahma Vihara Matatirtha
1) Bhikkhu Thansettho
2) Bhikkhu Samyakaratna
3) Bhikkhu Bodhananda
9 Charumati Stupa Vihara Chabahil Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Tapassi Dhamma
10 Dharmacakra Ashrama Bagbazar
1) Bhikkhu Milinda
11 Dharmashila Buddha Vihara Pokhara
1) Bhikkhu Subhadda 2) Bhikkhu Saddhananda
12 Dhyanakuti Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Ashwaghosha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Rahul 3) Samanera Gautama
13 Gana Maha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Sanghanayaka Bhikkhu Subodhanand Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sobhita
3) Bhikkhu Samvegakirti
4) Samanera Sugatananda
6) S Chandananda
7) S Somananda
8) S Sumanavamsha
9) S Somavamsha
10) S Sumanasiri
14 IlayabahiTanabaha Patan
1) Bhikkhu Vimalkirti
15 International Bauddha Pariyatti Vihara Butwal
1) Bhikkhu Jatila
2) Bhikkhu Bhaddiya bdquoB‟
3) Samanera Jnanashree 4) S Jotika
16 International Buddhist Society Lumbini
1) Bhikkhu Maitri Mahathera
2) Samanera Mahapanta
3) S Vimala
17 Jana Udaya Vihara Sunakothi-Lalitpura
1) Bhikkhu Dharmagupta
18 Jitavana Vihara Thankot
1) Bhikkhu Dharmavamsha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sugatamuni Mahathera
3) Samanera Sunita
19 Kuti Vihara Koteshwar-KTM
1) Bhikkhu Yeshdhammo
2) Samanera Wayamo
3) S Milindo 4) S Sunanalankara
20 Manimandapa Mahavihara Patan
1) Bhikshu Shilbhadra Mahathera
2) Samanera Paduma 3) S Nayako
21 Muni Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Samanera Tejendra 2) S Jalapa
3) S Asima 4) S Aryaputra
22 Padma Sugandha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Sumedha 2) Samanera Sudatta
23 Pati Vihara Nagadesh-Bhaktapur
1) Bhikkhu Varasambodhi
24 Pranidhi Purna Maha Vihara Balambu
1) Samanera Sukha
25 Pugatabhoomi Jetavana Vihara Bhairahawa
1) Samanera Jagaro 2) S Suvanno
26 Purvaram Vihara Dhulikhel
1) Bhikkhu Gunaghosha Mahathero
27 Sangharama Vihara Kshetrapati Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Saddhatissa
2) Bhikkhu Kolita
3) Bhikkhu Sangharakshita
28 Shakya Singha Vihara Patan
1) Bhikkhu Dharmapala Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sunanda Mahathera
3) Bhikkhu Dharmarakshita
29 Shikhalapura Vihara Dhulikhel
1) Bhikkhu Dhammananda Mahathera
30 Shree Kirti Vihara Kirtipur
1) Bhikkhu Kirtijyoti 2) Bhikkhu Ananda
3) Bhikkhu Prajnakirti
4) Bhikkhu Dharmakirti
5) Samanera Sundara 6) Bhikkhu Pamit
7) S Subhashkirti 8) S Uttarakirti
31 Shreegha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Dharmasagara
2) Bhikkhu Medhankara
32 Sudarshana Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Rastrapala
33Sumangala Vihara Patan
1) Sanghaupanayaka Bhikkhu Buddhaghosha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Shobhan
3) Bhikkhu Prajnaratna
34 Surya Mangala Vihara Kapilvastu
1) Bhikkhu Suryamangala
35 Tokha Buddha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Samanera Shobhana 2) S Jnanodaya
36 Veluvanarama Vihara Thecho-Lalitpura
1) Samanera Uttama 2) S Chandimo
37 Vishwa Shanti Vihara New Baneshwar
1) Bhikshu Jnanapurnik Mahathera
2) Bhikshu Bodhijnana
3) Bhikshu Nigrodha
4) Bhikshu Udayabhadra
Samaneras
1) S Janak 2) S Sujat
3) S Obhaso 4) S Subhaddo
5) S Nandiyo 6) S Mahindo
7) S Pajjoto 8) S Aloka
9) S Buddhadatta 10) S Panita
11) S Kashyapa 12)S Dharmaghosha
13) S Nagita 14) S Vinaya
15) S Suchitta 16) S Sudatto
17) S Nemindo 18) S Rohito
19) S Jayanto 20) S Meghiyo
21) S Indriyo 22) S Suppamedho
23) S Bhanusarana 24) S Saddhadeepa
25) S Kittimo 26) S Janeyyo
27) S Adicca 28) S Kosalla
29) S Nyanuttara 30) S Bhaddaco
31) S Pabhassaro 32) S Uttaro
38 Yampi Maha Vihara Patan
1) Bhikkhu Bhaddiya
39 Non residencial Monks
1) Bhikshu Samyaka Sambodhi Pranputra
2) Bhikshu Dhyanratna
3) Bhikkhu Chandragupta Balambu
Present Anagarikas and resident in NEPAL
01 Amarapura Vihara Bungamati
1) A Charujnani 2) A Sunita
3) A Palitajnani 4) A Pamitajnani
5) A Padumajnani 6) A Rupawati
02 Bauddha Samaskrit Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Anagarika Sanghashila
03 Buddha ViharaDharan
1) A Sumedhavati 2) A Sushilavati
3) A Kanchana 4) A Shasanavati
04 Bauddha Rishi Mahapragya Ashram Anamnagar
1) Anagarika Prajnavati
05 Chatubrahma Vihara Matatirtha
1) Anagarika Anu
06 Dhammavasa Vihara Khusibun
1) A Krishgautami 2) A Suchita
3) A Shilgautami 4) A Kshantigautami
5) A Shyamavati
07 Dharmakirti Vihara Naghal-Kathmandu
1) Anagarika RatnaManjari
2) A Dhammavati
3) A Dhammadinna (Chameli)
4) A Anupama 5) A Sanghavati
6) A Khemavati 7) A Indravati
8) A Jayavati 9) A Danavati
10) A Tyagavati 11) AViryavati
12) A Shubhavati 13) A Ramavati
14) A Surammavati
15) A Hemavati 16) A Suppabhavati
17) A Supriya 18) A Amata
19) A Vannavati 20) A Suvannavati
08 Dharmashila Buddha Vihara Pokhara
1) Anagarika Karmashila
09 Gautami Vihara Lumbini
1) Anagarika Sujata 2) A Khamesi
10 IlayabahiTana Baha Lalitpur
1) A Shilaparami 2)AViryaparami
3) A Vineeta 4) A Shilachari
11 Int‟l Buddhist Meditation Centre Shankhamul
1) A Aggajnani 2) A Nirmalajnani
3) A Shantarakshita
12 Jaya Mangal ViharaTana Bahal-Patan
1) Anagarika Vijita 2) A Nekkhami
3) A Chittavati
13 Jyoti Vihara Chapagaun- Lalitpur
1) AnagarikaVirygautami
2) A Upeskshagautami
14 Kashivarna Buddha Vihara Panuati
1) Anagarika Satyaparami
15 Kindol Vihara Swayambhu
1) A Sumana 2) A Uttara
3) A Sumitra 4) A Molini
5) A Dhammavijaya 6) A Tejavati
7) A Shyamavati
16 Kunsa BahaHyumat
1) Anagarika Patachari 2) AUmavati
17 Mahabodhi Vihara Tansen
1) Anagarika Revati (Dhammadinna)
18 Muni Vihara Bhaktapur
1) A Sugandhavati 2) A Padmavati
19 Narsinharama Thaina-Patan
1) A Jnanashila 2) ASatyashila
3) AShilavati 4) A Yeshavati 5) A Dharani
6) A Jeenvati
7) A Shilpavatisushma
20 Padmachaitya Vihara Butwal
1) A Udayashila 2) A Santiwati
21 Padmakirti Vihara Kamalpokhari
1) A Kamala 2) A Karunavati
3) A Pabbhavati 4) A Dhyanavati
5) A Bhavanavati
22 Prajnanandarama Okubahal-Patan
1) Anagarika Jnanavati
23 Pranidhipurna Mahavihara Balambu
1) A Mudita 2) A Chandrashila bdquoB‟
24 SangharakshitaVihara Patan
1) Anagarika Abhaya 2) A Chandrashila
3) A Shilachari
25 Shanti Sukhavasa Chakupat-Patan
1) A Utpalavarna (Chini)
26 Shree Kirti Vihara Kirtipur
1) Anagarika Mina
27 SunandaramaThaina-Patan
1) A Madhavi 2) AMasukhi
3) A Mashobha 4) A Mashraddha
5) A Masudha
28 Sulakshanakirti Viahara Kirtipur
1) A Anoja 2) A Atula
3) A Anula
29 Sangharama ViharaDhalko-KTM
1) Anagarika Dharmarakshita
30 Vishwashanti Vihara New Baneshwar
1) A Shubha 2) A Khema
3) A Sudhamma
31 Vishwashanti Dharmakirti Vihara Basundhara
1) A Dhajavati (Kusum) 2) A Padmavati
3) A Bhadravati
32 Residing other Anagarikas
1) Anagarika Chandrajnani Patan
2) A Sraddhavati Shankhamul
3) A Amaravati Patan
4) A Dhammachari Patan
5) A Nanda Thasi
Some Prominent Personalities in the Theravada Movement1
Sanghamahanayakas of Nepal
1 Ven Pragyanand Mahasthavir 1930 ndash 1993 AD
2 Ven Sakyananda Mahasthavir 1993 - 1997 AD
3 Ven Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1997 - 2002 AD
4 Ven Subodhananda Mahasthavir 2002 - 2006 AD
5 Ven Buddhaghosa Mahasthavir 2006-
Amritananda Bhikkhu (1918-1990) original name Lal Kaji Sakya from Tansen
west Nepal he ordain as a novice in 1936 from ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara He studies and was ordained a monk in Sri Lanka in 1940 He
return to Nepal in 1942 and preached first publicly in Kathmandu He
formed Dharmodaya Sabha in 1944 and All Nepal Bhikkhu Mahasangha in
1951 and remained its unchallenged leader until his death He was well
known and traveled widely outside of Nepal because of his dynamism and
charisma He was also one of the greatest Buddhist scholars and writers of
Nepal
Aniruddha Bhikkhu (1915-2003) original name Gaja Ratna Tuladhar son of
Dasa Ratna Sahu (Later Ven Dhammaloka) He went to Sri Lanka in 1930
and ordained as samanera and studied there He had served many years in
Lumbini and third Sanghanayaka of Nepal
1 Sarah Levine and David N Gellner Rebuilding Buddhism The Theravada Movement in
Twentieth Century Nepal (UK Harvard University Press 2006) pp 293-296
Ashwaghosh Bhikkhu (1926- present) original name Buddha Ratna Sakya and
became a novice in 1944 and went to Sri Lanka for study where he took
higher ordination in 1949 he is known as bdquothe communist monk‟ and was a
nominee of the Unified Marxist-Leninist party one of Nepal‟s two main
political parites in the 1990s to the Upper House 1993-5 He had
established nepal‟s first Bhikkhu Training Center at Sangharama Dhalko
and became abbot of this vihara Presently he is abbot of Shrigha Vihara in
Kathmandu and of Dyanakuti Vihara Banepa
Buddhaghosh Bhikkhu (1921- present day) original name Sapta Ratna
Vajracharya in Kwa Baha Kathamandu The founder of Pariyatti Education
in Nepal and presently acting Sanghanayaka of Nepal (2006) and abbot of
Sri Sumangala Vihara in Lalitpur
Chandramani Bhikkhu (1876-1972) a Burmese monk who spent his life in
Kusinagara where he worked for the propagation of Buddhism until his
death He initiated with most of the early Nepalese Theravadins Monks and
Nuns He was the first president of Dharmodaya Sabha and father of
Theravadins of Nepal
Dharmachari Anagarika (1898-1978) born Laxmi Nani Tuladhar she
impressed by Ven Pragyananda in Kindol Vihara and took the precepts
from Chandramani in Kusinagara in 1934 and most prominent Nepali nun
She founded the first nunnery in Nepal at Kindol Vihara in 1947
Dhammaloka Bhikkhu (1891-1977) born Das Ratna Tuladhar Asan
kathamandu He traded in Lhasha went to Sri Lanka and taught Buddhism
as a layman Later became a monk in 1932 after his son Aniruddha ordain
in 1930 he established nepal‟s first Theravādin Vihara bdquoAnanda Kuti
Vihar‟ in Kathmandu
Dhammawati Anagarika (1925- present day) born as Ganesh Kumari Sakya in
Uku Baha lalitpur She ordain too precepts from Ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara and renamed as Dhammavati in 1950 She went to Burma for
study and return in 1963 after passed the Dhammacariya Examination She
was able to established Dhammakirti Nunnery Centre in 1965 and leader of
the Theravādin Nuns She has been re-ordained as Bhikkhuni according to
Mahayana tradition
Dharmaditya Dharmacharya (1902-1963) born as Jagat Man Vaidya in Chika
Bahi Lalitpur and the first Newar Buddhist modernist and the first newar
cultural nationalist He went to study in Calcutta where he became a
follower of anagarika Dhammapala the founder of Maha Bodhi Society
He had formed Buddhist revival foundation and published Buddhist
magazines etc
Nyanpurnika Bhikkhu (1936- present day) Born as Hera Lal Sakya in Tansen
He studied with Buddhaghosh in Lalitpur in Burma and in England He is
only monk who passed Dhammacariya examination of Burma He was the
founder of Vishwa Shanti Vihara and Vishwa Shanti Bauddha sikkyalaya
where train novices He is a prominent translator and writer
Kumar Kashyap Bhikkhu (1926- present day) born as Krishna Man Sakya he
was one of those who exiled to India by the Ranas in 1944 He went to
Study in Sri Lanka and hold nepal‟s first bdquoTripitaka acarya‟ Presently he is
president of All Nepal Bhikkhu Association and abbot of Ananda Kuti
Vihara
Mahapragya Bhikkhu (1901-1979) born Prem Bahadur (Nani Kaji ) Shrestha
He ordained into Tibetan tradition but exiled in 1926 and reordained as
novice in Theravada tradition one of the earlier Theravādin monks He
return to householderhood in Kalimpong in 1940s but then returned to
Kathmandu as a Buddhist sage (Bauddha Rishi) in the 1960s where he
taught until his death
Pragyananda Bhikkhu (1900-1993) born as Kul Man Singh Tuladhar in Itum
Baha Kathmandu a trader in Tibet where he met Ven Mahapragya and
impressed by him to ordained He became a Tibetan Gelung Karmasheel in
1928 and two years later a Theravādin under Ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara in 1930 He was nepal‟s first Sanghamahanayaka and well
respected monk
Shakyananda Bhikkhu (1909-1997) born as Chakra Dhan Sakya in Taksar
Bhojpur East Nepal He spent over forty years as a monk in Tansen outside
the Kathmandu and second sanghamahanayaka of Nepal
Subodhanand Bhikkhu (1916-2006) bor as Kul Raj Sakya in Taksar Bhojpur
East Nepal He was one of the monks exiled by the Ranas in 1944 He was
a prolific composer of Hymns in Nepal Bhasa In 2003 as the most senior
monk in Nepal he was the fourth Sanghanayaka of Nepal
Sudarshan Bhikkhu (1934-2002) born as Rudra Raj Sakya in Uku Baha
lalitpur He was famous a bdquothe boy monk‟ For many years he was a lecturer
in the culture Department of Tribhuvan University a prolific writer
preacher and abbot of Sri Kirti Vihara Kirtipur which is became multi-
cultural center and especially for Buddhist meetings and conferences He
was jailed for some months for Nepal Bhasa activities in the Panchayat
period He was a campaigner on Buddhist issues particularly to do with
Lumbini
Sumangal Bhikkhu (1929-1999) born Bhakta Krishna Shilpakar in Lalitpur He
was famous as ldquoDollar bhanterdquo He ordained in 1959 in Burma obtained a
master‟s degree in Buddhism from Rissho University Japan in 1972 and
was among the first monks to mobilize international connections for
Buddhist projects in Nepal He established Buddha Vihara in Bhrikuti
Mandap Kathmandu He helped raise funds from Thailand and Japan for
IBMc (1985) brought the Japanese healing movement Sei Mei Kyo to
Nepal and in 1993 opened an old people‟s home in Banepa
Glimpse of Theravādin activities in Nepal
Samanera ordination at Muni Vihara
Ordination Ceremony at Vishwa Shanti Vihara
Collecting Alms
Chanting Paritta in devotee‟s home
Giving Holy Thread to Devotees
Buddhist Art in Nepal
Main Buddha Image at Sri Kirti Vihara
Four holy places
Some of the Theravada Buddhist Viharas (Monasteries) in Nepal
Vihars In Kathmandu Valley Telephone No
1 Amarapura Buddha Vihar Bungamati 5551068
2 Anandakuti Vihar Swayambhu 4271420
3 Anandabhuwan Vihar Bhuikhyo 4270429
4 Ganamaha vihar Ganabaha 4253454
5 Gautam Buddha Vihar Panga co 4330576
6 Caturbrahma Vihar Matatirtha 4310558
7 Carumati Vihar Cabahil 4469897
8 Baudhajana Vihar Sunakothi co 5570209
9 Jitapur Gandhakuti Vihar khona Co 5542846
10 Jitawan Vihar Thankot 4311912
11 Jyoti udaya vihar Capagaun Co 5571459
12 Dhammavasa Vihar Khusibun 4358688
13 Dharmakirti Vihar Srigha Naghal 4259466
14 Dharmacakra vihar Bagbajar 4261976
15 Nagar Mandap Sri Kirti Vihar Kirtipur 4330836
16 Nagadesh Buddha Vihar Nagadesh Co 6635397
17 Nirvanmurti Anagarikaram Kindol 4285811
18 Padmasugandha Vihar Manjeshwori 4266255
19 Pranidhi Purna Mahavihar Balambu 43105924312455
20 Pati Vihar Thimi Co 6637601
21 Pippali Theravad Buddha Vihar Shiphal 4475066
22 Punya Udaya Vihar Jala Harisiddhi Co 5527456
23 Buddhabhoomi Mahavihar Tokha 4362514
24 Buddha Vihar Bhrikuti mandapa 4226702
25 Buddharatna Vihar Putalisadak 4244277
26 Bauddha samakrit Vihar Bhaktapur 6610842
27 Manimandap Vihar Patko Bhaktapur 5526517
28 Muni Vihar Bhaktapur 6616464
29 Yampi Mahavihar Ibahi Lalitpur 5539644
30 Yashodhara Baudha Bidyalaya Thaina Lalitpur 5521435
31 Biswo Shanti Vihar Baneshwor 4482384
32 Biswo Shanti Dharmakirti vihar Basundhara 4354251
33 Beluvanarama Vihar Theco Co 5570062
34 Sakyasingha Vihar Thaina Lalitpur 5524760
35 Santi Sukhawas Cakupat co 5523613
36 Siddhimangal Buddha Vihar Thasi 5581495
37 Sumangala Vihara Lagankhel 5531715
38 Sulakshan kirti Vihar Chobhar 4331718
39 Suwanrna Chatrapur Vihar Lubhu 5580430
40 Sangharama Vihar Dhalko Visnumati 4255960
41 Srigha Vihar Nagal 4259110
Vihars out side the Kathamandu Velley Telephone No
1 Ananda Vihar Tansen Co 075-520225520216
2 Citravan Vihar Narayangadha Co 056-521478
3 Taksar Vihar Tansen Co 075-520024
4 Dharmashila Buddha Vihar Phokhara 061-520517
5 Dyankuti Banepa Banepa 011-661244
6 Padma Chaitya Vihar Butawal 071-546470
7 Purwarama Vihar Dhulikhel 011-661979
8 Pragya Mahavihar Hetauda Co 057-520264520136
9 Buddha Vihar Dharan 025-520354
10 Buddha Vihar Biratnagar Co 021-522146530604
11 Beni Buddha Vihar Myagdi Co 069-520354
12 Bodhicharya vihar Banepa 011-661789
13 Lokachakra Buddha Vihar Dhan gadhi 091-622174
14 Sakyamuni Vihar Bhojpur Co 029-420260
15 Sugatapur Vihar Trisuli Co 010-560153
16 Sugandha Vihar Ridi Gulmi Co 079-529435
17 Swoyambhu Chetya Buddha Vihar Urlabari Co 021-540080
18 Swoyambhu Chetya Mahavihar Dharan Co 025-520190
19 Gyanodaya Buddha Vihar Baglung Co 068-520921520336
Footnotes
[1] This paper was written as a part of my MA thesis research on bdquoThe
Revival of Theravada Buddhism and its contribution to Nepalese Society‟ of
Mahachulalongkorn University Bangkok Thailand and would like to thank Mr
Dharma Sakya for every suggestion editing and help for the completion of this
article
[2] Nyanatiloka Buddhist Dictionary 3
rd ed The Free Distribution
version the Corporate Body of the Buddha education foundation Taiwan p
179
[3] Triratna Manandhar bdquoPresent of Buddhism in Nepal‟ (Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK Vol 8 May 2005) p 15
[4] helliphelliphelliphellip The New Encyclopedia of Britannica Vol24 (USA
Library of Congress Catalog 1993) p 781 Dhanabajra Vajracharya Cabahilko
Abhilekha (Inscription of Cabahil) The Charumati Voice (Kath Charumati
Buddhist Mission 2001) pp 17-20 Bhikkhu Sudarsan Mahasthavira Nepal
Upatyaka ma Ashokaki Chori Charumati (Charumati A daughter of
Ashoka in Nepal Valley) (The Charumati Vocie (Kath Charumati Buddhist
Mission 2001) p 20
[5] Beal Samuel Si Yu Ri Buddhist Records of the Western World
(New Delhi Motilal Banarsidass Publishers 1994) pp 80-81 Bhuwan Lal
Pradhan Nepalama Buddhadharma (Kath Nepal Rajkiya Pragyapratisthana
1988) pp 102 ndash 103
[6] NB Thapa A Short History of Nepal (Kath Ratna Pustak
bhandhar Nd) pp 30-33 Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ The
Nation Thailand‟s English Newspaper (Sunday special) Oct 18 1987
[7] Opcit NB Thapa p116
[8] David N Gellner Monk Householder and Tantric Priest Newar
Buddhism and its Hierarchy of Ritual (Cambridge University Press 1996) pp
41ff
[9] Bechert Heinz amp Jens-Uwe Hartmann ldquoObservation on the reform
of Buddhism in Nepalrdquo Journal of Nepal Research Centre vol VIII Kath
Kantipur Printing Press1988p 6
[10] Ria Kloppenborg Theravada Buddhism in Nepal‟ Kailash A
Journal of Himalayan Studies Vol 5 no 41977 p 302
[11] BP Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada Gukathan Wagu Kha (Kath
Hisi Press Nepal BS 20421985) pp44ff
[12] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p47ff
[13] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 51-53 Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal (BKK A Thesis of MA Mahamakut Graduate School
2001) p 97
[14] Bhikshu Sudarshan Mahasthavir bdquoRole of Theravada in the
Preservation of Newar Buddhism‟ wwwircnepalorgpapers
[15] Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 69-72
[16] Opcit Observation on the reform of Buddhism in Nepal p10ff
[17] Opcit Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ RV
Vandya Sanghanayaka Venerable Pragnananda Mahasthavir (Kath Nepal
Co-operative Press 1978) pp 11ff
[18] Bhkkhu Dharmaloka Mahasthavir A Pilgrimage in China (kath
published by Bhikkhu Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1999) p 13-15 Opcit Lacoul
Nepalay Sthavirvada p 74-75
[19] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka p 15
[20] Opcit Bhikkhu dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp16ff
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p100
[21] Ibit Bhikkhu Dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp 27-29
[22] See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A Homage
(Kath Anandakuti Vihar Trust 1992) Kuladharma Ratna Tuladhar Buddhism
in Nepal (Kath Dharmodaya Sabha 1986) pp15 Opcit Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 100
[23] Opcit K R Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal 16 RV Vandya
Sanghanayaka ven Pragnananda p 32 ff
[24] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka Pragnananda pp 34-35
Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthavirvada p 86
[25] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 18 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 101
[26] Bhikkhu Amritananda Mahasthavir A Short History of Theravada
Buddhism in Modern Nepal (Kath Anandakuti Vihar trust 1986) pp 8-9
Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir (Kath Anandakuti
Vihar Trust 1992) p 25
[27] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 19 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[28] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[29] Opcit Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir
p 26
[30] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit KR
Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 20
[31] Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha in Nepal
(BKK A Thesis of MA Buddhist Study Mahachulalongkorn University 2547)
p 23 [32]
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit Ratna
Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir p 26
[33] Amrit R Sthapit bdquowho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Aswaghosha‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 4 no 1 May 2001
p8
[34] helliphelliphelliphelliphellip bdquoWho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Nyanapurninka Mahasthavir‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 7
no 1 May 2004 p13 Viswo Shanti Vihar The Shanti Sandesh (Kath Viswo
Shanti Vihar 1998)
[35] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sumangala Mahasthavir
A monk who modernized Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the
LNBDS UK vol 2 no 1 May 1999 p10
[36] Opcit Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha
in Nepal pp 52ff
[37] Rina Tuladhara Dharmakirti 25 Years of Dharmakirti Buddhist
Study Circle A Glimpse (Kath Dharmakirti Vihar 1996) Mallika Sakya
bdquoWho is Who in Nepalese Buddhism Dhammavati Guruma‟ Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 5 no 1 May 2002 p10
[38] Opcit See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A
Homage Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 108
[39] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sudarshan Mahasthavir A
Gem of the Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol
6 no 1 May 2003 p13
34
Viharas Theravadin Buddhist monks and nuns are well accepted by
people and their contribution in promoting Buddha‟s teachings is
widely recognized Although small in number in comparison to other
Asian countries like Thailand Sri Lanka and Burma both the number
of monks and nuns and monasteries of this tradition are increasing day
by day If this trend continues it will become one of the prominent
religious traditions in Nepal It is only natural that this oldest Buddhist
tradition should gain its place of honour it deserve in a country where
the founder of the religion was born
35
Theravada Records in Nepal
List of Monks Novices and Anagarikas studying abroad
MONKS AND NOVICES
I Thailand
1 Bhikkhu Anil Man Dhammasakiyo (Sugandha)
2 Bhikkhu Vipassi Dhammaramo
3 Bhikkhu Jit Bahadur Gurung
4 Bhikkhu Krishna Thapamagar
5 Bhikkhu Pannamurti
6 Bhikkhu Sujan Sujano
7 Bhikkhu Anil Sumankitti
8 Bhikkhu Santosh Santosho
9 Bhikkhu Khemik Suddhasilo
10 Bhikkhu Suman Rocano
11 Bhikkhu Sanu Maharajano
12 Bhikkhu Santamano Dhwajjoshi
13 Bhikkhu Suman Dhwajjoshi
14 Bhikkhu Bijit Khemasakko
15 Bhikkhu Supreme Shakyavanso
Samaneras
1 Samanera Buddharatna Maharjan
2 Samanera Dhammaratna Maharjan
3 Samanera Bipin Maharjan
4 Samanera Prajwal Shakya
5 Samanera Ukesh Sakya
6 Samanera Gopi Maharjan
7 Samanera Sudip Deshar
8 Samanera Sudat Deshar
9 Samanera Deepi Maharjan
10 Samanera Ramit Shrestha
11 Samanera Anup Deshar
12 Samanera Suman Bajracharya bdquoA‟
13 Samanera Rajendra Deshar
14 Samanera Kapila Maharjan
15 Samanera Arbin Shakya
36
16 Samanera Kabindra Bajracharya
17 Samanera Ujjawal Shakya
18 Samanera Satish Shakya
19 Samanera Bimal Gurung
20 Samanera Surya Gurung
21 Samanera Sameer Maharjan
22 Samanera Anup Shakya
23 Samanera Arjun Magar
24 Samanera Kiran Desahar
25 Samanera Dipesh Shrestha
26 Samanera Tejendra Tamang
27 Samanera Ashim Shakya
28 Samanera Jalap Bajracharya
29 Samanera Arya Dev Bajracharya
30 Samanera Sudarshan Maharjan
31 Samanera Sangharatna
32 Samanera Suman Bajracharya bdquoB‟
33 Samanera Kijan Maharjan
34 Samanera Ramesh Maharjan
35 Samanera Niroj Maharjan
36 Samanera Jen Maharjan
37 Samanera Denish Bajracharya
38 Samanera Pritam Bahadur Shakya
39 Samanera Abhishek Shakya
40 Samanera Bishal Shakya
41 Samanera Sajal Shakya
42 Samanera Suraj Bhakta Shrestha
43 Samanera Dinesh Chaudhary
44 Samanera Shiv Swatantra Tharu
45 Samanera Sambhu Lal Khang
46 Samanera Buddharatna Chaudhary
47 Samanera Mukesh Chaudhary
II Myanmar (Burma)
Bhikkhu Samaneras
1 Bhikkhu Panavimala
2 Bhikkhu Dhyanratna
3 Bhikkhu Adiccho
4 Bhikkhu Vimalbuddhi
5 Bhikkhu Shobhan
6 Samanera Amato
7 Samanera Jutimma
8 Samanera Buddhapiyo
9 Samanera Kavindo
10 Samanera Nagasena
11 Samanera Gyanavudho
III Taiwan(ROC) 1 Bhikkhu Mangala 2 Bhikkhu Vazirbuddhi
IV Australia 1 Bhikkhu Upatissa
V India
1 Bhikkhu Dharmajyoti 2 Bhikkhu Ashokakirti
3 Bhikkhu Narawang Tamang
VI United kingdom 1 Bhikkhu Suman
VII USA 1 Bhikkhu Pragnaloka
VIII Sri Lanka
Bhikkhus
Bhikkhu Nanda
Bhikkhu Vineeta
Bhikkhu Ashoka
Bhikkhu Triratna
Bhikkhu Sagara
Bhikkhu Sankicca
Bhikkhu Vajirasiri
Bhikkhu Sarada
Bhikkhu Veenit
Bhikkhu Ratana
Bhikkhu Tissa
Bhikkhu Vajira
Bhikkhu Pannawimal
Bhikkhu Medhankar
Bhikkhu Pannasara
SARAMANERAS
Saranankara
Piyadassi
Dil Bhadra
Chandima
Samita
Narada bdquoA‟
Piyaratna
Kusala
Lakkhana
Udit
Vibekanada
Pannananda
Mettananda
Chandananda
Yassari
Upali
Subodhi
Mahanama
Kashyapa
Dhammapala
Narada bdquoB‟
Nalaka bdquoA‟
Daywasa
Santa Sobhana
Santa Siddhartha
Santa Maitri
Santa Kosala
Santa Sakya
Suvaca
Sukama Sila
Siddhartha
Nanda bdquoA‟
Rahula
Sudheera
Kosala Dheera
Panna Wansa
Jina Wansa
Mahinda
Nanda bdquoB‟
Seewali
Mahapantha
Assaji
Sarada
Sumana
Ananda
Nalaka bdquoB‟
Aloka
Suwarna
Subodh
Udena
Sangharatna bdquoA‟
Gyanendra
Khema
Soma bdquoA‟
Punna
Panna Ransi
Soma bdquoB‟
Santa bdquoA‟
Kapila Wansa
Asita Wansa
Sumanananda bdquoa‟
Vijitananda
Khemananda
Silananda
Medhananda
Somaratna
Soratha
Pragyananda
Sumangala
Santa Citta
Yasa
Dhamma Kitti
Panna Kitti
Santa Dheera
Vijitananda
Sumanananda bdquob‟
Vajra Bodhi
Dhammika
Santa bdquoB‟
Anuruddha
Sumana bdquoB‟
Jinavamsa
Panna Vansa
Buddha Ratna
Dhamma Ratna
Ariya Ratna
Piyadassi bdquoB‟
Sila Ratna
Sangha Ratna bdquoB‟
List of Anagarikas studying in abroad
I Thailand
1 Anagarika Sirisuta Maharjan
2 Anagarika Ramsobha Shrestha
3 Anagarika Sunita Napit
II Myanmar
1 Anagarika Javanvati
2 Anagarika Vimalajnani
3 Anagarika Ambika
4 Anagarika Buddhapali
5 Anagarika Darshana
6 Anagarika Agrajnani
7 Anagarika Nandavati
bdquob‟
III India 1 Anagarika Rupashila
IV Taiwan
1 Anagarika Pannavati
2 Anagarika Sani
3 Anagarika Nima
V Sri Lanka
1 Anagarika Pannawati
2 Anagarika Mettawati
3 Anagarika Keshawati
4 Anagarika Prasnnawati
5 Anagarika Sukhawati
6 Anagarika Shobhawati
7 Anagarika Subhadra
8 Anagarika
Shraddhagautami
9 Anagarika Upananda
10 Anagarika Shantawati
11 Anagarika Suciwati
Residences of Theravādin Monks in Nepal
01 Abhinava Buddha Vihara Lumbini
1) Bhikkhu Vimalananda Mahathera
2) Samanera Sunanda
02 Anandakut Vihara Swayambhu Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Kumara Kassapa Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Dharmamurti 3) Samanera Kondanya
4) S Prajnaratna 5) S Asoka
6) S Kumarjeeva 7) S Assaji
03 Bauddha Samaskrita Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Bhikkhu Dharmashobhana Mahathera
04 Bodhicharya Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Bodhisena Mahathera
2) Samanera Bodhideepa
05 Buddha Vihara Bhrikuti Mandap-Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Kondanya 2) Bhikkhu Sushil
3) Samanera Anuyoga 3) S Javana
4) S Udena
06 Buddha Vihara Biratnagar
1) Bhikkhu Aloka
07 Buddha Vihara Dharan
1) Bhikkhu Maitri (Tamang)
2) Bhikkhu Chhavikirti
08 Chatubrahma Vihara Matatirtha
1) Bhikkhu Thansettho
2) Bhikkhu Samyakaratna
3) Bhikkhu Bodhananda
9 Charumati Stupa Vihara Chabahil Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Tapassi Dhamma
10 Dharmacakra Ashrama Bagbazar
1) Bhikkhu Milinda
11 Dharmashila Buddha Vihara Pokhara
1) Bhikkhu Subhadda 2) Bhikkhu Saddhananda
12 Dhyanakuti Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Ashwaghosha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Rahul 3) Samanera Gautama
13 Gana Maha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Sanghanayaka Bhikkhu Subodhanand Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sobhita
3) Bhikkhu Samvegakirti
4) Samanera Sugatananda
6) S Chandananda
7) S Somananda
8) S Sumanavamsha
9) S Somavamsha
10) S Sumanasiri
14 IlayabahiTanabaha Patan
1) Bhikkhu Vimalkirti
15 International Bauddha Pariyatti Vihara Butwal
1) Bhikkhu Jatila
2) Bhikkhu Bhaddiya bdquoB‟
3) Samanera Jnanashree 4) S Jotika
16 International Buddhist Society Lumbini
1) Bhikkhu Maitri Mahathera
2) Samanera Mahapanta
3) S Vimala
17 Jana Udaya Vihara Sunakothi-Lalitpura
1) Bhikkhu Dharmagupta
18 Jitavana Vihara Thankot
1) Bhikkhu Dharmavamsha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sugatamuni Mahathera
3) Samanera Sunita
19 Kuti Vihara Koteshwar-KTM
1) Bhikkhu Yeshdhammo
2) Samanera Wayamo
3) S Milindo 4) S Sunanalankara
20 Manimandapa Mahavihara Patan
1) Bhikshu Shilbhadra Mahathera
2) Samanera Paduma 3) S Nayako
21 Muni Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Samanera Tejendra 2) S Jalapa
3) S Asima 4) S Aryaputra
22 Padma Sugandha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Sumedha 2) Samanera Sudatta
23 Pati Vihara Nagadesh-Bhaktapur
1) Bhikkhu Varasambodhi
24 Pranidhi Purna Maha Vihara Balambu
1) Samanera Sukha
25 Pugatabhoomi Jetavana Vihara Bhairahawa
1) Samanera Jagaro 2) S Suvanno
26 Purvaram Vihara Dhulikhel
1) Bhikkhu Gunaghosha Mahathero
27 Sangharama Vihara Kshetrapati Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Saddhatissa
2) Bhikkhu Kolita
3) Bhikkhu Sangharakshita
28 Shakya Singha Vihara Patan
1) Bhikkhu Dharmapala Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sunanda Mahathera
3) Bhikkhu Dharmarakshita
29 Shikhalapura Vihara Dhulikhel
1) Bhikkhu Dhammananda Mahathera
30 Shree Kirti Vihara Kirtipur
1) Bhikkhu Kirtijyoti 2) Bhikkhu Ananda
3) Bhikkhu Prajnakirti
4) Bhikkhu Dharmakirti
5) Samanera Sundara 6) Bhikkhu Pamit
7) S Subhashkirti 8) S Uttarakirti
31 Shreegha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Dharmasagara
2) Bhikkhu Medhankara
32 Sudarshana Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Rastrapala
33Sumangala Vihara Patan
1) Sanghaupanayaka Bhikkhu Buddhaghosha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Shobhan
3) Bhikkhu Prajnaratna
34 Surya Mangala Vihara Kapilvastu
1) Bhikkhu Suryamangala
35 Tokha Buddha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Samanera Shobhana 2) S Jnanodaya
36 Veluvanarama Vihara Thecho-Lalitpura
1) Samanera Uttama 2) S Chandimo
37 Vishwa Shanti Vihara New Baneshwar
1) Bhikshu Jnanapurnik Mahathera
2) Bhikshu Bodhijnana
3) Bhikshu Nigrodha
4) Bhikshu Udayabhadra
Samaneras
1) S Janak 2) S Sujat
3) S Obhaso 4) S Subhaddo
5) S Nandiyo 6) S Mahindo
7) S Pajjoto 8) S Aloka
9) S Buddhadatta 10) S Panita
11) S Kashyapa 12)S Dharmaghosha
13) S Nagita 14) S Vinaya
15) S Suchitta 16) S Sudatto
17) S Nemindo 18) S Rohito
19) S Jayanto 20) S Meghiyo
21) S Indriyo 22) S Suppamedho
23) S Bhanusarana 24) S Saddhadeepa
25) S Kittimo 26) S Janeyyo
27) S Adicca 28) S Kosalla
29) S Nyanuttara 30) S Bhaddaco
31) S Pabhassaro 32) S Uttaro
38 Yampi Maha Vihara Patan
1) Bhikkhu Bhaddiya
39 Non residencial Monks
1) Bhikshu Samyaka Sambodhi Pranputra
2) Bhikshu Dhyanratna
3) Bhikkhu Chandragupta Balambu
Present Anagarikas and resident in NEPAL
01 Amarapura Vihara Bungamati
1) A Charujnani 2) A Sunita
3) A Palitajnani 4) A Pamitajnani
5) A Padumajnani 6) A Rupawati
02 Bauddha Samaskrit Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Anagarika Sanghashila
03 Buddha ViharaDharan
1) A Sumedhavati 2) A Sushilavati
3) A Kanchana 4) A Shasanavati
04 Bauddha Rishi Mahapragya Ashram Anamnagar
1) Anagarika Prajnavati
05 Chatubrahma Vihara Matatirtha
1) Anagarika Anu
06 Dhammavasa Vihara Khusibun
1) A Krishgautami 2) A Suchita
3) A Shilgautami 4) A Kshantigautami
5) A Shyamavati
07 Dharmakirti Vihara Naghal-Kathmandu
1) Anagarika RatnaManjari
2) A Dhammavati
3) A Dhammadinna (Chameli)
4) A Anupama 5) A Sanghavati
6) A Khemavati 7) A Indravati
8) A Jayavati 9) A Danavati
10) A Tyagavati 11) AViryavati
12) A Shubhavati 13) A Ramavati
14) A Surammavati
15) A Hemavati 16) A Suppabhavati
17) A Supriya 18) A Amata
19) A Vannavati 20) A Suvannavati
08 Dharmashila Buddha Vihara Pokhara
1) Anagarika Karmashila
09 Gautami Vihara Lumbini
1) Anagarika Sujata 2) A Khamesi
10 IlayabahiTana Baha Lalitpur
1) A Shilaparami 2)AViryaparami
3) A Vineeta 4) A Shilachari
11 Int‟l Buddhist Meditation Centre Shankhamul
1) A Aggajnani 2) A Nirmalajnani
3) A Shantarakshita
12 Jaya Mangal ViharaTana Bahal-Patan
1) Anagarika Vijita 2) A Nekkhami
3) A Chittavati
13 Jyoti Vihara Chapagaun- Lalitpur
1) AnagarikaVirygautami
2) A Upeskshagautami
14 Kashivarna Buddha Vihara Panuati
1) Anagarika Satyaparami
15 Kindol Vihara Swayambhu
1) A Sumana 2) A Uttara
3) A Sumitra 4) A Molini
5) A Dhammavijaya 6) A Tejavati
7) A Shyamavati
16 Kunsa BahaHyumat
1) Anagarika Patachari 2) AUmavati
17 Mahabodhi Vihara Tansen
1) Anagarika Revati (Dhammadinna)
18 Muni Vihara Bhaktapur
1) A Sugandhavati 2) A Padmavati
19 Narsinharama Thaina-Patan
1) A Jnanashila 2) ASatyashila
3) AShilavati 4) A Yeshavati 5) A Dharani
6) A Jeenvati
7) A Shilpavatisushma
20 Padmachaitya Vihara Butwal
1) A Udayashila 2) A Santiwati
21 Padmakirti Vihara Kamalpokhari
1) A Kamala 2) A Karunavati
3) A Pabbhavati 4) A Dhyanavati
5) A Bhavanavati
22 Prajnanandarama Okubahal-Patan
1) Anagarika Jnanavati
23 Pranidhipurna Mahavihara Balambu
1) A Mudita 2) A Chandrashila bdquoB‟
24 SangharakshitaVihara Patan
1) Anagarika Abhaya 2) A Chandrashila
3) A Shilachari
25 Shanti Sukhavasa Chakupat-Patan
1) A Utpalavarna (Chini)
26 Shree Kirti Vihara Kirtipur
1) Anagarika Mina
27 SunandaramaThaina-Patan
1) A Madhavi 2) AMasukhi
3) A Mashobha 4) A Mashraddha
5) A Masudha
28 Sulakshanakirti Viahara Kirtipur
1) A Anoja 2) A Atula
3) A Anula
29 Sangharama ViharaDhalko-KTM
1) Anagarika Dharmarakshita
30 Vishwashanti Vihara New Baneshwar
1) A Shubha 2) A Khema
3) A Sudhamma
31 Vishwashanti Dharmakirti Vihara Basundhara
1) A Dhajavati (Kusum) 2) A Padmavati
3) A Bhadravati
32 Residing other Anagarikas
1) Anagarika Chandrajnani Patan
2) A Sraddhavati Shankhamul
3) A Amaravati Patan
4) A Dhammachari Patan
5) A Nanda Thasi
Some Prominent Personalities in the Theravada Movement1
Sanghamahanayakas of Nepal
1 Ven Pragyanand Mahasthavir 1930 ndash 1993 AD
2 Ven Sakyananda Mahasthavir 1993 - 1997 AD
3 Ven Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1997 - 2002 AD
4 Ven Subodhananda Mahasthavir 2002 - 2006 AD
5 Ven Buddhaghosa Mahasthavir 2006-
Amritananda Bhikkhu (1918-1990) original name Lal Kaji Sakya from Tansen
west Nepal he ordain as a novice in 1936 from ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara He studies and was ordained a monk in Sri Lanka in 1940 He
return to Nepal in 1942 and preached first publicly in Kathmandu He
formed Dharmodaya Sabha in 1944 and All Nepal Bhikkhu Mahasangha in
1951 and remained its unchallenged leader until his death He was well
known and traveled widely outside of Nepal because of his dynamism and
charisma He was also one of the greatest Buddhist scholars and writers of
Nepal
Aniruddha Bhikkhu (1915-2003) original name Gaja Ratna Tuladhar son of
Dasa Ratna Sahu (Later Ven Dhammaloka) He went to Sri Lanka in 1930
and ordained as samanera and studied there He had served many years in
Lumbini and third Sanghanayaka of Nepal
1 Sarah Levine and David N Gellner Rebuilding Buddhism The Theravada Movement in
Twentieth Century Nepal (UK Harvard University Press 2006) pp 293-296
Ashwaghosh Bhikkhu (1926- present) original name Buddha Ratna Sakya and
became a novice in 1944 and went to Sri Lanka for study where he took
higher ordination in 1949 he is known as bdquothe communist monk‟ and was a
nominee of the Unified Marxist-Leninist party one of Nepal‟s two main
political parites in the 1990s to the Upper House 1993-5 He had
established nepal‟s first Bhikkhu Training Center at Sangharama Dhalko
and became abbot of this vihara Presently he is abbot of Shrigha Vihara in
Kathmandu and of Dyanakuti Vihara Banepa
Buddhaghosh Bhikkhu (1921- present day) original name Sapta Ratna
Vajracharya in Kwa Baha Kathamandu The founder of Pariyatti Education
in Nepal and presently acting Sanghanayaka of Nepal (2006) and abbot of
Sri Sumangala Vihara in Lalitpur
Chandramani Bhikkhu (1876-1972) a Burmese monk who spent his life in
Kusinagara where he worked for the propagation of Buddhism until his
death He initiated with most of the early Nepalese Theravadins Monks and
Nuns He was the first president of Dharmodaya Sabha and father of
Theravadins of Nepal
Dharmachari Anagarika (1898-1978) born Laxmi Nani Tuladhar she
impressed by Ven Pragyananda in Kindol Vihara and took the precepts
from Chandramani in Kusinagara in 1934 and most prominent Nepali nun
She founded the first nunnery in Nepal at Kindol Vihara in 1947
Dhammaloka Bhikkhu (1891-1977) born Das Ratna Tuladhar Asan
kathamandu He traded in Lhasha went to Sri Lanka and taught Buddhism
as a layman Later became a monk in 1932 after his son Aniruddha ordain
in 1930 he established nepal‟s first Theravādin Vihara bdquoAnanda Kuti
Vihar‟ in Kathmandu
Dhammawati Anagarika (1925- present day) born as Ganesh Kumari Sakya in
Uku Baha lalitpur She ordain too precepts from Ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara and renamed as Dhammavati in 1950 She went to Burma for
study and return in 1963 after passed the Dhammacariya Examination She
was able to established Dhammakirti Nunnery Centre in 1965 and leader of
the Theravādin Nuns She has been re-ordained as Bhikkhuni according to
Mahayana tradition
Dharmaditya Dharmacharya (1902-1963) born as Jagat Man Vaidya in Chika
Bahi Lalitpur and the first Newar Buddhist modernist and the first newar
cultural nationalist He went to study in Calcutta where he became a
follower of anagarika Dhammapala the founder of Maha Bodhi Society
He had formed Buddhist revival foundation and published Buddhist
magazines etc
Nyanpurnika Bhikkhu (1936- present day) Born as Hera Lal Sakya in Tansen
He studied with Buddhaghosh in Lalitpur in Burma and in England He is
only monk who passed Dhammacariya examination of Burma He was the
founder of Vishwa Shanti Vihara and Vishwa Shanti Bauddha sikkyalaya
where train novices He is a prominent translator and writer
Kumar Kashyap Bhikkhu (1926- present day) born as Krishna Man Sakya he
was one of those who exiled to India by the Ranas in 1944 He went to
Study in Sri Lanka and hold nepal‟s first bdquoTripitaka acarya‟ Presently he is
president of All Nepal Bhikkhu Association and abbot of Ananda Kuti
Vihara
Mahapragya Bhikkhu (1901-1979) born Prem Bahadur (Nani Kaji ) Shrestha
He ordained into Tibetan tradition but exiled in 1926 and reordained as
novice in Theravada tradition one of the earlier Theravādin monks He
return to householderhood in Kalimpong in 1940s but then returned to
Kathmandu as a Buddhist sage (Bauddha Rishi) in the 1960s where he
taught until his death
Pragyananda Bhikkhu (1900-1993) born as Kul Man Singh Tuladhar in Itum
Baha Kathmandu a trader in Tibet where he met Ven Mahapragya and
impressed by him to ordained He became a Tibetan Gelung Karmasheel in
1928 and two years later a Theravādin under Ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara in 1930 He was nepal‟s first Sanghamahanayaka and well
respected monk
Shakyananda Bhikkhu (1909-1997) born as Chakra Dhan Sakya in Taksar
Bhojpur East Nepal He spent over forty years as a monk in Tansen outside
the Kathmandu and second sanghamahanayaka of Nepal
Subodhanand Bhikkhu (1916-2006) bor as Kul Raj Sakya in Taksar Bhojpur
East Nepal He was one of the monks exiled by the Ranas in 1944 He was
a prolific composer of Hymns in Nepal Bhasa In 2003 as the most senior
monk in Nepal he was the fourth Sanghanayaka of Nepal
Sudarshan Bhikkhu (1934-2002) born as Rudra Raj Sakya in Uku Baha
lalitpur He was famous a bdquothe boy monk‟ For many years he was a lecturer
in the culture Department of Tribhuvan University a prolific writer
preacher and abbot of Sri Kirti Vihara Kirtipur which is became multi-
cultural center and especially for Buddhist meetings and conferences He
was jailed for some months for Nepal Bhasa activities in the Panchayat
period He was a campaigner on Buddhist issues particularly to do with
Lumbini
Sumangal Bhikkhu (1929-1999) born Bhakta Krishna Shilpakar in Lalitpur He
was famous as ldquoDollar bhanterdquo He ordained in 1959 in Burma obtained a
master‟s degree in Buddhism from Rissho University Japan in 1972 and
was among the first monks to mobilize international connections for
Buddhist projects in Nepal He established Buddha Vihara in Bhrikuti
Mandap Kathmandu He helped raise funds from Thailand and Japan for
IBMc (1985) brought the Japanese healing movement Sei Mei Kyo to
Nepal and in 1993 opened an old people‟s home in Banepa
Glimpse of Theravādin activities in Nepal
Samanera ordination at Muni Vihara
Ordination Ceremony at Vishwa Shanti Vihara
Collecting Alms
Chanting Paritta in devotee‟s home
Giving Holy Thread to Devotees
Buddhist Art in Nepal
Main Buddha Image at Sri Kirti Vihara
Four holy places
Some of the Theravada Buddhist Viharas (Monasteries) in Nepal
Vihars In Kathmandu Valley Telephone No
1 Amarapura Buddha Vihar Bungamati 5551068
2 Anandakuti Vihar Swayambhu 4271420
3 Anandabhuwan Vihar Bhuikhyo 4270429
4 Ganamaha vihar Ganabaha 4253454
5 Gautam Buddha Vihar Panga co 4330576
6 Caturbrahma Vihar Matatirtha 4310558
7 Carumati Vihar Cabahil 4469897
8 Baudhajana Vihar Sunakothi co 5570209
9 Jitapur Gandhakuti Vihar khona Co 5542846
10 Jitawan Vihar Thankot 4311912
11 Jyoti udaya vihar Capagaun Co 5571459
12 Dhammavasa Vihar Khusibun 4358688
13 Dharmakirti Vihar Srigha Naghal 4259466
14 Dharmacakra vihar Bagbajar 4261976
15 Nagar Mandap Sri Kirti Vihar Kirtipur 4330836
16 Nagadesh Buddha Vihar Nagadesh Co 6635397
17 Nirvanmurti Anagarikaram Kindol 4285811
18 Padmasugandha Vihar Manjeshwori 4266255
19 Pranidhi Purna Mahavihar Balambu 43105924312455
20 Pati Vihar Thimi Co 6637601
21 Pippali Theravad Buddha Vihar Shiphal 4475066
22 Punya Udaya Vihar Jala Harisiddhi Co 5527456
23 Buddhabhoomi Mahavihar Tokha 4362514
24 Buddha Vihar Bhrikuti mandapa 4226702
25 Buddharatna Vihar Putalisadak 4244277
26 Bauddha samakrit Vihar Bhaktapur 6610842
27 Manimandap Vihar Patko Bhaktapur 5526517
28 Muni Vihar Bhaktapur 6616464
29 Yampi Mahavihar Ibahi Lalitpur 5539644
30 Yashodhara Baudha Bidyalaya Thaina Lalitpur 5521435
31 Biswo Shanti Vihar Baneshwor 4482384
32 Biswo Shanti Dharmakirti vihar Basundhara 4354251
33 Beluvanarama Vihar Theco Co 5570062
34 Sakyasingha Vihar Thaina Lalitpur 5524760
35 Santi Sukhawas Cakupat co 5523613
36 Siddhimangal Buddha Vihar Thasi 5581495
37 Sumangala Vihara Lagankhel 5531715
38 Sulakshan kirti Vihar Chobhar 4331718
39 Suwanrna Chatrapur Vihar Lubhu 5580430
40 Sangharama Vihar Dhalko Visnumati 4255960
41 Srigha Vihar Nagal 4259110
Vihars out side the Kathamandu Velley Telephone No
1 Ananda Vihar Tansen Co 075-520225520216
2 Citravan Vihar Narayangadha Co 056-521478
3 Taksar Vihar Tansen Co 075-520024
4 Dharmashila Buddha Vihar Phokhara 061-520517
5 Dyankuti Banepa Banepa 011-661244
6 Padma Chaitya Vihar Butawal 071-546470
7 Purwarama Vihar Dhulikhel 011-661979
8 Pragya Mahavihar Hetauda Co 057-520264520136
9 Buddha Vihar Dharan 025-520354
10 Buddha Vihar Biratnagar Co 021-522146530604
11 Beni Buddha Vihar Myagdi Co 069-520354
12 Bodhicharya vihar Banepa 011-661789
13 Lokachakra Buddha Vihar Dhan gadhi 091-622174
14 Sakyamuni Vihar Bhojpur Co 029-420260
15 Sugatapur Vihar Trisuli Co 010-560153
16 Sugandha Vihar Ridi Gulmi Co 079-529435
17 Swoyambhu Chetya Buddha Vihar Urlabari Co 021-540080
18 Swoyambhu Chetya Mahavihar Dharan Co 025-520190
19 Gyanodaya Buddha Vihar Baglung Co 068-520921520336
Footnotes
[1] This paper was written as a part of my MA thesis research on bdquoThe
Revival of Theravada Buddhism and its contribution to Nepalese Society‟ of
Mahachulalongkorn University Bangkok Thailand and would like to thank Mr
Dharma Sakya for every suggestion editing and help for the completion of this
article
[2] Nyanatiloka Buddhist Dictionary 3
rd ed The Free Distribution
version the Corporate Body of the Buddha education foundation Taiwan p
179
[3] Triratna Manandhar bdquoPresent of Buddhism in Nepal‟ (Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK Vol 8 May 2005) p 15
[4] helliphelliphelliphellip The New Encyclopedia of Britannica Vol24 (USA
Library of Congress Catalog 1993) p 781 Dhanabajra Vajracharya Cabahilko
Abhilekha (Inscription of Cabahil) The Charumati Voice (Kath Charumati
Buddhist Mission 2001) pp 17-20 Bhikkhu Sudarsan Mahasthavira Nepal
Upatyaka ma Ashokaki Chori Charumati (Charumati A daughter of
Ashoka in Nepal Valley) (The Charumati Vocie (Kath Charumati Buddhist
Mission 2001) p 20
[5] Beal Samuel Si Yu Ri Buddhist Records of the Western World
(New Delhi Motilal Banarsidass Publishers 1994) pp 80-81 Bhuwan Lal
Pradhan Nepalama Buddhadharma (Kath Nepal Rajkiya Pragyapratisthana
1988) pp 102 ndash 103
[6] NB Thapa A Short History of Nepal (Kath Ratna Pustak
bhandhar Nd) pp 30-33 Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ The
Nation Thailand‟s English Newspaper (Sunday special) Oct 18 1987
[7] Opcit NB Thapa p116
[8] David N Gellner Monk Householder and Tantric Priest Newar
Buddhism and its Hierarchy of Ritual (Cambridge University Press 1996) pp
41ff
[9] Bechert Heinz amp Jens-Uwe Hartmann ldquoObservation on the reform
of Buddhism in Nepalrdquo Journal of Nepal Research Centre vol VIII Kath
Kantipur Printing Press1988p 6
[10] Ria Kloppenborg Theravada Buddhism in Nepal‟ Kailash A
Journal of Himalayan Studies Vol 5 no 41977 p 302
[11] BP Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada Gukathan Wagu Kha (Kath
Hisi Press Nepal BS 20421985) pp44ff
[12] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p47ff
[13] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 51-53 Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal (BKK A Thesis of MA Mahamakut Graduate School
2001) p 97
[14] Bhikshu Sudarshan Mahasthavir bdquoRole of Theravada in the
Preservation of Newar Buddhism‟ wwwircnepalorgpapers
[15] Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 69-72
[16] Opcit Observation on the reform of Buddhism in Nepal p10ff
[17] Opcit Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ RV
Vandya Sanghanayaka Venerable Pragnananda Mahasthavir (Kath Nepal
Co-operative Press 1978) pp 11ff
[18] Bhkkhu Dharmaloka Mahasthavir A Pilgrimage in China (kath
published by Bhikkhu Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1999) p 13-15 Opcit Lacoul
Nepalay Sthavirvada p 74-75
[19] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka p 15
[20] Opcit Bhikkhu dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp16ff
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p100
[21] Ibit Bhikkhu Dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp 27-29
[22] See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A Homage
(Kath Anandakuti Vihar Trust 1992) Kuladharma Ratna Tuladhar Buddhism
in Nepal (Kath Dharmodaya Sabha 1986) pp15 Opcit Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 100
[23] Opcit K R Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal 16 RV Vandya
Sanghanayaka ven Pragnananda p 32 ff
[24] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka Pragnananda pp 34-35
Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthavirvada p 86
[25] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 18 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 101
[26] Bhikkhu Amritananda Mahasthavir A Short History of Theravada
Buddhism in Modern Nepal (Kath Anandakuti Vihar trust 1986) pp 8-9
Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir (Kath Anandakuti
Vihar Trust 1992) p 25
[27] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 19 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[28] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[29] Opcit Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir
p 26
[30] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit KR
Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 20
[31] Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha in Nepal
(BKK A Thesis of MA Buddhist Study Mahachulalongkorn University 2547)
p 23 [32]
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit Ratna
Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir p 26
[33] Amrit R Sthapit bdquowho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Aswaghosha‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 4 no 1 May 2001
p8
[34] helliphelliphelliphelliphellip bdquoWho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Nyanapurninka Mahasthavir‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 7
no 1 May 2004 p13 Viswo Shanti Vihar The Shanti Sandesh (Kath Viswo
Shanti Vihar 1998)
[35] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sumangala Mahasthavir
A monk who modernized Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the
LNBDS UK vol 2 no 1 May 1999 p10
[36] Opcit Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha
in Nepal pp 52ff
[37] Rina Tuladhara Dharmakirti 25 Years of Dharmakirti Buddhist
Study Circle A Glimpse (Kath Dharmakirti Vihar 1996) Mallika Sakya
bdquoWho is Who in Nepalese Buddhism Dhammavati Guruma‟ Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 5 no 1 May 2002 p10
[38] Opcit See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A
Homage Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 108
[39] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sudarshan Mahasthavir A
Gem of the Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol
6 no 1 May 2003 p13
35
Theravada Records in Nepal
List of Monks Novices and Anagarikas studying abroad
MONKS AND NOVICES
I Thailand
1 Bhikkhu Anil Man Dhammasakiyo (Sugandha)
2 Bhikkhu Vipassi Dhammaramo
3 Bhikkhu Jit Bahadur Gurung
4 Bhikkhu Krishna Thapamagar
5 Bhikkhu Pannamurti
6 Bhikkhu Sujan Sujano
7 Bhikkhu Anil Sumankitti
8 Bhikkhu Santosh Santosho
9 Bhikkhu Khemik Suddhasilo
10 Bhikkhu Suman Rocano
11 Bhikkhu Sanu Maharajano
12 Bhikkhu Santamano Dhwajjoshi
13 Bhikkhu Suman Dhwajjoshi
14 Bhikkhu Bijit Khemasakko
15 Bhikkhu Supreme Shakyavanso
Samaneras
1 Samanera Buddharatna Maharjan
2 Samanera Dhammaratna Maharjan
3 Samanera Bipin Maharjan
4 Samanera Prajwal Shakya
5 Samanera Ukesh Sakya
6 Samanera Gopi Maharjan
7 Samanera Sudip Deshar
8 Samanera Sudat Deshar
9 Samanera Deepi Maharjan
10 Samanera Ramit Shrestha
11 Samanera Anup Deshar
12 Samanera Suman Bajracharya bdquoA‟
13 Samanera Rajendra Deshar
14 Samanera Kapila Maharjan
15 Samanera Arbin Shakya
36
16 Samanera Kabindra Bajracharya
17 Samanera Ujjawal Shakya
18 Samanera Satish Shakya
19 Samanera Bimal Gurung
20 Samanera Surya Gurung
21 Samanera Sameer Maharjan
22 Samanera Anup Shakya
23 Samanera Arjun Magar
24 Samanera Kiran Desahar
25 Samanera Dipesh Shrestha
26 Samanera Tejendra Tamang
27 Samanera Ashim Shakya
28 Samanera Jalap Bajracharya
29 Samanera Arya Dev Bajracharya
30 Samanera Sudarshan Maharjan
31 Samanera Sangharatna
32 Samanera Suman Bajracharya bdquoB‟
33 Samanera Kijan Maharjan
34 Samanera Ramesh Maharjan
35 Samanera Niroj Maharjan
36 Samanera Jen Maharjan
37 Samanera Denish Bajracharya
38 Samanera Pritam Bahadur Shakya
39 Samanera Abhishek Shakya
40 Samanera Bishal Shakya
41 Samanera Sajal Shakya
42 Samanera Suraj Bhakta Shrestha
43 Samanera Dinesh Chaudhary
44 Samanera Shiv Swatantra Tharu
45 Samanera Sambhu Lal Khang
46 Samanera Buddharatna Chaudhary
47 Samanera Mukesh Chaudhary
II Myanmar (Burma)
Bhikkhu Samaneras
1 Bhikkhu Panavimala
2 Bhikkhu Dhyanratna
3 Bhikkhu Adiccho
4 Bhikkhu Vimalbuddhi
5 Bhikkhu Shobhan
6 Samanera Amato
7 Samanera Jutimma
8 Samanera Buddhapiyo
9 Samanera Kavindo
10 Samanera Nagasena
11 Samanera Gyanavudho
III Taiwan(ROC) 1 Bhikkhu Mangala 2 Bhikkhu Vazirbuddhi
IV Australia 1 Bhikkhu Upatissa
V India
1 Bhikkhu Dharmajyoti 2 Bhikkhu Ashokakirti
3 Bhikkhu Narawang Tamang
VI United kingdom 1 Bhikkhu Suman
VII USA 1 Bhikkhu Pragnaloka
VIII Sri Lanka
Bhikkhus
Bhikkhu Nanda
Bhikkhu Vineeta
Bhikkhu Ashoka
Bhikkhu Triratna
Bhikkhu Sagara
Bhikkhu Sankicca
Bhikkhu Vajirasiri
Bhikkhu Sarada
Bhikkhu Veenit
Bhikkhu Ratana
Bhikkhu Tissa
Bhikkhu Vajira
Bhikkhu Pannawimal
Bhikkhu Medhankar
Bhikkhu Pannasara
SARAMANERAS
Saranankara
Piyadassi
Dil Bhadra
Chandima
Samita
Narada bdquoA‟
Piyaratna
Kusala
Lakkhana
Udit
Vibekanada
Pannananda
Mettananda
Chandananda
Yassari
Upali
Subodhi
Mahanama
Kashyapa
Dhammapala
Narada bdquoB‟
Nalaka bdquoA‟
Daywasa
Santa Sobhana
Santa Siddhartha
Santa Maitri
Santa Kosala
Santa Sakya
Suvaca
Sukama Sila
Siddhartha
Nanda bdquoA‟
Rahula
Sudheera
Kosala Dheera
Panna Wansa
Jina Wansa
Mahinda
Nanda bdquoB‟
Seewali
Mahapantha
Assaji
Sarada
Sumana
Ananda
Nalaka bdquoB‟
Aloka
Suwarna
Subodh
Udena
Sangharatna bdquoA‟
Gyanendra
Khema
Soma bdquoA‟
Punna
Panna Ransi
Soma bdquoB‟
Santa bdquoA‟
Kapila Wansa
Asita Wansa
Sumanananda bdquoa‟
Vijitananda
Khemananda
Silananda
Medhananda
Somaratna
Soratha
Pragyananda
Sumangala
Santa Citta
Yasa
Dhamma Kitti
Panna Kitti
Santa Dheera
Vijitananda
Sumanananda bdquob‟
Vajra Bodhi
Dhammika
Santa bdquoB‟
Anuruddha
Sumana bdquoB‟
Jinavamsa
Panna Vansa
Buddha Ratna
Dhamma Ratna
Ariya Ratna
Piyadassi bdquoB‟
Sila Ratna
Sangha Ratna bdquoB‟
List of Anagarikas studying in abroad
I Thailand
1 Anagarika Sirisuta Maharjan
2 Anagarika Ramsobha Shrestha
3 Anagarika Sunita Napit
II Myanmar
1 Anagarika Javanvati
2 Anagarika Vimalajnani
3 Anagarika Ambika
4 Anagarika Buddhapali
5 Anagarika Darshana
6 Anagarika Agrajnani
7 Anagarika Nandavati
bdquob‟
III India 1 Anagarika Rupashila
IV Taiwan
1 Anagarika Pannavati
2 Anagarika Sani
3 Anagarika Nima
V Sri Lanka
1 Anagarika Pannawati
2 Anagarika Mettawati
3 Anagarika Keshawati
4 Anagarika Prasnnawati
5 Anagarika Sukhawati
6 Anagarika Shobhawati
7 Anagarika Subhadra
8 Anagarika
Shraddhagautami
9 Anagarika Upananda
10 Anagarika Shantawati
11 Anagarika Suciwati
Residences of Theravādin Monks in Nepal
01 Abhinava Buddha Vihara Lumbini
1) Bhikkhu Vimalananda Mahathera
2) Samanera Sunanda
02 Anandakut Vihara Swayambhu Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Kumara Kassapa Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Dharmamurti 3) Samanera Kondanya
4) S Prajnaratna 5) S Asoka
6) S Kumarjeeva 7) S Assaji
03 Bauddha Samaskrita Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Bhikkhu Dharmashobhana Mahathera
04 Bodhicharya Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Bodhisena Mahathera
2) Samanera Bodhideepa
05 Buddha Vihara Bhrikuti Mandap-Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Kondanya 2) Bhikkhu Sushil
3) Samanera Anuyoga 3) S Javana
4) S Udena
06 Buddha Vihara Biratnagar
1) Bhikkhu Aloka
07 Buddha Vihara Dharan
1) Bhikkhu Maitri (Tamang)
2) Bhikkhu Chhavikirti
08 Chatubrahma Vihara Matatirtha
1) Bhikkhu Thansettho
2) Bhikkhu Samyakaratna
3) Bhikkhu Bodhananda
9 Charumati Stupa Vihara Chabahil Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Tapassi Dhamma
10 Dharmacakra Ashrama Bagbazar
1) Bhikkhu Milinda
11 Dharmashila Buddha Vihara Pokhara
1) Bhikkhu Subhadda 2) Bhikkhu Saddhananda
12 Dhyanakuti Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Ashwaghosha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Rahul 3) Samanera Gautama
13 Gana Maha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Sanghanayaka Bhikkhu Subodhanand Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sobhita
3) Bhikkhu Samvegakirti
4) Samanera Sugatananda
6) S Chandananda
7) S Somananda
8) S Sumanavamsha
9) S Somavamsha
10) S Sumanasiri
14 IlayabahiTanabaha Patan
1) Bhikkhu Vimalkirti
15 International Bauddha Pariyatti Vihara Butwal
1) Bhikkhu Jatila
2) Bhikkhu Bhaddiya bdquoB‟
3) Samanera Jnanashree 4) S Jotika
16 International Buddhist Society Lumbini
1) Bhikkhu Maitri Mahathera
2) Samanera Mahapanta
3) S Vimala
17 Jana Udaya Vihara Sunakothi-Lalitpura
1) Bhikkhu Dharmagupta
18 Jitavana Vihara Thankot
1) Bhikkhu Dharmavamsha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sugatamuni Mahathera
3) Samanera Sunita
19 Kuti Vihara Koteshwar-KTM
1) Bhikkhu Yeshdhammo
2) Samanera Wayamo
3) S Milindo 4) S Sunanalankara
20 Manimandapa Mahavihara Patan
1) Bhikshu Shilbhadra Mahathera
2) Samanera Paduma 3) S Nayako
21 Muni Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Samanera Tejendra 2) S Jalapa
3) S Asima 4) S Aryaputra
22 Padma Sugandha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Sumedha 2) Samanera Sudatta
23 Pati Vihara Nagadesh-Bhaktapur
1) Bhikkhu Varasambodhi
24 Pranidhi Purna Maha Vihara Balambu
1) Samanera Sukha
25 Pugatabhoomi Jetavana Vihara Bhairahawa
1) Samanera Jagaro 2) S Suvanno
26 Purvaram Vihara Dhulikhel
1) Bhikkhu Gunaghosha Mahathero
27 Sangharama Vihara Kshetrapati Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Saddhatissa
2) Bhikkhu Kolita
3) Bhikkhu Sangharakshita
28 Shakya Singha Vihara Patan
1) Bhikkhu Dharmapala Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sunanda Mahathera
3) Bhikkhu Dharmarakshita
29 Shikhalapura Vihara Dhulikhel
1) Bhikkhu Dhammananda Mahathera
30 Shree Kirti Vihara Kirtipur
1) Bhikkhu Kirtijyoti 2) Bhikkhu Ananda
3) Bhikkhu Prajnakirti
4) Bhikkhu Dharmakirti
5) Samanera Sundara 6) Bhikkhu Pamit
7) S Subhashkirti 8) S Uttarakirti
31 Shreegha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Dharmasagara
2) Bhikkhu Medhankara
32 Sudarshana Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Rastrapala
33Sumangala Vihara Patan
1) Sanghaupanayaka Bhikkhu Buddhaghosha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Shobhan
3) Bhikkhu Prajnaratna
34 Surya Mangala Vihara Kapilvastu
1) Bhikkhu Suryamangala
35 Tokha Buddha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Samanera Shobhana 2) S Jnanodaya
36 Veluvanarama Vihara Thecho-Lalitpura
1) Samanera Uttama 2) S Chandimo
37 Vishwa Shanti Vihara New Baneshwar
1) Bhikshu Jnanapurnik Mahathera
2) Bhikshu Bodhijnana
3) Bhikshu Nigrodha
4) Bhikshu Udayabhadra
Samaneras
1) S Janak 2) S Sujat
3) S Obhaso 4) S Subhaddo
5) S Nandiyo 6) S Mahindo
7) S Pajjoto 8) S Aloka
9) S Buddhadatta 10) S Panita
11) S Kashyapa 12)S Dharmaghosha
13) S Nagita 14) S Vinaya
15) S Suchitta 16) S Sudatto
17) S Nemindo 18) S Rohito
19) S Jayanto 20) S Meghiyo
21) S Indriyo 22) S Suppamedho
23) S Bhanusarana 24) S Saddhadeepa
25) S Kittimo 26) S Janeyyo
27) S Adicca 28) S Kosalla
29) S Nyanuttara 30) S Bhaddaco
31) S Pabhassaro 32) S Uttaro
38 Yampi Maha Vihara Patan
1) Bhikkhu Bhaddiya
39 Non residencial Monks
1) Bhikshu Samyaka Sambodhi Pranputra
2) Bhikshu Dhyanratna
3) Bhikkhu Chandragupta Balambu
Present Anagarikas and resident in NEPAL
01 Amarapura Vihara Bungamati
1) A Charujnani 2) A Sunita
3) A Palitajnani 4) A Pamitajnani
5) A Padumajnani 6) A Rupawati
02 Bauddha Samaskrit Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Anagarika Sanghashila
03 Buddha ViharaDharan
1) A Sumedhavati 2) A Sushilavati
3) A Kanchana 4) A Shasanavati
04 Bauddha Rishi Mahapragya Ashram Anamnagar
1) Anagarika Prajnavati
05 Chatubrahma Vihara Matatirtha
1) Anagarika Anu
06 Dhammavasa Vihara Khusibun
1) A Krishgautami 2) A Suchita
3) A Shilgautami 4) A Kshantigautami
5) A Shyamavati
07 Dharmakirti Vihara Naghal-Kathmandu
1) Anagarika RatnaManjari
2) A Dhammavati
3) A Dhammadinna (Chameli)
4) A Anupama 5) A Sanghavati
6) A Khemavati 7) A Indravati
8) A Jayavati 9) A Danavati
10) A Tyagavati 11) AViryavati
12) A Shubhavati 13) A Ramavati
14) A Surammavati
15) A Hemavati 16) A Suppabhavati
17) A Supriya 18) A Amata
19) A Vannavati 20) A Suvannavati
08 Dharmashila Buddha Vihara Pokhara
1) Anagarika Karmashila
09 Gautami Vihara Lumbini
1) Anagarika Sujata 2) A Khamesi
10 IlayabahiTana Baha Lalitpur
1) A Shilaparami 2)AViryaparami
3) A Vineeta 4) A Shilachari
11 Int‟l Buddhist Meditation Centre Shankhamul
1) A Aggajnani 2) A Nirmalajnani
3) A Shantarakshita
12 Jaya Mangal ViharaTana Bahal-Patan
1) Anagarika Vijita 2) A Nekkhami
3) A Chittavati
13 Jyoti Vihara Chapagaun- Lalitpur
1) AnagarikaVirygautami
2) A Upeskshagautami
14 Kashivarna Buddha Vihara Panuati
1) Anagarika Satyaparami
15 Kindol Vihara Swayambhu
1) A Sumana 2) A Uttara
3) A Sumitra 4) A Molini
5) A Dhammavijaya 6) A Tejavati
7) A Shyamavati
16 Kunsa BahaHyumat
1) Anagarika Patachari 2) AUmavati
17 Mahabodhi Vihara Tansen
1) Anagarika Revati (Dhammadinna)
18 Muni Vihara Bhaktapur
1) A Sugandhavati 2) A Padmavati
19 Narsinharama Thaina-Patan
1) A Jnanashila 2) ASatyashila
3) AShilavati 4) A Yeshavati 5) A Dharani
6) A Jeenvati
7) A Shilpavatisushma
20 Padmachaitya Vihara Butwal
1) A Udayashila 2) A Santiwati
21 Padmakirti Vihara Kamalpokhari
1) A Kamala 2) A Karunavati
3) A Pabbhavati 4) A Dhyanavati
5) A Bhavanavati
22 Prajnanandarama Okubahal-Patan
1) Anagarika Jnanavati
23 Pranidhipurna Mahavihara Balambu
1) A Mudita 2) A Chandrashila bdquoB‟
24 SangharakshitaVihara Patan
1) Anagarika Abhaya 2) A Chandrashila
3) A Shilachari
25 Shanti Sukhavasa Chakupat-Patan
1) A Utpalavarna (Chini)
26 Shree Kirti Vihara Kirtipur
1) Anagarika Mina
27 SunandaramaThaina-Patan
1) A Madhavi 2) AMasukhi
3) A Mashobha 4) A Mashraddha
5) A Masudha
28 Sulakshanakirti Viahara Kirtipur
1) A Anoja 2) A Atula
3) A Anula
29 Sangharama ViharaDhalko-KTM
1) Anagarika Dharmarakshita
30 Vishwashanti Vihara New Baneshwar
1) A Shubha 2) A Khema
3) A Sudhamma
31 Vishwashanti Dharmakirti Vihara Basundhara
1) A Dhajavati (Kusum) 2) A Padmavati
3) A Bhadravati
32 Residing other Anagarikas
1) Anagarika Chandrajnani Patan
2) A Sraddhavati Shankhamul
3) A Amaravati Patan
4) A Dhammachari Patan
5) A Nanda Thasi
Some Prominent Personalities in the Theravada Movement1
Sanghamahanayakas of Nepal
1 Ven Pragyanand Mahasthavir 1930 ndash 1993 AD
2 Ven Sakyananda Mahasthavir 1993 - 1997 AD
3 Ven Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1997 - 2002 AD
4 Ven Subodhananda Mahasthavir 2002 - 2006 AD
5 Ven Buddhaghosa Mahasthavir 2006-
Amritananda Bhikkhu (1918-1990) original name Lal Kaji Sakya from Tansen
west Nepal he ordain as a novice in 1936 from ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara He studies and was ordained a monk in Sri Lanka in 1940 He
return to Nepal in 1942 and preached first publicly in Kathmandu He
formed Dharmodaya Sabha in 1944 and All Nepal Bhikkhu Mahasangha in
1951 and remained its unchallenged leader until his death He was well
known and traveled widely outside of Nepal because of his dynamism and
charisma He was also one of the greatest Buddhist scholars and writers of
Nepal
Aniruddha Bhikkhu (1915-2003) original name Gaja Ratna Tuladhar son of
Dasa Ratna Sahu (Later Ven Dhammaloka) He went to Sri Lanka in 1930
and ordained as samanera and studied there He had served many years in
Lumbini and third Sanghanayaka of Nepal
1 Sarah Levine and David N Gellner Rebuilding Buddhism The Theravada Movement in
Twentieth Century Nepal (UK Harvard University Press 2006) pp 293-296
Ashwaghosh Bhikkhu (1926- present) original name Buddha Ratna Sakya and
became a novice in 1944 and went to Sri Lanka for study where he took
higher ordination in 1949 he is known as bdquothe communist monk‟ and was a
nominee of the Unified Marxist-Leninist party one of Nepal‟s two main
political parites in the 1990s to the Upper House 1993-5 He had
established nepal‟s first Bhikkhu Training Center at Sangharama Dhalko
and became abbot of this vihara Presently he is abbot of Shrigha Vihara in
Kathmandu and of Dyanakuti Vihara Banepa
Buddhaghosh Bhikkhu (1921- present day) original name Sapta Ratna
Vajracharya in Kwa Baha Kathamandu The founder of Pariyatti Education
in Nepal and presently acting Sanghanayaka of Nepal (2006) and abbot of
Sri Sumangala Vihara in Lalitpur
Chandramani Bhikkhu (1876-1972) a Burmese monk who spent his life in
Kusinagara where he worked for the propagation of Buddhism until his
death He initiated with most of the early Nepalese Theravadins Monks and
Nuns He was the first president of Dharmodaya Sabha and father of
Theravadins of Nepal
Dharmachari Anagarika (1898-1978) born Laxmi Nani Tuladhar she
impressed by Ven Pragyananda in Kindol Vihara and took the precepts
from Chandramani in Kusinagara in 1934 and most prominent Nepali nun
She founded the first nunnery in Nepal at Kindol Vihara in 1947
Dhammaloka Bhikkhu (1891-1977) born Das Ratna Tuladhar Asan
kathamandu He traded in Lhasha went to Sri Lanka and taught Buddhism
as a layman Later became a monk in 1932 after his son Aniruddha ordain
in 1930 he established nepal‟s first Theravādin Vihara bdquoAnanda Kuti
Vihar‟ in Kathmandu
Dhammawati Anagarika (1925- present day) born as Ganesh Kumari Sakya in
Uku Baha lalitpur She ordain too precepts from Ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara and renamed as Dhammavati in 1950 She went to Burma for
study and return in 1963 after passed the Dhammacariya Examination She
was able to established Dhammakirti Nunnery Centre in 1965 and leader of
the Theravādin Nuns She has been re-ordained as Bhikkhuni according to
Mahayana tradition
Dharmaditya Dharmacharya (1902-1963) born as Jagat Man Vaidya in Chika
Bahi Lalitpur and the first Newar Buddhist modernist and the first newar
cultural nationalist He went to study in Calcutta where he became a
follower of anagarika Dhammapala the founder of Maha Bodhi Society
He had formed Buddhist revival foundation and published Buddhist
magazines etc
Nyanpurnika Bhikkhu (1936- present day) Born as Hera Lal Sakya in Tansen
He studied with Buddhaghosh in Lalitpur in Burma and in England He is
only monk who passed Dhammacariya examination of Burma He was the
founder of Vishwa Shanti Vihara and Vishwa Shanti Bauddha sikkyalaya
where train novices He is a prominent translator and writer
Kumar Kashyap Bhikkhu (1926- present day) born as Krishna Man Sakya he
was one of those who exiled to India by the Ranas in 1944 He went to
Study in Sri Lanka and hold nepal‟s first bdquoTripitaka acarya‟ Presently he is
president of All Nepal Bhikkhu Association and abbot of Ananda Kuti
Vihara
Mahapragya Bhikkhu (1901-1979) born Prem Bahadur (Nani Kaji ) Shrestha
He ordained into Tibetan tradition but exiled in 1926 and reordained as
novice in Theravada tradition one of the earlier Theravādin monks He
return to householderhood in Kalimpong in 1940s but then returned to
Kathmandu as a Buddhist sage (Bauddha Rishi) in the 1960s where he
taught until his death
Pragyananda Bhikkhu (1900-1993) born as Kul Man Singh Tuladhar in Itum
Baha Kathmandu a trader in Tibet where he met Ven Mahapragya and
impressed by him to ordained He became a Tibetan Gelung Karmasheel in
1928 and two years later a Theravādin under Ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara in 1930 He was nepal‟s first Sanghamahanayaka and well
respected monk
Shakyananda Bhikkhu (1909-1997) born as Chakra Dhan Sakya in Taksar
Bhojpur East Nepal He spent over forty years as a monk in Tansen outside
the Kathmandu and second sanghamahanayaka of Nepal
Subodhanand Bhikkhu (1916-2006) bor as Kul Raj Sakya in Taksar Bhojpur
East Nepal He was one of the monks exiled by the Ranas in 1944 He was
a prolific composer of Hymns in Nepal Bhasa In 2003 as the most senior
monk in Nepal he was the fourth Sanghanayaka of Nepal
Sudarshan Bhikkhu (1934-2002) born as Rudra Raj Sakya in Uku Baha
lalitpur He was famous a bdquothe boy monk‟ For many years he was a lecturer
in the culture Department of Tribhuvan University a prolific writer
preacher and abbot of Sri Kirti Vihara Kirtipur which is became multi-
cultural center and especially for Buddhist meetings and conferences He
was jailed for some months for Nepal Bhasa activities in the Panchayat
period He was a campaigner on Buddhist issues particularly to do with
Lumbini
Sumangal Bhikkhu (1929-1999) born Bhakta Krishna Shilpakar in Lalitpur He
was famous as ldquoDollar bhanterdquo He ordained in 1959 in Burma obtained a
master‟s degree in Buddhism from Rissho University Japan in 1972 and
was among the first monks to mobilize international connections for
Buddhist projects in Nepal He established Buddha Vihara in Bhrikuti
Mandap Kathmandu He helped raise funds from Thailand and Japan for
IBMc (1985) brought the Japanese healing movement Sei Mei Kyo to
Nepal and in 1993 opened an old people‟s home in Banepa
Glimpse of Theravādin activities in Nepal
Samanera ordination at Muni Vihara
Ordination Ceremony at Vishwa Shanti Vihara
Collecting Alms
Chanting Paritta in devotee‟s home
Giving Holy Thread to Devotees
Buddhist Art in Nepal
Main Buddha Image at Sri Kirti Vihara
Four holy places
Some of the Theravada Buddhist Viharas (Monasteries) in Nepal
Vihars In Kathmandu Valley Telephone No
1 Amarapura Buddha Vihar Bungamati 5551068
2 Anandakuti Vihar Swayambhu 4271420
3 Anandabhuwan Vihar Bhuikhyo 4270429
4 Ganamaha vihar Ganabaha 4253454
5 Gautam Buddha Vihar Panga co 4330576
6 Caturbrahma Vihar Matatirtha 4310558
7 Carumati Vihar Cabahil 4469897
8 Baudhajana Vihar Sunakothi co 5570209
9 Jitapur Gandhakuti Vihar khona Co 5542846
10 Jitawan Vihar Thankot 4311912
11 Jyoti udaya vihar Capagaun Co 5571459
12 Dhammavasa Vihar Khusibun 4358688
13 Dharmakirti Vihar Srigha Naghal 4259466
14 Dharmacakra vihar Bagbajar 4261976
15 Nagar Mandap Sri Kirti Vihar Kirtipur 4330836
16 Nagadesh Buddha Vihar Nagadesh Co 6635397
17 Nirvanmurti Anagarikaram Kindol 4285811
18 Padmasugandha Vihar Manjeshwori 4266255
19 Pranidhi Purna Mahavihar Balambu 43105924312455
20 Pati Vihar Thimi Co 6637601
21 Pippali Theravad Buddha Vihar Shiphal 4475066
22 Punya Udaya Vihar Jala Harisiddhi Co 5527456
23 Buddhabhoomi Mahavihar Tokha 4362514
24 Buddha Vihar Bhrikuti mandapa 4226702
25 Buddharatna Vihar Putalisadak 4244277
26 Bauddha samakrit Vihar Bhaktapur 6610842
27 Manimandap Vihar Patko Bhaktapur 5526517
28 Muni Vihar Bhaktapur 6616464
29 Yampi Mahavihar Ibahi Lalitpur 5539644
30 Yashodhara Baudha Bidyalaya Thaina Lalitpur 5521435
31 Biswo Shanti Vihar Baneshwor 4482384
32 Biswo Shanti Dharmakirti vihar Basundhara 4354251
33 Beluvanarama Vihar Theco Co 5570062
34 Sakyasingha Vihar Thaina Lalitpur 5524760
35 Santi Sukhawas Cakupat co 5523613
36 Siddhimangal Buddha Vihar Thasi 5581495
37 Sumangala Vihara Lagankhel 5531715
38 Sulakshan kirti Vihar Chobhar 4331718
39 Suwanrna Chatrapur Vihar Lubhu 5580430
40 Sangharama Vihar Dhalko Visnumati 4255960
41 Srigha Vihar Nagal 4259110
Vihars out side the Kathamandu Velley Telephone No
1 Ananda Vihar Tansen Co 075-520225520216
2 Citravan Vihar Narayangadha Co 056-521478
3 Taksar Vihar Tansen Co 075-520024
4 Dharmashila Buddha Vihar Phokhara 061-520517
5 Dyankuti Banepa Banepa 011-661244
6 Padma Chaitya Vihar Butawal 071-546470
7 Purwarama Vihar Dhulikhel 011-661979
8 Pragya Mahavihar Hetauda Co 057-520264520136
9 Buddha Vihar Dharan 025-520354
10 Buddha Vihar Biratnagar Co 021-522146530604
11 Beni Buddha Vihar Myagdi Co 069-520354
12 Bodhicharya vihar Banepa 011-661789
13 Lokachakra Buddha Vihar Dhan gadhi 091-622174
14 Sakyamuni Vihar Bhojpur Co 029-420260
15 Sugatapur Vihar Trisuli Co 010-560153
16 Sugandha Vihar Ridi Gulmi Co 079-529435
17 Swoyambhu Chetya Buddha Vihar Urlabari Co 021-540080
18 Swoyambhu Chetya Mahavihar Dharan Co 025-520190
19 Gyanodaya Buddha Vihar Baglung Co 068-520921520336
Footnotes
[1] This paper was written as a part of my MA thesis research on bdquoThe
Revival of Theravada Buddhism and its contribution to Nepalese Society‟ of
Mahachulalongkorn University Bangkok Thailand and would like to thank Mr
Dharma Sakya for every suggestion editing and help for the completion of this
article
[2] Nyanatiloka Buddhist Dictionary 3
rd ed The Free Distribution
version the Corporate Body of the Buddha education foundation Taiwan p
179
[3] Triratna Manandhar bdquoPresent of Buddhism in Nepal‟ (Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK Vol 8 May 2005) p 15
[4] helliphelliphelliphellip The New Encyclopedia of Britannica Vol24 (USA
Library of Congress Catalog 1993) p 781 Dhanabajra Vajracharya Cabahilko
Abhilekha (Inscription of Cabahil) The Charumati Voice (Kath Charumati
Buddhist Mission 2001) pp 17-20 Bhikkhu Sudarsan Mahasthavira Nepal
Upatyaka ma Ashokaki Chori Charumati (Charumati A daughter of
Ashoka in Nepal Valley) (The Charumati Vocie (Kath Charumati Buddhist
Mission 2001) p 20
[5] Beal Samuel Si Yu Ri Buddhist Records of the Western World
(New Delhi Motilal Banarsidass Publishers 1994) pp 80-81 Bhuwan Lal
Pradhan Nepalama Buddhadharma (Kath Nepal Rajkiya Pragyapratisthana
1988) pp 102 ndash 103
[6] NB Thapa A Short History of Nepal (Kath Ratna Pustak
bhandhar Nd) pp 30-33 Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ The
Nation Thailand‟s English Newspaper (Sunday special) Oct 18 1987
[7] Opcit NB Thapa p116
[8] David N Gellner Monk Householder and Tantric Priest Newar
Buddhism and its Hierarchy of Ritual (Cambridge University Press 1996) pp
41ff
[9] Bechert Heinz amp Jens-Uwe Hartmann ldquoObservation on the reform
of Buddhism in Nepalrdquo Journal of Nepal Research Centre vol VIII Kath
Kantipur Printing Press1988p 6
[10] Ria Kloppenborg Theravada Buddhism in Nepal‟ Kailash A
Journal of Himalayan Studies Vol 5 no 41977 p 302
[11] BP Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada Gukathan Wagu Kha (Kath
Hisi Press Nepal BS 20421985) pp44ff
[12] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p47ff
[13] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 51-53 Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal (BKK A Thesis of MA Mahamakut Graduate School
2001) p 97
[14] Bhikshu Sudarshan Mahasthavir bdquoRole of Theravada in the
Preservation of Newar Buddhism‟ wwwircnepalorgpapers
[15] Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 69-72
[16] Opcit Observation on the reform of Buddhism in Nepal p10ff
[17] Opcit Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ RV
Vandya Sanghanayaka Venerable Pragnananda Mahasthavir (Kath Nepal
Co-operative Press 1978) pp 11ff
[18] Bhkkhu Dharmaloka Mahasthavir A Pilgrimage in China (kath
published by Bhikkhu Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1999) p 13-15 Opcit Lacoul
Nepalay Sthavirvada p 74-75
[19] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka p 15
[20] Opcit Bhikkhu dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp16ff
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p100
[21] Ibit Bhikkhu Dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp 27-29
[22] See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A Homage
(Kath Anandakuti Vihar Trust 1992) Kuladharma Ratna Tuladhar Buddhism
in Nepal (Kath Dharmodaya Sabha 1986) pp15 Opcit Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 100
[23] Opcit K R Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal 16 RV Vandya
Sanghanayaka ven Pragnananda p 32 ff
[24] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka Pragnananda pp 34-35
Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthavirvada p 86
[25] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 18 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 101
[26] Bhikkhu Amritananda Mahasthavir A Short History of Theravada
Buddhism in Modern Nepal (Kath Anandakuti Vihar trust 1986) pp 8-9
Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir (Kath Anandakuti
Vihar Trust 1992) p 25
[27] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 19 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[28] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[29] Opcit Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir
p 26
[30] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit KR
Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 20
[31] Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha in Nepal
(BKK A Thesis of MA Buddhist Study Mahachulalongkorn University 2547)
p 23 [32]
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit Ratna
Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir p 26
[33] Amrit R Sthapit bdquowho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Aswaghosha‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 4 no 1 May 2001
p8
[34] helliphelliphelliphelliphellip bdquoWho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Nyanapurninka Mahasthavir‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 7
no 1 May 2004 p13 Viswo Shanti Vihar The Shanti Sandesh (Kath Viswo
Shanti Vihar 1998)
[35] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sumangala Mahasthavir
A monk who modernized Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the
LNBDS UK vol 2 no 1 May 1999 p10
[36] Opcit Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha
in Nepal pp 52ff
[37] Rina Tuladhara Dharmakirti 25 Years of Dharmakirti Buddhist
Study Circle A Glimpse (Kath Dharmakirti Vihar 1996) Mallika Sakya
bdquoWho is Who in Nepalese Buddhism Dhammavati Guruma‟ Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 5 no 1 May 2002 p10
[38] Opcit See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A
Homage Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 108
[39] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sudarshan Mahasthavir A
Gem of the Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol
6 no 1 May 2003 p13
36
16 Samanera Kabindra Bajracharya
17 Samanera Ujjawal Shakya
18 Samanera Satish Shakya
19 Samanera Bimal Gurung
20 Samanera Surya Gurung
21 Samanera Sameer Maharjan
22 Samanera Anup Shakya
23 Samanera Arjun Magar
24 Samanera Kiran Desahar
25 Samanera Dipesh Shrestha
26 Samanera Tejendra Tamang
27 Samanera Ashim Shakya
28 Samanera Jalap Bajracharya
29 Samanera Arya Dev Bajracharya
30 Samanera Sudarshan Maharjan
31 Samanera Sangharatna
32 Samanera Suman Bajracharya bdquoB‟
33 Samanera Kijan Maharjan
34 Samanera Ramesh Maharjan
35 Samanera Niroj Maharjan
36 Samanera Jen Maharjan
37 Samanera Denish Bajracharya
38 Samanera Pritam Bahadur Shakya
39 Samanera Abhishek Shakya
40 Samanera Bishal Shakya
41 Samanera Sajal Shakya
42 Samanera Suraj Bhakta Shrestha
43 Samanera Dinesh Chaudhary
44 Samanera Shiv Swatantra Tharu
45 Samanera Sambhu Lal Khang
46 Samanera Buddharatna Chaudhary
47 Samanera Mukesh Chaudhary
II Myanmar (Burma)
Bhikkhu Samaneras
1 Bhikkhu Panavimala
2 Bhikkhu Dhyanratna
3 Bhikkhu Adiccho
4 Bhikkhu Vimalbuddhi
5 Bhikkhu Shobhan
6 Samanera Amato
7 Samanera Jutimma
8 Samanera Buddhapiyo
9 Samanera Kavindo
10 Samanera Nagasena
11 Samanera Gyanavudho
III Taiwan(ROC) 1 Bhikkhu Mangala 2 Bhikkhu Vazirbuddhi
IV Australia 1 Bhikkhu Upatissa
V India
1 Bhikkhu Dharmajyoti 2 Bhikkhu Ashokakirti
3 Bhikkhu Narawang Tamang
VI United kingdom 1 Bhikkhu Suman
VII USA 1 Bhikkhu Pragnaloka
VIII Sri Lanka
Bhikkhus
Bhikkhu Nanda
Bhikkhu Vineeta
Bhikkhu Ashoka
Bhikkhu Triratna
Bhikkhu Sagara
Bhikkhu Sankicca
Bhikkhu Vajirasiri
Bhikkhu Sarada
Bhikkhu Veenit
Bhikkhu Ratana
Bhikkhu Tissa
Bhikkhu Vajira
Bhikkhu Pannawimal
Bhikkhu Medhankar
Bhikkhu Pannasara
SARAMANERAS
Saranankara
Piyadassi
Dil Bhadra
Chandima
Samita
Narada bdquoA‟
Piyaratna
Kusala
Lakkhana
Udit
Vibekanada
Pannananda
Mettananda
Chandananda
Yassari
Upali
Subodhi
Mahanama
Kashyapa
Dhammapala
Narada bdquoB‟
Nalaka bdquoA‟
Daywasa
Santa Sobhana
Santa Siddhartha
Santa Maitri
Santa Kosala
Santa Sakya
Suvaca
Sukama Sila
Siddhartha
Nanda bdquoA‟
Rahula
Sudheera
Kosala Dheera
Panna Wansa
Jina Wansa
Mahinda
Nanda bdquoB‟
Seewali
Mahapantha
Assaji
Sarada
Sumana
Ananda
Nalaka bdquoB‟
Aloka
Suwarna
Subodh
Udena
Sangharatna bdquoA‟
Gyanendra
Khema
Soma bdquoA‟
Punna
Panna Ransi
Soma bdquoB‟
Santa bdquoA‟
Kapila Wansa
Asita Wansa
Sumanananda bdquoa‟
Vijitananda
Khemananda
Silananda
Medhananda
Somaratna
Soratha
Pragyananda
Sumangala
Santa Citta
Yasa
Dhamma Kitti
Panna Kitti
Santa Dheera
Vijitananda
Sumanananda bdquob‟
Vajra Bodhi
Dhammika
Santa bdquoB‟
Anuruddha
Sumana bdquoB‟
Jinavamsa
Panna Vansa
Buddha Ratna
Dhamma Ratna
Ariya Ratna
Piyadassi bdquoB‟
Sila Ratna
Sangha Ratna bdquoB‟
List of Anagarikas studying in abroad
I Thailand
1 Anagarika Sirisuta Maharjan
2 Anagarika Ramsobha Shrestha
3 Anagarika Sunita Napit
II Myanmar
1 Anagarika Javanvati
2 Anagarika Vimalajnani
3 Anagarika Ambika
4 Anagarika Buddhapali
5 Anagarika Darshana
6 Anagarika Agrajnani
7 Anagarika Nandavati
bdquob‟
III India 1 Anagarika Rupashila
IV Taiwan
1 Anagarika Pannavati
2 Anagarika Sani
3 Anagarika Nima
V Sri Lanka
1 Anagarika Pannawati
2 Anagarika Mettawati
3 Anagarika Keshawati
4 Anagarika Prasnnawati
5 Anagarika Sukhawati
6 Anagarika Shobhawati
7 Anagarika Subhadra
8 Anagarika
Shraddhagautami
9 Anagarika Upananda
10 Anagarika Shantawati
11 Anagarika Suciwati
Residences of Theravādin Monks in Nepal
01 Abhinava Buddha Vihara Lumbini
1) Bhikkhu Vimalananda Mahathera
2) Samanera Sunanda
02 Anandakut Vihara Swayambhu Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Kumara Kassapa Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Dharmamurti 3) Samanera Kondanya
4) S Prajnaratna 5) S Asoka
6) S Kumarjeeva 7) S Assaji
03 Bauddha Samaskrita Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Bhikkhu Dharmashobhana Mahathera
04 Bodhicharya Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Bodhisena Mahathera
2) Samanera Bodhideepa
05 Buddha Vihara Bhrikuti Mandap-Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Kondanya 2) Bhikkhu Sushil
3) Samanera Anuyoga 3) S Javana
4) S Udena
06 Buddha Vihara Biratnagar
1) Bhikkhu Aloka
07 Buddha Vihara Dharan
1) Bhikkhu Maitri (Tamang)
2) Bhikkhu Chhavikirti
08 Chatubrahma Vihara Matatirtha
1) Bhikkhu Thansettho
2) Bhikkhu Samyakaratna
3) Bhikkhu Bodhananda
9 Charumati Stupa Vihara Chabahil Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Tapassi Dhamma
10 Dharmacakra Ashrama Bagbazar
1) Bhikkhu Milinda
11 Dharmashila Buddha Vihara Pokhara
1) Bhikkhu Subhadda 2) Bhikkhu Saddhananda
12 Dhyanakuti Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Ashwaghosha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Rahul 3) Samanera Gautama
13 Gana Maha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Sanghanayaka Bhikkhu Subodhanand Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sobhita
3) Bhikkhu Samvegakirti
4) Samanera Sugatananda
6) S Chandananda
7) S Somananda
8) S Sumanavamsha
9) S Somavamsha
10) S Sumanasiri
14 IlayabahiTanabaha Patan
1) Bhikkhu Vimalkirti
15 International Bauddha Pariyatti Vihara Butwal
1) Bhikkhu Jatila
2) Bhikkhu Bhaddiya bdquoB‟
3) Samanera Jnanashree 4) S Jotika
16 International Buddhist Society Lumbini
1) Bhikkhu Maitri Mahathera
2) Samanera Mahapanta
3) S Vimala
17 Jana Udaya Vihara Sunakothi-Lalitpura
1) Bhikkhu Dharmagupta
18 Jitavana Vihara Thankot
1) Bhikkhu Dharmavamsha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sugatamuni Mahathera
3) Samanera Sunita
19 Kuti Vihara Koteshwar-KTM
1) Bhikkhu Yeshdhammo
2) Samanera Wayamo
3) S Milindo 4) S Sunanalankara
20 Manimandapa Mahavihara Patan
1) Bhikshu Shilbhadra Mahathera
2) Samanera Paduma 3) S Nayako
21 Muni Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Samanera Tejendra 2) S Jalapa
3) S Asima 4) S Aryaputra
22 Padma Sugandha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Sumedha 2) Samanera Sudatta
23 Pati Vihara Nagadesh-Bhaktapur
1) Bhikkhu Varasambodhi
24 Pranidhi Purna Maha Vihara Balambu
1) Samanera Sukha
25 Pugatabhoomi Jetavana Vihara Bhairahawa
1) Samanera Jagaro 2) S Suvanno
26 Purvaram Vihara Dhulikhel
1) Bhikkhu Gunaghosha Mahathero
27 Sangharama Vihara Kshetrapati Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Saddhatissa
2) Bhikkhu Kolita
3) Bhikkhu Sangharakshita
28 Shakya Singha Vihara Patan
1) Bhikkhu Dharmapala Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sunanda Mahathera
3) Bhikkhu Dharmarakshita
29 Shikhalapura Vihara Dhulikhel
1) Bhikkhu Dhammananda Mahathera
30 Shree Kirti Vihara Kirtipur
1) Bhikkhu Kirtijyoti 2) Bhikkhu Ananda
3) Bhikkhu Prajnakirti
4) Bhikkhu Dharmakirti
5) Samanera Sundara 6) Bhikkhu Pamit
7) S Subhashkirti 8) S Uttarakirti
31 Shreegha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Dharmasagara
2) Bhikkhu Medhankara
32 Sudarshana Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Rastrapala
33Sumangala Vihara Patan
1) Sanghaupanayaka Bhikkhu Buddhaghosha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Shobhan
3) Bhikkhu Prajnaratna
34 Surya Mangala Vihara Kapilvastu
1) Bhikkhu Suryamangala
35 Tokha Buddha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Samanera Shobhana 2) S Jnanodaya
36 Veluvanarama Vihara Thecho-Lalitpura
1) Samanera Uttama 2) S Chandimo
37 Vishwa Shanti Vihara New Baneshwar
1) Bhikshu Jnanapurnik Mahathera
2) Bhikshu Bodhijnana
3) Bhikshu Nigrodha
4) Bhikshu Udayabhadra
Samaneras
1) S Janak 2) S Sujat
3) S Obhaso 4) S Subhaddo
5) S Nandiyo 6) S Mahindo
7) S Pajjoto 8) S Aloka
9) S Buddhadatta 10) S Panita
11) S Kashyapa 12)S Dharmaghosha
13) S Nagita 14) S Vinaya
15) S Suchitta 16) S Sudatto
17) S Nemindo 18) S Rohito
19) S Jayanto 20) S Meghiyo
21) S Indriyo 22) S Suppamedho
23) S Bhanusarana 24) S Saddhadeepa
25) S Kittimo 26) S Janeyyo
27) S Adicca 28) S Kosalla
29) S Nyanuttara 30) S Bhaddaco
31) S Pabhassaro 32) S Uttaro
38 Yampi Maha Vihara Patan
1) Bhikkhu Bhaddiya
39 Non residencial Monks
1) Bhikshu Samyaka Sambodhi Pranputra
2) Bhikshu Dhyanratna
3) Bhikkhu Chandragupta Balambu
Present Anagarikas and resident in NEPAL
01 Amarapura Vihara Bungamati
1) A Charujnani 2) A Sunita
3) A Palitajnani 4) A Pamitajnani
5) A Padumajnani 6) A Rupawati
02 Bauddha Samaskrit Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Anagarika Sanghashila
03 Buddha ViharaDharan
1) A Sumedhavati 2) A Sushilavati
3) A Kanchana 4) A Shasanavati
04 Bauddha Rishi Mahapragya Ashram Anamnagar
1) Anagarika Prajnavati
05 Chatubrahma Vihara Matatirtha
1) Anagarika Anu
06 Dhammavasa Vihara Khusibun
1) A Krishgautami 2) A Suchita
3) A Shilgautami 4) A Kshantigautami
5) A Shyamavati
07 Dharmakirti Vihara Naghal-Kathmandu
1) Anagarika RatnaManjari
2) A Dhammavati
3) A Dhammadinna (Chameli)
4) A Anupama 5) A Sanghavati
6) A Khemavati 7) A Indravati
8) A Jayavati 9) A Danavati
10) A Tyagavati 11) AViryavati
12) A Shubhavati 13) A Ramavati
14) A Surammavati
15) A Hemavati 16) A Suppabhavati
17) A Supriya 18) A Amata
19) A Vannavati 20) A Suvannavati
08 Dharmashila Buddha Vihara Pokhara
1) Anagarika Karmashila
09 Gautami Vihara Lumbini
1) Anagarika Sujata 2) A Khamesi
10 IlayabahiTana Baha Lalitpur
1) A Shilaparami 2)AViryaparami
3) A Vineeta 4) A Shilachari
11 Int‟l Buddhist Meditation Centre Shankhamul
1) A Aggajnani 2) A Nirmalajnani
3) A Shantarakshita
12 Jaya Mangal ViharaTana Bahal-Patan
1) Anagarika Vijita 2) A Nekkhami
3) A Chittavati
13 Jyoti Vihara Chapagaun- Lalitpur
1) AnagarikaVirygautami
2) A Upeskshagautami
14 Kashivarna Buddha Vihara Panuati
1) Anagarika Satyaparami
15 Kindol Vihara Swayambhu
1) A Sumana 2) A Uttara
3) A Sumitra 4) A Molini
5) A Dhammavijaya 6) A Tejavati
7) A Shyamavati
16 Kunsa BahaHyumat
1) Anagarika Patachari 2) AUmavati
17 Mahabodhi Vihara Tansen
1) Anagarika Revati (Dhammadinna)
18 Muni Vihara Bhaktapur
1) A Sugandhavati 2) A Padmavati
19 Narsinharama Thaina-Patan
1) A Jnanashila 2) ASatyashila
3) AShilavati 4) A Yeshavati 5) A Dharani
6) A Jeenvati
7) A Shilpavatisushma
20 Padmachaitya Vihara Butwal
1) A Udayashila 2) A Santiwati
21 Padmakirti Vihara Kamalpokhari
1) A Kamala 2) A Karunavati
3) A Pabbhavati 4) A Dhyanavati
5) A Bhavanavati
22 Prajnanandarama Okubahal-Patan
1) Anagarika Jnanavati
23 Pranidhipurna Mahavihara Balambu
1) A Mudita 2) A Chandrashila bdquoB‟
24 SangharakshitaVihara Patan
1) Anagarika Abhaya 2) A Chandrashila
3) A Shilachari
25 Shanti Sukhavasa Chakupat-Patan
1) A Utpalavarna (Chini)
26 Shree Kirti Vihara Kirtipur
1) Anagarika Mina
27 SunandaramaThaina-Patan
1) A Madhavi 2) AMasukhi
3) A Mashobha 4) A Mashraddha
5) A Masudha
28 Sulakshanakirti Viahara Kirtipur
1) A Anoja 2) A Atula
3) A Anula
29 Sangharama ViharaDhalko-KTM
1) Anagarika Dharmarakshita
30 Vishwashanti Vihara New Baneshwar
1) A Shubha 2) A Khema
3) A Sudhamma
31 Vishwashanti Dharmakirti Vihara Basundhara
1) A Dhajavati (Kusum) 2) A Padmavati
3) A Bhadravati
32 Residing other Anagarikas
1) Anagarika Chandrajnani Patan
2) A Sraddhavati Shankhamul
3) A Amaravati Patan
4) A Dhammachari Patan
5) A Nanda Thasi
Some Prominent Personalities in the Theravada Movement1
Sanghamahanayakas of Nepal
1 Ven Pragyanand Mahasthavir 1930 ndash 1993 AD
2 Ven Sakyananda Mahasthavir 1993 - 1997 AD
3 Ven Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1997 - 2002 AD
4 Ven Subodhananda Mahasthavir 2002 - 2006 AD
5 Ven Buddhaghosa Mahasthavir 2006-
Amritananda Bhikkhu (1918-1990) original name Lal Kaji Sakya from Tansen
west Nepal he ordain as a novice in 1936 from ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara He studies and was ordained a monk in Sri Lanka in 1940 He
return to Nepal in 1942 and preached first publicly in Kathmandu He
formed Dharmodaya Sabha in 1944 and All Nepal Bhikkhu Mahasangha in
1951 and remained its unchallenged leader until his death He was well
known and traveled widely outside of Nepal because of his dynamism and
charisma He was also one of the greatest Buddhist scholars and writers of
Nepal
Aniruddha Bhikkhu (1915-2003) original name Gaja Ratna Tuladhar son of
Dasa Ratna Sahu (Later Ven Dhammaloka) He went to Sri Lanka in 1930
and ordained as samanera and studied there He had served many years in
Lumbini and third Sanghanayaka of Nepal
1 Sarah Levine and David N Gellner Rebuilding Buddhism The Theravada Movement in
Twentieth Century Nepal (UK Harvard University Press 2006) pp 293-296
Ashwaghosh Bhikkhu (1926- present) original name Buddha Ratna Sakya and
became a novice in 1944 and went to Sri Lanka for study where he took
higher ordination in 1949 he is known as bdquothe communist monk‟ and was a
nominee of the Unified Marxist-Leninist party one of Nepal‟s two main
political parites in the 1990s to the Upper House 1993-5 He had
established nepal‟s first Bhikkhu Training Center at Sangharama Dhalko
and became abbot of this vihara Presently he is abbot of Shrigha Vihara in
Kathmandu and of Dyanakuti Vihara Banepa
Buddhaghosh Bhikkhu (1921- present day) original name Sapta Ratna
Vajracharya in Kwa Baha Kathamandu The founder of Pariyatti Education
in Nepal and presently acting Sanghanayaka of Nepal (2006) and abbot of
Sri Sumangala Vihara in Lalitpur
Chandramani Bhikkhu (1876-1972) a Burmese monk who spent his life in
Kusinagara where he worked for the propagation of Buddhism until his
death He initiated with most of the early Nepalese Theravadins Monks and
Nuns He was the first president of Dharmodaya Sabha and father of
Theravadins of Nepal
Dharmachari Anagarika (1898-1978) born Laxmi Nani Tuladhar she
impressed by Ven Pragyananda in Kindol Vihara and took the precepts
from Chandramani in Kusinagara in 1934 and most prominent Nepali nun
She founded the first nunnery in Nepal at Kindol Vihara in 1947
Dhammaloka Bhikkhu (1891-1977) born Das Ratna Tuladhar Asan
kathamandu He traded in Lhasha went to Sri Lanka and taught Buddhism
as a layman Later became a monk in 1932 after his son Aniruddha ordain
in 1930 he established nepal‟s first Theravādin Vihara bdquoAnanda Kuti
Vihar‟ in Kathmandu
Dhammawati Anagarika (1925- present day) born as Ganesh Kumari Sakya in
Uku Baha lalitpur She ordain too precepts from Ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara and renamed as Dhammavati in 1950 She went to Burma for
study and return in 1963 after passed the Dhammacariya Examination She
was able to established Dhammakirti Nunnery Centre in 1965 and leader of
the Theravādin Nuns She has been re-ordained as Bhikkhuni according to
Mahayana tradition
Dharmaditya Dharmacharya (1902-1963) born as Jagat Man Vaidya in Chika
Bahi Lalitpur and the first Newar Buddhist modernist and the first newar
cultural nationalist He went to study in Calcutta where he became a
follower of anagarika Dhammapala the founder of Maha Bodhi Society
He had formed Buddhist revival foundation and published Buddhist
magazines etc
Nyanpurnika Bhikkhu (1936- present day) Born as Hera Lal Sakya in Tansen
He studied with Buddhaghosh in Lalitpur in Burma and in England He is
only monk who passed Dhammacariya examination of Burma He was the
founder of Vishwa Shanti Vihara and Vishwa Shanti Bauddha sikkyalaya
where train novices He is a prominent translator and writer
Kumar Kashyap Bhikkhu (1926- present day) born as Krishna Man Sakya he
was one of those who exiled to India by the Ranas in 1944 He went to
Study in Sri Lanka and hold nepal‟s first bdquoTripitaka acarya‟ Presently he is
president of All Nepal Bhikkhu Association and abbot of Ananda Kuti
Vihara
Mahapragya Bhikkhu (1901-1979) born Prem Bahadur (Nani Kaji ) Shrestha
He ordained into Tibetan tradition but exiled in 1926 and reordained as
novice in Theravada tradition one of the earlier Theravādin monks He
return to householderhood in Kalimpong in 1940s but then returned to
Kathmandu as a Buddhist sage (Bauddha Rishi) in the 1960s where he
taught until his death
Pragyananda Bhikkhu (1900-1993) born as Kul Man Singh Tuladhar in Itum
Baha Kathmandu a trader in Tibet where he met Ven Mahapragya and
impressed by him to ordained He became a Tibetan Gelung Karmasheel in
1928 and two years later a Theravādin under Ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara in 1930 He was nepal‟s first Sanghamahanayaka and well
respected monk
Shakyananda Bhikkhu (1909-1997) born as Chakra Dhan Sakya in Taksar
Bhojpur East Nepal He spent over forty years as a monk in Tansen outside
the Kathmandu and second sanghamahanayaka of Nepal
Subodhanand Bhikkhu (1916-2006) bor as Kul Raj Sakya in Taksar Bhojpur
East Nepal He was one of the monks exiled by the Ranas in 1944 He was
a prolific composer of Hymns in Nepal Bhasa In 2003 as the most senior
monk in Nepal he was the fourth Sanghanayaka of Nepal
Sudarshan Bhikkhu (1934-2002) born as Rudra Raj Sakya in Uku Baha
lalitpur He was famous a bdquothe boy monk‟ For many years he was a lecturer
in the culture Department of Tribhuvan University a prolific writer
preacher and abbot of Sri Kirti Vihara Kirtipur which is became multi-
cultural center and especially for Buddhist meetings and conferences He
was jailed for some months for Nepal Bhasa activities in the Panchayat
period He was a campaigner on Buddhist issues particularly to do with
Lumbini
Sumangal Bhikkhu (1929-1999) born Bhakta Krishna Shilpakar in Lalitpur He
was famous as ldquoDollar bhanterdquo He ordained in 1959 in Burma obtained a
master‟s degree in Buddhism from Rissho University Japan in 1972 and
was among the first monks to mobilize international connections for
Buddhist projects in Nepal He established Buddha Vihara in Bhrikuti
Mandap Kathmandu He helped raise funds from Thailand and Japan for
IBMc (1985) brought the Japanese healing movement Sei Mei Kyo to
Nepal and in 1993 opened an old people‟s home in Banepa
Glimpse of Theravādin activities in Nepal
Samanera ordination at Muni Vihara
Ordination Ceremony at Vishwa Shanti Vihara
Collecting Alms
Chanting Paritta in devotee‟s home
Giving Holy Thread to Devotees
Buddhist Art in Nepal
Main Buddha Image at Sri Kirti Vihara
Four holy places
Some of the Theravada Buddhist Viharas (Monasteries) in Nepal
Vihars In Kathmandu Valley Telephone No
1 Amarapura Buddha Vihar Bungamati 5551068
2 Anandakuti Vihar Swayambhu 4271420
3 Anandabhuwan Vihar Bhuikhyo 4270429
4 Ganamaha vihar Ganabaha 4253454
5 Gautam Buddha Vihar Panga co 4330576
6 Caturbrahma Vihar Matatirtha 4310558
7 Carumati Vihar Cabahil 4469897
8 Baudhajana Vihar Sunakothi co 5570209
9 Jitapur Gandhakuti Vihar khona Co 5542846
10 Jitawan Vihar Thankot 4311912
11 Jyoti udaya vihar Capagaun Co 5571459
12 Dhammavasa Vihar Khusibun 4358688
13 Dharmakirti Vihar Srigha Naghal 4259466
14 Dharmacakra vihar Bagbajar 4261976
15 Nagar Mandap Sri Kirti Vihar Kirtipur 4330836
16 Nagadesh Buddha Vihar Nagadesh Co 6635397
17 Nirvanmurti Anagarikaram Kindol 4285811
18 Padmasugandha Vihar Manjeshwori 4266255
19 Pranidhi Purna Mahavihar Balambu 43105924312455
20 Pati Vihar Thimi Co 6637601
21 Pippali Theravad Buddha Vihar Shiphal 4475066
22 Punya Udaya Vihar Jala Harisiddhi Co 5527456
23 Buddhabhoomi Mahavihar Tokha 4362514
24 Buddha Vihar Bhrikuti mandapa 4226702
25 Buddharatna Vihar Putalisadak 4244277
26 Bauddha samakrit Vihar Bhaktapur 6610842
27 Manimandap Vihar Patko Bhaktapur 5526517
28 Muni Vihar Bhaktapur 6616464
29 Yampi Mahavihar Ibahi Lalitpur 5539644
30 Yashodhara Baudha Bidyalaya Thaina Lalitpur 5521435
31 Biswo Shanti Vihar Baneshwor 4482384
32 Biswo Shanti Dharmakirti vihar Basundhara 4354251
33 Beluvanarama Vihar Theco Co 5570062
34 Sakyasingha Vihar Thaina Lalitpur 5524760
35 Santi Sukhawas Cakupat co 5523613
36 Siddhimangal Buddha Vihar Thasi 5581495
37 Sumangala Vihara Lagankhel 5531715
38 Sulakshan kirti Vihar Chobhar 4331718
39 Suwanrna Chatrapur Vihar Lubhu 5580430
40 Sangharama Vihar Dhalko Visnumati 4255960
41 Srigha Vihar Nagal 4259110
Vihars out side the Kathamandu Velley Telephone No
1 Ananda Vihar Tansen Co 075-520225520216
2 Citravan Vihar Narayangadha Co 056-521478
3 Taksar Vihar Tansen Co 075-520024
4 Dharmashila Buddha Vihar Phokhara 061-520517
5 Dyankuti Banepa Banepa 011-661244
6 Padma Chaitya Vihar Butawal 071-546470
7 Purwarama Vihar Dhulikhel 011-661979
8 Pragya Mahavihar Hetauda Co 057-520264520136
9 Buddha Vihar Dharan 025-520354
10 Buddha Vihar Biratnagar Co 021-522146530604
11 Beni Buddha Vihar Myagdi Co 069-520354
12 Bodhicharya vihar Banepa 011-661789
13 Lokachakra Buddha Vihar Dhan gadhi 091-622174
14 Sakyamuni Vihar Bhojpur Co 029-420260
15 Sugatapur Vihar Trisuli Co 010-560153
16 Sugandha Vihar Ridi Gulmi Co 079-529435
17 Swoyambhu Chetya Buddha Vihar Urlabari Co 021-540080
18 Swoyambhu Chetya Mahavihar Dharan Co 025-520190
19 Gyanodaya Buddha Vihar Baglung Co 068-520921520336
Footnotes
[1] This paper was written as a part of my MA thesis research on bdquoThe
Revival of Theravada Buddhism and its contribution to Nepalese Society‟ of
Mahachulalongkorn University Bangkok Thailand and would like to thank Mr
Dharma Sakya for every suggestion editing and help for the completion of this
article
[2] Nyanatiloka Buddhist Dictionary 3
rd ed The Free Distribution
version the Corporate Body of the Buddha education foundation Taiwan p
179
[3] Triratna Manandhar bdquoPresent of Buddhism in Nepal‟ (Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK Vol 8 May 2005) p 15
[4] helliphelliphelliphellip The New Encyclopedia of Britannica Vol24 (USA
Library of Congress Catalog 1993) p 781 Dhanabajra Vajracharya Cabahilko
Abhilekha (Inscription of Cabahil) The Charumati Voice (Kath Charumati
Buddhist Mission 2001) pp 17-20 Bhikkhu Sudarsan Mahasthavira Nepal
Upatyaka ma Ashokaki Chori Charumati (Charumati A daughter of
Ashoka in Nepal Valley) (The Charumati Vocie (Kath Charumati Buddhist
Mission 2001) p 20
[5] Beal Samuel Si Yu Ri Buddhist Records of the Western World
(New Delhi Motilal Banarsidass Publishers 1994) pp 80-81 Bhuwan Lal
Pradhan Nepalama Buddhadharma (Kath Nepal Rajkiya Pragyapratisthana
1988) pp 102 ndash 103
[6] NB Thapa A Short History of Nepal (Kath Ratna Pustak
bhandhar Nd) pp 30-33 Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ The
Nation Thailand‟s English Newspaper (Sunday special) Oct 18 1987
[7] Opcit NB Thapa p116
[8] David N Gellner Monk Householder and Tantric Priest Newar
Buddhism and its Hierarchy of Ritual (Cambridge University Press 1996) pp
41ff
[9] Bechert Heinz amp Jens-Uwe Hartmann ldquoObservation on the reform
of Buddhism in Nepalrdquo Journal of Nepal Research Centre vol VIII Kath
Kantipur Printing Press1988p 6
[10] Ria Kloppenborg Theravada Buddhism in Nepal‟ Kailash A
Journal of Himalayan Studies Vol 5 no 41977 p 302
[11] BP Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada Gukathan Wagu Kha (Kath
Hisi Press Nepal BS 20421985) pp44ff
[12] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p47ff
[13] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 51-53 Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal (BKK A Thesis of MA Mahamakut Graduate School
2001) p 97
[14] Bhikshu Sudarshan Mahasthavir bdquoRole of Theravada in the
Preservation of Newar Buddhism‟ wwwircnepalorgpapers
[15] Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 69-72
[16] Opcit Observation on the reform of Buddhism in Nepal p10ff
[17] Opcit Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ RV
Vandya Sanghanayaka Venerable Pragnananda Mahasthavir (Kath Nepal
Co-operative Press 1978) pp 11ff
[18] Bhkkhu Dharmaloka Mahasthavir A Pilgrimage in China (kath
published by Bhikkhu Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1999) p 13-15 Opcit Lacoul
Nepalay Sthavirvada p 74-75
[19] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka p 15
[20] Opcit Bhikkhu dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp16ff
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p100
[21] Ibit Bhikkhu Dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp 27-29
[22] See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A Homage
(Kath Anandakuti Vihar Trust 1992) Kuladharma Ratna Tuladhar Buddhism
in Nepal (Kath Dharmodaya Sabha 1986) pp15 Opcit Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 100
[23] Opcit K R Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal 16 RV Vandya
Sanghanayaka ven Pragnananda p 32 ff
[24] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka Pragnananda pp 34-35
Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthavirvada p 86
[25] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 18 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 101
[26] Bhikkhu Amritananda Mahasthavir A Short History of Theravada
Buddhism in Modern Nepal (Kath Anandakuti Vihar trust 1986) pp 8-9
Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir (Kath Anandakuti
Vihar Trust 1992) p 25
[27] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 19 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[28] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[29] Opcit Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir
p 26
[30] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit KR
Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 20
[31] Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha in Nepal
(BKK A Thesis of MA Buddhist Study Mahachulalongkorn University 2547)
p 23 [32]
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit Ratna
Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir p 26
[33] Amrit R Sthapit bdquowho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Aswaghosha‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 4 no 1 May 2001
p8
[34] helliphelliphelliphelliphellip bdquoWho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Nyanapurninka Mahasthavir‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 7
no 1 May 2004 p13 Viswo Shanti Vihar The Shanti Sandesh (Kath Viswo
Shanti Vihar 1998)
[35] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sumangala Mahasthavir
A monk who modernized Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the
LNBDS UK vol 2 no 1 May 1999 p10
[36] Opcit Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha
in Nepal pp 52ff
[37] Rina Tuladhara Dharmakirti 25 Years of Dharmakirti Buddhist
Study Circle A Glimpse (Kath Dharmakirti Vihar 1996) Mallika Sakya
bdquoWho is Who in Nepalese Buddhism Dhammavati Guruma‟ Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 5 no 1 May 2002 p10
[38] Opcit See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A
Homage Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 108
[39] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sudarshan Mahasthavir A
Gem of the Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol
6 no 1 May 2003 p13
II Myanmar (Burma)
Bhikkhu Samaneras
1 Bhikkhu Panavimala
2 Bhikkhu Dhyanratna
3 Bhikkhu Adiccho
4 Bhikkhu Vimalbuddhi
5 Bhikkhu Shobhan
6 Samanera Amato
7 Samanera Jutimma
8 Samanera Buddhapiyo
9 Samanera Kavindo
10 Samanera Nagasena
11 Samanera Gyanavudho
III Taiwan(ROC) 1 Bhikkhu Mangala 2 Bhikkhu Vazirbuddhi
IV Australia 1 Bhikkhu Upatissa
V India
1 Bhikkhu Dharmajyoti 2 Bhikkhu Ashokakirti
3 Bhikkhu Narawang Tamang
VI United kingdom 1 Bhikkhu Suman
VII USA 1 Bhikkhu Pragnaloka
VIII Sri Lanka
Bhikkhus
Bhikkhu Nanda
Bhikkhu Vineeta
Bhikkhu Ashoka
Bhikkhu Triratna
Bhikkhu Sagara
Bhikkhu Sankicca
Bhikkhu Vajirasiri
Bhikkhu Sarada
Bhikkhu Veenit
Bhikkhu Ratana
Bhikkhu Tissa
Bhikkhu Vajira
Bhikkhu Pannawimal
Bhikkhu Medhankar
Bhikkhu Pannasara
SARAMANERAS
Saranankara
Piyadassi
Dil Bhadra
Chandima
Samita
Narada bdquoA‟
Piyaratna
Kusala
Lakkhana
Udit
Vibekanada
Pannananda
Mettananda
Chandananda
Yassari
Upali
Subodhi
Mahanama
Kashyapa
Dhammapala
Narada bdquoB‟
Nalaka bdquoA‟
Daywasa
Santa Sobhana
Santa Siddhartha
Santa Maitri
Santa Kosala
Santa Sakya
Suvaca
Sukama Sila
Siddhartha
Nanda bdquoA‟
Rahula
Sudheera
Kosala Dheera
Panna Wansa
Jina Wansa
Mahinda
Nanda bdquoB‟
Seewali
Mahapantha
Assaji
Sarada
Sumana
Ananda
Nalaka bdquoB‟
Aloka
Suwarna
Subodh
Udena
Sangharatna bdquoA‟
Gyanendra
Khema
Soma bdquoA‟
Punna
Panna Ransi
Soma bdquoB‟
Santa bdquoA‟
Kapila Wansa
Asita Wansa
Sumanananda bdquoa‟
Vijitananda
Khemananda
Silananda
Medhananda
Somaratna
Soratha
Pragyananda
Sumangala
Santa Citta
Yasa
Dhamma Kitti
Panna Kitti
Santa Dheera
Vijitananda
Sumanananda bdquob‟
Vajra Bodhi
Dhammika
Santa bdquoB‟
Anuruddha
Sumana bdquoB‟
Jinavamsa
Panna Vansa
Buddha Ratna
Dhamma Ratna
Ariya Ratna
Piyadassi bdquoB‟
Sila Ratna
Sangha Ratna bdquoB‟
List of Anagarikas studying in abroad
I Thailand
1 Anagarika Sirisuta Maharjan
2 Anagarika Ramsobha Shrestha
3 Anagarika Sunita Napit
II Myanmar
1 Anagarika Javanvati
2 Anagarika Vimalajnani
3 Anagarika Ambika
4 Anagarika Buddhapali
5 Anagarika Darshana
6 Anagarika Agrajnani
7 Anagarika Nandavati
bdquob‟
III India 1 Anagarika Rupashila
IV Taiwan
1 Anagarika Pannavati
2 Anagarika Sani
3 Anagarika Nima
V Sri Lanka
1 Anagarika Pannawati
2 Anagarika Mettawati
3 Anagarika Keshawati
4 Anagarika Prasnnawati
5 Anagarika Sukhawati
6 Anagarika Shobhawati
7 Anagarika Subhadra
8 Anagarika
Shraddhagautami
9 Anagarika Upananda
10 Anagarika Shantawati
11 Anagarika Suciwati
Residences of Theravādin Monks in Nepal
01 Abhinava Buddha Vihara Lumbini
1) Bhikkhu Vimalananda Mahathera
2) Samanera Sunanda
02 Anandakut Vihara Swayambhu Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Kumara Kassapa Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Dharmamurti 3) Samanera Kondanya
4) S Prajnaratna 5) S Asoka
6) S Kumarjeeva 7) S Assaji
03 Bauddha Samaskrita Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Bhikkhu Dharmashobhana Mahathera
04 Bodhicharya Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Bodhisena Mahathera
2) Samanera Bodhideepa
05 Buddha Vihara Bhrikuti Mandap-Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Kondanya 2) Bhikkhu Sushil
3) Samanera Anuyoga 3) S Javana
4) S Udena
06 Buddha Vihara Biratnagar
1) Bhikkhu Aloka
07 Buddha Vihara Dharan
1) Bhikkhu Maitri (Tamang)
2) Bhikkhu Chhavikirti
08 Chatubrahma Vihara Matatirtha
1) Bhikkhu Thansettho
2) Bhikkhu Samyakaratna
3) Bhikkhu Bodhananda
9 Charumati Stupa Vihara Chabahil Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Tapassi Dhamma
10 Dharmacakra Ashrama Bagbazar
1) Bhikkhu Milinda
11 Dharmashila Buddha Vihara Pokhara
1) Bhikkhu Subhadda 2) Bhikkhu Saddhananda
12 Dhyanakuti Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Ashwaghosha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Rahul 3) Samanera Gautama
13 Gana Maha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Sanghanayaka Bhikkhu Subodhanand Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sobhita
3) Bhikkhu Samvegakirti
4) Samanera Sugatananda
6) S Chandananda
7) S Somananda
8) S Sumanavamsha
9) S Somavamsha
10) S Sumanasiri
14 IlayabahiTanabaha Patan
1) Bhikkhu Vimalkirti
15 International Bauddha Pariyatti Vihara Butwal
1) Bhikkhu Jatila
2) Bhikkhu Bhaddiya bdquoB‟
3) Samanera Jnanashree 4) S Jotika
16 International Buddhist Society Lumbini
1) Bhikkhu Maitri Mahathera
2) Samanera Mahapanta
3) S Vimala
17 Jana Udaya Vihara Sunakothi-Lalitpura
1) Bhikkhu Dharmagupta
18 Jitavana Vihara Thankot
1) Bhikkhu Dharmavamsha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sugatamuni Mahathera
3) Samanera Sunita
19 Kuti Vihara Koteshwar-KTM
1) Bhikkhu Yeshdhammo
2) Samanera Wayamo
3) S Milindo 4) S Sunanalankara
20 Manimandapa Mahavihara Patan
1) Bhikshu Shilbhadra Mahathera
2) Samanera Paduma 3) S Nayako
21 Muni Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Samanera Tejendra 2) S Jalapa
3) S Asima 4) S Aryaputra
22 Padma Sugandha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Sumedha 2) Samanera Sudatta
23 Pati Vihara Nagadesh-Bhaktapur
1) Bhikkhu Varasambodhi
24 Pranidhi Purna Maha Vihara Balambu
1) Samanera Sukha
25 Pugatabhoomi Jetavana Vihara Bhairahawa
1) Samanera Jagaro 2) S Suvanno
26 Purvaram Vihara Dhulikhel
1) Bhikkhu Gunaghosha Mahathero
27 Sangharama Vihara Kshetrapati Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Saddhatissa
2) Bhikkhu Kolita
3) Bhikkhu Sangharakshita
28 Shakya Singha Vihara Patan
1) Bhikkhu Dharmapala Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sunanda Mahathera
3) Bhikkhu Dharmarakshita
29 Shikhalapura Vihara Dhulikhel
1) Bhikkhu Dhammananda Mahathera
30 Shree Kirti Vihara Kirtipur
1) Bhikkhu Kirtijyoti 2) Bhikkhu Ananda
3) Bhikkhu Prajnakirti
4) Bhikkhu Dharmakirti
5) Samanera Sundara 6) Bhikkhu Pamit
7) S Subhashkirti 8) S Uttarakirti
31 Shreegha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Dharmasagara
2) Bhikkhu Medhankara
32 Sudarshana Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Rastrapala
33Sumangala Vihara Patan
1) Sanghaupanayaka Bhikkhu Buddhaghosha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Shobhan
3) Bhikkhu Prajnaratna
34 Surya Mangala Vihara Kapilvastu
1) Bhikkhu Suryamangala
35 Tokha Buddha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Samanera Shobhana 2) S Jnanodaya
36 Veluvanarama Vihara Thecho-Lalitpura
1) Samanera Uttama 2) S Chandimo
37 Vishwa Shanti Vihara New Baneshwar
1) Bhikshu Jnanapurnik Mahathera
2) Bhikshu Bodhijnana
3) Bhikshu Nigrodha
4) Bhikshu Udayabhadra
Samaneras
1) S Janak 2) S Sujat
3) S Obhaso 4) S Subhaddo
5) S Nandiyo 6) S Mahindo
7) S Pajjoto 8) S Aloka
9) S Buddhadatta 10) S Panita
11) S Kashyapa 12)S Dharmaghosha
13) S Nagita 14) S Vinaya
15) S Suchitta 16) S Sudatto
17) S Nemindo 18) S Rohito
19) S Jayanto 20) S Meghiyo
21) S Indriyo 22) S Suppamedho
23) S Bhanusarana 24) S Saddhadeepa
25) S Kittimo 26) S Janeyyo
27) S Adicca 28) S Kosalla
29) S Nyanuttara 30) S Bhaddaco
31) S Pabhassaro 32) S Uttaro
38 Yampi Maha Vihara Patan
1) Bhikkhu Bhaddiya
39 Non residencial Monks
1) Bhikshu Samyaka Sambodhi Pranputra
2) Bhikshu Dhyanratna
3) Bhikkhu Chandragupta Balambu
Present Anagarikas and resident in NEPAL
01 Amarapura Vihara Bungamati
1) A Charujnani 2) A Sunita
3) A Palitajnani 4) A Pamitajnani
5) A Padumajnani 6) A Rupawati
02 Bauddha Samaskrit Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Anagarika Sanghashila
03 Buddha ViharaDharan
1) A Sumedhavati 2) A Sushilavati
3) A Kanchana 4) A Shasanavati
04 Bauddha Rishi Mahapragya Ashram Anamnagar
1) Anagarika Prajnavati
05 Chatubrahma Vihara Matatirtha
1) Anagarika Anu
06 Dhammavasa Vihara Khusibun
1) A Krishgautami 2) A Suchita
3) A Shilgautami 4) A Kshantigautami
5) A Shyamavati
07 Dharmakirti Vihara Naghal-Kathmandu
1) Anagarika RatnaManjari
2) A Dhammavati
3) A Dhammadinna (Chameli)
4) A Anupama 5) A Sanghavati
6) A Khemavati 7) A Indravati
8) A Jayavati 9) A Danavati
10) A Tyagavati 11) AViryavati
12) A Shubhavati 13) A Ramavati
14) A Surammavati
15) A Hemavati 16) A Suppabhavati
17) A Supriya 18) A Amata
19) A Vannavati 20) A Suvannavati
08 Dharmashila Buddha Vihara Pokhara
1) Anagarika Karmashila
09 Gautami Vihara Lumbini
1) Anagarika Sujata 2) A Khamesi
10 IlayabahiTana Baha Lalitpur
1) A Shilaparami 2)AViryaparami
3) A Vineeta 4) A Shilachari
11 Int‟l Buddhist Meditation Centre Shankhamul
1) A Aggajnani 2) A Nirmalajnani
3) A Shantarakshita
12 Jaya Mangal ViharaTana Bahal-Patan
1) Anagarika Vijita 2) A Nekkhami
3) A Chittavati
13 Jyoti Vihara Chapagaun- Lalitpur
1) AnagarikaVirygautami
2) A Upeskshagautami
14 Kashivarna Buddha Vihara Panuati
1) Anagarika Satyaparami
15 Kindol Vihara Swayambhu
1) A Sumana 2) A Uttara
3) A Sumitra 4) A Molini
5) A Dhammavijaya 6) A Tejavati
7) A Shyamavati
16 Kunsa BahaHyumat
1) Anagarika Patachari 2) AUmavati
17 Mahabodhi Vihara Tansen
1) Anagarika Revati (Dhammadinna)
18 Muni Vihara Bhaktapur
1) A Sugandhavati 2) A Padmavati
19 Narsinharama Thaina-Patan
1) A Jnanashila 2) ASatyashila
3) AShilavati 4) A Yeshavati 5) A Dharani
6) A Jeenvati
7) A Shilpavatisushma
20 Padmachaitya Vihara Butwal
1) A Udayashila 2) A Santiwati
21 Padmakirti Vihara Kamalpokhari
1) A Kamala 2) A Karunavati
3) A Pabbhavati 4) A Dhyanavati
5) A Bhavanavati
22 Prajnanandarama Okubahal-Patan
1) Anagarika Jnanavati
23 Pranidhipurna Mahavihara Balambu
1) A Mudita 2) A Chandrashila bdquoB‟
24 SangharakshitaVihara Patan
1) Anagarika Abhaya 2) A Chandrashila
3) A Shilachari
25 Shanti Sukhavasa Chakupat-Patan
1) A Utpalavarna (Chini)
26 Shree Kirti Vihara Kirtipur
1) Anagarika Mina
27 SunandaramaThaina-Patan
1) A Madhavi 2) AMasukhi
3) A Mashobha 4) A Mashraddha
5) A Masudha
28 Sulakshanakirti Viahara Kirtipur
1) A Anoja 2) A Atula
3) A Anula
29 Sangharama ViharaDhalko-KTM
1) Anagarika Dharmarakshita
30 Vishwashanti Vihara New Baneshwar
1) A Shubha 2) A Khema
3) A Sudhamma
31 Vishwashanti Dharmakirti Vihara Basundhara
1) A Dhajavati (Kusum) 2) A Padmavati
3) A Bhadravati
32 Residing other Anagarikas
1) Anagarika Chandrajnani Patan
2) A Sraddhavati Shankhamul
3) A Amaravati Patan
4) A Dhammachari Patan
5) A Nanda Thasi
Some Prominent Personalities in the Theravada Movement1
Sanghamahanayakas of Nepal
1 Ven Pragyanand Mahasthavir 1930 ndash 1993 AD
2 Ven Sakyananda Mahasthavir 1993 - 1997 AD
3 Ven Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1997 - 2002 AD
4 Ven Subodhananda Mahasthavir 2002 - 2006 AD
5 Ven Buddhaghosa Mahasthavir 2006-
Amritananda Bhikkhu (1918-1990) original name Lal Kaji Sakya from Tansen
west Nepal he ordain as a novice in 1936 from ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara He studies and was ordained a monk in Sri Lanka in 1940 He
return to Nepal in 1942 and preached first publicly in Kathmandu He
formed Dharmodaya Sabha in 1944 and All Nepal Bhikkhu Mahasangha in
1951 and remained its unchallenged leader until his death He was well
known and traveled widely outside of Nepal because of his dynamism and
charisma He was also one of the greatest Buddhist scholars and writers of
Nepal
Aniruddha Bhikkhu (1915-2003) original name Gaja Ratna Tuladhar son of
Dasa Ratna Sahu (Later Ven Dhammaloka) He went to Sri Lanka in 1930
and ordained as samanera and studied there He had served many years in
Lumbini and third Sanghanayaka of Nepal
1 Sarah Levine and David N Gellner Rebuilding Buddhism The Theravada Movement in
Twentieth Century Nepal (UK Harvard University Press 2006) pp 293-296
Ashwaghosh Bhikkhu (1926- present) original name Buddha Ratna Sakya and
became a novice in 1944 and went to Sri Lanka for study where he took
higher ordination in 1949 he is known as bdquothe communist monk‟ and was a
nominee of the Unified Marxist-Leninist party one of Nepal‟s two main
political parites in the 1990s to the Upper House 1993-5 He had
established nepal‟s first Bhikkhu Training Center at Sangharama Dhalko
and became abbot of this vihara Presently he is abbot of Shrigha Vihara in
Kathmandu and of Dyanakuti Vihara Banepa
Buddhaghosh Bhikkhu (1921- present day) original name Sapta Ratna
Vajracharya in Kwa Baha Kathamandu The founder of Pariyatti Education
in Nepal and presently acting Sanghanayaka of Nepal (2006) and abbot of
Sri Sumangala Vihara in Lalitpur
Chandramani Bhikkhu (1876-1972) a Burmese monk who spent his life in
Kusinagara where he worked for the propagation of Buddhism until his
death He initiated with most of the early Nepalese Theravadins Monks and
Nuns He was the first president of Dharmodaya Sabha and father of
Theravadins of Nepal
Dharmachari Anagarika (1898-1978) born Laxmi Nani Tuladhar she
impressed by Ven Pragyananda in Kindol Vihara and took the precepts
from Chandramani in Kusinagara in 1934 and most prominent Nepali nun
She founded the first nunnery in Nepal at Kindol Vihara in 1947
Dhammaloka Bhikkhu (1891-1977) born Das Ratna Tuladhar Asan
kathamandu He traded in Lhasha went to Sri Lanka and taught Buddhism
as a layman Later became a monk in 1932 after his son Aniruddha ordain
in 1930 he established nepal‟s first Theravādin Vihara bdquoAnanda Kuti
Vihar‟ in Kathmandu
Dhammawati Anagarika (1925- present day) born as Ganesh Kumari Sakya in
Uku Baha lalitpur She ordain too precepts from Ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara and renamed as Dhammavati in 1950 She went to Burma for
study and return in 1963 after passed the Dhammacariya Examination She
was able to established Dhammakirti Nunnery Centre in 1965 and leader of
the Theravādin Nuns She has been re-ordained as Bhikkhuni according to
Mahayana tradition
Dharmaditya Dharmacharya (1902-1963) born as Jagat Man Vaidya in Chika
Bahi Lalitpur and the first Newar Buddhist modernist and the first newar
cultural nationalist He went to study in Calcutta where he became a
follower of anagarika Dhammapala the founder of Maha Bodhi Society
He had formed Buddhist revival foundation and published Buddhist
magazines etc
Nyanpurnika Bhikkhu (1936- present day) Born as Hera Lal Sakya in Tansen
He studied with Buddhaghosh in Lalitpur in Burma and in England He is
only monk who passed Dhammacariya examination of Burma He was the
founder of Vishwa Shanti Vihara and Vishwa Shanti Bauddha sikkyalaya
where train novices He is a prominent translator and writer
Kumar Kashyap Bhikkhu (1926- present day) born as Krishna Man Sakya he
was one of those who exiled to India by the Ranas in 1944 He went to
Study in Sri Lanka and hold nepal‟s first bdquoTripitaka acarya‟ Presently he is
president of All Nepal Bhikkhu Association and abbot of Ananda Kuti
Vihara
Mahapragya Bhikkhu (1901-1979) born Prem Bahadur (Nani Kaji ) Shrestha
He ordained into Tibetan tradition but exiled in 1926 and reordained as
novice in Theravada tradition one of the earlier Theravādin monks He
return to householderhood in Kalimpong in 1940s but then returned to
Kathmandu as a Buddhist sage (Bauddha Rishi) in the 1960s where he
taught until his death
Pragyananda Bhikkhu (1900-1993) born as Kul Man Singh Tuladhar in Itum
Baha Kathmandu a trader in Tibet where he met Ven Mahapragya and
impressed by him to ordained He became a Tibetan Gelung Karmasheel in
1928 and two years later a Theravādin under Ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara in 1930 He was nepal‟s first Sanghamahanayaka and well
respected monk
Shakyananda Bhikkhu (1909-1997) born as Chakra Dhan Sakya in Taksar
Bhojpur East Nepal He spent over forty years as a monk in Tansen outside
the Kathmandu and second sanghamahanayaka of Nepal
Subodhanand Bhikkhu (1916-2006) bor as Kul Raj Sakya in Taksar Bhojpur
East Nepal He was one of the monks exiled by the Ranas in 1944 He was
a prolific composer of Hymns in Nepal Bhasa In 2003 as the most senior
monk in Nepal he was the fourth Sanghanayaka of Nepal
Sudarshan Bhikkhu (1934-2002) born as Rudra Raj Sakya in Uku Baha
lalitpur He was famous a bdquothe boy monk‟ For many years he was a lecturer
in the culture Department of Tribhuvan University a prolific writer
preacher and abbot of Sri Kirti Vihara Kirtipur which is became multi-
cultural center and especially for Buddhist meetings and conferences He
was jailed for some months for Nepal Bhasa activities in the Panchayat
period He was a campaigner on Buddhist issues particularly to do with
Lumbini
Sumangal Bhikkhu (1929-1999) born Bhakta Krishna Shilpakar in Lalitpur He
was famous as ldquoDollar bhanterdquo He ordained in 1959 in Burma obtained a
master‟s degree in Buddhism from Rissho University Japan in 1972 and
was among the first monks to mobilize international connections for
Buddhist projects in Nepal He established Buddha Vihara in Bhrikuti
Mandap Kathmandu He helped raise funds from Thailand and Japan for
IBMc (1985) brought the Japanese healing movement Sei Mei Kyo to
Nepal and in 1993 opened an old people‟s home in Banepa
Glimpse of Theravādin activities in Nepal
Samanera ordination at Muni Vihara
Ordination Ceremony at Vishwa Shanti Vihara
Collecting Alms
Chanting Paritta in devotee‟s home
Giving Holy Thread to Devotees
Buddhist Art in Nepal
Main Buddha Image at Sri Kirti Vihara
Four holy places
Some of the Theravada Buddhist Viharas (Monasteries) in Nepal
Vihars In Kathmandu Valley Telephone No
1 Amarapura Buddha Vihar Bungamati 5551068
2 Anandakuti Vihar Swayambhu 4271420
3 Anandabhuwan Vihar Bhuikhyo 4270429
4 Ganamaha vihar Ganabaha 4253454
5 Gautam Buddha Vihar Panga co 4330576
6 Caturbrahma Vihar Matatirtha 4310558
7 Carumati Vihar Cabahil 4469897
8 Baudhajana Vihar Sunakothi co 5570209
9 Jitapur Gandhakuti Vihar khona Co 5542846
10 Jitawan Vihar Thankot 4311912
11 Jyoti udaya vihar Capagaun Co 5571459
12 Dhammavasa Vihar Khusibun 4358688
13 Dharmakirti Vihar Srigha Naghal 4259466
14 Dharmacakra vihar Bagbajar 4261976
15 Nagar Mandap Sri Kirti Vihar Kirtipur 4330836
16 Nagadesh Buddha Vihar Nagadesh Co 6635397
17 Nirvanmurti Anagarikaram Kindol 4285811
18 Padmasugandha Vihar Manjeshwori 4266255
19 Pranidhi Purna Mahavihar Balambu 43105924312455
20 Pati Vihar Thimi Co 6637601
21 Pippali Theravad Buddha Vihar Shiphal 4475066
22 Punya Udaya Vihar Jala Harisiddhi Co 5527456
23 Buddhabhoomi Mahavihar Tokha 4362514
24 Buddha Vihar Bhrikuti mandapa 4226702
25 Buddharatna Vihar Putalisadak 4244277
26 Bauddha samakrit Vihar Bhaktapur 6610842
27 Manimandap Vihar Patko Bhaktapur 5526517
28 Muni Vihar Bhaktapur 6616464
29 Yampi Mahavihar Ibahi Lalitpur 5539644
30 Yashodhara Baudha Bidyalaya Thaina Lalitpur 5521435
31 Biswo Shanti Vihar Baneshwor 4482384
32 Biswo Shanti Dharmakirti vihar Basundhara 4354251
33 Beluvanarama Vihar Theco Co 5570062
34 Sakyasingha Vihar Thaina Lalitpur 5524760
35 Santi Sukhawas Cakupat co 5523613
36 Siddhimangal Buddha Vihar Thasi 5581495
37 Sumangala Vihara Lagankhel 5531715
38 Sulakshan kirti Vihar Chobhar 4331718
39 Suwanrna Chatrapur Vihar Lubhu 5580430
40 Sangharama Vihar Dhalko Visnumati 4255960
41 Srigha Vihar Nagal 4259110
Vihars out side the Kathamandu Velley Telephone No
1 Ananda Vihar Tansen Co 075-520225520216
2 Citravan Vihar Narayangadha Co 056-521478
3 Taksar Vihar Tansen Co 075-520024
4 Dharmashila Buddha Vihar Phokhara 061-520517
5 Dyankuti Banepa Banepa 011-661244
6 Padma Chaitya Vihar Butawal 071-546470
7 Purwarama Vihar Dhulikhel 011-661979
8 Pragya Mahavihar Hetauda Co 057-520264520136
9 Buddha Vihar Dharan 025-520354
10 Buddha Vihar Biratnagar Co 021-522146530604
11 Beni Buddha Vihar Myagdi Co 069-520354
12 Bodhicharya vihar Banepa 011-661789
13 Lokachakra Buddha Vihar Dhan gadhi 091-622174
14 Sakyamuni Vihar Bhojpur Co 029-420260
15 Sugatapur Vihar Trisuli Co 010-560153
16 Sugandha Vihar Ridi Gulmi Co 079-529435
17 Swoyambhu Chetya Buddha Vihar Urlabari Co 021-540080
18 Swoyambhu Chetya Mahavihar Dharan Co 025-520190
19 Gyanodaya Buddha Vihar Baglung Co 068-520921520336
Footnotes
[1] This paper was written as a part of my MA thesis research on bdquoThe
Revival of Theravada Buddhism and its contribution to Nepalese Society‟ of
Mahachulalongkorn University Bangkok Thailand and would like to thank Mr
Dharma Sakya for every suggestion editing and help for the completion of this
article
[2] Nyanatiloka Buddhist Dictionary 3
rd ed The Free Distribution
version the Corporate Body of the Buddha education foundation Taiwan p
179
[3] Triratna Manandhar bdquoPresent of Buddhism in Nepal‟ (Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK Vol 8 May 2005) p 15
[4] helliphelliphelliphellip The New Encyclopedia of Britannica Vol24 (USA
Library of Congress Catalog 1993) p 781 Dhanabajra Vajracharya Cabahilko
Abhilekha (Inscription of Cabahil) The Charumati Voice (Kath Charumati
Buddhist Mission 2001) pp 17-20 Bhikkhu Sudarsan Mahasthavira Nepal
Upatyaka ma Ashokaki Chori Charumati (Charumati A daughter of
Ashoka in Nepal Valley) (The Charumati Vocie (Kath Charumati Buddhist
Mission 2001) p 20
[5] Beal Samuel Si Yu Ri Buddhist Records of the Western World
(New Delhi Motilal Banarsidass Publishers 1994) pp 80-81 Bhuwan Lal
Pradhan Nepalama Buddhadharma (Kath Nepal Rajkiya Pragyapratisthana
1988) pp 102 ndash 103
[6] NB Thapa A Short History of Nepal (Kath Ratna Pustak
bhandhar Nd) pp 30-33 Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ The
Nation Thailand‟s English Newspaper (Sunday special) Oct 18 1987
[7] Opcit NB Thapa p116
[8] David N Gellner Monk Householder and Tantric Priest Newar
Buddhism and its Hierarchy of Ritual (Cambridge University Press 1996) pp
41ff
[9] Bechert Heinz amp Jens-Uwe Hartmann ldquoObservation on the reform
of Buddhism in Nepalrdquo Journal of Nepal Research Centre vol VIII Kath
Kantipur Printing Press1988p 6
[10] Ria Kloppenborg Theravada Buddhism in Nepal‟ Kailash A
Journal of Himalayan Studies Vol 5 no 41977 p 302
[11] BP Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada Gukathan Wagu Kha (Kath
Hisi Press Nepal BS 20421985) pp44ff
[12] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p47ff
[13] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 51-53 Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal (BKK A Thesis of MA Mahamakut Graduate School
2001) p 97
[14] Bhikshu Sudarshan Mahasthavir bdquoRole of Theravada in the
Preservation of Newar Buddhism‟ wwwircnepalorgpapers
[15] Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 69-72
[16] Opcit Observation on the reform of Buddhism in Nepal p10ff
[17] Opcit Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ RV
Vandya Sanghanayaka Venerable Pragnananda Mahasthavir (Kath Nepal
Co-operative Press 1978) pp 11ff
[18] Bhkkhu Dharmaloka Mahasthavir A Pilgrimage in China (kath
published by Bhikkhu Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1999) p 13-15 Opcit Lacoul
Nepalay Sthavirvada p 74-75
[19] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka p 15
[20] Opcit Bhikkhu dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp16ff
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p100
[21] Ibit Bhikkhu Dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp 27-29
[22] See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A Homage
(Kath Anandakuti Vihar Trust 1992) Kuladharma Ratna Tuladhar Buddhism
in Nepal (Kath Dharmodaya Sabha 1986) pp15 Opcit Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 100
[23] Opcit K R Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal 16 RV Vandya
Sanghanayaka ven Pragnananda p 32 ff
[24] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka Pragnananda pp 34-35
Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthavirvada p 86
[25] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 18 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 101
[26] Bhikkhu Amritananda Mahasthavir A Short History of Theravada
Buddhism in Modern Nepal (Kath Anandakuti Vihar trust 1986) pp 8-9
Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir (Kath Anandakuti
Vihar Trust 1992) p 25
[27] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 19 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[28] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[29] Opcit Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir
p 26
[30] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit KR
Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 20
[31] Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha in Nepal
(BKK A Thesis of MA Buddhist Study Mahachulalongkorn University 2547)
p 23 [32]
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit Ratna
Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir p 26
[33] Amrit R Sthapit bdquowho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Aswaghosha‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 4 no 1 May 2001
p8
[34] helliphelliphelliphelliphellip bdquoWho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Nyanapurninka Mahasthavir‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 7
no 1 May 2004 p13 Viswo Shanti Vihar The Shanti Sandesh (Kath Viswo
Shanti Vihar 1998)
[35] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sumangala Mahasthavir
A monk who modernized Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the
LNBDS UK vol 2 no 1 May 1999 p10
[36] Opcit Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha
in Nepal pp 52ff
[37] Rina Tuladhara Dharmakirti 25 Years of Dharmakirti Buddhist
Study Circle A Glimpse (Kath Dharmakirti Vihar 1996) Mallika Sakya
bdquoWho is Who in Nepalese Buddhism Dhammavati Guruma‟ Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 5 no 1 May 2002 p10
[38] Opcit See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A
Homage Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 108
[39] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sudarshan Mahasthavir A
Gem of the Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol
6 no 1 May 2003 p13
Samita
Narada bdquoA‟
Piyaratna
Kusala
Lakkhana
Udit
Vibekanada
Pannananda
Mettananda
Chandananda
Yassari
Upali
Subodhi
Mahanama
Kashyapa
Dhammapala
Narada bdquoB‟
Nalaka bdquoA‟
Daywasa
Santa Sobhana
Santa Siddhartha
Santa Maitri
Santa Kosala
Santa Sakya
Suvaca
Sukama Sila
Siddhartha
Nanda bdquoA‟
Rahula
Sudheera
Kosala Dheera
Panna Wansa
Jina Wansa
Mahinda
Nanda bdquoB‟
Seewali
Mahapantha
Assaji
Sarada
Sumana
Ananda
Nalaka bdquoB‟
Aloka
Suwarna
Subodh
Udena
Sangharatna bdquoA‟
Gyanendra
Khema
Soma bdquoA‟
Punna
Panna Ransi
Soma bdquoB‟
Santa bdquoA‟
Kapila Wansa
Asita Wansa
Sumanananda bdquoa‟
Vijitananda
Khemananda
Silananda
Medhananda
Somaratna
Soratha
Pragyananda
Sumangala
Santa Citta
Yasa
Dhamma Kitti
Panna Kitti
Santa Dheera
Vijitananda
Sumanananda bdquob‟
Vajra Bodhi
Dhammika
Santa bdquoB‟
Anuruddha
Sumana bdquoB‟
Jinavamsa
Panna Vansa
Buddha Ratna
Dhamma Ratna
Ariya Ratna
Piyadassi bdquoB‟
Sila Ratna
Sangha Ratna bdquoB‟
List of Anagarikas studying in abroad
I Thailand
1 Anagarika Sirisuta Maharjan
2 Anagarika Ramsobha Shrestha
3 Anagarika Sunita Napit
II Myanmar
1 Anagarika Javanvati
2 Anagarika Vimalajnani
3 Anagarika Ambika
4 Anagarika Buddhapali
5 Anagarika Darshana
6 Anagarika Agrajnani
7 Anagarika Nandavati
bdquob‟
III India 1 Anagarika Rupashila
IV Taiwan
1 Anagarika Pannavati
2 Anagarika Sani
3 Anagarika Nima
V Sri Lanka
1 Anagarika Pannawati
2 Anagarika Mettawati
3 Anagarika Keshawati
4 Anagarika Prasnnawati
5 Anagarika Sukhawati
6 Anagarika Shobhawati
7 Anagarika Subhadra
8 Anagarika
Shraddhagautami
9 Anagarika Upananda
10 Anagarika Shantawati
11 Anagarika Suciwati
Residences of Theravādin Monks in Nepal
01 Abhinava Buddha Vihara Lumbini
1) Bhikkhu Vimalananda Mahathera
2) Samanera Sunanda
02 Anandakut Vihara Swayambhu Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Kumara Kassapa Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Dharmamurti 3) Samanera Kondanya
4) S Prajnaratna 5) S Asoka
6) S Kumarjeeva 7) S Assaji
03 Bauddha Samaskrita Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Bhikkhu Dharmashobhana Mahathera
04 Bodhicharya Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Bodhisena Mahathera
2) Samanera Bodhideepa
05 Buddha Vihara Bhrikuti Mandap-Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Kondanya 2) Bhikkhu Sushil
3) Samanera Anuyoga 3) S Javana
4) S Udena
06 Buddha Vihara Biratnagar
1) Bhikkhu Aloka
07 Buddha Vihara Dharan
1) Bhikkhu Maitri (Tamang)
2) Bhikkhu Chhavikirti
08 Chatubrahma Vihara Matatirtha
1) Bhikkhu Thansettho
2) Bhikkhu Samyakaratna
3) Bhikkhu Bodhananda
9 Charumati Stupa Vihara Chabahil Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Tapassi Dhamma
10 Dharmacakra Ashrama Bagbazar
1) Bhikkhu Milinda
11 Dharmashila Buddha Vihara Pokhara
1) Bhikkhu Subhadda 2) Bhikkhu Saddhananda
12 Dhyanakuti Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Ashwaghosha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Rahul 3) Samanera Gautama
13 Gana Maha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Sanghanayaka Bhikkhu Subodhanand Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sobhita
3) Bhikkhu Samvegakirti
4) Samanera Sugatananda
6) S Chandananda
7) S Somananda
8) S Sumanavamsha
9) S Somavamsha
10) S Sumanasiri
14 IlayabahiTanabaha Patan
1) Bhikkhu Vimalkirti
15 International Bauddha Pariyatti Vihara Butwal
1) Bhikkhu Jatila
2) Bhikkhu Bhaddiya bdquoB‟
3) Samanera Jnanashree 4) S Jotika
16 International Buddhist Society Lumbini
1) Bhikkhu Maitri Mahathera
2) Samanera Mahapanta
3) S Vimala
17 Jana Udaya Vihara Sunakothi-Lalitpura
1) Bhikkhu Dharmagupta
18 Jitavana Vihara Thankot
1) Bhikkhu Dharmavamsha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sugatamuni Mahathera
3) Samanera Sunita
19 Kuti Vihara Koteshwar-KTM
1) Bhikkhu Yeshdhammo
2) Samanera Wayamo
3) S Milindo 4) S Sunanalankara
20 Manimandapa Mahavihara Patan
1) Bhikshu Shilbhadra Mahathera
2) Samanera Paduma 3) S Nayako
21 Muni Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Samanera Tejendra 2) S Jalapa
3) S Asima 4) S Aryaputra
22 Padma Sugandha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Sumedha 2) Samanera Sudatta
23 Pati Vihara Nagadesh-Bhaktapur
1) Bhikkhu Varasambodhi
24 Pranidhi Purna Maha Vihara Balambu
1) Samanera Sukha
25 Pugatabhoomi Jetavana Vihara Bhairahawa
1) Samanera Jagaro 2) S Suvanno
26 Purvaram Vihara Dhulikhel
1) Bhikkhu Gunaghosha Mahathero
27 Sangharama Vihara Kshetrapati Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Saddhatissa
2) Bhikkhu Kolita
3) Bhikkhu Sangharakshita
28 Shakya Singha Vihara Patan
1) Bhikkhu Dharmapala Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sunanda Mahathera
3) Bhikkhu Dharmarakshita
29 Shikhalapura Vihara Dhulikhel
1) Bhikkhu Dhammananda Mahathera
30 Shree Kirti Vihara Kirtipur
1) Bhikkhu Kirtijyoti 2) Bhikkhu Ananda
3) Bhikkhu Prajnakirti
4) Bhikkhu Dharmakirti
5) Samanera Sundara 6) Bhikkhu Pamit
7) S Subhashkirti 8) S Uttarakirti
31 Shreegha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Dharmasagara
2) Bhikkhu Medhankara
32 Sudarshana Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Rastrapala
33Sumangala Vihara Patan
1) Sanghaupanayaka Bhikkhu Buddhaghosha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Shobhan
3) Bhikkhu Prajnaratna
34 Surya Mangala Vihara Kapilvastu
1) Bhikkhu Suryamangala
35 Tokha Buddha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Samanera Shobhana 2) S Jnanodaya
36 Veluvanarama Vihara Thecho-Lalitpura
1) Samanera Uttama 2) S Chandimo
37 Vishwa Shanti Vihara New Baneshwar
1) Bhikshu Jnanapurnik Mahathera
2) Bhikshu Bodhijnana
3) Bhikshu Nigrodha
4) Bhikshu Udayabhadra
Samaneras
1) S Janak 2) S Sujat
3) S Obhaso 4) S Subhaddo
5) S Nandiyo 6) S Mahindo
7) S Pajjoto 8) S Aloka
9) S Buddhadatta 10) S Panita
11) S Kashyapa 12)S Dharmaghosha
13) S Nagita 14) S Vinaya
15) S Suchitta 16) S Sudatto
17) S Nemindo 18) S Rohito
19) S Jayanto 20) S Meghiyo
21) S Indriyo 22) S Suppamedho
23) S Bhanusarana 24) S Saddhadeepa
25) S Kittimo 26) S Janeyyo
27) S Adicca 28) S Kosalla
29) S Nyanuttara 30) S Bhaddaco
31) S Pabhassaro 32) S Uttaro
38 Yampi Maha Vihara Patan
1) Bhikkhu Bhaddiya
39 Non residencial Monks
1) Bhikshu Samyaka Sambodhi Pranputra
2) Bhikshu Dhyanratna
3) Bhikkhu Chandragupta Balambu
Present Anagarikas and resident in NEPAL
01 Amarapura Vihara Bungamati
1) A Charujnani 2) A Sunita
3) A Palitajnani 4) A Pamitajnani
5) A Padumajnani 6) A Rupawati
02 Bauddha Samaskrit Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Anagarika Sanghashila
03 Buddha ViharaDharan
1) A Sumedhavati 2) A Sushilavati
3) A Kanchana 4) A Shasanavati
04 Bauddha Rishi Mahapragya Ashram Anamnagar
1) Anagarika Prajnavati
05 Chatubrahma Vihara Matatirtha
1) Anagarika Anu
06 Dhammavasa Vihara Khusibun
1) A Krishgautami 2) A Suchita
3) A Shilgautami 4) A Kshantigautami
5) A Shyamavati
07 Dharmakirti Vihara Naghal-Kathmandu
1) Anagarika RatnaManjari
2) A Dhammavati
3) A Dhammadinna (Chameli)
4) A Anupama 5) A Sanghavati
6) A Khemavati 7) A Indravati
8) A Jayavati 9) A Danavati
10) A Tyagavati 11) AViryavati
12) A Shubhavati 13) A Ramavati
14) A Surammavati
15) A Hemavati 16) A Suppabhavati
17) A Supriya 18) A Amata
19) A Vannavati 20) A Suvannavati
08 Dharmashila Buddha Vihara Pokhara
1) Anagarika Karmashila
09 Gautami Vihara Lumbini
1) Anagarika Sujata 2) A Khamesi
10 IlayabahiTana Baha Lalitpur
1) A Shilaparami 2)AViryaparami
3) A Vineeta 4) A Shilachari
11 Int‟l Buddhist Meditation Centre Shankhamul
1) A Aggajnani 2) A Nirmalajnani
3) A Shantarakshita
12 Jaya Mangal ViharaTana Bahal-Patan
1) Anagarika Vijita 2) A Nekkhami
3) A Chittavati
13 Jyoti Vihara Chapagaun- Lalitpur
1) AnagarikaVirygautami
2) A Upeskshagautami
14 Kashivarna Buddha Vihara Panuati
1) Anagarika Satyaparami
15 Kindol Vihara Swayambhu
1) A Sumana 2) A Uttara
3) A Sumitra 4) A Molini
5) A Dhammavijaya 6) A Tejavati
7) A Shyamavati
16 Kunsa BahaHyumat
1) Anagarika Patachari 2) AUmavati
17 Mahabodhi Vihara Tansen
1) Anagarika Revati (Dhammadinna)
18 Muni Vihara Bhaktapur
1) A Sugandhavati 2) A Padmavati
19 Narsinharama Thaina-Patan
1) A Jnanashila 2) ASatyashila
3) AShilavati 4) A Yeshavati 5) A Dharani
6) A Jeenvati
7) A Shilpavatisushma
20 Padmachaitya Vihara Butwal
1) A Udayashila 2) A Santiwati
21 Padmakirti Vihara Kamalpokhari
1) A Kamala 2) A Karunavati
3) A Pabbhavati 4) A Dhyanavati
5) A Bhavanavati
22 Prajnanandarama Okubahal-Patan
1) Anagarika Jnanavati
23 Pranidhipurna Mahavihara Balambu
1) A Mudita 2) A Chandrashila bdquoB‟
24 SangharakshitaVihara Patan
1) Anagarika Abhaya 2) A Chandrashila
3) A Shilachari
25 Shanti Sukhavasa Chakupat-Patan
1) A Utpalavarna (Chini)
26 Shree Kirti Vihara Kirtipur
1) Anagarika Mina
27 SunandaramaThaina-Patan
1) A Madhavi 2) AMasukhi
3) A Mashobha 4) A Mashraddha
5) A Masudha
28 Sulakshanakirti Viahara Kirtipur
1) A Anoja 2) A Atula
3) A Anula
29 Sangharama ViharaDhalko-KTM
1) Anagarika Dharmarakshita
30 Vishwashanti Vihara New Baneshwar
1) A Shubha 2) A Khema
3) A Sudhamma
31 Vishwashanti Dharmakirti Vihara Basundhara
1) A Dhajavati (Kusum) 2) A Padmavati
3) A Bhadravati
32 Residing other Anagarikas
1) Anagarika Chandrajnani Patan
2) A Sraddhavati Shankhamul
3) A Amaravati Patan
4) A Dhammachari Patan
5) A Nanda Thasi
Some Prominent Personalities in the Theravada Movement1
Sanghamahanayakas of Nepal
1 Ven Pragyanand Mahasthavir 1930 ndash 1993 AD
2 Ven Sakyananda Mahasthavir 1993 - 1997 AD
3 Ven Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1997 - 2002 AD
4 Ven Subodhananda Mahasthavir 2002 - 2006 AD
5 Ven Buddhaghosa Mahasthavir 2006-
Amritananda Bhikkhu (1918-1990) original name Lal Kaji Sakya from Tansen
west Nepal he ordain as a novice in 1936 from ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara He studies and was ordained a monk in Sri Lanka in 1940 He
return to Nepal in 1942 and preached first publicly in Kathmandu He
formed Dharmodaya Sabha in 1944 and All Nepal Bhikkhu Mahasangha in
1951 and remained its unchallenged leader until his death He was well
known and traveled widely outside of Nepal because of his dynamism and
charisma He was also one of the greatest Buddhist scholars and writers of
Nepal
Aniruddha Bhikkhu (1915-2003) original name Gaja Ratna Tuladhar son of
Dasa Ratna Sahu (Later Ven Dhammaloka) He went to Sri Lanka in 1930
and ordained as samanera and studied there He had served many years in
Lumbini and third Sanghanayaka of Nepal
1 Sarah Levine and David N Gellner Rebuilding Buddhism The Theravada Movement in
Twentieth Century Nepal (UK Harvard University Press 2006) pp 293-296
Ashwaghosh Bhikkhu (1926- present) original name Buddha Ratna Sakya and
became a novice in 1944 and went to Sri Lanka for study where he took
higher ordination in 1949 he is known as bdquothe communist monk‟ and was a
nominee of the Unified Marxist-Leninist party one of Nepal‟s two main
political parites in the 1990s to the Upper House 1993-5 He had
established nepal‟s first Bhikkhu Training Center at Sangharama Dhalko
and became abbot of this vihara Presently he is abbot of Shrigha Vihara in
Kathmandu and of Dyanakuti Vihara Banepa
Buddhaghosh Bhikkhu (1921- present day) original name Sapta Ratna
Vajracharya in Kwa Baha Kathamandu The founder of Pariyatti Education
in Nepal and presently acting Sanghanayaka of Nepal (2006) and abbot of
Sri Sumangala Vihara in Lalitpur
Chandramani Bhikkhu (1876-1972) a Burmese monk who spent his life in
Kusinagara where he worked for the propagation of Buddhism until his
death He initiated with most of the early Nepalese Theravadins Monks and
Nuns He was the first president of Dharmodaya Sabha and father of
Theravadins of Nepal
Dharmachari Anagarika (1898-1978) born Laxmi Nani Tuladhar she
impressed by Ven Pragyananda in Kindol Vihara and took the precepts
from Chandramani in Kusinagara in 1934 and most prominent Nepali nun
She founded the first nunnery in Nepal at Kindol Vihara in 1947
Dhammaloka Bhikkhu (1891-1977) born Das Ratna Tuladhar Asan
kathamandu He traded in Lhasha went to Sri Lanka and taught Buddhism
as a layman Later became a monk in 1932 after his son Aniruddha ordain
in 1930 he established nepal‟s first Theravādin Vihara bdquoAnanda Kuti
Vihar‟ in Kathmandu
Dhammawati Anagarika (1925- present day) born as Ganesh Kumari Sakya in
Uku Baha lalitpur She ordain too precepts from Ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara and renamed as Dhammavati in 1950 She went to Burma for
study and return in 1963 after passed the Dhammacariya Examination She
was able to established Dhammakirti Nunnery Centre in 1965 and leader of
the Theravādin Nuns She has been re-ordained as Bhikkhuni according to
Mahayana tradition
Dharmaditya Dharmacharya (1902-1963) born as Jagat Man Vaidya in Chika
Bahi Lalitpur and the first Newar Buddhist modernist and the first newar
cultural nationalist He went to study in Calcutta where he became a
follower of anagarika Dhammapala the founder of Maha Bodhi Society
He had formed Buddhist revival foundation and published Buddhist
magazines etc
Nyanpurnika Bhikkhu (1936- present day) Born as Hera Lal Sakya in Tansen
He studied with Buddhaghosh in Lalitpur in Burma and in England He is
only monk who passed Dhammacariya examination of Burma He was the
founder of Vishwa Shanti Vihara and Vishwa Shanti Bauddha sikkyalaya
where train novices He is a prominent translator and writer
Kumar Kashyap Bhikkhu (1926- present day) born as Krishna Man Sakya he
was one of those who exiled to India by the Ranas in 1944 He went to
Study in Sri Lanka and hold nepal‟s first bdquoTripitaka acarya‟ Presently he is
president of All Nepal Bhikkhu Association and abbot of Ananda Kuti
Vihara
Mahapragya Bhikkhu (1901-1979) born Prem Bahadur (Nani Kaji ) Shrestha
He ordained into Tibetan tradition but exiled in 1926 and reordained as
novice in Theravada tradition one of the earlier Theravādin monks He
return to householderhood in Kalimpong in 1940s but then returned to
Kathmandu as a Buddhist sage (Bauddha Rishi) in the 1960s where he
taught until his death
Pragyananda Bhikkhu (1900-1993) born as Kul Man Singh Tuladhar in Itum
Baha Kathmandu a trader in Tibet where he met Ven Mahapragya and
impressed by him to ordained He became a Tibetan Gelung Karmasheel in
1928 and two years later a Theravādin under Ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara in 1930 He was nepal‟s first Sanghamahanayaka and well
respected monk
Shakyananda Bhikkhu (1909-1997) born as Chakra Dhan Sakya in Taksar
Bhojpur East Nepal He spent over forty years as a monk in Tansen outside
the Kathmandu and second sanghamahanayaka of Nepal
Subodhanand Bhikkhu (1916-2006) bor as Kul Raj Sakya in Taksar Bhojpur
East Nepal He was one of the monks exiled by the Ranas in 1944 He was
a prolific composer of Hymns in Nepal Bhasa In 2003 as the most senior
monk in Nepal he was the fourth Sanghanayaka of Nepal
Sudarshan Bhikkhu (1934-2002) born as Rudra Raj Sakya in Uku Baha
lalitpur He was famous a bdquothe boy monk‟ For many years he was a lecturer
in the culture Department of Tribhuvan University a prolific writer
preacher and abbot of Sri Kirti Vihara Kirtipur which is became multi-
cultural center and especially for Buddhist meetings and conferences He
was jailed for some months for Nepal Bhasa activities in the Panchayat
period He was a campaigner on Buddhist issues particularly to do with
Lumbini
Sumangal Bhikkhu (1929-1999) born Bhakta Krishna Shilpakar in Lalitpur He
was famous as ldquoDollar bhanterdquo He ordained in 1959 in Burma obtained a
master‟s degree in Buddhism from Rissho University Japan in 1972 and
was among the first monks to mobilize international connections for
Buddhist projects in Nepal He established Buddha Vihara in Bhrikuti
Mandap Kathmandu He helped raise funds from Thailand and Japan for
IBMc (1985) brought the Japanese healing movement Sei Mei Kyo to
Nepal and in 1993 opened an old people‟s home in Banepa
Glimpse of Theravādin activities in Nepal
Samanera ordination at Muni Vihara
Ordination Ceremony at Vishwa Shanti Vihara
Collecting Alms
Chanting Paritta in devotee‟s home
Giving Holy Thread to Devotees
Buddhist Art in Nepal
Main Buddha Image at Sri Kirti Vihara
Four holy places
Some of the Theravada Buddhist Viharas (Monasteries) in Nepal
Vihars In Kathmandu Valley Telephone No
1 Amarapura Buddha Vihar Bungamati 5551068
2 Anandakuti Vihar Swayambhu 4271420
3 Anandabhuwan Vihar Bhuikhyo 4270429
4 Ganamaha vihar Ganabaha 4253454
5 Gautam Buddha Vihar Panga co 4330576
6 Caturbrahma Vihar Matatirtha 4310558
7 Carumati Vihar Cabahil 4469897
8 Baudhajana Vihar Sunakothi co 5570209
9 Jitapur Gandhakuti Vihar khona Co 5542846
10 Jitawan Vihar Thankot 4311912
11 Jyoti udaya vihar Capagaun Co 5571459
12 Dhammavasa Vihar Khusibun 4358688
13 Dharmakirti Vihar Srigha Naghal 4259466
14 Dharmacakra vihar Bagbajar 4261976
15 Nagar Mandap Sri Kirti Vihar Kirtipur 4330836
16 Nagadesh Buddha Vihar Nagadesh Co 6635397
17 Nirvanmurti Anagarikaram Kindol 4285811
18 Padmasugandha Vihar Manjeshwori 4266255
19 Pranidhi Purna Mahavihar Balambu 43105924312455
20 Pati Vihar Thimi Co 6637601
21 Pippali Theravad Buddha Vihar Shiphal 4475066
22 Punya Udaya Vihar Jala Harisiddhi Co 5527456
23 Buddhabhoomi Mahavihar Tokha 4362514
24 Buddha Vihar Bhrikuti mandapa 4226702
25 Buddharatna Vihar Putalisadak 4244277
26 Bauddha samakrit Vihar Bhaktapur 6610842
27 Manimandap Vihar Patko Bhaktapur 5526517
28 Muni Vihar Bhaktapur 6616464
29 Yampi Mahavihar Ibahi Lalitpur 5539644
30 Yashodhara Baudha Bidyalaya Thaina Lalitpur 5521435
31 Biswo Shanti Vihar Baneshwor 4482384
32 Biswo Shanti Dharmakirti vihar Basundhara 4354251
33 Beluvanarama Vihar Theco Co 5570062
34 Sakyasingha Vihar Thaina Lalitpur 5524760
35 Santi Sukhawas Cakupat co 5523613
36 Siddhimangal Buddha Vihar Thasi 5581495
37 Sumangala Vihara Lagankhel 5531715
38 Sulakshan kirti Vihar Chobhar 4331718
39 Suwanrna Chatrapur Vihar Lubhu 5580430
40 Sangharama Vihar Dhalko Visnumati 4255960
41 Srigha Vihar Nagal 4259110
Vihars out side the Kathamandu Velley Telephone No
1 Ananda Vihar Tansen Co 075-520225520216
2 Citravan Vihar Narayangadha Co 056-521478
3 Taksar Vihar Tansen Co 075-520024
4 Dharmashila Buddha Vihar Phokhara 061-520517
5 Dyankuti Banepa Banepa 011-661244
6 Padma Chaitya Vihar Butawal 071-546470
7 Purwarama Vihar Dhulikhel 011-661979
8 Pragya Mahavihar Hetauda Co 057-520264520136
9 Buddha Vihar Dharan 025-520354
10 Buddha Vihar Biratnagar Co 021-522146530604
11 Beni Buddha Vihar Myagdi Co 069-520354
12 Bodhicharya vihar Banepa 011-661789
13 Lokachakra Buddha Vihar Dhan gadhi 091-622174
14 Sakyamuni Vihar Bhojpur Co 029-420260
15 Sugatapur Vihar Trisuli Co 010-560153
16 Sugandha Vihar Ridi Gulmi Co 079-529435
17 Swoyambhu Chetya Buddha Vihar Urlabari Co 021-540080
18 Swoyambhu Chetya Mahavihar Dharan Co 025-520190
19 Gyanodaya Buddha Vihar Baglung Co 068-520921520336
Footnotes
[1] This paper was written as a part of my MA thesis research on bdquoThe
Revival of Theravada Buddhism and its contribution to Nepalese Society‟ of
Mahachulalongkorn University Bangkok Thailand and would like to thank Mr
Dharma Sakya for every suggestion editing and help for the completion of this
article
[2] Nyanatiloka Buddhist Dictionary 3
rd ed The Free Distribution
version the Corporate Body of the Buddha education foundation Taiwan p
179
[3] Triratna Manandhar bdquoPresent of Buddhism in Nepal‟ (Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK Vol 8 May 2005) p 15
[4] helliphelliphelliphellip The New Encyclopedia of Britannica Vol24 (USA
Library of Congress Catalog 1993) p 781 Dhanabajra Vajracharya Cabahilko
Abhilekha (Inscription of Cabahil) The Charumati Voice (Kath Charumati
Buddhist Mission 2001) pp 17-20 Bhikkhu Sudarsan Mahasthavira Nepal
Upatyaka ma Ashokaki Chori Charumati (Charumati A daughter of
Ashoka in Nepal Valley) (The Charumati Vocie (Kath Charumati Buddhist
Mission 2001) p 20
[5] Beal Samuel Si Yu Ri Buddhist Records of the Western World
(New Delhi Motilal Banarsidass Publishers 1994) pp 80-81 Bhuwan Lal
Pradhan Nepalama Buddhadharma (Kath Nepal Rajkiya Pragyapratisthana
1988) pp 102 ndash 103
[6] NB Thapa A Short History of Nepal (Kath Ratna Pustak
bhandhar Nd) pp 30-33 Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ The
Nation Thailand‟s English Newspaper (Sunday special) Oct 18 1987
[7] Opcit NB Thapa p116
[8] David N Gellner Monk Householder and Tantric Priest Newar
Buddhism and its Hierarchy of Ritual (Cambridge University Press 1996) pp
41ff
[9] Bechert Heinz amp Jens-Uwe Hartmann ldquoObservation on the reform
of Buddhism in Nepalrdquo Journal of Nepal Research Centre vol VIII Kath
Kantipur Printing Press1988p 6
[10] Ria Kloppenborg Theravada Buddhism in Nepal‟ Kailash A
Journal of Himalayan Studies Vol 5 no 41977 p 302
[11] BP Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada Gukathan Wagu Kha (Kath
Hisi Press Nepal BS 20421985) pp44ff
[12] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p47ff
[13] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 51-53 Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal (BKK A Thesis of MA Mahamakut Graduate School
2001) p 97
[14] Bhikshu Sudarshan Mahasthavir bdquoRole of Theravada in the
Preservation of Newar Buddhism‟ wwwircnepalorgpapers
[15] Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 69-72
[16] Opcit Observation on the reform of Buddhism in Nepal p10ff
[17] Opcit Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ RV
Vandya Sanghanayaka Venerable Pragnananda Mahasthavir (Kath Nepal
Co-operative Press 1978) pp 11ff
[18] Bhkkhu Dharmaloka Mahasthavir A Pilgrimage in China (kath
published by Bhikkhu Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1999) p 13-15 Opcit Lacoul
Nepalay Sthavirvada p 74-75
[19] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka p 15
[20] Opcit Bhikkhu dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp16ff
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p100
[21] Ibit Bhikkhu Dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp 27-29
[22] See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A Homage
(Kath Anandakuti Vihar Trust 1992) Kuladharma Ratna Tuladhar Buddhism
in Nepal (Kath Dharmodaya Sabha 1986) pp15 Opcit Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 100
[23] Opcit K R Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal 16 RV Vandya
Sanghanayaka ven Pragnananda p 32 ff
[24] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka Pragnananda pp 34-35
Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthavirvada p 86
[25] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 18 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 101
[26] Bhikkhu Amritananda Mahasthavir A Short History of Theravada
Buddhism in Modern Nepal (Kath Anandakuti Vihar trust 1986) pp 8-9
Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir (Kath Anandakuti
Vihar Trust 1992) p 25
[27] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 19 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[28] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[29] Opcit Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir
p 26
[30] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit KR
Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 20
[31] Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha in Nepal
(BKK A Thesis of MA Buddhist Study Mahachulalongkorn University 2547)
p 23 [32]
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit Ratna
Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir p 26
[33] Amrit R Sthapit bdquowho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Aswaghosha‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 4 no 1 May 2001
p8
[34] helliphelliphelliphelliphellip bdquoWho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Nyanapurninka Mahasthavir‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 7
no 1 May 2004 p13 Viswo Shanti Vihar The Shanti Sandesh (Kath Viswo
Shanti Vihar 1998)
[35] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sumangala Mahasthavir
A monk who modernized Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the
LNBDS UK vol 2 no 1 May 1999 p10
[36] Opcit Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha
in Nepal pp 52ff
[37] Rina Tuladhara Dharmakirti 25 Years of Dharmakirti Buddhist
Study Circle A Glimpse (Kath Dharmakirti Vihar 1996) Mallika Sakya
bdquoWho is Who in Nepalese Buddhism Dhammavati Guruma‟ Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 5 no 1 May 2002 p10
[38] Opcit See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A
Homage Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 108
[39] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sudarshan Mahasthavir A
Gem of the Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol
6 no 1 May 2003 p13
Piyadassi bdquoB‟
Sila Ratna
Sangha Ratna bdquoB‟
List of Anagarikas studying in abroad
I Thailand
1 Anagarika Sirisuta Maharjan
2 Anagarika Ramsobha Shrestha
3 Anagarika Sunita Napit
II Myanmar
1 Anagarika Javanvati
2 Anagarika Vimalajnani
3 Anagarika Ambika
4 Anagarika Buddhapali
5 Anagarika Darshana
6 Anagarika Agrajnani
7 Anagarika Nandavati
bdquob‟
III India 1 Anagarika Rupashila
IV Taiwan
1 Anagarika Pannavati
2 Anagarika Sani
3 Anagarika Nima
V Sri Lanka
1 Anagarika Pannawati
2 Anagarika Mettawati
3 Anagarika Keshawati
4 Anagarika Prasnnawati
5 Anagarika Sukhawati
6 Anagarika Shobhawati
7 Anagarika Subhadra
8 Anagarika
Shraddhagautami
9 Anagarika Upananda
10 Anagarika Shantawati
11 Anagarika Suciwati
Residences of Theravādin Monks in Nepal
01 Abhinava Buddha Vihara Lumbini
1) Bhikkhu Vimalananda Mahathera
2) Samanera Sunanda
02 Anandakut Vihara Swayambhu Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Kumara Kassapa Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Dharmamurti 3) Samanera Kondanya
4) S Prajnaratna 5) S Asoka
6) S Kumarjeeva 7) S Assaji
03 Bauddha Samaskrita Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Bhikkhu Dharmashobhana Mahathera
04 Bodhicharya Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Bodhisena Mahathera
2) Samanera Bodhideepa
05 Buddha Vihara Bhrikuti Mandap-Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Kondanya 2) Bhikkhu Sushil
3) Samanera Anuyoga 3) S Javana
4) S Udena
06 Buddha Vihara Biratnagar
1) Bhikkhu Aloka
07 Buddha Vihara Dharan
1) Bhikkhu Maitri (Tamang)
2) Bhikkhu Chhavikirti
08 Chatubrahma Vihara Matatirtha
1) Bhikkhu Thansettho
2) Bhikkhu Samyakaratna
3) Bhikkhu Bodhananda
9 Charumati Stupa Vihara Chabahil Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Tapassi Dhamma
10 Dharmacakra Ashrama Bagbazar
1) Bhikkhu Milinda
11 Dharmashila Buddha Vihara Pokhara
1) Bhikkhu Subhadda 2) Bhikkhu Saddhananda
12 Dhyanakuti Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Ashwaghosha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Rahul 3) Samanera Gautama
13 Gana Maha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Sanghanayaka Bhikkhu Subodhanand Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sobhita
3) Bhikkhu Samvegakirti
4) Samanera Sugatananda
6) S Chandananda
7) S Somananda
8) S Sumanavamsha
9) S Somavamsha
10) S Sumanasiri
14 IlayabahiTanabaha Patan
1) Bhikkhu Vimalkirti
15 International Bauddha Pariyatti Vihara Butwal
1) Bhikkhu Jatila
2) Bhikkhu Bhaddiya bdquoB‟
3) Samanera Jnanashree 4) S Jotika
16 International Buddhist Society Lumbini
1) Bhikkhu Maitri Mahathera
2) Samanera Mahapanta
3) S Vimala
17 Jana Udaya Vihara Sunakothi-Lalitpura
1) Bhikkhu Dharmagupta
18 Jitavana Vihara Thankot
1) Bhikkhu Dharmavamsha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sugatamuni Mahathera
3) Samanera Sunita
19 Kuti Vihara Koteshwar-KTM
1) Bhikkhu Yeshdhammo
2) Samanera Wayamo
3) S Milindo 4) S Sunanalankara
20 Manimandapa Mahavihara Patan
1) Bhikshu Shilbhadra Mahathera
2) Samanera Paduma 3) S Nayako
21 Muni Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Samanera Tejendra 2) S Jalapa
3) S Asima 4) S Aryaputra
22 Padma Sugandha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Sumedha 2) Samanera Sudatta
23 Pati Vihara Nagadesh-Bhaktapur
1) Bhikkhu Varasambodhi
24 Pranidhi Purna Maha Vihara Balambu
1) Samanera Sukha
25 Pugatabhoomi Jetavana Vihara Bhairahawa
1) Samanera Jagaro 2) S Suvanno
26 Purvaram Vihara Dhulikhel
1) Bhikkhu Gunaghosha Mahathero
27 Sangharama Vihara Kshetrapati Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Saddhatissa
2) Bhikkhu Kolita
3) Bhikkhu Sangharakshita
28 Shakya Singha Vihara Patan
1) Bhikkhu Dharmapala Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sunanda Mahathera
3) Bhikkhu Dharmarakshita
29 Shikhalapura Vihara Dhulikhel
1) Bhikkhu Dhammananda Mahathera
30 Shree Kirti Vihara Kirtipur
1) Bhikkhu Kirtijyoti 2) Bhikkhu Ananda
3) Bhikkhu Prajnakirti
4) Bhikkhu Dharmakirti
5) Samanera Sundara 6) Bhikkhu Pamit
7) S Subhashkirti 8) S Uttarakirti
31 Shreegha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Dharmasagara
2) Bhikkhu Medhankara
32 Sudarshana Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Rastrapala
33Sumangala Vihara Patan
1) Sanghaupanayaka Bhikkhu Buddhaghosha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Shobhan
3) Bhikkhu Prajnaratna
34 Surya Mangala Vihara Kapilvastu
1) Bhikkhu Suryamangala
35 Tokha Buddha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Samanera Shobhana 2) S Jnanodaya
36 Veluvanarama Vihara Thecho-Lalitpura
1) Samanera Uttama 2) S Chandimo
37 Vishwa Shanti Vihara New Baneshwar
1) Bhikshu Jnanapurnik Mahathera
2) Bhikshu Bodhijnana
3) Bhikshu Nigrodha
4) Bhikshu Udayabhadra
Samaneras
1) S Janak 2) S Sujat
3) S Obhaso 4) S Subhaddo
5) S Nandiyo 6) S Mahindo
7) S Pajjoto 8) S Aloka
9) S Buddhadatta 10) S Panita
11) S Kashyapa 12)S Dharmaghosha
13) S Nagita 14) S Vinaya
15) S Suchitta 16) S Sudatto
17) S Nemindo 18) S Rohito
19) S Jayanto 20) S Meghiyo
21) S Indriyo 22) S Suppamedho
23) S Bhanusarana 24) S Saddhadeepa
25) S Kittimo 26) S Janeyyo
27) S Adicca 28) S Kosalla
29) S Nyanuttara 30) S Bhaddaco
31) S Pabhassaro 32) S Uttaro
38 Yampi Maha Vihara Patan
1) Bhikkhu Bhaddiya
39 Non residencial Monks
1) Bhikshu Samyaka Sambodhi Pranputra
2) Bhikshu Dhyanratna
3) Bhikkhu Chandragupta Balambu
Present Anagarikas and resident in NEPAL
01 Amarapura Vihara Bungamati
1) A Charujnani 2) A Sunita
3) A Palitajnani 4) A Pamitajnani
5) A Padumajnani 6) A Rupawati
02 Bauddha Samaskrit Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Anagarika Sanghashila
03 Buddha ViharaDharan
1) A Sumedhavati 2) A Sushilavati
3) A Kanchana 4) A Shasanavati
04 Bauddha Rishi Mahapragya Ashram Anamnagar
1) Anagarika Prajnavati
05 Chatubrahma Vihara Matatirtha
1) Anagarika Anu
06 Dhammavasa Vihara Khusibun
1) A Krishgautami 2) A Suchita
3) A Shilgautami 4) A Kshantigautami
5) A Shyamavati
07 Dharmakirti Vihara Naghal-Kathmandu
1) Anagarika RatnaManjari
2) A Dhammavati
3) A Dhammadinna (Chameli)
4) A Anupama 5) A Sanghavati
6) A Khemavati 7) A Indravati
8) A Jayavati 9) A Danavati
10) A Tyagavati 11) AViryavati
12) A Shubhavati 13) A Ramavati
14) A Surammavati
15) A Hemavati 16) A Suppabhavati
17) A Supriya 18) A Amata
19) A Vannavati 20) A Suvannavati
08 Dharmashila Buddha Vihara Pokhara
1) Anagarika Karmashila
09 Gautami Vihara Lumbini
1) Anagarika Sujata 2) A Khamesi
10 IlayabahiTana Baha Lalitpur
1) A Shilaparami 2)AViryaparami
3) A Vineeta 4) A Shilachari
11 Int‟l Buddhist Meditation Centre Shankhamul
1) A Aggajnani 2) A Nirmalajnani
3) A Shantarakshita
12 Jaya Mangal ViharaTana Bahal-Patan
1) Anagarika Vijita 2) A Nekkhami
3) A Chittavati
13 Jyoti Vihara Chapagaun- Lalitpur
1) AnagarikaVirygautami
2) A Upeskshagautami
14 Kashivarna Buddha Vihara Panuati
1) Anagarika Satyaparami
15 Kindol Vihara Swayambhu
1) A Sumana 2) A Uttara
3) A Sumitra 4) A Molini
5) A Dhammavijaya 6) A Tejavati
7) A Shyamavati
16 Kunsa BahaHyumat
1) Anagarika Patachari 2) AUmavati
17 Mahabodhi Vihara Tansen
1) Anagarika Revati (Dhammadinna)
18 Muni Vihara Bhaktapur
1) A Sugandhavati 2) A Padmavati
19 Narsinharama Thaina-Patan
1) A Jnanashila 2) ASatyashila
3) AShilavati 4) A Yeshavati 5) A Dharani
6) A Jeenvati
7) A Shilpavatisushma
20 Padmachaitya Vihara Butwal
1) A Udayashila 2) A Santiwati
21 Padmakirti Vihara Kamalpokhari
1) A Kamala 2) A Karunavati
3) A Pabbhavati 4) A Dhyanavati
5) A Bhavanavati
22 Prajnanandarama Okubahal-Patan
1) Anagarika Jnanavati
23 Pranidhipurna Mahavihara Balambu
1) A Mudita 2) A Chandrashila bdquoB‟
24 SangharakshitaVihara Patan
1) Anagarika Abhaya 2) A Chandrashila
3) A Shilachari
25 Shanti Sukhavasa Chakupat-Patan
1) A Utpalavarna (Chini)
26 Shree Kirti Vihara Kirtipur
1) Anagarika Mina
27 SunandaramaThaina-Patan
1) A Madhavi 2) AMasukhi
3) A Mashobha 4) A Mashraddha
5) A Masudha
28 Sulakshanakirti Viahara Kirtipur
1) A Anoja 2) A Atula
3) A Anula
29 Sangharama ViharaDhalko-KTM
1) Anagarika Dharmarakshita
30 Vishwashanti Vihara New Baneshwar
1) A Shubha 2) A Khema
3) A Sudhamma
31 Vishwashanti Dharmakirti Vihara Basundhara
1) A Dhajavati (Kusum) 2) A Padmavati
3) A Bhadravati
32 Residing other Anagarikas
1) Anagarika Chandrajnani Patan
2) A Sraddhavati Shankhamul
3) A Amaravati Patan
4) A Dhammachari Patan
5) A Nanda Thasi
Some Prominent Personalities in the Theravada Movement1
Sanghamahanayakas of Nepal
1 Ven Pragyanand Mahasthavir 1930 ndash 1993 AD
2 Ven Sakyananda Mahasthavir 1993 - 1997 AD
3 Ven Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1997 - 2002 AD
4 Ven Subodhananda Mahasthavir 2002 - 2006 AD
5 Ven Buddhaghosa Mahasthavir 2006-
Amritananda Bhikkhu (1918-1990) original name Lal Kaji Sakya from Tansen
west Nepal he ordain as a novice in 1936 from ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara He studies and was ordained a monk in Sri Lanka in 1940 He
return to Nepal in 1942 and preached first publicly in Kathmandu He
formed Dharmodaya Sabha in 1944 and All Nepal Bhikkhu Mahasangha in
1951 and remained its unchallenged leader until his death He was well
known and traveled widely outside of Nepal because of his dynamism and
charisma He was also one of the greatest Buddhist scholars and writers of
Nepal
Aniruddha Bhikkhu (1915-2003) original name Gaja Ratna Tuladhar son of
Dasa Ratna Sahu (Later Ven Dhammaloka) He went to Sri Lanka in 1930
and ordained as samanera and studied there He had served many years in
Lumbini and third Sanghanayaka of Nepal
1 Sarah Levine and David N Gellner Rebuilding Buddhism The Theravada Movement in
Twentieth Century Nepal (UK Harvard University Press 2006) pp 293-296
Ashwaghosh Bhikkhu (1926- present) original name Buddha Ratna Sakya and
became a novice in 1944 and went to Sri Lanka for study where he took
higher ordination in 1949 he is known as bdquothe communist monk‟ and was a
nominee of the Unified Marxist-Leninist party one of Nepal‟s two main
political parites in the 1990s to the Upper House 1993-5 He had
established nepal‟s first Bhikkhu Training Center at Sangharama Dhalko
and became abbot of this vihara Presently he is abbot of Shrigha Vihara in
Kathmandu and of Dyanakuti Vihara Banepa
Buddhaghosh Bhikkhu (1921- present day) original name Sapta Ratna
Vajracharya in Kwa Baha Kathamandu The founder of Pariyatti Education
in Nepal and presently acting Sanghanayaka of Nepal (2006) and abbot of
Sri Sumangala Vihara in Lalitpur
Chandramani Bhikkhu (1876-1972) a Burmese monk who spent his life in
Kusinagara where he worked for the propagation of Buddhism until his
death He initiated with most of the early Nepalese Theravadins Monks and
Nuns He was the first president of Dharmodaya Sabha and father of
Theravadins of Nepal
Dharmachari Anagarika (1898-1978) born Laxmi Nani Tuladhar she
impressed by Ven Pragyananda in Kindol Vihara and took the precepts
from Chandramani in Kusinagara in 1934 and most prominent Nepali nun
She founded the first nunnery in Nepal at Kindol Vihara in 1947
Dhammaloka Bhikkhu (1891-1977) born Das Ratna Tuladhar Asan
kathamandu He traded in Lhasha went to Sri Lanka and taught Buddhism
as a layman Later became a monk in 1932 after his son Aniruddha ordain
in 1930 he established nepal‟s first Theravādin Vihara bdquoAnanda Kuti
Vihar‟ in Kathmandu
Dhammawati Anagarika (1925- present day) born as Ganesh Kumari Sakya in
Uku Baha lalitpur She ordain too precepts from Ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara and renamed as Dhammavati in 1950 She went to Burma for
study and return in 1963 after passed the Dhammacariya Examination She
was able to established Dhammakirti Nunnery Centre in 1965 and leader of
the Theravādin Nuns She has been re-ordained as Bhikkhuni according to
Mahayana tradition
Dharmaditya Dharmacharya (1902-1963) born as Jagat Man Vaidya in Chika
Bahi Lalitpur and the first Newar Buddhist modernist and the first newar
cultural nationalist He went to study in Calcutta where he became a
follower of anagarika Dhammapala the founder of Maha Bodhi Society
He had formed Buddhist revival foundation and published Buddhist
magazines etc
Nyanpurnika Bhikkhu (1936- present day) Born as Hera Lal Sakya in Tansen
He studied with Buddhaghosh in Lalitpur in Burma and in England He is
only monk who passed Dhammacariya examination of Burma He was the
founder of Vishwa Shanti Vihara and Vishwa Shanti Bauddha sikkyalaya
where train novices He is a prominent translator and writer
Kumar Kashyap Bhikkhu (1926- present day) born as Krishna Man Sakya he
was one of those who exiled to India by the Ranas in 1944 He went to
Study in Sri Lanka and hold nepal‟s first bdquoTripitaka acarya‟ Presently he is
president of All Nepal Bhikkhu Association and abbot of Ananda Kuti
Vihara
Mahapragya Bhikkhu (1901-1979) born Prem Bahadur (Nani Kaji ) Shrestha
He ordained into Tibetan tradition but exiled in 1926 and reordained as
novice in Theravada tradition one of the earlier Theravādin monks He
return to householderhood in Kalimpong in 1940s but then returned to
Kathmandu as a Buddhist sage (Bauddha Rishi) in the 1960s where he
taught until his death
Pragyananda Bhikkhu (1900-1993) born as Kul Man Singh Tuladhar in Itum
Baha Kathmandu a trader in Tibet where he met Ven Mahapragya and
impressed by him to ordained He became a Tibetan Gelung Karmasheel in
1928 and two years later a Theravādin under Ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara in 1930 He was nepal‟s first Sanghamahanayaka and well
respected monk
Shakyananda Bhikkhu (1909-1997) born as Chakra Dhan Sakya in Taksar
Bhojpur East Nepal He spent over forty years as a monk in Tansen outside
the Kathmandu and second sanghamahanayaka of Nepal
Subodhanand Bhikkhu (1916-2006) bor as Kul Raj Sakya in Taksar Bhojpur
East Nepal He was one of the monks exiled by the Ranas in 1944 He was
a prolific composer of Hymns in Nepal Bhasa In 2003 as the most senior
monk in Nepal he was the fourth Sanghanayaka of Nepal
Sudarshan Bhikkhu (1934-2002) born as Rudra Raj Sakya in Uku Baha
lalitpur He was famous a bdquothe boy monk‟ For many years he was a lecturer
in the culture Department of Tribhuvan University a prolific writer
preacher and abbot of Sri Kirti Vihara Kirtipur which is became multi-
cultural center and especially for Buddhist meetings and conferences He
was jailed for some months for Nepal Bhasa activities in the Panchayat
period He was a campaigner on Buddhist issues particularly to do with
Lumbini
Sumangal Bhikkhu (1929-1999) born Bhakta Krishna Shilpakar in Lalitpur He
was famous as ldquoDollar bhanterdquo He ordained in 1959 in Burma obtained a
master‟s degree in Buddhism from Rissho University Japan in 1972 and
was among the first monks to mobilize international connections for
Buddhist projects in Nepal He established Buddha Vihara in Bhrikuti
Mandap Kathmandu He helped raise funds from Thailand and Japan for
IBMc (1985) brought the Japanese healing movement Sei Mei Kyo to
Nepal and in 1993 opened an old people‟s home in Banepa
Glimpse of Theravādin activities in Nepal
Samanera ordination at Muni Vihara
Ordination Ceremony at Vishwa Shanti Vihara
Collecting Alms
Chanting Paritta in devotee‟s home
Giving Holy Thread to Devotees
Buddhist Art in Nepal
Main Buddha Image at Sri Kirti Vihara
Four holy places
Some of the Theravada Buddhist Viharas (Monasteries) in Nepal
Vihars In Kathmandu Valley Telephone No
1 Amarapura Buddha Vihar Bungamati 5551068
2 Anandakuti Vihar Swayambhu 4271420
3 Anandabhuwan Vihar Bhuikhyo 4270429
4 Ganamaha vihar Ganabaha 4253454
5 Gautam Buddha Vihar Panga co 4330576
6 Caturbrahma Vihar Matatirtha 4310558
7 Carumati Vihar Cabahil 4469897
8 Baudhajana Vihar Sunakothi co 5570209
9 Jitapur Gandhakuti Vihar khona Co 5542846
10 Jitawan Vihar Thankot 4311912
11 Jyoti udaya vihar Capagaun Co 5571459
12 Dhammavasa Vihar Khusibun 4358688
13 Dharmakirti Vihar Srigha Naghal 4259466
14 Dharmacakra vihar Bagbajar 4261976
15 Nagar Mandap Sri Kirti Vihar Kirtipur 4330836
16 Nagadesh Buddha Vihar Nagadesh Co 6635397
17 Nirvanmurti Anagarikaram Kindol 4285811
18 Padmasugandha Vihar Manjeshwori 4266255
19 Pranidhi Purna Mahavihar Balambu 43105924312455
20 Pati Vihar Thimi Co 6637601
21 Pippali Theravad Buddha Vihar Shiphal 4475066
22 Punya Udaya Vihar Jala Harisiddhi Co 5527456
23 Buddhabhoomi Mahavihar Tokha 4362514
24 Buddha Vihar Bhrikuti mandapa 4226702
25 Buddharatna Vihar Putalisadak 4244277
26 Bauddha samakrit Vihar Bhaktapur 6610842
27 Manimandap Vihar Patko Bhaktapur 5526517
28 Muni Vihar Bhaktapur 6616464
29 Yampi Mahavihar Ibahi Lalitpur 5539644
30 Yashodhara Baudha Bidyalaya Thaina Lalitpur 5521435
31 Biswo Shanti Vihar Baneshwor 4482384
32 Biswo Shanti Dharmakirti vihar Basundhara 4354251
33 Beluvanarama Vihar Theco Co 5570062
34 Sakyasingha Vihar Thaina Lalitpur 5524760
35 Santi Sukhawas Cakupat co 5523613
36 Siddhimangal Buddha Vihar Thasi 5581495
37 Sumangala Vihara Lagankhel 5531715
38 Sulakshan kirti Vihar Chobhar 4331718
39 Suwanrna Chatrapur Vihar Lubhu 5580430
40 Sangharama Vihar Dhalko Visnumati 4255960
41 Srigha Vihar Nagal 4259110
Vihars out side the Kathamandu Velley Telephone No
1 Ananda Vihar Tansen Co 075-520225520216
2 Citravan Vihar Narayangadha Co 056-521478
3 Taksar Vihar Tansen Co 075-520024
4 Dharmashila Buddha Vihar Phokhara 061-520517
5 Dyankuti Banepa Banepa 011-661244
6 Padma Chaitya Vihar Butawal 071-546470
7 Purwarama Vihar Dhulikhel 011-661979
8 Pragya Mahavihar Hetauda Co 057-520264520136
9 Buddha Vihar Dharan 025-520354
10 Buddha Vihar Biratnagar Co 021-522146530604
11 Beni Buddha Vihar Myagdi Co 069-520354
12 Bodhicharya vihar Banepa 011-661789
13 Lokachakra Buddha Vihar Dhan gadhi 091-622174
14 Sakyamuni Vihar Bhojpur Co 029-420260
15 Sugatapur Vihar Trisuli Co 010-560153
16 Sugandha Vihar Ridi Gulmi Co 079-529435
17 Swoyambhu Chetya Buddha Vihar Urlabari Co 021-540080
18 Swoyambhu Chetya Mahavihar Dharan Co 025-520190
19 Gyanodaya Buddha Vihar Baglung Co 068-520921520336
Footnotes
[1] This paper was written as a part of my MA thesis research on bdquoThe
Revival of Theravada Buddhism and its contribution to Nepalese Society‟ of
Mahachulalongkorn University Bangkok Thailand and would like to thank Mr
Dharma Sakya for every suggestion editing and help for the completion of this
article
[2] Nyanatiloka Buddhist Dictionary 3
rd ed The Free Distribution
version the Corporate Body of the Buddha education foundation Taiwan p
179
[3] Triratna Manandhar bdquoPresent of Buddhism in Nepal‟ (Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK Vol 8 May 2005) p 15
[4] helliphelliphelliphellip The New Encyclopedia of Britannica Vol24 (USA
Library of Congress Catalog 1993) p 781 Dhanabajra Vajracharya Cabahilko
Abhilekha (Inscription of Cabahil) The Charumati Voice (Kath Charumati
Buddhist Mission 2001) pp 17-20 Bhikkhu Sudarsan Mahasthavira Nepal
Upatyaka ma Ashokaki Chori Charumati (Charumati A daughter of
Ashoka in Nepal Valley) (The Charumati Vocie (Kath Charumati Buddhist
Mission 2001) p 20
[5] Beal Samuel Si Yu Ri Buddhist Records of the Western World
(New Delhi Motilal Banarsidass Publishers 1994) pp 80-81 Bhuwan Lal
Pradhan Nepalama Buddhadharma (Kath Nepal Rajkiya Pragyapratisthana
1988) pp 102 ndash 103
[6] NB Thapa A Short History of Nepal (Kath Ratna Pustak
bhandhar Nd) pp 30-33 Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ The
Nation Thailand‟s English Newspaper (Sunday special) Oct 18 1987
[7] Opcit NB Thapa p116
[8] David N Gellner Monk Householder and Tantric Priest Newar
Buddhism and its Hierarchy of Ritual (Cambridge University Press 1996) pp
41ff
[9] Bechert Heinz amp Jens-Uwe Hartmann ldquoObservation on the reform
of Buddhism in Nepalrdquo Journal of Nepal Research Centre vol VIII Kath
Kantipur Printing Press1988p 6
[10] Ria Kloppenborg Theravada Buddhism in Nepal‟ Kailash A
Journal of Himalayan Studies Vol 5 no 41977 p 302
[11] BP Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada Gukathan Wagu Kha (Kath
Hisi Press Nepal BS 20421985) pp44ff
[12] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p47ff
[13] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 51-53 Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal (BKK A Thesis of MA Mahamakut Graduate School
2001) p 97
[14] Bhikshu Sudarshan Mahasthavir bdquoRole of Theravada in the
Preservation of Newar Buddhism‟ wwwircnepalorgpapers
[15] Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 69-72
[16] Opcit Observation on the reform of Buddhism in Nepal p10ff
[17] Opcit Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ RV
Vandya Sanghanayaka Venerable Pragnananda Mahasthavir (Kath Nepal
Co-operative Press 1978) pp 11ff
[18] Bhkkhu Dharmaloka Mahasthavir A Pilgrimage in China (kath
published by Bhikkhu Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1999) p 13-15 Opcit Lacoul
Nepalay Sthavirvada p 74-75
[19] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka p 15
[20] Opcit Bhikkhu dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp16ff
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p100
[21] Ibit Bhikkhu Dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp 27-29
[22] See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A Homage
(Kath Anandakuti Vihar Trust 1992) Kuladharma Ratna Tuladhar Buddhism
in Nepal (Kath Dharmodaya Sabha 1986) pp15 Opcit Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 100
[23] Opcit K R Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal 16 RV Vandya
Sanghanayaka ven Pragnananda p 32 ff
[24] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka Pragnananda pp 34-35
Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthavirvada p 86
[25] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 18 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 101
[26] Bhikkhu Amritananda Mahasthavir A Short History of Theravada
Buddhism in Modern Nepal (Kath Anandakuti Vihar trust 1986) pp 8-9
Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir (Kath Anandakuti
Vihar Trust 1992) p 25
[27] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 19 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[28] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[29] Opcit Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir
p 26
[30] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit KR
Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 20
[31] Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha in Nepal
(BKK A Thesis of MA Buddhist Study Mahachulalongkorn University 2547)
p 23 [32]
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit Ratna
Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir p 26
[33] Amrit R Sthapit bdquowho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Aswaghosha‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 4 no 1 May 2001
p8
[34] helliphelliphelliphelliphellip bdquoWho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Nyanapurninka Mahasthavir‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 7
no 1 May 2004 p13 Viswo Shanti Vihar The Shanti Sandesh (Kath Viswo
Shanti Vihar 1998)
[35] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sumangala Mahasthavir
A monk who modernized Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the
LNBDS UK vol 2 no 1 May 1999 p10
[36] Opcit Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha
in Nepal pp 52ff
[37] Rina Tuladhara Dharmakirti 25 Years of Dharmakirti Buddhist
Study Circle A Glimpse (Kath Dharmakirti Vihar 1996) Mallika Sakya
bdquoWho is Who in Nepalese Buddhism Dhammavati Guruma‟ Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 5 no 1 May 2002 p10
[38] Opcit See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A
Homage Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 108
[39] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sudarshan Mahasthavir A
Gem of the Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol
6 no 1 May 2003 p13
Residences of Theravādin Monks in Nepal
01 Abhinava Buddha Vihara Lumbini
1) Bhikkhu Vimalananda Mahathera
2) Samanera Sunanda
02 Anandakut Vihara Swayambhu Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Kumara Kassapa Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Dharmamurti 3) Samanera Kondanya
4) S Prajnaratna 5) S Asoka
6) S Kumarjeeva 7) S Assaji
03 Bauddha Samaskrita Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Bhikkhu Dharmashobhana Mahathera
04 Bodhicharya Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Bodhisena Mahathera
2) Samanera Bodhideepa
05 Buddha Vihara Bhrikuti Mandap-Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Kondanya 2) Bhikkhu Sushil
3) Samanera Anuyoga 3) S Javana
4) S Udena
06 Buddha Vihara Biratnagar
1) Bhikkhu Aloka
07 Buddha Vihara Dharan
1) Bhikkhu Maitri (Tamang)
2) Bhikkhu Chhavikirti
08 Chatubrahma Vihara Matatirtha
1) Bhikkhu Thansettho
2) Bhikkhu Samyakaratna
3) Bhikkhu Bodhananda
9 Charumati Stupa Vihara Chabahil Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Tapassi Dhamma
10 Dharmacakra Ashrama Bagbazar
1) Bhikkhu Milinda
11 Dharmashila Buddha Vihara Pokhara
1) Bhikkhu Subhadda 2) Bhikkhu Saddhananda
12 Dhyanakuti Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Ashwaghosha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Rahul 3) Samanera Gautama
13 Gana Maha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Sanghanayaka Bhikkhu Subodhanand Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sobhita
3) Bhikkhu Samvegakirti
4) Samanera Sugatananda
6) S Chandananda
7) S Somananda
8) S Sumanavamsha
9) S Somavamsha
10) S Sumanasiri
14 IlayabahiTanabaha Patan
1) Bhikkhu Vimalkirti
15 International Bauddha Pariyatti Vihara Butwal
1) Bhikkhu Jatila
2) Bhikkhu Bhaddiya bdquoB‟
3) Samanera Jnanashree 4) S Jotika
16 International Buddhist Society Lumbini
1) Bhikkhu Maitri Mahathera
2) Samanera Mahapanta
3) S Vimala
17 Jana Udaya Vihara Sunakothi-Lalitpura
1) Bhikkhu Dharmagupta
18 Jitavana Vihara Thankot
1) Bhikkhu Dharmavamsha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sugatamuni Mahathera
3) Samanera Sunita
19 Kuti Vihara Koteshwar-KTM
1) Bhikkhu Yeshdhammo
2) Samanera Wayamo
3) S Milindo 4) S Sunanalankara
20 Manimandapa Mahavihara Patan
1) Bhikshu Shilbhadra Mahathera
2) Samanera Paduma 3) S Nayako
21 Muni Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Samanera Tejendra 2) S Jalapa
3) S Asima 4) S Aryaputra
22 Padma Sugandha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Sumedha 2) Samanera Sudatta
23 Pati Vihara Nagadesh-Bhaktapur
1) Bhikkhu Varasambodhi
24 Pranidhi Purna Maha Vihara Balambu
1) Samanera Sukha
25 Pugatabhoomi Jetavana Vihara Bhairahawa
1) Samanera Jagaro 2) S Suvanno
26 Purvaram Vihara Dhulikhel
1) Bhikkhu Gunaghosha Mahathero
27 Sangharama Vihara Kshetrapati Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Saddhatissa
2) Bhikkhu Kolita
3) Bhikkhu Sangharakshita
28 Shakya Singha Vihara Patan
1) Bhikkhu Dharmapala Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sunanda Mahathera
3) Bhikkhu Dharmarakshita
29 Shikhalapura Vihara Dhulikhel
1) Bhikkhu Dhammananda Mahathera
30 Shree Kirti Vihara Kirtipur
1) Bhikkhu Kirtijyoti 2) Bhikkhu Ananda
3) Bhikkhu Prajnakirti
4) Bhikkhu Dharmakirti
5) Samanera Sundara 6) Bhikkhu Pamit
7) S Subhashkirti 8) S Uttarakirti
31 Shreegha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Dharmasagara
2) Bhikkhu Medhankara
32 Sudarshana Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Rastrapala
33Sumangala Vihara Patan
1) Sanghaupanayaka Bhikkhu Buddhaghosha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Shobhan
3) Bhikkhu Prajnaratna
34 Surya Mangala Vihara Kapilvastu
1) Bhikkhu Suryamangala
35 Tokha Buddha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Samanera Shobhana 2) S Jnanodaya
36 Veluvanarama Vihara Thecho-Lalitpura
1) Samanera Uttama 2) S Chandimo
37 Vishwa Shanti Vihara New Baneshwar
1) Bhikshu Jnanapurnik Mahathera
2) Bhikshu Bodhijnana
3) Bhikshu Nigrodha
4) Bhikshu Udayabhadra
Samaneras
1) S Janak 2) S Sujat
3) S Obhaso 4) S Subhaddo
5) S Nandiyo 6) S Mahindo
7) S Pajjoto 8) S Aloka
9) S Buddhadatta 10) S Panita
11) S Kashyapa 12)S Dharmaghosha
13) S Nagita 14) S Vinaya
15) S Suchitta 16) S Sudatto
17) S Nemindo 18) S Rohito
19) S Jayanto 20) S Meghiyo
21) S Indriyo 22) S Suppamedho
23) S Bhanusarana 24) S Saddhadeepa
25) S Kittimo 26) S Janeyyo
27) S Adicca 28) S Kosalla
29) S Nyanuttara 30) S Bhaddaco
31) S Pabhassaro 32) S Uttaro
38 Yampi Maha Vihara Patan
1) Bhikkhu Bhaddiya
39 Non residencial Monks
1) Bhikshu Samyaka Sambodhi Pranputra
2) Bhikshu Dhyanratna
3) Bhikkhu Chandragupta Balambu
Present Anagarikas and resident in NEPAL
01 Amarapura Vihara Bungamati
1) A Charujnani 2) A Sunita
3) A Palitajnani 4) A Pamitajnani
5) A Padumajnani 6) A Rupawati
02 Bauddha Samaskrit Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Anagarika Sanghashila
03 Buddha ViharaDharan
1) A Sumedhavati 2) A Sushilavati
3) A Kanchana 4) A Shasanavati
04 Bauddha Rishi Mahapragya Ashram Anamnagar
1) Anagarika Prajnavati
05 Chatubrahma Vihara Matatirtha
1) Anagarika Anu
06 Dhammavasa Vihara Khusibun
1) A Krishgautami 2) A Suchita
3) A Shilgautami 4) A Kshantigautami
5) A Shyamavati
07 Dharmakirti Vihara Naghal-Kathmandu
1) Anagarika RatnaManjari
2) A Dhammavati
3) A Dhammadinna (Chameli)
4) A Anupama 5) A Sanghavati
6) A Khemavati 7) A Indravati
8) A Jayavati 9) A Danavati
10) A Tyagavati 11) AViryavati
12) A Shubhavati 13) A Ramavati
14) A Surammavati
15) A Hemavati 16) A Suppabhavati
17) A Supriya 18) A Amata
19) A Vannavati 20) A Suvannavati
08 Dharmashila Buddha Vihara Pokhara
1) Anagarika Karmashila
09 Gautami Vihara Lumbini
1) Anagarika Sujata 2) A Khamesi
10 IlayabahiTana Baha Lalitpur
1) A Shilaparami 2)AViryaparami
3) A Vineeta 4) A Shilachari
11 Int‟l Buddhist Meditation Centre Shankhamul
1) A Aggajnani 2) A Nirmalajnani
3) A Shantarakshita
12 Jaya Mangal ViharaTana Bahal-Patan
1) Anagarika Vijita 2) A Nekkhami
3) A Chittavati
13 Jyoti Vihara Chapagaun- Lalitpur
1) AnagarikaVirygautami
2) A Upeskshagautami
14 Kashivarna Buddha Vihara Panuati
1) Anagarika Satyaparami
15 Kindol Vihara Swayambhu
1) A Sumana 2) A Uttara
3) A Sumitra 4) A Molini
5) A Dhammavijaya 6) A Tejavati
7) A Shyamavati
16 Kunsa BahaHyumat
1) Anagarika Patachari 2) AUmavati
17 Mahabodhi Vihara Tansen
1) Anagarika Revati (Dhammadinna)
18 Muni Vihara Bhaktapur
1) A Sugandhavati 2) A Padmavati
19 Narsinharama Thaina-Patan
1) A Jnanashila 2) ASatyashila
3) AShilavati 4) A Yeshavati 5) A Dharani
6) A Jeenvati
7) A Shilpavatisushma
20 Padmachaitya Vihara Butwal
1) A Udayashila 2) A Santiwati
21 Padmakirti Vihara Kamalpokhari
1) A Kamala 2) A Karunavati
3) A Pabbhavati 4) A Dhyanavati
5) A Bhavanavati
22 Prajnanandarama Okubahal-Patan
1) Anagarika Jnanavati
23 Pranidhipurna Mahavihara Balambu
1) A Mudita 2) A Chandrashila bdquoB‟
24 SangharakshitaVihara Patan
1) Anagarika Abhaya 2) A Chandrashila
3) A Shilachari
25 Shanti Sukhavasa Chakupat-Patan
1) A Utpalavarna (Chini)
26 Shree Kirti Vihara Kirtipur
1) Anagarika Mina
27 SunandaramaThaina-Patan
1) A Madhavi 2) AMasukhi
3) A Mashobha 4) A Mashraddha
5) A Masudha
28 Sulakshanakirti Viahara Kirtipur
1) A Anoja 2) A Atula
3) A Anula
29 Sangharama ViharaDhalko-KTM
1) Anagarika Dharmarakshita
30 Vishwashanti Vihara New Baneshwar
1) A Shubha 2) A Khema
3) A Sudhamma
31 Vishwashanti Dharmakirti Vihara Basundhara
1) A Dhajavati (Kusum) 2) A Padmavati
3) A Bhadravati
32 Residing other Anagarikas
1) Anagarika Chandrajnani Patan
2) A Sraddhavati Shankhamul
3) A Amaravati Patan
4) A Dhammachari Patan
5) A Nanda Thasi
Some Prominent Personalities in the Theravada Movement1
Sanghamahanayakas of Nepal
1 Ven Pragyanand Mahasthavir 1930 ndash 1993 AD
2 Ven Sakyananda Mahasthavir 1993 - 1997 AD
3 Ven Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1997 - 2002 AD
4 Ven Subodhananda Mahasthavir 2002 - 2006 AD
5 Ven Buddhaghosa Mahasthavir 2006-
Amritananda Bhikkhu (1918-1990) original name Lal Kaji Sakya from Tansen
west Nepal he ordain as a novice in 1936 from ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara He studies and was ordained a monk in Sri Lanka in 1940 He
return to Nepal in 1942 and preached first publicly in Kathmandu He
formed Dharmodaya Sabha in 1944 and All Nepal Bhikkhu Mahasangha in
1951 and remained its unchallenged leader until his death He was well
known and traveled widely outside of Nepal because of his dynamism and
charisma He was also one of the greatest Buddhist scholars and writers of
Nepal
Aniruddha Bhikkhu (1915-2003) original name Gaja Ratna Tuladhar son of
Dasa Ratna Sahu (Later Ven Dhammaloka) He went to Sri Lanka in 1930
and ordained as samanera and studied there He had served many years in
Lumbini and third Sanghanayaka of Nepal
1 Sarah Levine and David N Gellner Rebuilding Buddhism The Theravada Movement in
Twentieth Century Nepal (UK Harvard University Press 2006) pp 293-296
Ashwaghosh Bhikkhu (1926- present) original name Buddha Ratna Sakya and
became a novice in 1944 and went to Sri Lanka for study where he took
higher ordination in 1949 he is known as bdquothe communist monk‟ and was a
nominee of the Unified Marxist-Leninist party one of Nepal‟s two main
political parites in the 1990s to the Upper House 1993-5 He had
established nepal‟s first Bhikkhu Training Center at Sangharama Dhalko
and became abbot of this vihara Presently he is abbot of Shrigha Vihara in
Kathmandu and of Dyanakuti Vihara Banepa
Buddhaghosh Bhikkhu (1921- present day) original name Sapta Ratna
Vajracharya in Kwa Baha Kathamandu The founder of Pariyatti Education
in Nepal and presently acting Sanghanayaka of Nepal (2006) and abbot of
Sri Sumangala Vihara in Lalitpur
Chandramani Bhikkhu (1876-1972) a Burmese monk who spent his life in
Kusinagara where he worked for the propagation of Buddhism until his
death He initiated with most of the early Nepalese Theravadins Monks and
Nuns He was the first president of Dharmodaya Sabha and father of
Theravadins of Nepal
Dharmachari Anagarika (1898-1978) born Laxmi Nani Tuladhar she
impressed by Ven Pragyananda in Kindol Vihara and took the precepts
from Chandramani in Kusinagara in 1934 and most prominent Nepali nun
She founded the first nunnery in Nepal at Kindol Vihara in 1947
Dhammaloka Bhikkhu (1891-1977) born Das Ratna Tuladhar Asan
kathamandu He traded in Lhasha went to Sri Lanka and taught Buddhism
as a layman Later became a monk in 1932 after his son Aniruddha ordain
in 1930 he established nepal‟s first Theravādin Vihara bdquoAnanda Kuti
Vihar‟ in Kathmandu
Dhammawati Anagarika (1925- present day) born as Ganesh Kumari Sakya in
Uku Baha lalitpur She ordain too precepts from Ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara and renamed as Dhammavati in 1950 She went to Burma for
study and return in 1963 after passed the Dhammacariya Examination She
was able to established Dhammakirti Nunnery Centre in 1965 and leader of
the Theravādin Nuns She has been re-ordained as Bhikkhuni according to
Mahayana tradition
Dharmaditya Dharmacharya (1902-1963) born as Jagat Man Vaidya in Chika
Bahi Lalitpur and the first Newar Buddhist modernist and the first newar
cultural nationalist He went to study in Calcutta where he became a
follower of anagarika Dhammapala the founder of Maha Bodhi Society
He had formed Buddhist revival foundation and published Buddhist
magazines etc
Nyanpurnika Bhikkhu (1936- present day) Born as Hera Lal Sakya in Tansen
He studied with Buddhaghosh in Lalitpur in Burma and in England He is
only monk who passed Dhammacariya examination of Burma He was the
founder of Vishwa Shanti Vihara and Vishwa Shanti Bauddha sikkyalaya
where train novices He is a prominent translator and writer
Kumar Kashyap Bhikkhu (1926- present day) born as Krishna Man Sakya he
was one of those who exiled to India by the Ranas in 1944 He went to
Study in Sri Lanka and hold nepal‟s first bdquoTripitaka acarya‟ Presently he is
president of All Nepal Bhikkhu Association and abbot of Ananda Kuti
Vihara
Mahapragya Bhikkhu (1901-1979) born Prem Bahadur (Nani Kaji ) Shrestha
He ordained into Tibetan tradition but exiled in 1926 and reordained as
novice in Theravada tradition one of the earlier Theravādin monks He
return to householderhood in Kalimpong in 1940s but then returned to
Kathmandu as a Buddhist sage (Bauddha Rishi) in the 1960s where he
taught until his death
Pragyananda Bhikkhu (1900-1993) born as Kul Man Singh Tuladhar in Itum
Baha Kathmandu a trader in Tibet where he met Ven Mahapragya and
impressed by him to ordained He became a Tibetan Gelung Karmasheel in
1928 and two years later a Theravādin under Ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara in 1930 He was nepal‟s first Sanghamahanayaka and well
respected monk
Shakyananda Bhikkhu (1909-1997) born as Chakra Dhan Sakya in Taksar
Bhojpur East Nepal He spent over forty years as a monk in Tansen outside
the Kathmandu and second sanghamahanayaka of Nepal
Subodhanand Bhikkhu (1916-2006) bor as Kul Raj Sakya in Taksar Bhojpur
East Nepal He was one of the monks exiled by the Ranas in 1944 He was
a prolific composer of Hymns in Nepal Bhasa In 2003 as the most senior
monk in Nepal he was the fourth Sanghanayaka of Nepal
Sudarshan Bhikkhu (1934-2002) born as Rudra Raj Sakya in Uku Baha
lalitpur He was famous a bdquothe boy monk‟ For many years he was a lecturer
in the culture Department of Tribhuvan University a prolific writer
preacher and abbot of Sri Kirti Vihara Kirtipur which is became multi-
cultural center and especially for Buddhist meetings and conferences He
was jailed for some months for Nepal Bhasa activities in the Panchayat
period He was a campaigner on Buddhist issues particularly to do with
Lumbini
Sumangal Bhikkhu (1929-1999) born Bhakta Krishna Shilpakar in Lalitpur He
was famous as ldquoDollar bhanterdquo He ordained in 1959 in Burma obtained a
master‟s degree in Buddhism from Rissho University Japan in 1972 and
was among the first monks to mobilize international connections for
Buddhist projects in Nepal He established Buddha Vihara in Bhrikuti
Mandap Kathmandu He helped raise funds from Thailand and Japan for
IBMc (1985) brought the Japanese healing movement Sei Mei Kyo to
Nepal and in 1993 opened an old people‟s home in Banepa
Glimpse of Theravādin activities in Nepal
Samanera ordination at Muni Vihara
Ordination Ceremony at Vishwa Shanti Vihara
Collecting Alms
Chanting Paritta in devotee‟s home
Giving Holy Thread to Devotees
Buddhist Art in Nepal
Main Buddha Image at Sri Kirti Vihara
Four holy places
Some of the Theravada Buddhist Viharas (Monasteries) in Nepal
Vihars In Kathmandu Valley Telephone No
1 Amarapura Buddha Vihar Bungamati 5551068
2 Anandakuti Vihar Swayambhu 4271420
3 Anandabhuwan Vihar Bhuikhyo 4270429
4 Ganamaha vihar Ganabaha 4253454
5 Gautam Buddha Vihar Panga co 4330576
6 Caturbrahma Vihar Matatirtha 4310558
7 Carumati Vihar Cabahil 4469897
8 Baudhajana Vihar Sunakothi co 5570209
9 Jitapur Gandhakuti Vihar khona Co 5542846
10 Jitawan Vihar Thankot 4311912
11 Jyoti udaya vihar Capagaun Co 5571459
12 Dhammavasa Vihar Khusibun 4358688
13 Dharmakirti Vihar Srigha Naghal 4259466
14 Dharmacakra vihar Bagbajar 4261976
15 Nagar Mandap Sri Kirti Vihar Kirtipur 4330836
16 Nagadesh Buddha Vihar Nagadesh Co 6635397
17 Nirvanmurti Anagarikaram Kindol 4285811
18 Padmasugandha Vihar Manjeshwori 4266255
19 Pranidhi Purna Mahavihar Balambu 43105924312455
20 Pati Vihar Thimi Co 6637601
21 Pippali Theravad Buddha Vihar Shiphal 4475066
22 Punya Udaya Vihar Jala Harisiddhi Co 5527456
23 Buddhabhoomi Mahavihar Tokha 4362514
24 Buddha Vihar Bhrikuti mandapa 4226702
25 Buddharatna Vihar Putalisadak 4244277
26 Bauddha samakrit Vihar Bhaktapur 6610842
27 Manimandap Vihar Patko Bhaktapur 5526517
28 Muni Vihar Bhaktapur 6616464
29 Yampi Mahavihar Ibahi Lalitpur 5539644
30 Yashodhara Baudha Bidyalaya Thaina Lalitpur 5521435
31 Biswo Shanti Vihar Baneshwor 4482384
32 Biswo Shanti Dharmakirti vihar Basundhara 4354251
33 Beluvanarama Vihar Theco Co 5570062
34 Sakyasingha Vihar Thaina Lalitpur 5524760
35 Santi Sukhawas Cakupat co 5523613
36 Siddhimangal Buddha Vihar Thasi 5581495
37 Sumangala Vihara Lagankhel 5531715
38 Sulakshan kirti Vihar Chobhar 4331718
39 Suwanrna Chatrapur Vihar Lubhu 5580430
40 Sangharama Vihar Dhalko Visnumati 4255960
41 Srigha Vihar Nagal 4259110
Vihars out side the Kathamandu Velley Telephone No
1 Ananda Vihar Tansen Co 075-520225520216
2 Citravan Vihar Narayangadha Co 056-521478
3 Taksar Vihar Tansen Co 075-520024
4 Dharmashila Buddha Vihar Phokhara 061-520517
5 Dyankuti Banepa Banepa 011-661244
6 Padma Chaitya Vihar Butawal 071-546470
7 Purwarama Vihar Dhulikhel 011-661979
8 Pragya Mahavihar Hetauda Co 057-520264520136
9 Buddha Vihar Dharan 025-520354
10 Buddha Vihar Biratnagar Co 021-522146530604
11 Beni Buddha Vihar Myagdi Co 069-520354
12 Bodhicharya vihar Banepa 011-661789
13 Lokachakra Buddha Vihar Dhan gadhi 091-622174
14 Sakyamuni Vihar Bhojpur Co 029-420260
15 Sugatapur Vihar Trisuli Co 010-560153
16 Sugandha Vihar Ridi Gulmi Co 079-529435
17 Swoyambhu Chetya Buddha Vihar Urlabari Co 021-540080
18 Swoyambhu Chetya Mahavihar Dharan Co 025-520190
19 Gyanodaya Buddha Vihar Baglung Co 068-520921520336
Footnotes
[1] This paper was written as a part of my MA thesis research on bdquoThe
Revival of Theravada Buddhism and its contribution to Nepalese Society‟ of
Mahachulalongkorn University Bangkok Thailand and would like to thank Mr
Dharma Sakya for every suggestion editing and help for the completion of this
article
[2] Nyanatiloka Buddhist Dictionary 3
rd ed The Free Distribution
version the Corporate Body of the Buddha education foundation Taiwan p
179
[3] Triratna Manandhar bdquoPresent of Buddhism in Nepal‟ (Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK Vol 8 May 2005) p 15
[4] helliphelliphelliphellip The New Encyclopedia of Britannica Vol24 (USA
Library of Congress Catalog 1993) p 781 Dhanabajra Vajracharya Cabahilko
Abhilekha (Inscription of Cabahil) The Charumati Voice (Kath Charumati
Buddhist Mission 2001) pp 17-20 Bhikkhu Sudarsan Mahasthavira Nepal
Upatyaka ma Ashokaki Chori Charumati (Charumati A daughter of
Ashoka in Nepal Valley) (The Charumati Vocie (Kath Charumati Buddhist
Mission 2001) p 20
[5] Beal Samuel Si Yu Ri Buddhist Records of the Western World
(New Delhi Motilal Banarsidass Publishers 1994) pp 80-81 Bhuwan Lal
Pradhan Nepalama Buddhadharma (Kath Nepal Rajkiya Pragyapratisthana
1988) pp 102 ndash 103
[6] NB Thapa A Short History of Nepal (Kath Ratna Pustak
bhandhar Nd) pp 30-33 Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ The
Nation Thailand‟s English Newspaper (Sunday special) Oct 18 1987
[7] Opcit NB Thapa p116
[8] David N Gellner Monk Householder and Tantric Priest Newar
Buddhism and its Hierarchy of Ritual (Cambridge University Press 1996) pp
41ff
[9] Bechert Heinz amp Jens-Uwe Hartmann ldquoObservation on the reform
of Buddhism in Nepalrdquo Journal of Nepal Research Centre vol VIII Kath
Kantipur Printing Press1988p 6
[10] Ria Kloppenborg Theravada Buddhism in Nepal‟ Kailash A
Journal of Himalayan Studies Vol 5 no 41977 p 302
[11] BP Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada Gukathan Wagu Kha (Kath
Hisi Press Nepal BS 20421985) pp44ff
[12] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p47ff
[13] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 51-53 Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal (BKK A Thesis of MA Mahamakut Graduate School
2001) p 97
[14] Bhikshu Sudarshan Mahasthavir bdquoRole of Theravada in the
Preservation of Newar Buddhism‟ wwwircnepalorgpapers
[15] Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 69-72
[16] Opcit Observation on the reform of Buddhism in Nepal p10ff
[17] Opcit Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ RV
Vandya Sanghanayaka Venerable Pragnananda Mahasthavir (Kath Nepal
Co-operative Press 1978) pp 11ff
[18] Bhkkhu Dharmaloka Mahasthavir A Pilgrimage in China (kath
published by Bhikkhu Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1999) p 13-15 Opcit Lacoul
Nepalay Sthavirvada p 74-75
[19] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka p 15
[20] Opcit Bhikkhu dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp16ff
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p100
[21] Ibit Bhikkhu Dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp 27-29
[22] See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A Homage
(Kath Anandakuti Vihar Trust 1992) Kuladharma Ratna Tuladhar Buddhism
in Nepal (Kath Dharmodaya Sabha 1986) pp15 Opcit Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 100
[23] Opcit K R Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal 16 RV Vandya
Sanghanayaka ven Pragnananda p 32 ff
[24] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka Pragnananda pp 34-35
Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthavirvada p 86
[25] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 18 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 101
[26] Bhikkhu Amritananda Mahasthavir A Short History of Theravada
Buddhism in Modern Nepal (Kath Anandakuti Vihar trust 1986) pp 8-9
Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir (Kath Anandakuti
Vihar Trust 1992) p 25
[27] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 19 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[28] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[29] Opcit Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir
p 26
[30] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit KR
Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 20
[31] Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha in Nepal
(BKK A Thesis of MA Buddhist Study Mahachulalongkorn University 2547)
p 23 [32]
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit Ratna
Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir p 26
[33] Amrit R Sthapit bdquowho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Aswaghosha‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 4 no 1 May 2001
p8
[34] helliphelliphelliphelliphellip bdquoWho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Nyanapurninka Mahasthavir‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 7
no 1 May 2004 p13 Viswo Shanti Vihar The Shanti Sandesh (Kath Viswo
Shanti Vihar 1998)
[35] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sumangala Mahasthavir
A monk who modernized Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the
LNBDS UK vol 2 no 1 May 1999 p10
[36] Opcit Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha
in Nepal pp 52ff
[37] Rina Tuladhara Dharmakirti 25 Years of Dharmakirti Buddhist
Study Circle A Glimpse (Kath Dharmakirti Vihar 1996) Mallika Sakya
bdquoWho is Who in Nepalese Buddhism Dhammavati Guruma‟ Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 5 no 1 May 2002 p10
[38] Opcit See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A
Homage Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 108
[39] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sudarshan Mahasthavir A
Gem of the Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol
6 no 1 May 2003 p13
10 Dharmacakra Ashrama Bagbazar
1) Bhikkhu Milinda
11 Dharmashila Buddha Vihara Pokhara
1) Bhikkhu Subhadda 2) Bhikkhu Saddhananda
12 Dhyanakuti Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Ashwaghosha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Rahul 3) Samanera Gautama
13 Gana Maha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Sanghanayaka Bhikkhu Subodhanand Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sobhita
3) Bhikkhu Samvegakirti
4) Samanera Sugatananda
6) S Chandananda
7) S Somananda
8) S Sumanavamsha
9) S Somavamsha
10) S Sumanasiri
14 IlayabahiTanabaha Patan
1) Bhikkhu Vimalkirti
15 International Bauddha Pariyatti Vihara Butwal
1) Bhikkhu Jatila
2) Bhikkhu Bhaddiya bdquoB‟
3) Samanera Jnanashree 4) S Jotika
16 International Buddhist Society Lumbini
1) Bhikkhu Maitri Mahathera
2) Samanera Mahapanta
3) S Vimala
17 Jana Udaya Vihara Sunakothi-Lalitpura
1) Bhikkhu Dharmagupta
18 Jitavana Vihara Thankot
1) Bhikkhu Dharmavamsha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sugatamuni Mahathera
3) Samanera Sunita
19 Kuti Vihara Koteshwar-KTM
1) Bhikkhu Yeshdhammo
2) Samanera Wayamo
3) S Milindo 4) S Sunanalankara
20 Manimandapa Mahavihara Patan
1) Bhikshu Shilbhadra Mahathera
2) Samanera Paduma 3) S Nayako
21 Muni Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Samanera Tejendra 2) S Jalapa
3) S Asima 4) S Aryaputra
22 Padma Sugandha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Sumedha 2) Samanera Sudatta
23 Pati Vihara Nagadesh-Bhaktapur
1) Bhikkhu Varasambodhi
24 Pranidhi Purna Maha Vihara Balambu
1) Samanera Sukha
25 Pugatabhoomi Jetavana Vihara Bhairahawa
1) Samanera Jagaro 2) S Suvanno
26 Purvaram Vihara Dhulikhel
1) Bhikkhu Gunaghosha Mahathero
27 Sangharama Vihara Kshetrapati Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Saddhatissa
2) Bhikkhu Kolita
3) Bhikkhu Sangharakshita
28 Shakya Singha Vihara Patan
1) Bhikkhu Dharmapala Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sunanda Mahathera
3) Bhikkhu Dharmarakshita
29 Shikhalapura Vihara Dhulikhel
1) Bhikkhu Dhammananda Mahathera
30 Shree Kirti Vihara Kirtipur
1) Bhikkhu Kirtijyoti 2) Bhikkhu Ananda
3) Bhikkhu Prajnakirti
4) Bhikkhu Dharmakirti
5) Samanera Sundara 6) Bhikkhu Pamit
7) S Subhashkirti 8) S Uttarakirti
31 Shreegha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Dharmasagara
2) Bhikkhu Medhankara
32 Sudarshana Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Rastrapala
33Sumangala Vihara Patan
1) Sanghaupanayaka Bhikkhu Buddhaghosha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Shobhan
3) Bhikkhu Prajnaratna
34 Surya Mangala Vihara Kapilvastu
1) Bhikkhu Suryamangala
35 Tokha Buddha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Samanera Shobhana 2) S Jnanodaya
36 Veluvanarama Vihara Thecho-Lalitpura
1) Samanera Uttama 2) S Chandimo
37 Vishwa Shanti Vihara New Baneshwar
1) Bhikshu Jnanapurnik Mahathera
2) Bhikshu Bodhijnana
3) Bhikshu Nigrodha
4) Bhikshu Udayabhadra
Samaneras
1) S Janak 2) S Sujat
3) S Obhaso 4) S Subhaddo
5) S Nandiyo 6) S Mahindo
7) S Pajjoto 8) S Aloka
9) S Buddhadatta 10) S Panita
11) S Kashyapa 12)S Dharmaghosha
13) S Nagita 14) S Vinaya
15) S Suchitta 16) S Sudatto
17) S Nemindo 18) S Rohito
19) S Jayanto 20) S Meghiyo
21) S Indriyo 22) S Suppamedho
23) S Bhanusarana 24) S Saddhadeepa
25) S Kittimo 26) S Janeyyo
27) S Adicca 28) S Kosalla
29) S Nyanuttara 30) S Bhaddaco
31) S Pabhassaro 32) S Uttaro
38 Yampi Maha Vihara Patan
1) Bhikkhu Bhaddiya
39 Non residencial Monks
1) Bhikshu Samyaka Sambodhi Pranputra
2) Bhikshu Dhyanratna
3) Bhikkhu Chandragupta Balambu
Present Anagarikas and resident in NEPAL
01 Amarapura Vihara Bungamati
1) A Charujnani 2) A Sunita
3) A Palitajnani 4) A Pamitajnani
5) A Padumajnani 6) A Rupawati
02 Bauddha Samaskrit Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Anagarika Sanghashila
03 Buddha ViharaDharan
1) A Sumedhavati 2) A Sushilavati
3) A Kanchana 4) A Shasanavati
04 Bauddha Rishi Mahapragya Ashram Anamnagar
1) Anagarika Prajnavati
05 Chatubrahma Vihara Matatirtha
1) Anagarika Anu
06 Dhammavasa Vihara Khusibun
1) A Krishgautami 2) A Suchita
3) A Shilgautami 4) A Kshantigautami
5) A Shyamavati
07 Dharmakirti Vihara Naghal-Kathmandu
1) Anagarika RatnaManjari
2) A Dhammavati
3) A Dhammadinna (Chameli)
4) A Anupama 5) A Sanghavati
6) A Khemavati 7) A Indravati
8) A Jayavati 9) A Danavati
10) A Tyagavati 11) AViryavati
12) A Shubhavati 13) A Ramavati
14) A Surammavati
15) A Hemavati 16) A Suppabhavati
17) A Supriya 18) A Amata
19) A Vannavati 20) A Suvannavati
08 Dharmashila Buddha Vihara Pokhara
1) Anagarika Karmashila
09 Gautami Vihara Lumbini
1) Anagarika Sujata 2) A Khamesi
10 IlayabahiTana Baha Lalitpur
1) A Shilaparami 2)AViryaparami
3) A Vineeta 4) A Shilachari
11 Int‟l Buddhist Meditation Centre Shankhamul
1) A Aggajnani 2) A Nirmalajnani
3) A Shantarakshita
12 Jaya Mangal ViharaTana Bahal-Patan
1) Anagarika Vijita 2) A Nekkhami
3) A Chittavati
13 Jyoti Vihara Chapagaun- Lalitpur
1) AnagarikaVirygautami
2) A Upeskshagautami
14 Kashivarna Buddha Vihara Panuati
1) Anagarika Satyaparami
15 Kindol Vihara Swayambhu
1) A Sumana 2) A Uttara
3) A Sumitra 4) A Molini
5) A Dhammavijaya 6) A Tejavati
7) A Shyamavati
16 Kunsa BahaHyumat
1) Anagarika Patachari 2) AUmavati
17 Mahabodhi Vihara Tansen
1) Anagarika Revati (Dhammadinna)
18 Muni Vihara Bhaktapur
1) A Sugandhavati 2) A Padmavati
19 Narsinharama Thaina-Patan
1) A Jnanashila 2) ASatyashila
3) AShilavati 4) A Yeshavati 5) A Dharani
6) A Jeenvati
7) A Shilpavatisushma
20 Padmachaitya Vihara Butwal
1) A Udayashila 2) A Santiwati
21 Padmakirti Vihara Kamalpokhari
1) A Kamala 2) A Karunavati
3) A Pabbhavati 4) A Dhyanavati
5) A Bhavanavati
22 Prajnanandarama Okubahal-Patan
1) Anagarika Jnanavati
23 Pranidhipurna Mahavihara Balambu
1) A Mudita 2) A Chandrashila bdquoB‟
24 SangharakshitaVihara Patan
1) Anagarika Abhaya 2) A Chandrashila
3) A Shilachari
25 Shanti Sukhavasa Chakupat-Patan
1) A Utpalavarna (Chini)
26 Shree Kirti Vihara Kirtipur
1) Anagarika Mina
27 SunandaramaThaina-Patan
1) A Madhavi 2) AMasukhi
3) A Mashobha 4) A Mashraddha
5) A Masudha
28 Sulakshanakirti Viahara Kirtipur
1) A Anoja 2) A Atula
3) A Anula
29 Sangharama ViharaDhalko-KTM
1) Anagarika Dharmarakshita
30 Vishwashanti Vihara New Baneshwar
1) A Shubha 2) A Khema
3) A Sudhamma
31 Vishwashanti Dharmakirti Vihara Basundhara
1) A Dhajavati (Kusum) 2) A Padmavati
3) A Bhadravati
32 Residing other Anagarikas
1) Anagarika Chandrajnani Patan
2) A Sraddhavati Shankhamul
3) A Amaravati Patan
4) A Dhammachari Patan
5) A Nanda Thasi
Some Prominent Personalities in the Theravada Movement1
Sanghamahanayakas of Nepal
1 Ven Pragyanand Mahasthavir 1930 ndash 1993 AD
2 Ven Sakyananda Mahasthavir 1993 - 1997 AD
3 Ven Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1997 - 2002 AD
4 Ven Subodhananda Mahasthavir 2002 - 2006 AD
5 Ven Buddhaghosa Mahasthavir 2006-
Amritananda Bhikkhu (1918-1990) original name Lal Kaji Sakya from Tansen
west Nepal he ordain as a novice in 1936 from ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara He studies and was ordained a monk in Sri Lanka in 1940 He
return to Nepal in 1942 and preached first publicly in Kathmandu He
formed Dharmodaya Sabha in 1944 and All Nepal Bhikkhu Mahasangha in
1951 and remained its unchallenged leader until his death He was well
known and traveled widely outside of Nepal because of his dynamism and
charisma He was also one of the greatest Buddhist scholars and writers of
Nepal
Aniruddha Bhikkhu (1915-2003) original name Gaja Ratna Tuladhar son of
Dasa Ratna Sahu (Later Ven Dhammaloka) He went to Sri Lanka in 1930
and ordained as samanera and studied there He had served many years in
Lumbini and third Sanghanayaka of Nepal
1 Sarah Levine and David N Gellner Rebuilding Buddhism The Theravada Movement in
Twentieth Century Nepal (UK Harvard University Press 2006) pp 293-296
Ashwaghosh Bhikkhu (1926- present) original name Buddha Ratna Sakya and
became a novice in 1944 and went to Sri Lanka for study where he took
higher ordination in 1949 he is known as bdquothe communist monk‟ and was a
nominee of the Unified Marxist-Leninist party one of Nepal‟s two main
political parites in the 1990s to the Upper House 1993-5 He had
established nepal‟s first Bhikkhu Training Center at Sangharama Dhalko
and became abbot of this vihara Presently he is abbot of Shrigha Vihara in
Kathmandu and of Dyanakuti Vihara Banepa
Buddhaghosh Bhikkhu (1921- present day) original name Sapta Ratna
Vajracharya in Kwa Baha Kathamandu The founder of Pariyatti Education
in Nepal and presently acting Sanghanayaka of Nepal (2006) and abbot of
Sri Sumangala Vihara in Lalitpur
Chandramani Bhikkhu (1876-1972) a Burmese monk who spent his life in
Kusinagara where he worked for the propagation of Buddhism until his
death He initiated with most of the early Nepalese Theravadins Monks and
Nuns He was the first president of Dharmodaya Sabha and father of
Theravadins of Nepal
Dharmachari Anagarika (1898-1978) born Laxmi Nani Tuladhar she
impressed by Ven Pragyananda in Kindol Vihara and took the precepts
from Chandramani in Kusinagara in 1934 and most prominent Nepali nun
She founded the first nunnery in Nepal at Kindol Vihara in 1947
Dhammaloka Bhikkhu (1891-1977) born Das Ratna Tuladhar Asan
kathamandu He traded in Lhasha went to Sri Lanka and taught Buddhism
as a layman Later became a monk in 1932 after his son Aniruddha ordain
in 1930 he established nepal‟s first Theravādin Vihara bdquoAnanda Kuti
Vihar‟ in Kathmandu
Dhammawati Anagarika (1925- present day) born as Ganesh Kumari Sakya in
Uku Baha lalitpur She ordain too precepts from Ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara and renamed as Dhammavati in 1950 She went to Burma for
study and return in 1963 after passed the Dhammacariya Examination She
was able to established Dhammakirti Nunnery Centre in 1965 and leader of
the Theravādin Nuns She has been re-ordained as Bhikkhuni according to
Mahayana tradition
Dharmaditya Dharmacharya (1902-1963) born as Jagat Man Vaidya in Chika
Bahi Lalitpur and the first Newar Buddhist modernist and the first newar
cultural nationalist He went to study in Calcutta where he became a
follower of anagarika Dhammapala the founder of Maha Bodhi Society
He had formed Buddhist revival foundation and published Buddhist
magazines etc
Nyanpurnika Bhikkhu (1936- present day) Born as Hera Lal Sakya in Tansen
He studied with Buddhaghosh in Lalitpur in Burma and in England He is
only monk who passed Dhammacariya examination of Burma He was the
founder of Vishwa Shanti Vihara and Vishwa Shanti Bauddha sikkyalaya
where train novices He is a prominent translator and writer
Kumar Kashyap Bhikkhu (1926- present day) born as Krishna Man Sakya he
was one of those who exiled to India by the Ranas in 1944 He went to
Study in Sri Lanka and hold nepal‟s first bdquoTripitaka acarya‟ Presently he is
president of All Nepal Bhikkhu Association and abbot of Ananda Kuti
Vihara
Mahapragya Bhikkhu (1901-1979) born Prem Bahadur (Nani Kaji ) Shrestha
He ordained into Tibetan tradition but exiled in 1926 and reordained as
novice in Theravada tradition one of the earlier Theravādin monks He
return to householderhood in Kalimpong in 1940s but then returned to
Kathmandu as a Buddhist sage (Bauddha Rishi) in the 1960s where he
taught until his death
Pragyananda Bhikkhu (1900-1993) born as Kul Man Singh Tuladhar in Itum
Baha Kathmandu a trader in Tibet where he met Ven Mahapragya and
impressed by him to ordained He became a Tibetan Gelung Karmasheel in
1928 and two years later a Theravādin under Ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara in 1930 He was nepal‟s first Sanghamahanayaka and well
respected monk
Shakyananda Bhikkhu (1909-1997) born as Chakra Dhan Sakya in Taksar
Bhojpur East Nepal He spent over forty years as a monk in Tansen outside
the Kathmandu and second sanghamahanayaka of Nepal
Subodhanand Bhikkhu (1916-2006) bor as Kul Raj Sakya in Taksar Bhojpur
East Nepal He was one of the monks exiled by the Ranas in 1944 He was
a prolific composer of Hymns in Nepal Bhasa In 2003 as the most senior
monk in Nepal he was the fourth Sanghanayaka of Nepal
Sudarshan Bhikkhu (1934-2002) born as Rudra Raj Sakya in Uku Baha
lalitpur He was famous a bdquothe boy monk‟ For many years he was a lecturer
in the culture Department of Tribhuvan University a prolific writer
preacher and abbot of Sri Kirti Vihara Kirtipur which is became multi-
cultural center and especially for Buddhist meetings and conferences He
was jailed for some months for Nepal Bhasa activities in the Panchayat
period He was a campaigner on Buddhist issues particularly to do with
Lumbini
Sumangal Bhikkhu (1929-1999) born Bhakta Krishna Shilpakar in Lalitpur He
was famous as ldquoDollar bhanterdquo He ordained in 1959 in Burma obtained a
master‟s degree in Buddhism from Rissho University Japan in 1972 and
was among the first monks to mobilize international connections for
Buddhist projects in Nepal He established Buddha Vihara in Bhrikuti
Mandap Kathmandu He helped raise funds from Thailand and Japan for
IBMc (1985) brought the Japanese healing movement Sei Mei Kyo to
Nepal and in 1993 opened an old people‟s home in Banepa
Glimpse of Theravādin activities in Nepal
Samanera ordination at Muni Vihara
Ordination Ceremony at Vishwa Shanti Vihara
Collecting Alms
Chanting Paritta in devotee‟s home
Giving Holy Thread to Devotees
Buddhist Art in Nepal
Main Buddha Image at Sri Kirti Vihara
Four holy places
Some of the Theravada Buddhist Viharas (Monasteries) in Nepal
Vihars In Kathmandu Valley Telephone No
1 Amarapura Buddha Vihar Bungamati 5551068
2 Anandakuti Vihar Swayambhu 4271420
3 Anandabhuwan Vihar Bhuikhyo 4270429
4 Ganamaha vihar Ganabaha 4253454
5 Gautam Buddha Vihar Panga co 4330576
6 Caturbrahma Vihar Matatirtha 4310558
7 Carumati Vihar Cabahil 4469897
8 Baudhajana Vihar Sunakothi co 5570209
9 Jitapur Gandhakuti Vihar khona Co 5542846
10 Jitawan Vihar Thankot 4311912
11 Jyoti udaya vihar Capagaun Co 5571459
12 Dhammavasa Vihar Khusibun 4358688
13 Dharmakirti Vihar Srigha Naghal 4259466
14 Dharmacakra vihar Bagbajar 4261976
15 Nagar Mandap Sri Kirti Vihar Kirtipur 4330836
16 Nagadesh Buddha Vihar Nagadesh Co 6635397
17 Nirvanmurti Anagarikaram Kindol 4285811
18 Padmasugandha Vihar Manjeshwori 4266255
19 Pranidhi Purna Mahavihar Balambu 43105924312455
20 Pati Vihar Thimi Co 6637601
21 Pippali Theravad Buddha Vihar Shiphal 4475066
22 Punya Udaya Vihar Jala Harisiddhi Co 5527456
23 Buddhabhoomi Mahavihar Tokha 4362514
24 Buddha Vihar Bhrikuti mandapa 4226702
25 Buddharatna Vihar Putalisadak 4244277
26 Bauddha samakrit Vihar Bhaktapur 6610842
27 Manimandap Vihar Patko Bhaktapur 5526517
28 Muni Vihar Bhaktapur 6616464
29 Yampi Mahavihar Ibahi Lalitpur 5539644
30 Yashodhara Baudha Bidyalaya Thaina Lalitpur 5521435
31 Biswo Shanti Vihar Baneshwor 4482384
32 Biswo Shanti Dharmakirti vihar Basundhara 4354251
33 Beluvanarama Vihar Theco Co 5570062
34 Sakyasingha Vihar Thaina Lalitpur 5524760
35 Santi Sukhawas Cakupat co 5523613
36 Siddhimangal Buddha Vihar Thasi 5581495
37 Sumangala Vihara Lagankhel 5531715
38 Sulakshan kirti Vihar Chobhar 4331718
39 Suwanrna Chatrapur Vihar Lubhu 5580430
40 Sangharama Vihar Dhalko Visnumati 4255960
41 Srigha Vihar Nagal 4259110
Vihars out side the Kathamandu Velley Telephone No
1 Ananda Vihar Tansen Co 075-520225520216
2 Citravan Vihar Narayangadha Co 056-521478
3 Taksar Vihar Tansen Co 075-520024
4 Dharmashila Buddha Vihar Phokhara 061-520517
5 Dyankuti Banepa Banepa 011-661244
6 Padma Chaitya Vihar Butawal 071-546470
7 Purwarama Vihar Dhulikhel 011-661979
8 Pragya Mahavihar Hetauda Co 057-520264520136
9 Buddha Vihar Dharan 025-520354
10 Buddha Vihar Biratnagar Co 021-522146530604
11 Beni Buddha Vihar Myagdi Co 069-520354
12 Bodhicharya vihar Banepa 011-661789
13 Lokachakra Buddha Vihar Dhan gadhi 091-622174
14 Sakyamuni Vihar Bhojpur Co 029-420260
15 Sugatapur Vihar Trisuli Co 010-560153
16 Sugandha Vihar Ridi Gulmi Co 079-529435
17 Swoyambhu Chetya Buddha Vihar Urlabari Co 021-540080
18 Swoyambhu Chetya Mahavihar Dharan Co 025-520190
19 Gyanodaya Buddha Vihar Baglung Co 068-520921520336
Footnotes
[1] This paper was written as a part of my MA thesis research on bdquoThe
Revival of Theravada Buddhism and its contribution to Nepalese Society‟ of
Mahachulalongkorn University Bangkok Thailand and would like to thank Mr
Dharma Sakya for every suggestion editing and help for the completion of this
article
[2] Nyanatiloka Buddhist Dictionary 3
rd ed The Free Distribution
version the Corporate Body of the Buddha education foundation Taiwan p
179
[3] Triratna Manandhar bdquoPresent of Buddhism in Nepal‟ (Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK Vol 8 May 2005) p 15
[4] helliphelliphelliphellip The New Encyclopedia of Britannica Vol24 (USA
Library of Congress Catalog 1993) p 781 Dhanabajra Vajracharya Cabahilko
Abhilekha (Inscription of Cabahil) The Charumati Voice (Kath Charumati
Buddhist Mission 2001) pp 17-20 Bhikkhu Sudarsan Mahasthavira Nepal
Upatyaka ma Ashokaki Chori Charumati (Charumati A daughter of
Ashoka in Nepal Valley) (The Charumati Vocie (Kath Charumati Buddhist
Mission 2001) p 20
[5] Beal Samuel Si Yu Ri Buddhist Records of the Western World
(New Delhi Motilal Banarsidass Publishers 1994) pp 80-81 Bhuwan Lal
Pradhan Nepalama Buddhadharma (Kath Nepal Rajkiya Pragyapratisthana
1988) pp 102 ndash 103
[6] NB Thapa A Short History of Nepal (Kath Ratna Pustak
bhandhar Nd) pp 30-33 Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ The
Nation Thailand‟s English Newspaper (Sunday special) Oct 18 1987
[7] Opcit NB Thapa p116
[8] David N Gellner Monk Householder and Tantric Priest Newar
Buddhism and its Hierarchy of Ritual (Cambridge University Press 1996) pp
41ff
[9] Bechert Heinz amp Jens-Uwe Hartmann ldquoObservation on the reform
of Buddhism in Nepalrdquo Journal of Nepal Research Centre vol VIII Kath
Kantipur Printing Press1988p 6
[10] Ria Kloppenborg Theravada Buddhism in Nepal‟ Kailash A
Journal of Himalayan Studies Vol 5 no 41977 p 302
[11] BP Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada Gukathan Wagu Kha (Kath
Hisi Press Nepal BS 20421985) pp44ff
[12] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p47ff
[13] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 51-53 Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal (BKK A Thesis of MA Mahamakut Graduate School
2001) p 97
[14] Bhikshu Sudarshan Mahasthavir bdquoRole of Theravada in the
Preservation of Newar Buddhism‟ wwwircnepalorgpapers
[15] Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 69-72
[16] Opcit Observation on the reform of Buddhism in Nepal p10ff
[17] Opcit Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ RV
Vandya Sanghanayaka Venerable Pragnananda Mahasthavir (Kath Nepal
Co-operative Press 1978) pp 11ff
[18] Bhkkhu Dharmaloka Mahasthavir A Pilgrimage in China (kath
published by Bhikkhu Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1999) p 13-15 Opcit Lacoul
Nepalay Sthavirvada p 74-75
[19] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka p 15
[20] Opcit Bhikkhu dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp16ff
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p100
[21] Ibit Bhikkhu Dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp 27-29
[22] See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A Homage
(Kath Anandakuti Vihar Trust 1992) Kuladharma Ratna Tuladhar Buddhism
in Nepal (Kath Dharmodaya Sabha 1986) pp15 Opcit Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 100
[23] Opcit K R Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal 16 RV Vandya
Sanghanayaka ven Pragnananda p 32 ff
[24] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka Pragnananda pp 34-35
Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthavirvada p 86
[25] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 18 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 101
[26] Bhikkhu Amritananda Mahasthavir A Short History of Theravada
Buddhism in Modern Nepal (Kath Anandakuti Vihar trust 1986) pp 8-9
Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir (Kath Anandakuti
Vihar Trust 1992) p 25
[27] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 19 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[28] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[29] Opcit Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir
p 26
[30] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit KR
Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 20
[31] Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha in Nepal
(BKK A Thesis of MA Buddhist Study Mahachulalongkorn University 2547)
p 23 [32]
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit Ratna
Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir p 26
[33] Amrit R Sthapit bdquowho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Aswaghosha‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 4 no 1 May 2001
p8
[34] helliphelliphelliphelliphellip bdquoWho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Nyanapurninka Mahasthavir‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 7
no 1 May 2004 p13 Viswo Shanti Vihar The Shanti Sandesh (Kath Viswo
Shanti Vihar 1998)
[35] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sumangala Mahasthavir
A monk who modernized Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the
LNBDS UK vol 2 no 1 May 1999 p10
[36] Opcit Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha
in Nepal pp 52ff
[37] Rina Tuladhara Dharmakirti 25 Years of Dharmakirti Buddhist
Study Circle A Glimpse (Kath Dharmakirti Vihar 1996) Mallika Sakya
bdquoWho is Who in Nepalese Buddhism Dhammavati Guruma‟ Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 5 no 1 May 2002 p10
[38] Opcit See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A
Homage Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 108
[39] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sudarshan Mahasthavir A
Gem of the Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol
6 no 1 May 2003 p13
1) Bhikkhu Dharmavamsha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sugatamuni Mahathera
3) Samanera Sunita
19 Kuti Vihara Koteshwar-KTM
1) Bhikkhu Yeshdhammo
2) Samanera Wayamo
3) S Milindo 4) S Sunanalankara
20 Manimandapa Mahavihara Patan
1) Bhikshu Shilbhadra Mahathera
2) Samanera Paduma 3) S Nayako
21 Muni Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Samanera Tejendra 2) S Jalapa
3) S Asima 4) S Aryaputra
22 Padma Sugandha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Sumedha 2) Samanera Sudatta
23 Pati Vihara Nagadesh-Bhaktapur
1) Bhikkhu Varasambodhi
24 Pranidhi Purna Maha Vihara Balambu
1) Samanera Sukha
25 Pugatabhoomi Jetavana Vihara Bhairahawa
1) Samanera Jagaro 2) S Suvanno
26 Purvaram Vihara Dhulikhel
1) Bhikkhu Gunaghosha Mahathero
27 Sangharama Vihara Kshetrapati Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Saddhatissa
2) Bhikkhu Kolita
3) Bhikkhu Sangharakshita
28 Shakya Singha Vihara Patan
1) Bhikkhu Dharmapala Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Sunanda Mahathera
3) Bhikkhu Dharmarakshita
29 Shikhalapura Vihara Dhulikhel
1) Bhikkhu Dhammananda Mahathera
30 Shree Kirti Vihara Kirtipur
1) Bhikkhu Kirtijyoti 2) Bhikkhu Ananda
3) Bhikkhu Prajnakirti
4) Bhikkhu Dharmakirti
5) Samanera Sundara 6) Bhikkhu Pamit
7) S Subhashkirti 8) S Uttarakirti
31 Shreegha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Dharmasagara
2) Bhikkhu Medhankara
32 Sudarshana Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Rastrapala
33Sumangala Vihara Patan
1) Sanghaupanayaka Bhikkhu Buddhaghosha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Shobhan
3) Bhikkhu Prajnaratna
34 Surya Mangala Vihara Kapilvastu
1) Bhikkhu Suryamangala
35 Tokha Buddha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Samanera Shobhana 2) S Jnanodaya
36 Veluvanarama Vihara Thecho-Lalitpura
1) Samanera Uttama 2) S Chandimo
37 Vishwa Shanti Vihara New Baneshwar
1) Bhikshu Jnanapurnik Mahathera
2) Bhikshu Bodhijnana
3) Bhikshu Nigrodha
4) Bhikshu Udayabhadra
Samaneras
1) S Janak 2) S Sujat
3) S Obhaso 4) S Subhaddo
5) S Nandiyo 6) S Mahindo
7) S Pajjoto 8) S Aloka
9) S Buddhadatta 10) S Panita
11) S Kashyapa 12)S Dharmaghosha
13) S Nagita 14) S Vinaya
15) S Suchitta 16) S Sudatto
17) S Nemindo 18) S Rohito
19) S Jayanto 20) S Meghiyo
21) S Indriyo 22) S Suppamedho
23) S Bhanusarana 24) S Saddhadeepa
25) S Kittimo 26) S Janeyyo
27) S Adicca 28) S Kosalla
29) S Nyanuttara 30) S Bhaddaco
31) S Pabhassaro 32) S Uttaro
38 Yampi Maha Vihara Patan
1) Bhikkhu Bhaddiya
39 Non residencial Monks
1) Bhikshu Samyaka Sambodhi Pranputra
2) Bhikshu Dhyanratna
3) Bhikkhu Chandragupta Balambu
Present Anagarikas and resident in NEPAL
01 Amarapura Vihara Bungamati
1) A Charujnani 2) A Sunita
3) A Palitajnani 4) A Pamitajnani
5) A Padumajnani 6) A Rupawati
02 Bauddha Samaskrit Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Anagarika Sanghashila
03 Buddha ViharaDharan
1) A Sumedhavati 2) A Sushilavati
3) A Kanchana 4) A Shasanavati
04 Bauddha Rishi Mahapragya Ashram Anamnagar
1) Anagarika Prajnavati
05 Chatubrahma Vihara Matatirtha
1) Anagarika Anu
06 Dhammavasa Vihara Khusibun
1) A Krishgautami 2) A Suchita
3) A Shilgautami 4) A Kshantigautami
5) A Shyamavati
07 Dharmakirti Vihara Naghal-Kathmandu
1) Anagarika RatnaManjari
2) A Dhammavati
3) A Dhammadinna (Chameli)
4) A Anupama 5) A Sanghavati
6) A Khemavati 7) A Indravati
8) A Jayavati 9) A Danavati
10) A Tyagavati 11) AViryavati
12) A Shubhavati 13) A Ramavati
14) A Surammavati
15) A Hemavati 16) A Suppabhavati
17) A Supriya 18) A Amata
19) A Vannavati 20) A Suvannavati
08 Dharmashila Buddha Vihara Pokhara
1) Anagarika Karmashila
09 Gautami Vihara Lumbini
1) Anagarika Sujata 2) A Khamesi
10 IlayabahiTana Baha Lalitpur
1) A Shilaparami 2)AViryaparami
3) A Vineeta 4) A Shilachari
11 Int‟l Buddhist Meditation Centre Shankhamul
1) A Aggajnani 2) A Nirmalajnani
3) A Shantarakshita
12 Jaya Mangal ViharaTana Bahal-Patan
1) Anagarika Vijita 2) A Nekkhami
3) A Chittavati
13 Jyoti Vihara Chapagaun- Lalitpur
1) AnagarikaVirygautami
2) A Upeskshagautami
14 Kashivarna Buddha Vihara Panuati
1) Anagarika Satyaparami
15 Kindol Vihara Swayambhu
1) A Sumana 2) A Uttara
3) A Sumitra 4) A Molini
5) A Dhammavijaya 6) A Tejavati
7) A Shyamavati
16 Kunsa BahaHyumat
1) Anagarika Patachari 2) AUmavati
17 Mahabodhi Vihara Tansen
1) Anagarika Revati (Dhammadinna)
18 Muni Vihara Bhaktapur
1) A Sugandhavati 2) A Padmavati
19 Narsinharama Thaina-Patan
1) A Jnanashila 2) ASatyashila
3) AShilavati 4) A Yeshavati 5) A Dharani
6) A Jeenvati
7) A Shilpavatisushma
20 Padmachaitya Vihara Butwal
1) A Udayashila 2) A Santiwati
21 Padmakirti Vihara Kamalpokhari
1) A Kamala 2) A Karunavati
3) A Pabbhavati 4) A Dhyanavati
5) A Bhavanavati
22 Prajnanandarama Okubahal-Patan
1) Anagarika Jnanavati
23 Pranidhipurna Mahavihara Balambu
1) A Mudita 2) A Chandrashila bdquoB‟
24 SangharakshitaVihara Patan
1) Anagarika Abhaya 2) A Chandrashila
3) A Shilachari
25 Shanti Sukhavasa Chakupat-Patan
1) A Utpalavarna (Chini)
26 Shree Kirti Vihara Kirtipur
1) Anagarika Mina
27 SunandaramaThaina-Patan
1) A Madhavi 2) AMasukhi
3) A Mashobha 4) A Mashraddha
5) A Masudha
28 Sulakshanakirti Viahara Kirtipur
1) A Anoja 2) A Atula
3) A Anula
29 Sangharama ViharaDhalko-KTM
1) Anagarika Dharmarakshita
30 Vishwashanti Vihara New Baneshwar
1) A Shubha 2) A Khema
3) A Sudhamma
31 Vishwashanti Dharmakirti Vihara Basundhara
1) A Dhajavati (Kusum) 2) A Padmavati
3) A Bhadravati
32 Residing other Anagarikas
1) Anagarika Chandrajnani Patan
2) A Sraddhavati Shankhamul
3) A Amaravati Patan
4) A Dhammachari Patan
5) A Nanda Thasi
Some Prominent Personalities in the Theravada Movement1
Sanghamahanayakas of Nepal
1 Ven Pragyanand Mahasthavir 1930 ndash 1993 AD
2 Ven Sakyananda Mahasthavir 1993 - 1997 AD
3 Ven Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1997 - 2002 AD
4 Ven Subodhananda Mahasthavir 2002 - 2006 AD
5 Ven Buddhaghosa Mahasthavir 2006-
Amritananda Bhikkhu (1918-1990) original name Lal Kaji Sakya from Tansen
west Nepal he ordain as a novice in 1936 from ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara He studies and was ordained a monk in Sri Lanka in 1940 He
return to Nepal in 1942 and preached first publicly in Kathmandu He
formed Dharmodaya Sabha in 1944 and All Nepal Bhikkhu Mahasangha in
1951 and remained its unchallenged leader until his death He was well
known and traveled widely outside of Nepal because of his dynamism and
charisma He was also one of the greatest Buddhist scholars and writers of
Nepal
Aniruddha Bhikkhu (1915-2003) original name Gaja Ratna Tuladhar son of
Dasa Ratna Sahu (Later Ven Dhammaloka) He went to Sri Lanka in 1930
and ordained as samanera and studied there He had served many years in
Lumbini and third Sanghanayaka of Nepal
1 Sarah Levine and David N Gellner Rebuilding Buddhism The Theravada Movement in
Twentieth Century Nepal (UK Harvard University Press 2006) pp 293-296
Ashwaghosh Bhikkhu (1926- present) original name Buddha Ratna Sakya and
became a novice in 1944 and went to Sri Lanka for study where he took
higher ordination in 1949 he is known as bdquothe communist monk‟ and was a
nominee of the Unified Marxist-Leninist party one of Nepal‟s two main
political parites in the 1990s to the Upper House 1993-5 He had
established nepal‟s first Bhikkhu Training Center at Sangharama Dhalko
and became abbot of this vihara Presently he is abbot of Shrigha Vihara in
Kathmandu and of Dyanakuti Vihara Banepa
Buddhaghosh Bhikkhu (1921- present day) original name Sapta Ratna
Vajracharya in Kwa Baha Kathamandu The founder of Pariyatti Education
in Nepal and presently acting Sanghanayaka of Nepal (2006) and abbot of
Sri Sumangala Vihara in Lalitpur
Chandramani Bhikkhu (1876-1972) a Burmese monk who spent his life in
Kusinagara where he worked for the propagation of Buddhism until his
death He initiated with most of the early Nepalese Theravadins Monks and
Nuns He was the first president of Dharmodaya Sabha and father of
Theravadins of Nepal
Dharmachari Anagarika (1898-1978) born Laxmi Nani Tuladhar she
impressed by Ven Pragyananda in Kindol Vihara and took the precepts
from Chandramani in Kusinagara in 1934 and most prominent Nepali nun
She founded the first nunnery in Nepal at Kindol Vihara in 1947
Dhammaloka Bhikkhu (1891-1977) born Das Ratna Tuladhar Asan
kathamandu He traded in Lhasha went to Sri Lanka and taught Buddhism
as a layman Later became a monk in 1932 after his son Aniruddha ordain
in 1930 he established nepal‟s first Theravādin Vihara bdquoAnanda Kuti
Vihar‟ in Kathmandu
Dhammawati Anagarika (1925- present day) born as Ganesh Kumari Sakya in
Uku Baha lalitpur She ordain too precepts from Ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara and renamed as Dhammavati in 1950 She went to Burma for
study and return in 1963 after passed the Dhammacariya Examination She
was able to established Dhammakirti Nunnery Centre in 1965 and leader of
the Theravādin Nuns She has been re-ordained as Bhikkhuni according to
Mahayana tradition
Dharmaditya Dharmacharya (1902-1963) born as Jagat Man Vaidya in Chika
Bahi Lalitpur and the first Newar Buddhist modernist and the first newar
cultural nationalist He went to study in Calcutta where he became a
follower of anagarika Dhammapala the founder of Maha Bodhi Society
He had formed Buddhist revival foundation and published Buddhist
magazines etc
Nyanpurnika Bhikkhu (1936- present day) Born as Hera Lal Sakya in Tansen
He studied with Buddhaghosh in Lalitpur in Burma and in England He is
only monk who passed Dhammacariya examination of Burma He was the
founder of Vishwa Shanti Vihara and Vishwa Shanti Bauddha sikkyalaya
where train novices He is a prominent translator and writer
Kumar Kashyap Bhikkhu (1926- present day) born as Krishna Man Sakya he
was one of those who exiled to India by the Ranas in 1944 He went to
Study in Sri Lanka and hold nepal‟s first bdquoTripitaka acarya‟ Presently he is
president of All Nepal Bhikkhu Association and abbot of Ananda Kuti
Vihara
Mahapragya Bhikkhu (1901-1979) born Prem Bahadur (Nani Kaji ) Shrestha
He ordained into Tibetan tradition but exiled in 1926 and reordained as
novice in Theravada tradition one of the earlier Theravādin monks He
return to householderhood in Kalimpong in 1940s but then returned to
Kathmandu as a Buddhist sage (Bauddha Rishi) in the 1960s where he
taught until his death
Pragyananda Bhikkhu (1900-1993) born as Kul Man Singh Tuladhar in Itum
Baha Kathmandu a trader in Tibet where he met Ven Mahapragya and
impressed by him to ordained He became a Tibetan Gelung Karmasheel in
1928 and two years later a Theravādin under Ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara in 1930 He was nepal‟s first Sanghamahanayaka and well
respected monk
Shakyananda Bhikkhu (1909-1997) born as Chakra Dhan Sakya in Taksar
Bhojpur East Nepal He spent over forty years as a monk in Tansen outside
the Kathmandu and second sanghamahanayaka of Nepal
Subodhanand Bhikkhu (1916-2006) bor as Kul Raj Sakya in Taksar Bhojpur
East Nepal He was one of the monks exiled by the Ranas in 1944 He was
a prolific composer of Hymns in Nepal Bhasa In 2003 as the most senior
monk in Nepal he was the fourth Sanghanayaka of Nepal
Sudarshan Bhikkhu (1934-2002) born as Rudra Raj Sakya in Uku Baha
lalitpur He was famous a bdquothe boy monk‟ For many years he was a lecturer
in the culture Department of Tribhuvan University a prolific writer
preacher and abbot of Sri Kirti Vihara Kirtipur which is became multi-
cultural center and especially for Buddhist meetings and conferences He
was jailed for some months for Nepal Bhasa activities in the Panchayat
period He was a campaigner on Buddhist issues particularly to do with
Lumbini
Sumangal Bhikkhu (1929-1999) born Bhakta Krishna Shilpakar in Lalitpur He
was famous as ldquoDollar bhanterdquo He ordained in 1959 in Burma obtained a
master‟s degree in Buddhism from Rissho University Japan in 1972 and
was among the first monks to mobilize international connections for
Buddhist projects in Nepal He established Buddha Vihara in Bhrikuti
Mandap Kathmandu He helped raise funds from Thailand and Japan for
IBMc (1985) brought the Japanese healing movement Sei Mei Kyo to
Nepal and in 1993 opened an old people‟s home in Banepa
Glimpse of Theravādin activities in Nepal
Samanera ordination at Muni Vihara
Ordination Ceremony at Vishwa Shanti Vihara
Collecting Alms
Chanting Paritta in devotee‟s home
Giving Holy Thread to Devotees
Buddhist Art in Nepal
Main Buddha Image at Sri Kirti Vihara
Four holy places
Some of the Theravada Buddhist Viharas (Monasteries) in Nepal
Vihars In Kathmandu Valley Telephone No
1 Amarapura Buddha Vihar Bungamati 5551068
2 Anandakuti Vihar Swayambhu 4271420
3 Anandabhuwan Vihar Bhuikhyo 4270429
4 Ganamaha vihar Ganabaha 4253454
5 Gautam Buddha Vihar Panga co 4330576
6 Caturbrahma Vihar Matatirtha 4310558
7 Carumati Vihar Cabahil 4469897
8 Baudhajana Vihar Sunakothi co 5570209
9 Jitapur Gandhakuti Vihar khona Co 5542846
10 Jitawan Vihar Thankot 4311912
11 Jyoti udaya vihar Capagaun Co 5571459
12 Dhammavasa Vihar Khusibun 4358688
13 Dharmakirti Vihar Srigha Naghal 4259466
14 Dharmacakra vihar Bagbajar 4261976
15 Nagar Mandap Sri Kirti Vihar Kirtipur 4330836
16 Nagadesh Buddha Vihar Nagadesh Co 6635397
17 Nirvanmurti Anagarikaram Kindol 4285811
18 Padmasugandha Vihar Manjeshwori 4266255
19 Pranidhi Purna Mahavihar Balambu 43105924312455
20 Pati Vihar Thimi Co 6637601
21 Pippali Theravad Buddha Vihar Shiphal 4475066
22 Punya Udaya Vihar Jala Harisiddhi Co 5527456
23 Buddhabhoomi Mahavihar Tokha 4362514
24 Buddha Vihar Bhrikuti mandapa 4226702
25 Buddharatna Vihar Putalisadak 4244277
26 Bauddha samakrit Vihar Bhaktapur 6610842
27 Manimandap Vihar Patko Bhaktapur 5526517
28 Muni Vihar Bhaktapur 6616464
29 Yampi Mahavihar Ibahi Lalitpur 5539644
30 Yashodhara Baudha Bidyalaya Thaina Lalitpur 5521435
31 Biswo Shanti Vihar Baneshwor 4482384
32 Biswo Shanti Dharmakirti vihar Basundhara 4354251
33 Beluvanarama Vihar Theco Co 5570062
34 Sakyasingha Vihar Thaina Lalitpur 5524760
35 Santi Sukhawas Cakupat co 5523613
36 Siddhimangal Buddha Vihar Thasi 5581495
37 Sumangala Vihara Lagankhel 5531715
38 Sulakshan kirti Vihar Chobhar 4331718
39 Suwanrna Chatrapur Vihar Lubhu 5580430
40 Sangharama Vihar Dhalko Visnumati 4255960
41 Srigha Vihar Nagal 4259110
Vihars out side the Kathamandu Velley Telephone No
1 Ananda Vihar Tansen Co 075-520225520216
2 Citravan Vihar Narayangadha Co 056-521478
3 Taksar Vihar Tansen Co 075-520024
4 Dharmashila Buddha Vihar Phokhara 061-520517
5 Dyankuti Banepa Banepa 011-661244
6 Padma Chaitya Vihar Butawal 071-546470
7 Purwarama Vihar Dhulikhel 011-661979
8 Pragya Mahavihar Hetauda Co 057-520264520136
9 Buddha Vihar Dharan 025-520354
10 Buddha Vihar Biratnagar Co 021-522146530604
11 Beni Buddha Vihar Myagdi Co 069-520354
12 Bodhicharya vihar Banepa 011-661789
13 Lokachakra Buddha Vihar Dhan gadhi 091-622174
14 Sakyamuni Vihar Bhojpur Co 029-420260
15 Sugatapur Vihar Trisuli Co 010-560153
16 Sugandha Vihar Ridi Gulmi Co 079-529435
17 Swoyambhu Chetya Buddha Vihar Urlabari Co 021-540080
18 Swoyambhu Chetya Mahavihar Dharan Co 025-520190
19 Gyanodaya Buddha Vihar Baglung Co 068-520921520336
Footnotes
[1] This paper was written as a part of my MA thesis research on bdquoThe
Revival of Theravada Buddhism and its contribution to Nepalese Society‟ of
Mahachulalongkorn University Bangkok Thailand and would like to thank Mr
Dharma Sakya for every suggestion editing and help for the completion of this
article
[2] Nyanatiloka Buddhist Dictionary 3
rd ed The Free Distribution
version the Corporate Body of the Buddha education foundation Taiwan p
179
[3] Triratna Manandhar bdquoPresent of Buddhism in Nepal‟ (Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK Vol 8 May 2005) p 15
[4] helliphelliphelliphellip The New Encyclopedia of Britannica Vol24 (USA
Library of Congress Catalog 1993) p 781 Dhanabajra Vajracharya Cabahilko
Abhilekha (Inscription of Cabahil) The Charumati Voice (Kath Charumati
Buddhist Mission 2001) pp 17-20 Bhikkhu Sudarsan Mahasthavira Nepal
Upatyaka ma Ashokaki Chori Charumati (Charumati A daughter of
Ashoka in Nepal Valley) (The Charumati Vocie (Kath Charumati Buddhist
Mission 2001) p 20
[5] Beal Samuel Si Yu Ri Buddhist Records of the Western World
(New Delhi Motilal Banarsidass Publishers 1994) pp 80-81 Bhuwan Lal
Pradhan Nepalama Buddhadharma (Kath Nepal Rajkiya Pragyapratisthana
1988) pp 102 ndash 103
[6] NB Thapa A Short History of Nepal (Kath Ratna Pustak
bhandhar Nd) pp 30-33 Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ The
Nation Thailand‟s English Newspaper (Sunday special) Oct 18 1987
[7] Opcit NB Thapa p116
[8] David N Gellner Monk Householder and Tantric Priest Newar
Buddhism and its Hierarchy of Ritual (Cambridge University Press 1996) pp
41ff
[9] Bechert Heinz amp Jens-Uwe Hartmann ldquoObservation on the reform
of Buddhism in Nepalrdquo Journal of Nepal Research Centre vol VIII Kath
Kantipur Printing Press1988p 6
[10] Ria Kloppenborg Theravada Buddhism in Nepal‟ Kailash A
Journal of Himalayan Studies Vol 5 no 41977 p 302
[11] BP Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada Gukathan Wagu Kha (Kath
Hisi Press Nepal BS 20421985) pp44ff
[12] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p47ff
[13] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 51-53 Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal (BKK A Thesis of MA Mahamakut Graduate School
2001) p 97
[14] Bhikshu Sudarshan Mahasthavir bdquoRole of Theravada in the
Preservation of Newar Buddhism‟ wwwircnepalorgpapers
[15] Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 69-72
[16] Opcit Observation on the reform of Buddhism in Nepal p10ff
[17] Opcit Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ RV
Vandya Sanghanayaka Venerable Pragnananda Mahasthavir (Kath Nepal
Co-operative Press 1978) pp 11ff
[18] Bhkkhu Dharmaloka Mahasthavir A Pilgrimage in China (kath
published by Bhikkhu Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1999) p 13-15 Opcit Lacoul
Nepalay Sthavirvada p 74-75
[19] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka p 15
[20] Opcit Bhikkhu dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp16ff
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p100
[21] Ibit Bhikkhu Dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp 27-29
[22] See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A Homage
(Kath Anandakuti Vihar Trust 1992) Kuladharma Ratna Tuladhar Buddhism
in Nepal (Kath Dharmodaya Sabha 1986) pp15 Opcit Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 100
[23] Opcit K R Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal 16 RV Vandya
Sanghanayaka ven Pragnananda p 32 ff
[24] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka Pragnananda pp 34-35
Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthavirvada p 86
[25] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 18 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 101
[26] Bhikkhu Amritananda Mahasthavir A Short History of Theravada
Buddhism in Modern Nepal (Kath Anandakuti Vihar trust 1986) pp 8-9
Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir (Kath Anandakuti
Vihar Trust 1992) p 25
[27] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 19 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[28] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[29] Opcit Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir
p 26
[30] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit KR
Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 20
[31] Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha in Nepal
(BKK A Thesis of MA Buddhist Study Mahachulalongkorn University 2547)
p 23 [32]
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit Ratna
Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir p 26
[33] Amrit R Sthapit bdquowho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Aswaghosha‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 4 no 1 May 2001
p8
[34] helliphelliphelliphelliphellip bdquoWho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Nyanapurninka Mahasthavir‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 7
no 1 May 2004 p13 Viswo Shanti Vihar The Shanti Sandesh (Kath Viswo
Shanti Vihar 1998)
[35] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sumangala Mahasthavir
A monk who modernized Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the
LNBDS UK vol 2 no 1 May 1999 p10
[36] Opcit Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha
in Nepal pp 52ff
[37] Rina Tuladhara Dharmakirti 25 Years of Dharmakirti Buddhist
Study Circle A Glimpse (Kath Dharmakirti Vihar 1996) Mallika Sakya
bdquoWho is Who in Nepalese Buddhism Dhammavati Guruma‟ Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 5 no 1 May 2002 p10
[38] Opcit See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A
Homage Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 108
[39] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sudarshan Mahasthavir A
Gem of the Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol
6 no 1 May 2003 p13
3) Bhikkhu Dharmarakshita
29 Shikhalapura Vihara Dhulikhel
1) Bhikkhu Dhammananda Mahathera
30 Shree Kirti Vihara Kirtipur
1) Bhikkhu Kirtijyoti 2) Bhikkhu Ananda
3) Bhikkhu Prajnakirti
4) Bhikkhu Dharmakirti
5) Samanera Sundara 6) Bhikkhu Pamit
7) S Subhashkirti 8) S Uttarakirti
31 Shreegha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Bhikkhu Dharmasagara
2) Bhikkhu Medhankara
32 Sudarshana Vihara Banepa
1) Bhikkhu Rastrapala
33Sumangala Vihara Patan
1) Sanghaupanayaka Bhikkhu Buddhaghosha Mahathera
2) Bhikkhu Shobhan
3) Bhikkhu Prajnaratna
34 Surya Mangala Vihara Kapilvastu
1) Bhikkhu Suryamangala
35 Tokha Buddha Vihara Kathmandu
1) Samanera Shobhana 2) S Jnanodaya
36 Veluvanarama Vihara Thecho-Lalitpura
1) Samanera Uttama 2) S Chandimo
37 Vishwa Shanti Vihara New Baneshwar
1) Bhikshu Jnanapurnik Mahathera
2) Bhikshu Bodhijnana
3) Bhikshu Nigrodha
4) Bhikshu Udayabhadra
Samaneras
1) S Janak 2) S Sujat
3) S Obhaso 4) S Subhaddo
5) S Nandiyo 6) S Mahindo
7) S Pajjoto 8) S Aloka
9) S Buddhadatta 10) S Panita
11) S Kashyapa 12)S Dharmaghosha
13) S Nagita 14) S Vinaya
15) S Suchitta 16) S Sudatto
17) S Nemindo 18) S Rohito
19) S Jayanto 20) S Meghiyo
21) S Indriyo 22) S Suppamedho
23) S Bhanusarana 24) S Saddhadeepa
25) S Kittimo 26) S Janeyyo
27) S Adicca 28) S Kosalla
29) S Nyanuttara 30) S Bhaddaco
31) S Pabhassaro 32) S Uttaro
38 Yampi Maha Vihara Patan
1) Bhikkhu Bhaddiya
39 Non residencial Monks
1) Bhikshu Samyaka Sambodhi Pranputra
2) Bhikshu Dhyanratna
3) Bhikkhu Chandragupta Balambu
Present Anagarikas and resident in NEPAL
01 Amarapura Vihara Bungamati
1) A Charujnani 2) A Sunita
3) A Palitajnani 4) A Pamitajnani
5) A Padumajnani 6) A Rupawati
02 Bauddha Samaskrit Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Anagarika Sanghashila
03 Buddha ViharaDharan
1) A Sumedhavati 2) A Sushilavati
3) A Kanchana 4) A Shasanavati
04 Bauddha Rishi Mahapragya Ashram Anamnagar
1) Anagarika Prajnavati
05 Chatubrahma Vihara Matatirtha
1) Anagarika Anu
06 Dhammavasa Vihara Khusibun
1) A Krishgautami 2) A Suchita
3) A Shilgautami 4) A Kshantigautami
5) A Shyamavati
07 Dharmakirti Vihara Naghal-Kathmandu
1) Anagarika RatnaManjari
2) A Dhammavati
3) A Dhammadinna (Chameli)
4) A Anupama 5) A Sanghavati
6) A Khemavati 7) A Indravati
8) A Jayavati 9) A Danavati
10) A Tyagavati 11) AViryavati
12) A Shubhavati 13) A Ramavati
14) A Surammavati
15) A Hemavati 16) A Suppabhavati
17) A Supriya 18) A Amata
19) A Vannavati 20) A Suvannavati
08 Dharmashila Buddha Vihara Pokhara
1) Anagarika Karmashila
09 Gautami Vihara Lumbini
1) Anagarika Sujata 2) A Khamesi
10 IlayabahiTana Baha Lalitpur
1) A Shilaparami 2)AViryaparami
3) A Vineeta 4) A Shilachari
11 Int‟l Buddhist Meditation Centre Shankhamul
1) A Aggajnani 2) A Nirmalajnani
3) A Shantarakshita
12 Jaya Mangal ViharaTana Bahal-Patan
1) Anagarika Vijita 2) A Nekkhami
3) A Chittavati
13 Jyoti Vihara Chapagaun- Lalitpur
1) AnagarikaVirygautami
2) A Upeskshagautami
14 Kashivarna Buddha Vihara Panuati
1) Anagarika Satyaparami
15 Kindol Vihara Swayambhu
1) A Sumana 2) A Uttara
3) A Sumitra 4) A Molini
5) A Dhammavijaya 6) A Tejavati
7) A Shyamavati
16 Kunsa BahaHyumat
1) Anagarika Patachari 2) AUmavati
17 Mahabodhi Vihara Tansen
1) Anagarika Revati (Dhammadinna)
18 Muni Vihara Bhaktapur
1) A Sugandhavati 2) A Padmavati
19 Narsinharama Thaina-Patan
1) A Jnanashila 2) ASatyashila
3) AShilavati 4) A Yeshavati 5) A Dharani
6) A Jeenvati
7) A Shilpavatisushma
20 Padmachaitya Vihara Butwal
1) A Udayashila 2) A Santiwati
21 Padmakirti Vihara Kamalpokhari
1) A Kamala 2) A Karunavati
3) A Pabbhavati 4) A Dhyanavati
5) A Bhavanavati
22 Prajnanandarama Okubahal-Patan
1) Anagarika Jnanavati
23 Pranidhipurna Mahavihara Balambu
1) A Mudita 2) A Chandrashila bdquoB‟
24 SangharakshitaVihara Patan
1) Anagarika Abhaya 2) A Chandrashila
3) A Shilachari
25 Shanti Sukhavasa Chakupat-Patan
1) A Utpalavarna (Chini)
26 Shree Kirti Vihara Kirtipur
1) Anagarika Mina
27 SunandaramaThaina-Patan
1) A Madhavi 2) AMasukhi
3) A Mashobha 4) A Mashraddha
5) A Masudha
28 Sulakshanakirti Viahara Kirtipur
1) A Anoja 2) A Atula
3) A Anula
29 Sangharama ViharaDhalko-KTM
1) Anagarika Dharmarakshita
30 Vishwashanti Vihara New Baneshwar
1) A Shubha 2) A Khema
3) A Sudhamma
31 Vishwashanti Dharmakirti Vihara Basundhara
1) A Dhajavati (Kusum) 2) A Padmavati
3) A Bhadravati
32 Residing other Anagarikas
1) Anagarika Chandrajnani Patan
2) A Sraddhavati Shankhamul
3) A Amaravati Patan
4) A Dhammachari Patan
5) A Nanda Thasi
Some Prominent Personalities in the Theravada Movement1
Sanghamahanayakas of Nepal
1 Ven Pragyanand Mahasthavir 1930 ndash 1993 AD
2 Ven Sakyananda Mahasthavir 1993 - 1997 AD
3 Ven Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1997 - 2002 AD
4 Ven Subodhananda Mahasthavir 2002 - 2006 AD
5 Ven Buddhaghosa Mahasthavir 2006-
Amritananda Bhikkhu (1918-1990) original name Lal Kaji Sakya from Tansen
west Nepal he ordain as a novice in 1936 from ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara He studies and was ordained a monk in Sri Lanka in 1940 He
return to Nepal in 1942 and preached first publicly in Kathmandu He
formed Dharmodaya Sabha in 1944 and All Nepal Bhikkhu Mahasangha in
1951 and remained its unchallenged leader until his death He was well
known and traveled widely outside of Nepal because of his dynamism and
charisma He was also one of the greatest Buddhist scholars and writers of
Nepal
Aniruddha Bhikkhu (1915-2003) original name Gaja Ratna Tuladhar son of
Dasa Ratna Sahu (Later Ven Dhammaloka) He went to Sri Lanka in 1930
and ordained as samanera and studied there He had served many years in
Lumbini and third Sanghanayaka of Nepal
1 Sarah Levine and David N Gellner Rebuilding Buddhism The Theravada Movement in
Twentieth Century Nepal (UK Harvard University Press 2006) pp 293-296
Ashwaghosh Bhikkhu (1926- present) original name Buddha Ratna Sakya and
became a novice in 1944 and went to Sri Lanka for study where he took
higher ordination in 1949 he is known as bdquothe communist monk‟ and was a
nominee of the Unified Marxist-Leninist party one of Nepal‟s two main
political parites in the 1990s to the Upper House 1993-5 He had
established nepal‟s first Bhikkhu Training Center at Sangharama Dhalko
and became abbot of this vihara Presently he is abbot of Shrigha Vihara in
Kathmandu and of Dyanakuti Vihara Banepa
Buddhaghosh Bhikkhu (1921- present day) original name Sapta Ratna
Vajracharya in Kwa Baha Kathamandu The founder of Pariyatti Education
in Nepal and presently acting Sanghanayaka of Nepal (2006) and abbot of
Sri Sumangala Vihara in Lalitpur
Chandramani Bhikkhu (1876-1972) a Burmese monk who spent his life in
Kusinagara where he worked for the propagation of Buddhism until his
death He initiated with most of the early Nepalese Theravadins Monks and
Nuns He was the first president of Dharmodaya Sabha and father of
Theravadins of Nepal
Dharmachari Anagarika (1898-1978) born Laxmi Nani Tuladhar she
impressed by Ven Pragyananda in Kindol Vihara and took the precepts
from Chandramani in Kusinagara in 1934 and most prominent Nepali nun
She founded the first nunnery in Nepal at Kindol Vihara in 1947
Dhammaloka Bhikkhu (1891-1977) born Das Ratna Tuladhar Asan
kathamandu He traded in Lhasha went to Sri Lanka and taught Buddhism
as a layman Later became a monk in 1932 after his son Aniruddha ordain
in 1930 he established nepal‟s first Theravādin Vihara bdquoAnanda Kuti
Vihar‟ in Kathmandu
Dhammawati Anagarika (1925- present day) born as Ganesh Kumari Sakya in
Uku Baha lalitpur She ordain too precepts from Ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara and renamed as Dhammavati in 1950 She went to Burma for
study and return in 1963 after passed the Dhammacariya Examination She
was able to established Dhammakirti Nunnery Centre in 1965 and leader of
the Theravādin Nuns She has been re-ordained as Bhikkhuni according to
Mahayana tradition
Dharmaditya Dharmacharya (1902-1963) born as Jagat Man Vaidya in Chika
Bahi Lalitpur and the first Newar Buddhist modernist and the first newar
cultural nationalist He went to study in Calcutta where he became a
follower of anagarika Dhammapala the founder of Maha Bodhi Society
He had formed Buddhist revival foundation and published Buddhist
magazines etc
Nyanpurnika Bhikkhu (1936- present day) Born as Hera Lal Sakya in Tansen
He studied with Buddhaghosh in Lalitpur in Burma and in England He is
only monk who passed Dhammacariya examination of Burma He was the
founder of Vishwa Shanti Vihara and Vishwa Shanti Bauddha sikkyalaya
where train novices He is a prominent translator and writer
Kumar Kashyap Bhikkhu (1926- present day) born as Krishna Man Sakya he
was one of those who exiled to India by the Ranas in 1944 He went to
Study in Sri Lanka and hold nepal‟s first bdquoTripitaka acarya‟ Presently he is
president of All Nepal Bhikkhu Association and abbot of Ananda Kuti
Vihara
Mahapragya Bhikkhu (1901-1979) born Prem Bahadur (Nani Kaji ) Shrestha
He ordained into Tibetan tradition but exiled in 1926 and reordained as
novice in Theravada tradition one of the earlier Theravādin monks He
return to householderhood in Kalimpong in 1940s but then returned to
Kathmandu as a Buddhist sage (Bauddha Rishi) in the 1960s where he
taught until his death
Pragyananda Bhikkhu (1900-1993) born as Kul Man Singh Tuladhar in Itum
Baha Kathmandu a trader in Tibet where he met Ven Mahapragya and
impressed by him to ordained He became a Tibetan Gelung Karmasheel in
1928 and two years later a Theravādin under Ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara in 1930 He was nepal‟s first Sanghamahanayaka and well
respected monk
Shakyananda Bhikkhu (1909-1997) born as Chakra Dhan Sakya in Taksar
Bhojpur East Nepal He spent over forty years as a monk in Tansen outside
the Kathmandu and second sanghamahanayaka of Nepal
Subodhanand Bhikkhu (1916-2006) bor as Kul Raj Sakya in Taksar Bhojpur
East Nepal He was one of the monks exiled by the Ranas in 1944 He was
a prolific composer of Hymns in Nepal Bhasa In 2003 as the most senior
monk in Nepal he was the fourth Sanghanayaka of Nepal
Sudarshan Bhikkhu (1934-2002) born as Rudra Raj Sakya in Uku Baha
lalitpur He was famous a bdquothe boy monk‟ For many years he was a lecturer
in the culture Department of Tribhuvan University a prolific writer
preacher and abbot of Sri Kirti Vihara Kirtipur which is became multi-
cultural center and especially for Buddhist meetings and conferences He
was jailed for some months for Nepal Bhasa activities in the Panchayat
period He was a campaigner on Buddhist issues particularly to do with
Lumbini
Sumangal Bhikkhu (1929-1999) born Bhakta Krishna Shilpakar in Lalitpur He
was famous as ldquoDollar bhanterdquo He ordained in 1959 in Burma obtained a
master‟s degree in Buddhism from Rissho University Japan in 1972 and
was among the first monks to mobilize international connections for
Buddhist projects in Nepal He established Buddha Vihara in Bhrikuti
Mandap Kathmandu He helped raise funds from Thailand and Japan for
IBMc (1985) brought the Japanese healing movement Sei Mei Kyo to
Nepal and in 1993 opened an old people‟s home in Banepa
Glimpse of Theravādin activities in Nepal
Samanera ordination at Muni Vihara
Ordination Ceremony at Vishwa Shanti Vihara
Collecting Alms
Chanting Paritta in devotee‟s home
Giving Holy Thread to Devotees
Buddhist Art in Nepal
Main Buddha Image at Sri Kirti Vihara
Four holy places
Some of the Theravada Buddhist Viharas (Monasteries) in Nepal
Vihars In Kathmandu Valley Telephone No
1 Amarapura Buddha Vihar Bungamati 5551068
2 Anandakuti Vihar Swayambhu 4271420
3 Anandabhuwan Vihar Bhuikhyo 4270429
4 Ganamaha vihar Ganabaha 4253454
5 Gautam Buddha Vihar Panga co 4330576
6 Caturbrahma Vihar Matatirtha 4310558
7 Carumati Vihar Cabahil 4469897
8 Baudhajana Vihar Sunakothi co 5570209
9 Jitapur Gandhakuti Vihar khona Co 5542846
10 Jitawan Vihar Thankot 4311912
11 Jyoti udaya vihar Capagaun Co 5571459
12 Dhammavasa Vihar Khusibun 4358688
13 Dharmakirti Vihar Srigha Naghal 4259466
14 Dharmacakra vihar Bagbajar 4261976
15 Nagar Mandap Sri Kirti Vihar Kirtipur 4330836
16 Nagadesh Buddha Vihar Nagadesh Co 6635397
17 Nirvanmurti Anagarikaram Kindol 4285811
18 Padmasugandha Vihar Manjeshwori 4266255
19 Pranidhi Purna Mahavihar Balambu 43105924312455
20 Pati Vihar Thimi Co 6637601
21 Pippali Theravad Buddha Vihar Shiphal 4475066
22 Punya Udaya Vihar Jala Harisiddhi Co 5527456
23 Buddhabhoomi Mahavihar Tokha 4362514
24 Buddha Vihar Bhrikuti mandapa 4226702
25 Buddharatna Vihar Putalisadak 4244277
26 Bauddha samakrit Vihar Bhaktapur 6610842
27 Manimandap Vihar Patko Bhaktapur 5526517
28 Muni Vihar Bhaktapur 6616464
29 Yampi Mahavihar Ibahi Lalitpur 5539644
30 Yashodhara Baudha Bidyalaya Thaina Lalitpur 5521435
31 Biswo Shanti Vihar Baneshwor 4482384
32 Biswo Shanti Dharmakirti vihar Basundhara 4354251
33 Beluvanarama Vihar Theco Co 5570062
34 Sakyasingha Vihar Thaina Lalitpur 5524760
35 Santi Sukhawas Cakupat co 5523613
36 Siddhimangal Buddha Vihar Thasi 5581495
37 Sumangala Vihara Lagankhel 5531715
38 Sulakshan kirti Vihar Chobhar 4331718
39 Suwanrna Chatrapur Vihar Lubhu 5580430
40 Sangharama Vihar Dhalko Visnumati 4255960
41 Srigha Vihar Nagal 4259110
Vihars out side the Kathamandu Velley Telephone No
1 Ananda Vihar Tansen Co 075-520225520216
2 Citravan Vihar Narayangadha Co 056-521478
3 Taksar Vihar Tansen Co 075-520024
4 Dharmashila Buddha Vihar Phokhara 061-520517
5 Dyankuti Banepa Banepa 011-661244
6 Padma Chaitya Vihar Butawal 071-546470
7 Purwarama Vihar Dhulikhel 011-661979
8 Pragya Mahavihar Hetauda Co 057-520264520136
9 Buddha Vihar Dharan 025-520354
10 Buddha Vihar Biratnagar Co 021-522146530604
11 Beni Buddha Vihar Myagdi Co 069-520354
12 Bodhicharya vihar Banepa 011-661789
13 Lokachakra Buddha Vihar Dhan gadhi 091-622174
14 Sakyamuni Vihar Bhojpur Co 029-420260
15 Sugatapur Vihar Trisuli Co 010-560153
16 Sugandha Vihar Ridi Gulmi Co 079-529435
17 Swoyambhu Chetya Buddha Vihar Urlabari Co 021-540080
18 Swoyambhu Chetya Mahavihar Dharan Co 025-520190
19 Gyanodaya Buddha Vihar Baglung Co 068-520921520336
Footnotes
[1] This paper was written as a part of my MA thesis research on bdquoThe
Revival of Theravada Buddhism and its contribution to Nepalese Society‟ of
Mahachulalongkorn University Bangkok Thailand and would like to thank Mr
Dharma Sakya for every suggestion editing and help for the completion of this
article
[2] Nyanatiloka Buddhist Dictionary 3
rd ed The Free Distribution
version the Corporate Body of the Buddha education foundation Taiwan p
179
[3] Triratna Manandhar bdquoPresent of Buddhism in Nepal‟ (Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK Vol 8 May 2005) p 15
[4] helliphelliphelliphellip The New Encyclopedia of Britannica Vol24 (USA
Library of Congress Catalog 1993) p 781 Dhanabajra Vajracharya Cabahilko
Abhilekha (Inscription of Cabahil) The Charumati Voice (Kath Charumati
Buddhist Mission 2001) pp 17-20 Bhikkhu Sudarsan Mahasthavira Nepal
Upatyaka ma Ashokaki Chori Charumati (Charumati A daughter of
Ashoka in Nepal Valley) (The Charumati Vocie (Kath Charumati Buddhist
Mission 2001) p 20
[5] Beal Samuel Si Yu Ri Buddhist Records of the Western World
(New Delhi Motilal Banarsidass Publishers 1994) pp 80-81 Bhuwan Lal
Pradhan Nepalama Buddhadharma (Kath Nepal Rajkiya Pragyapratisthana
1988) pp 102 ndash 103
[6] NB Thapa A Short History of Nepal (Kath Ratna Pustak
bhandhar Nd) pp 30-33 Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ The
Nation Thailand‟s English Newspaper (Sunday special) Oct 18 1987
[7] Opcit NB Thapa p116
[8] David N Gellner Monk Householder and Tantric Priest Newar
Buddhism and its Hierarchy of Ritual (Cambridge University Press 1996) pp
41ff
[9] Bechert Heinz amp Jens-Uwe Hartmann ldquoObservation on the reform
of Buddhism in Nepalrdquo Journal of Nepal Research Centre vol VIII Kath
Kantipur Printing Press1988p 6
[10] Ria Kloppenborg Theravada Buddhism in Nepal‟ Kailash A
Journal of Himalayan Studies Vol 5 no 41977 p 302
[11] BP Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada Gukathan Wagu Kha (Kath
Hisi Press Nepal BS 20421985) pp44ff
[12] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p47ff
[13] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 51-53 Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal (BKK A Thesis of MA Mahamakut Graduate School
2001) p 97
[14] Bhikshu Sudarshan Mahasthavir bdquoRole of Theravada in the
Preservation of Newar Buddhism‟ wwwircnepalorgpapers
[15] Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 69-72
[16] Opcit Observation on the reform of Buddhism in Nepal p10ff
[17] Opcit Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ RV
Vandya Sanghanayaka Venerable Pragnananda Mahasthavir (Kath Nepal
Co-operative Press 1978) pp 11ff
[18] Bhkkhu Dharmaloka Mahasthavir A Pilgrimage in China (kath
published by Bhikkhu Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1999) p 13-15 Opcit Lacoul
Nepalay Sthavirvada p 74-75
[19] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka p 15
[20] Opcit Bhikkhu dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp16ff
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p100
[21] Ibit Bhikkhu Dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp 27-29
[22] See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A Homage
(Kath Anandakuti Vihar Trust 1992) Kuladharma Ratna Tuladhar Buddhism
in Nepal (Kath Dharmodaya Sabha 1986) pp15 Opcit Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 100
[23] Opcit K R Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal 16 RV Vandya
Sanghanayaka ven Pragnananda p 32 ff
[24] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka Pragnananda pp 34-35
Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthavirvada p 86
[25] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 18 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 101
[26] Bhikkhu Amritananda Mahasthavir A Short History of Theravada
Buddhism in Modern Nepal (Kath Anandakuti Vihar trust 1986) pp 8-9
Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir (Kath Anandakuti
Vihar Trust 1992) p 25
[27] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 19 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[28] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[29] Opcit Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir
p 26
[30] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit KR
Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 20
[31] Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha in Nepal
(BKK A Thesis of MA Buddhist Study Mahachulalongkorn University 2547)
p 23 [32]
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit Ratna
Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir p 26
[33] Amrit R Sthapit bdquowho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Aswaghosha‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 4 no 1 May 2001
p8
[34] helliphelliphelliphelliphellip bdquoWho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Nyanapurninka Mahasthavir‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 7
no 1 May 2004 p13 Viswo Shanti Vihar The Shanti Sandesh (Kath Viswo
Shanti Vihar 1998)
[35] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sumangala Mahasthavir
A monk who modernized Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the
LNBDS UK vol 2 no 1 May 1999 p10
[36] Opcit Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha
in Nepal pp 52ff
[37] Rina Tuladhara Dharmakirti 25 Years of Dharmakirti Buddhist
Study Circle A Glimpse (Kath Dharmakirti Vihar 1996) Mallika Sakya
bdquoWho is Who in Nepalese Buddhism Dhammavati Guruma‟ Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 5 no 1 May 2002 p10
[38] Opcit See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A
Homage Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 108
[39] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sudarshan Mahasthavir A
Gem of the Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol
6 no 1 May 2003 p13
1) S Janak 2) S Sujat
3) S Obhaso 4) S Subhaddo
5) S Nandiyo 6) S Mahindo
7) S Pajjoto 8) S Aloka
9) S Buddhadatta 10) S Panita
11) S Kashyapa 12)S Dharmaghosha
13) S Nagita 14) S Vinaya
15) S Suchitta 16) S Sudatto
17) S Nemindo 18) S Rohito
19) S Jayanto 20) S Meghiyo
21) S Indriyo 22) S Suppamedho
23) S Bhanusarana 24) S Saddhadeepa
25) S Kittimo 26) S Janeyyo
27) S Adicca 28) S Kosalla
29) S Nyanuttara 30) S Bhaddaco
31) S Pabhassaro 32) S Uttaro
38 Yampi Maha Vihara Patan
1) Bhikkhu Bhaddiya
39 Non residencial Monks
1) Bhikshu Samyaka Sambodhi Pranputra
2) Bhikshu Dhyanratna
3) Bhikkhu Chandragupta Balambu
Present Anagarikas and resident in NEPAL
01 Amarapura Vihara Bungamati
1) A Charujnani 2) A Sunita
3) A Palitajnani 4) A Pamitajnani
5) A Padumajnani 6) A Rupawati
02 Bauddha Samaskrit Vihara Bhaktapur
1) Anagarika Sanghashila
03 Buddha ViharaDharan
1) A Sumedhavati 2) A Sushilavati
3) A Kanchana 4) A Shasanavati
04 Bauddha Rishi Mahapragya Ashram Anamnagar
1) Anagarika Prajnavati
05 Chatubrahma Vihara Matatirtha
1) Anagarika Anu
06 Dhammavasa Vihara Khusibun
1) A Krishgautami 2) A Suchita
3) A Shilgautami 4) A Kshantigautami
5) A Shyamavati
07 Dharmakirti Vihara Naghal-Kathmandu
1) Anagarika RatnaManjari
2) A Dhammavati
3) A Dhammadinna (Chameli)
4) A Anupama 5) A Sanghavati
6) A Khemavati 7) A Indravati
8) A Jayavati 9) A Danavati
10) A Tyagavati 11) AViryavati
12) A Shubhavati 13) A Ramavati
14) A Surammavati
15) A Hemavati 16) A Suppabhavati
17) A Supriya 18) A Amata
19) A Vannavati 20) A Suvannavati
08 Dharmashila Buddha Vihara Pokhara
1) Anagarika Karmashila
09 Gautami Vihara Lumbini
1) Anagarika Sujata 2) A Khamesi
10 IlayabahiTana Baha Lalitpur
1) A Shilaparami 2)AViryaparami
3) A Vineeta 4) A Shilachari
11 Int‟l Buddhist Meditation Centre Shankhamul
1) A Aggajnani 2) A Nirmalajnani
3) A Shantarakshita
12 Jaya Mangal ViharaTana Bahal-Patan
1) Anagarika Vijita 2) A Nekkhami
3) A Chittavati
13 Jyoti Vihara Chapagaun- Lalitpur
1) AnagarikaVirygautami
2) A Upeskshagautami
14 Kashivarna Buddha Vihara Panuati
1) Anagarika Satyaparami
15 Kindol Vihara Swayambhu
1) A Sumana 2) A Uttara
3) A Sumitra 4) A Molini
5) A Dhammavijaya 6) A Tejavati
7) A Shyamavati
16 Kunsa BahaHyumat
1) Anagarika Patachari 2) AUmavati
17 Mahabodhi Vihara Tansen
1) Anagarika Revati (Dhammadinna)
18 Muni Vihara Bhaktapur
1) A Sugandhavati 2) A Padmavati
19 Narsinharama Thaina-Patan
1) A Jnanashila 2) ASatyashila
3) AShilavati 4) A Yeshavati 5) A Dharani
6) A Jeenvati
7) A Shilpavatisushma
20 Padmachaitya Vihara Butwal
1) A Udayashila 2) A Santiwati
21 Padmakirti Vihara Kamalpokhari
1) A Kamala 2) A Karunavati
3) A Pabbhavati 4) A Dhyanavati
5) A Bhavanavati
22 Prajnanandarama Okubahal-Patan
1) Anagarika Jnanavati
23 Pranidhipurna Mahavihara Balambu
1) A Mudita 2) A Chandrashila bdquoB‟
24 SangharakshitaVihara Patan
1) Anagarika Abhaya 2) A Chandrashila
3) A Shilachari
25 Shanti Sukhavasa Chakupat-Patan
1) A Utpalavarna (Chini)
26 Shree Kirti Vihara Kirtipur
1) Anagarika Mina
27 SunandaramaThaina-Patan
1) A Madhavi 2) AMasukhi
3) A Mashobha 4) A Mashraddha
5) A Masudha
28 Sulakshanakirti Viahara Kirtipur
1) A Anoja 2) A Atula
3) A Anula
29 Sangharama ViharaDhalko-KTM
1) Anagarika Dharmarakshita
30 Vishwashanti Vihara New Baneshwar
1) A Shubha 2) A Khema
3) A Sudhamma
31 Vishwashanti Dharmakirti Vihara Basundhara
1) A Dhajavati (Kusum) 2) A Padmavati
3) A Bhadravati
32 Residing other Anagarikas
1) Anagarika Chandrajnani Patan
2) A Sraddhavati Shankhamul
3) A Amaravati Patan
4) A Dhammachari Patan
5) A Nanda Thasi
Some Prominent Personalities in the Theravada Movement1
Sanghamahanayakas of Nepal
1 Ven Pragyanand Mahasthavir 1930 ndash 1993 AD
2 Ven Sakyananda Mahasthavir 1993 - 1997 AD
3 Ven Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1997 - 2002 AD
4 Ven Subodhananda Mahasthavir 2002 - 2006 AD
5 Ven Buddhaghosa Mahasthavir 2006-
Amritananda Bhikkhu (1918-1990) original name Lal Kaji Sakya from Tansen
west Nepal he ordain as a novice in 1936 from ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara He studies and was ordained a monk in Sri Lanka in 1940 He
return to Nepal in 1942 and preached first publicly in Kathmandu He
formed Dharmodaya Sabha in 1944 and All Nepal Bhikkhu Mahasangha in
1951 and remained its unchallenged leader until his death He was well
known and traveled widely outside of Nepal because of his dynamism and
charisma He was also one of the greatest Buddhist scholars and writers of
Nepal
Aniruddha Bhikkhu (1915-2003) original name Gaja Ratna Tuladhar son of
Dasa Ratna Sahu (Later Ven Dhammaloka) He went to Sri Lanka in 1930
and ordained as samanera and studied there He had served many years in
Lumbini and third Sanghanayaka of Nepal
1 Sarah Levine and David N Gellner Rebuilding Buddhism The Theravada Movement in
Twentieth Century Nepal (UK Harvard University Press 2006) pp 293-296
Ashwaghosh Bhikkhu (1926- present) original name Buddha Ratna Sakya and
became a novice in 1944 and went to Sri Lanka for study where he took
higher ordination in 1949 he is known as bdquothe communist monk‟ and was a
nominee of the Unified Marxist-Leninist party one of Nepal‟s two main
political parites in the 1990s to the Upper House 1993-5 He had
established nepal‟s first Bhikkhu Training Center at Sangharama Dhalko
and became abbot of this vihara Presently he is abbot of Shrigha Vihara in
Kathmandu and of Dyanakuti Vihara Banepa
Buddhaghosh Bhikkhu (1921- present day) original name Sapta Ratna
Vajracharya in Kwa Baha Kathamandu The founder of Pariyatti Education
in Nepal and presently acting Sanghanayaka of Nepal (2006) and abbot of
Sri Sumangala Vihara in Lalitpur
Chandramani Bhikkhu (1876-1972) a Burmese monk who spent his life in
Kusinagara where he worked for the propagation of Buddhism until his
death He initiated with most of the early Nepalese Theravadins Monks and
Nuns He was the first president of Dharmodaya Sabha and father of
Theravadins of Nepal
Dharmachari Anagarika (1898-1978) born Laxmi Nani Tuladhar she
impressed by Ven Pragyananda in Kindol Vihara and took the precepts
from Chandramani in Kusinagara in 1934 and most prominent Nepali nun
She founded the first nunnery in Nepal at Kindol Vihara in 1947
Dhammaloka Bhikkhu (1891-1977) born Das Ratna Tuladhar Asan
kathamandu He traded in Lhasha went to Sri Lanka and taught Buddhism
as a layman Later became a monk in 1932 after his son Aniruddha ordain
in 1930 he established nepal‟s first Theravādin Vihara bdquoAnanda Kuti
Vihar‟ in Kathmandu
Dhammawati Anagarika (1925- present day) born as Ganesh Kumari Sakya in
Uku Baha lalitpur She ordain too precepts from Ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara and renamed as Dhammavati in 1950 She went to Burma for
study and return in 1963 after passed the Dhammacariya Examination She
was able to established Dhammakirti Nunnery Centre in 1965 and leader of
the Theravādin Nuns She has been re-ordained as Bhikkhuni according to
Mahayana tradition
Dharmaditya Dharmacharya (1902-1963) born as Jagat Man Vaidya in Chika
Bahi Lalitpur and the first Newar Buddhist modernist and the first newar
cultural nationalist He went to study in Calcutta where he became a
follower of anagarika Dhammapala the founder of Maha Bodhi Society
He had formed Buddhist revival foundation and published Buddhist
magazines etc
Nyanpurnika Bhikkhu (1936- present day) Born as Hera Lal Sakya in Tansen
He studied with Buddhaghosh in Lalitpur in Burma and in England He is
only monk who passed Dhammacariya examination of Burma He was the
founder of Vishwa Shanti Vihara and Vishwa Shanti Bauddha sikkyalaya
where train novices He is a prominent translator and writer
Kumar Kashyap Bhikkhu (1926- present day) born as Krishna Man Sakya he
was one of those who exiled to India by the Ranas in 1944 He went to
Study in Sri Lanka and hold nepal‟s first bdquoTripitaka acarya‟ Presently he is
president of All Nepal Bhikkhu Association and abbot of Ananda Kuti
Vihara
Mahapragya Bhikkhu (1901-1979) born Prem Bahadur (Nani Kaji ) Shrestha
He ordained into Tibetan tradition but exiled in 1926 and reordained as
novice in Theravada tradition one of the earlier Theravādin monks He
return to householderhood in Kalimpong in 1940s but then returned to
Kathmandu as a Buddhist sage (Bauddha Rishi) in the 1960s where he
taught until his death
Pragyananda Bhikkhu (1900-1993) born as Kul Man Singh Tuladhar in Itum
Baha Kathmandu a trader in Tibet where he met Ven Mahapragya and
impressed by him to ordained He became a Tibetan Gelung Karmasheel in
1928 and two years later a Theravādin under Ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara in 1930 He was nepal‟s first Sanghamahanayaka and well
respected monk
Shakyananda Bhikkhu (1909-1997) born as Chakra Dhan Sakya in Taksar
Bhojpur East Nepal He spent over forty years as a monk in Tansen outside
the Kathmandu and second sanghamahanayaka of Nepal
Subodhanand Bhikkhu (1916-2006) bor as Kul Raj Sakya in Taksar Bhojpur
East Nepal He was one of the monks exiled by the Ranas in 1944 He was
a prolific composer of Hymns in Nepal Bhasa In 2003 as the most senior
monk in Nepal he was the fourth Sanghanayaka of Nepal
Sudarshan Bhikkhu (1934-2002) born as Rudra Raj Sakya in Uku Baha
lalitpur He was famous a bdquothe boy monk‟ For many years he was a lecturer
in the culture Department of Tribhuvan University a prolific writer
preacher and abbot of Sri Kirti Vihara Kirtipur which is became multi-
cultural center and especially for Buddhist meetings and conferences He
was jailed for some months for Nepal Bhasa activities in the Panchayat
period He was a campaigner on Buddhist issues particularly to do with
Lumbini
Sumangal Bhikkhu (1929-1999) born Bhakta Krishna Shilpakar in Lalitpur He
was famous as ldquoDollar bhanterdquo He ordained in 1959 in Burma obtained a
master‟s degree in Buddhism from Rissho University Japan in 1972 and
was among the first monks to mobilize international connections for
Buddhist projects in Nepal He established Buddha Vihara in Bhrikuti
Mandap Kathmandu He helped raise funds from Thailand and Japan for
IBMc (1985) brought the Japanese healing movement Sei Mei Kyo to
Nepal and in 1993 opened an old people‟s home in Banepa
Glimpse of Theravādin activities in Nepal
Samanera ordination at Muni Vihara
Ordination Ceremony at Vishwa Shanti Vihara
Collecting Alms
Chanting Paritta in devotee‟s home
Giving Holy Thread to Devotees
Buddhist Art in Nepal
Main Buddha Image at Sri Kirti Vihara
Four holy places
Some of the Theravada Buddhist Viharas (Monasteries) in Nepal
Vihars In Kathmandu Valley Telephone No
1 Amarapura Buddha Vihar Bungamati 5551068
2 Anandakuti Vihar Swayambhu 4271420
3 Anandabhuwan Vihar Bhuikhyo 4270429
4 Ganamaha vihar Ganabaha 4253454
5 Gautam Buddha Vihar Panga co 4330576
6 Caturbrahma Vihar Matatirtha 4310558
7 Carumati Vihar Cabahil 4469897
8 Baudhajana Vihar Sunakothi co 5570209
9 Jitapur Gandhakuti Vihar khona Co 5542846
10 Jitawan Vihar Thankot 4311912
11 Jyoti udaya vihar Capagaun Co 5571459
12 Dhammavasa Vihar Khusibun 4358688
13 Dharmakirti Vihar Srigha Naghal 4259466
14 Dharmacakra vihar Bagbajar 4261976
15 Nagar Mandap Sri Kirti Vihar Kirtipur 4330836
16 Nagadesh Buddha Vihar Nagadesh Co 6635397
17 Nirvanmurti Anagarikaram Kindol 4285811
18 Padmasugandha Vihar Manjeshwori 4266255
19 Pranidhi Purna Mahavihar Balambu 43105924312455
20 Pati Vihar Thimi Co 6637601
21 Pippali Theravad Buddha Vihar Shiphal 4475066
22 Punya Udaya Vihar Jala Harisiddhi Co 5527456
23 Buddhabhoomi Mahavihar Tokha 4362514
24 Buddha Vihar Bhrikuti mandapa 4226702
25 Buddharatna Vihar Putalisadak 4244277
26 Bauddha samakrit Vihar Bhaktapur 6610842
27 Manimandap Vihar Patko Bhaktapur 5526517
28 Muni Vihar Bhaktapur 6616464
29 Yampi Mahavihar Ibahi Lalitpur 5539644
30 Yashodhara Baudha Bidyalaya Thaina Lalitpur 5521435
31 Biswo Shanti Vihar Baneshwor 4482384
32 Biswo Shanti Dharmakirti vihar Basundhara 4354251
33 Beluvanarama Vihar Theco Co 5570062
34 Sakyasingha Vihar Thaina Lalitpur 5524760
35 Santi Sukhawas Cakupat co 5523613
36 Siddhimangal Buddha Vihar Thasi 5581495
37 Sumangala Vihara Lagankhel 5531715
38 Sulakshan kirti Vihar Chobhar 4331718
39 Suwanrna Chatrapur Vihar Lubhu 5580430
40 Sangharama Vihar Dhalko Visnumati 4255960
41 Srigha Vihar Nagal 4259110
Vihars out side the Kathamandu Velley Telephone No
1 Ananda Vihar Tansen Co 075-520225520216
2 Citravan Vihar Narayangadha Co 056-521478
3 Taksar Vihar Tansen Co 075-520024
4 Dharmashila Buddha Vihar Phokhara 061-520517
5 Dyankuti Banepa Banepa 011-661244
6 Padma Chaitya Vihar Butawal 071-546470
7 Purwarama Vihar Dhulikhel 011-661979
8 Pragya Mahavihar Hetauda Co 057-520264520136
9 Buddha Vihar Dharan 025-520354
10 Buddha Vihar Biratnagar Co 021-522146530604
11 Beni Buddha Vihar Myagdi Co 069-520354
12 Bodhicharya vihar Banepa 011-661789
13 Lokachakra Buddha Vihar Dhan gadhi 091-622174
14 Sakyamuni Vihar Bhojpur Co 029-420260
15 Sugatapur Vihar Trisuli Co 010-560153
16 Sugandha Vihar Ridi Gulmi Co 079-529435
17 Swoyambhu Chetya Buddha Vihar Urlabari Co 021-540080
18 Swoyambhu Chetya Mahavihar Dharan Co 025-520190
19 Gyanodaya Buddha Vihar Baglung Co 068-520921520336
Footnotes
[1] This paper was written as a part of my MA thesis research on bdquoThe
Revival of Theravada Buddhism and its contribution to Nepalese Society‟ of
Mahachulalongkorn University Bangkok Thailand and would like to thank Mr
Dharma Sakya for every suggestion editing and help for the completion of this
article
[2] Nyanatiloka Buddhist Dictionary 3
rd ed The Free Distribution
version the Corporate Body of the Buddha education foundation Taiwan p
179
[3] Triratna Manandhar bdquoPresent of Buddhism in Nepal‟ (Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK Vol 8 May 2005) p 15
[4] helliphelliphelliphellip The New Encyclopedia of Britannica Vol24 (USA
Library of Congress Catalog 1993) p 781 Dhanabajra Vajracharya Cabahilko
Abhilekha (Inscription of Cabahil) The Charumati Voice (Kath Charumati
Buddhist Mission 2001) pp 17-20 Bhikkhu Sudarsan Mahasthavira Nepal
Upatyaka ma Ashokaki Chori Charumati (Charumati A daughter of
Ashoka in Nepal Valley) (The Charumati Vocie (Kath Charumati Buddhist
Mission 2001) p 20
[5] Beal Samuel Si Yu Ri Buddhist Records of the Western World
(New Delhi Motilal Banarsidass Publishers 1994) pp 80-81 Bhuwan Lal
Pradhan Nepalama Buddhadharma (Kath Nepal Rajkiya Pragyapratisthana
1988) pp 102 ndash 103
[6] NB Thapa A Short History of Nepal (Kath Ratna Pustak
bhandhar Nd) pp 30-33 Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ The
Nation Thailand‟s English Newspaper (Sunday special) Oct 18 1987
[7] Opcit NB Thapa p116
[8] David N Gellner Monk Householder and Tantric Priest Newar
Buddhism and its Hierarchy of Ritual (Cambridge University Press 1996) pp
41ff
[9] Bechert Heinz amp Jens-Uwe Hartmann ldquoObservation on the reform
of Buddhism in Nepalrdquo Journal of Nepal Research Centre vol VIII Kath
Kantipur Printing Press1988p 6
[10] Ria Kloppenborg Theravada Buddhism in Nepal‟ Kailash A
Journal of Himalayan Studies Vol 5 no 41977 p 302
[11] BP Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada Gukathan Wagu Kha (Kath
Hisi Press Nepal BS 20421985) pp44ff
[12] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p47ff
[13] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 51-53 Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal (BKK A Thesis of MA Mahamakut Graduate School
2001) p 97
[14] Bhikshu Sudarshan Mahasthavir bdquoRole of Theravada in the
Preservation of Newar Buddhism‟ wwwircnepalorgpapers
[15] Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 69-72
[16] Opcit Observation on the reform of Buddhism in Nepal p10ff
[17] Opcit Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ RV
Vandya Sanghanayaka Venerable Pragnananda Mahasthavir (Kath Nepal
Co-operative Press 1978) pp 11ff
[18] Bhkkhu Dharmaloka Mahasthavir A Pilgrimage in China (kath
published by Bhikkhu Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1999) p 13-15 Opcit Lacoul
Nepalay Sthavirvada p 74-75
[19] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka p 15
[20] Opcit Bhikkhu dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp16ff
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p100
[21] Ibit Bhikkhu Dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp 27-29
[22] See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A Homage
(Kath Anandakuti Vihar Trust 1992) Kuladharma Ratna Tuladhar Buddhism
in Nepal (Kath Dharmodaya Sabha 1986) pp15 Opcit Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 100
[23] Opcit K R Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal 16 RV Vandya
Sanghanayaka ven Pragnananda p 32 ff
[24] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka Pragnananda pp 34-35
Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthavirvada p 86
[25] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 18 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 101
[26] Bhikkhu Amritananda Mahasthavir A Short History of Theravada
Buddhism in Modern Nepal (Kath Anandakuti Vihar trust 1986) pp 8-9
Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir (Kath Anandakuti
Vihar Trust 1992) p 25
[27] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 19 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[28] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[29] Opcit Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir
p 26
[30] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit KR
Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 20
[31] Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha in Nepal
(BKK A Thesis of MA Buddhist Study Mahachulalongkorn University 2547)
p 23 [32]
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit Ratna
Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir p 26
[33] Amrit R Sthapit bdquowho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Aswaghosha‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 4 no 1 May 2001
p8
[34] helliphelliphelliphelliphellip bdquoWho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Nyanapurninka Mahasthavir‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 7
no 1 May 2004 p13 Viswo Shanti Vihar The Shanti Sandesh (Kath Viswo
Shanti Vihar 1998)
[35] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sumangala Mahasthavir
A monk who modernized Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the
LNBDS UK vol 2 no 1 May 1999 p10
[36] Opcit Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha
in Nepal pp 52ff
[37] Rina Tuladhara Dharmakirti 25 Years of Dharmakirti Buddhist
Study Circle A Glimpse (Kath Dharmakirti Vihar 1996) Mallika Sakya
bdquoWho is Who in Nepalese Buddhism Dhammavati Guruma‟ Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 5 no 1 May 2002 p10
[38] Opcit See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A
Homage Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 108
[39] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sudarshan Mahasthavir A
Gem of the Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol
6 no 1 May 2003 p13
1) Anagarika Sanghashila
03 Buddha ViharaDharan
1) A Sumedhavati 2) A Sushilavati
3) A Kanchana 4) A Shasanavati
04 Bauddha Rishi Mahapragya Ashram Anamnagar
1) Anagarika Prajnavati
05 Chatubrahma Vihara Matatirtha
1) Anagarika Anu
06 Dhammavasa Vihara Khusibun
1) A Krishgautami 2) A Suchita
3) A Shilgautami 4) A Kshantigautami
5) A Shyamavati
07 Dharmakirti Vihara Naghal-Kathmandu
1) Anagarika RatnaManjari
2) A Dhammavati
3) A Dhammadinna (Chameli)
4) A Anupama 5) A Sanghavati
6) A Khemavati 7) A Indravati
8) A Jayavati 9) A Danavati
10) A Tyagavati 11) AViryavati
12) A Shubhavati 13) A Ramavati
14) A Surammavati
15) A Hemavati 16) A Suppabhavati
17) A Supriya 18) A Amata
19) A Vannavati 20) A Suvannavati
08 Dharmashila Buddha Vihara Pokhara
1) Anagarika Karmashila
09 Gautami Vihara Lumbini
1) Anagarika Sujata 2) A Khamesi
10 IlayabahiTana Baha Lalitpur
1) A Shilaparami 2)AViryaparami
3) A Vineeta 4) A Shilachari
11 Int‟l Buddhist Meditation Centre Shankhamul
1) A Aggajnani 2) A Nirmalajnani
3) A Shantarakshita
12 Jaya Mangal ViharaTana Bahal-Patan
1) Anagarika Vijita 2) A Nekkhami
3) A Chittavati
13 Jyoti Vihara Chapagaun- Lalitpur
1) AnagarikaVirygautami
2) A Upeskshagautami
14 Kashivarna Buddha Vihara Panuati
1) Anagarika Satyaparami
15 Kindol Vihara Swayambhu
1) A Sumana 2) A Uttara
3) A Sumitra 4) A Molini
5) A Dhammavijaya 6) A Tejavati
7) A Shyamavati
16 Kunsa BahaHyumat
1) Anagarika Patachari 2) AUmavati
17 Mahabodhi Vihara Tansen
1) Anagarika Revati (Dhammadinna)
18 Muni Vihara Bhaktapur
1) A Sugandhavati 2) A Padmavati
19 Narsinharama Thaina-Patan
1) A Jnanashila 2) ASatyashila
3) AShilavati 4) A Yeshavati 5) A Dharani
6) A Jeenvati
7) A Shilpavatisushma
20 Padmachaitya Vihara Butwal
1) A Udayashila 2) A Santiwati
21 Padmakirti Vihara Kamalpokhari
1) A Kamala 2) A Karunavati
3) A Pabbhavati 4) A Dhyanavati
5) A Bhavanavati
22 Prajnanandarama Okubahal-Patan
1) Anagarika Jnanavati
23 Pranidhipurna Mahavihara Balambu
1) A Mudita 2) A Chandrashila bdquoB‟
24 SangharakshitaVihara Patan
1) Anagarika Abhaya 2) A Chandrashila
3) A Shilachari
25 Shanti Sukhavasa Chakupat-Patan
1) A Utpalavarna (Chini)
26 Shree Kirti Vihara Kirtipur
1) Anagarika Mina
27 SunandaramaThaina-Patan
1) A Madhavi 2) AMasukhi
3) A Mashobha 4) A Mashraddha
5) A Masudha
28 Sulakshanakirti Viahara Kirtipur
1) A Anoja 2) A Atula
3) A Anula
29 Sangharama ViharaDhalko-KTM
1) Anagarika Dharmarakshita
30 Vishwashanti Vihara New Baneshwar
1) A Shubha 2) A Khema
3) A Sudhamma
31 Vishwashanti Dharmakirti Vihara Basundhara
1) A Dhajavati (Kusum) 2) A Padmavati
3) A Bhadravati
32 Residing other Anagarikas
1) Anagarika Chandrajnani Patan
2) A Sraddhavati Shankhamul
3) A Amaravati Patan
4) A Dhammachari Patan
5) A Nanda Thasi
Some Prominent Personalities in the Theravada Movement1
Sanghamahanayakas of Nepal
1 Ven Pragyanand Mahasthavir 1930 ndash 1993 AD
2 Ven Sakyananda Mahasthavir 1993 - 1997 AD
3 Ven Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1997 - 2002 AD
4 Ven Subodhananda Mahasthavir 2002 - 2006 AD
5 Ven Buddhaghosa Mahasthavir 2006-
Amritananda Bhikkhu (1918-1990) original name Lal Kaji Sakya from Tansen
west Nepal he ordain as a novice in 1936 from ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara He studies and was ordained a monk in Sri Lanka in 1940 He
return to Nepal in 1942 and preached first publicly in Kathmandu He
formed Dharmodaya Sabha in 1944 and All Nepal Bhikkhu Mahasangha in
1951 and remained its unchallenged leader until his death He was well
known and traveled widely outside of Nepal because of his dynamism and
charisma He was also one of the greatest Buddhist scholars and writers of
Nepal
Aniruddha Bhikkhu (1915-2003) original name Gaja Ratna Tuladhar son of
Dasa Ratna Sahu (Later Ven Dhammaloka) He went to Sri Lanka in 1930
and ordained as samanera and studied there He had served many years in
Lumbini and third Sanghanayaka of Nepal
1 Sarah Levine and David N Gellner Rebuilding Buddhism The Theravada Movement in
Twentieth Century Nepal (UK Harvard University Press 2006) pp 293-296
Ashwaghosh Bhikkhu (1926- present) original name Buddha Ratna Sakya and
became a novice in 1944 and went to Sri Lanka for study where he took
higher ordination in 1949 he is known as bdquothe communist monk‟ and was a
nominee of the Unified Marxist-Leninist party one of Nepal‟s two main
political parites in the 1990s to the Upper House 1993-5 He had
established nepal‟s first Bhikkhu Training Center at Sangharama Dhalko
and became abbot of this vihara Presently he is abbot of Shrigha Vihara in
Kathmandu and of Dyanakuti Vihara Banepa
Buddhaghosh Bhikkhu (1921- present day) original name Sapta Ratna
Vajracharya in Kwa Baha Kathamandu The founder of Pariyatti Education
in Nepal and presently acting Sanghanayaka of Nepal (2006) and abbot of
Sri Sumangala Vihara in Lalitpur
Chandramani Bhikkhu (1876-1972) a Burmese monk who spent his life in
Kusinagara where he worked for the propagation of Buddhism until his
death He initiated with most of the early Nepalese Theravadins Monks and
Nuns He was the first president of Dharmodaya Sabha and father of
Theravadins of Nepal
Dharmachari Anagarika (1898-1978) born Laxmi Nani Tuladhar she
impressed by Ven Pragyananda in Kindol Vihara and took the precepts
from Chandramani in Kusinagara in 1934 and most prominent Nepali nun
She founded the first nunnery in Nepal at Kindol Vihara in 1947
Dhammaloka Bhikkhu (1891-1977) born Das Ratna Tuladhar Asan
kathamandu He traded in Lhasha went to Sri Lanka and taught Buddhism
as a layman Later became a monk in 1932 after his son Aniruddha ordain
in 1930 he established nepal‟s first Theravādin Vihara bdquoAnanda Kuti
Vihar‟ in Kathmandu
Dhammawati Anagarika (1925- present day) born as Ganesh Kumari Sakya in
Uku Baha lalitpur She ordain too precepts from Ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara and renamed as Dhammavati in 1950 She went to Burma for
study and return in 1963 after passed the Dhammacariya Examination She
was able to established Dhammakirti Nunnery Centre in 1965 and leader of
the Theravādin Nuns She has been re-ordained as Bhikkhuni according to
Mahayana tradition
Dharmaditya Dharmacharya (1902-1963) born as Jagat Man Vaidya in Chika
Bahi Lalitpur and the first Newar Buddhist modernist and the first newar
cultural nationalist He went to study in Calcutta where he became a
follower of anagarika Dhammapala the founder of Maha Bodhi Society
He had formed Buddhist revival foundation and published Buddhist
magazines etc
Nyanpurnika Bhikkhu (1936- present day) Born as Hera Lal Sakya in Tansen
He studied with Buddhaghosh in Lalitpur in Burma and in England He is
only monk who passed Dhammacariya examination of Burma He was the
founder of Vishwa Shanti Vihara and Vishwa Shanti Bauddha sikkyalaya
where train novices He is a prominent translator and writer
Kumar Kashyap Bhikkhu (1926- present day) born as Krishna Man Sakya he
was one of those who exiled to India by the Ranas in 1944 He went to
Study in Sri Lanka and hold nepal‟s first bdquoTripitaka acarya‟ Presently he is
president of All Nepal Bhikkhu Association and abbot of Ananda Kuti
Vihara
Mahapragya Bhikkhu (1901-1979) born Prem Bahadur (Nani Kaji ) Shrestha
He ordained into Tibetan tradition but exiled in 1926 and reordained as
novice in Theravada tradition one of the earlier Theravādin monks He
return to householderhood in Kalimpong in 1940s but then returned to
Kathmandu as a Buddhist sage (Bauddha Rishi) in the 1960s where he
taught until his death
Pragyananda Bhikkhu (1900-1993) born as Kul Man Singh Tuladhar in Itum
Baha Kathmandu a trader in Tibet where he met Ven Mahapragya and
impressed by him to ordained He became a Tibetan Gelung Karmasheel in
1928 and two years later a Theravādin under Ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara in 1930 He was nepal‟s first Sanghamahanayaka and well
respected monk
Shakyananda Bhikkhu (1909-1997) born as Chakra Dhan Sakya in Taksar
Bhojpur East Nepal He spent over forty years as a monk in Tansen outside
the Kathmandu and second sanghamahanayaka of Nepal
Subodhanand Bhikkhu (1916-2006) bor as Kul Raj Sakya in Taksar Bhojpur
East Nepal He was one of the monks exiled by the Ranas in 1944 He was
a prolific composer of Hymns in Nepal Bhasa In 2003 as the most senior
monk in Nepal he was the fourth Sanghanayaka of Nepal
Sudarshan Bhikkhu (1934-2002) born as Rudra Raj Sakya in Uku Baha
lalitpur He was famous a bdquothe boy monk‟ For many years he was a lecturer
in the culture Department of Tribhuvan University a prolific writer
preacher and abbot of Sri Kirti Vihara Kirtipur which is became multi-
cultural center and especially for Buddhist meetings and conferences He
was jailed for some months for Nepal Bhasa activities in the Panchayat
period He was a campaigner on Buddhist issues particularly to do with
Lumbini
Sumangal Bhikkhu (1929-1999) born Bhakta Krishna Shilpakar in Lalitpur He
was famous as ldquoDollar bhanterdquo He ordained in 1959 in Burma obtained a
master‟s degree in Buddhism from Rissho University Japan in 1972 and
was among the first monks to mobilize international connections for
Buddhist projects in Nepal He established Buddha Vihara in Bhrikuti
Mandap Kathmandu He helped raise funds from Thailand and Japan for
IBMc (1985) brought the Japanese healing movement Sei Mei Kyo to
Nepal and in 1993 opened an old people‟s home in Banepa
Glimpse of Theravādin activities in Nepal
Samanera ordination at Muni Vihara
Ordination Ceremony at Vishwa Shanti Vihara
Collecting Alms
Chanting Paritta in devotee‟s home
Giving Holy Thread to Devotees
Buddhist Art in Nepal
Main Buddha Image at Sri Kirti Vihara
Four holy places
Some of the Theravada Buddhist Viharas (Monasteries) in Nepal
Vihars In Kathmandu Valley Telephone No
1 Amarapura Buddha Vihar Bungamati 5551068
2 Anandakuti Vihar Swayambhu 4271420
3 Anandabhuwan Vihar Bhuikhyo 4270429
4 Ganamaha vihar Ganabaha 4253454
5 Gautam Buddha Vihar Panga co 4330576
6 Caturbrahma Vihar Matatirtha 4310558
7 Carumati Vihar Cabahil 4469897
8 Baudhajana Vihar Sunakothi co 5570209
9 Jitapur Gandhakuti Vihar khona Co 5542846
10 Jitawan Vihar Thankot 4311912
11 Jyoti udaya vihar Capagaun Co 5571459
12 Dhammavasa Vihar Khusibun 4358688
13 Dharmakirti Vihar Srigha Naghal 4259466
14 Dharmacakra vihar Bagbajar 4261976
15 Nagar Mandap Sri Kirti Vihar Kirtipur 4330836
16 Nagadesh Buddha Vihar Nagadesh Co 6635397
17 Nirvanmurti Anagarikaram Kindol 4285811
18 Padmasugandha Vihar Manjeshwori 4266255
19 Pranidhi Purna Mahavihar Balambu 43105924312455
20 Pati Vihar Thimi Co 6637601
21 Pippali Theravad Buddha Vihar Shiphal 4475066
22 Punya Udaya Vihar Jala Harisiddhi Co 5527456
23 Buddhabhoomi Mahavihar Tokha 4362514
24 Buddha Vihar Bhrikuti mandapa 4226702
25 Buddharatna Vihar Putalisadak 4244277
26 Bauddha samakrit Vihar Bhaktapur 6610842
27 Manimandap Vihar Patko Bhaktapur 5526517
28 Muni Vihar Bhaktapur 6616464
29 Yampi Mahavihar Ibahi Lalitpur 5539644
30 Yashodhara Baudha Bidyalaya Thaina Lalitpur 5521435
31 Biswo Shanti Vihar Baneshwor 4482384
32 Biswo Shanti Dharmakirti vihar Basundhara 4354251
33 Beluvanarama Vihar Theco Co 5570062
34 Sakyasingha Vihar Thaina Lalitpur 5524760
35 Santi Sukhawas Cakupat co 5523613
36 Siddhimangal Buddha Vihar Thasi 5581495
37 Sumangala Vihara Lagankhel 5531715
38 Sulakshan kirti Vihar Chobhar 4331718
39 Suwanrna Chatrapur Vihar Lubhu 5580430
40 Sangharama Vihar Dhalko Visnumati 4255960
41 Srigha Vihar Nagal 4259110
Vihars out side the Kathamandu Velley Telephone No
1 Ananda Vihar Tansen Co 075-520225520216
2 Citravan Vihar Narayangadha Co 056-521478
3 Taksar Vihar Tansen Co 075-520024
4 Dharmashila Buddha Vihar Phokhara 061-520517
5 Dyankuti Banepa Banepa 011-661244
6 Padma Chaitya Vihar Butawal 071-546470
7 Purwarama Vihar Dhulikhel 011-661979
8 Pragya Mahavihar Hetauda Co 057-520264520136
9 Buddha Vihar Dharan 025-520354
10 Buddha Vihar Biratnagar Co 021-522146530604
11 Beni Buddha Vihar Myagdi Co 069-520354
12 Bodhicharya vihar Banepa 011-661789
13 Lokachakra Buddha Vihar Dhan gadhi 091-622174
14 Sakyamuni Vihar Bhojpur Co 029-420260
15 Sugatapur Vihar Trisuli Co 010-560153
16 Sugandha Vihar Ridi Gulmi Co 079-529435
17 Swoyambhu Chetya Buddha Vihar Urlabari Co 021-540080
18 Swoyambhu Chetya Mahavihar Dharan Co 025-520190
19 Gyanodaya Buddha Vihar Baglung Co 068-520921520336
Footnotes
[1] This paper was written as a part of my MA thesis research on bdquoThe
Revival of Theravada Buddhism and its contribution to Nepalese Society‟ of
Mahachulalongkorn University Bangkok Thailand and would like to thank Mr
Dharma Sakya for every suggestion editing and help for the completion of this
article
[2] Nyanatiloka Buddhist Dictionary 3
rd ed The Free Distribution
version the Corporate Body of the Buddha education foundation Taiwan p
179
[3] Triratna Manandhar bdquoPresent of Buddhism in Nepal‟ (Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK Vol 8 May 2005) p 15
[4] helliphelliphelliphellip The New Encyclopedia of Britannica Vol24 (USA
Library of Congress Catalog 1993) p 781 Dhanabajra Vajracharya Cabahilko
Abhilekha (Inscription of Cabahil) The Charumati Voice (Kath Charumati
Buddhist Mission 2001) pp 17-20 Bhikkhu Sudarsan Mahasthavira Nepal
Upatyaka ma Ashokaki Chori Charumati (Charumati A daughter of
Ashoka in Nepal Valley) (The Charumati Vocie (Kath Charumati Buddhist
Mission 2001) p 20
[5] Beal Samuel Si Yu Ri Buddhist Records of the Western World
(New Delhi Motilal Banarsidass Publishers 1994) pp 80-81 Bhuwan Lal
Pradhan Nepalama Buddhadharma (Kath Nepal Rajkiya Pragyapratisthana
1988) pp 102 ndash 103
[6] NB Thapa A Short History of Nepal (Kath Ratna Pustak
bhandhar Nd) pp 30-33 Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ The
Nation Thailand‟s English Newspaper (Sunday special) Oct 18 1987
[7] Opcit NB Thapa p116
[8] David N Gellner Monk Householder and Tantric Priest Newar
Buddhism and its Hierarchy of Ritual (Cambridge University Press 1996) pp
41ff
[9] Bechert Heinz amp Jens-Uwe Hartmann ldquoObservation on the reform
of Buddhism in Nepalrdquo Journal of Nepal Research Centre vol VIII Kath
Kantipur Printing Press1988p 6
[10] Ria Kloppenborg Theravada Buddhism in Nepal‟ Kailash A
Journal of Himalayan Studies Vol 5 no 41977 p 302
[11] BP Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada Gukathan Wagu Kha (Kath
Hisi Press Nepal BS 20421985) pp44ff
[12] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p47ff
[13] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 51-53 Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal (BKK A Thesis of MA Mahamakut Graduate School
2001) p 97
[14] Bhikshu Sudarshan Mahasthavir bdquoRole of Theravada in the
Preservation of Newar Buddhism‟ wwwircnepalorgpapers
[15] Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 69-72
[16] Opcit Observation on the reform of Buddhism in Nepal p10ff
[17] Opcit Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ RV
Vandya Sanghanayaka Venerable Pragnananda Mahasthavir (Kath Nepal
Co-operative Press 1978) pp 11ff
[18] Bhkkhu Dharmaloka Mahasthavir A Pilgrimage in China (kath
published by Bhikkhu Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1999) p 13-15 Opcit Lacoul
Nepalay Sthavirvada p 74-75
[19] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka p 15
[20] Opcit Bhikkhu dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp16ff
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p100
[21] Ibit Bhikkhu Dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp 27-29
[22] See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A Homage
(Kath Anandakuti Vihar Trust 1992) Kuladharma Ratna Tuladhar Buddhism
in Nepal (Kath Dharmodaya Sabha 1986) pp15 Opcit Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 100
[23] Opcit K R Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal 16 RV Vandya
Sanghanayaka ven Pragnananda p 32 ff
[24] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka Pragnananda pp 34-35
Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthavirvada p 86
[25] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 18 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 101
[26] Bhikkhu Amritananda Mahasthavir A Short History of Theravada
Buddhism in Modern Nepal (Kath Anandakuti Vihar trust 1986) pp 8-9
Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir (Kath Anandakuti
Vihar Trust 1992) p 25
[27] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 19 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[28] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[29] Opcit Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir
p 26
[30] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit KR
Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 20
[31] Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha in Nepal
(BKK A Thesis of MA Buddhist Study Mahachulalongkorn University 2547)
p 23 [32]
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit Ratna
Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir p 26
[33] Amrit R Sthapit bdquowho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Aswaghosha‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 4 no 1 May 2001
p8
[34] helliphelliphelliphelliphellip bdquoWho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Nyanapurninka Mahasthavir‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 7
no 1 May 2004 p13 Viswo Shanti Vihar The Shanti Sandesh (Kath Viswo
Shanti Vihar 1998)
[35] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sumangala Mahasthavir
A monk who modernized Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the
LNBDS UK vol 2 no 1 May 1999 p10
[36] Opcit Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha
in Nepal pp 52ff
[37] Rina Tuladhara Dharmakirti 25 Years of Dharmakirti Buddhist
Study Circle A Glimpse (Kath Dharmakirti Vihar 1996) Mallika Sakya
bdquoWho is Who in Nepalese Buddhism Dhammavati Guruma‟ Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 5 no 1 May 2002 p10
[38] Opcit See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A
Homage Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 108
[39] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sudarshan Mahasthavir A
Gem of the Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol
6 no 1 May 2003 p13
1) A Shilaparami 2)AViryaparami
3) A Vineeta 4) A Shilachari
11 Int‟l Buddhist Meditation Centre Shankhamul
1) A Aggajnani 2) A Nirmalajnani
3) A Shantarakshita
12 Jaya Mangal ViharaTana Bahal-Patan
1) Anagarika Vijita 2) A Nekkhami
3) A Chittavati
13 Jyoti Vihara Chapagaun- Lalitpur
1) AnagarikaVirygautami
2) A Upeskshagautami
14 Kashivarna Buddha Vihara Panuati
1) Anagarika Satyaparami
15 Kindol Vihara Swayambhu
1) A Sumana 2) A Uttara
3) A Sumitra 4) A Molini
5) A Dhammavijaya 6) A Tejavati
7) A Shyamavati
16 Kunsa BahaHyumat
1) Anagarika Patachari 2) AUmavati
17 Mahabodhi Vihara Tansen
1) Anagarika Revati (Dhammadinna)
18 Muni Vihara Bhaktapur
1) A Sugandhavati 2) A Padmavati
19 Narsinharama Thaina-Patan
1) A Jnanashila 2) ASatyashila
3) AShilavati 4) A Yeshavati 5) A Dharani
6) A Jeenvati
7) A Shilpavatisushma
20 Padmachaitya Vihara Butwal
1) A Udayashila 2) A Santiwati
21 Padmakirti Vihara Kamalpokhari
1) A Kamala 2) A Karunavati
3) A Pabbhavati 4) A Dhyanavati
5) A Bhavanavati
22 Prajnanandarama Okubahal-Patan
1) Anagarika Jnanavati
23 Pranidhipurna Mahavihara Balambu
1) A Mudita 2) A Chandrashila bdquoB‟
24 SangharakshitaVihara Patan
1) Anagarika Abhaya 2) A Chandrashila
3) A Shilachari
25 Shanti Sukhavasa Chakupat-Patan
1) A Utpalavarna (Chini)
26 Shree Kirti Vihara Kirtipur
1) Anagarika Mina
27 SunandaramaThaina-Patan
1) A Madhavi 2) AMasukhi
3) A Mashobha 4) A Mashraddha
5) A Masudha
28 Sulakshanakirti Viahara Kirtipur
1) A Anoja 2) A Atula
3) A Anula
29 Sangharama ViharaDhalko-KTM
1) Anagarika Dharmarakshita
30 Vishwashanti Vihara New Baneshwar
1) A Shubha 2) A Khema
3) A Sudhamma
31 Vishwashanti Dharmakirti Vihara Basundhara
1) A Dhajavati (Kusum) 2) A Padmavati
3) A Bhadravati
32 Residing other Anagarikas
1) Anagarika Chandrajnani Patan
2) A Sraddhavati Shankhamul
3) A Amaravati Patan
4) A Dhammachari Patan
5) A Nanda Thasi
Some Prominent Personalities in the Theravada Movement1
Sanghamahanayakas of Nepal
1 Ven Pragyanand Mahasthavir 1930 ndash 1993 AD
2 Ven Sakyananda Mahasthavir 1993 - 1997 AD
3 Ven Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1997 - 2002 AD
4 Ven Subodhananda Mahasthavir 2002 - 2006 AD
5 Ven Buddhaghosa Mahasthavir 2006-
Amritananda Bhikkhu (1918-1990) original name Lal Kaji Sakya from Tansen
west Nepal he ordain as a novice in 1936 from ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara He studies and was ordained a monk in Sri Lanka in 1940 He
return to Nepal in 1942 and preached first publicly in Kathmandu He
formed Dharmodaya Sabha in 1944 and All Nepal Bhikkhu Mahasangha in
1951 and remained its unchallenged leader until his death He was well
known and traveled widely outside of Nepal because of his dynamism and
charisma He was also one of the greatest Buddhist scholars and writers of
Nepal
Aniruddha Bhikkhu (1915-2003) original name Gaja Ratna Tuladhar son of
Dasa Ratna Sahu (Later Ven Dhammaloka) He went to Sri Lanka in 1930
and ordained as samanera and studied there He had served many years in
Lumbini and third Sanghanayaka of Nepal
1 Sarah Levine and David N Gellner Rebuilding Buddhism The Theravada Movement in
Twentieth Century Nepal (UK Harvard University Press 2006) pp 293-296
Ashwaghosh Bhikkhu (1926- present) original name Buddha Ratna Sakya and
became a novice in 1944 and went to Sri Lanka for study where he took
higher ordination in 1949 he is known as bdquothe communist monk‟ and was a
nominee of the Unified Marxist-Leninist party one of Nepal‟s two main
political parites in the 1990s to the Upper House 1993-5 He had
established nepal‟s first Bhikkhu Training Center at Sangharama Dhalko
and became abbot of this vihara Presently he is abbot of Shrigha Vihara in
Kathmandu and of Dyanakuti Vihara Banepa
Buddhaghosh Bhikkhu (1921- present day) original name Sapta Ratna
Vajracharya in Kwa Baha Kathamandu The founder of Pariyatti Education
in Nepal and presently acting Sanghanayaka of Nepal (2006) and abbot of
Sri Sumangala Vihara in Lalitpur
Chandramani Bhikkhu (1876-1972) a Burmese monk who spent his life in
Kusinagara where he worked for the propagation of Buddhism until his
death He initiated with most of the early Nepalese Theravadins Monks and
Nuns He was the first president of Dharmodaya Sabha and father of
Theravadins of Nepal
Dharmachari Anagarika (1898-1978) born Laxmi Nani Tuladhar she
impressed by Ven Pragyananda in Kindol Vihara and took the precepts
from Chandramani in Kusinagara in 1934 and most prominent Nepali nun
She founded the first nunnery in Nepal at Kindol Vihara in 1947
Dhammaloka Bhikkhu (1891-1977) born Das Ratna Tuladhar Asan
kathamandu He traded in Lhasha went to Sri Lanka and taught Buddhism
as a layman Later became a monk in 1932 after his son Aniruddha ordain
in 1930 he established nepal‟s first Theravādin Vihara bdquoAnanda Kuti
Vihar‟ in Kathmandu
Dhammawati Anagarika (1925- present day) born as Ganesh Kumari Sakya in
Uku Baha lalitpur She ordain too precepts from Ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara and renamed as Dhammavati in 1950 She went to Burma for
study and return in 1963 after passed the Dhammacariya Examination She
was able to established Dhammakirti Nunnery Centre in 1965 and leader of
the Theravādin Nuns She has been re-ordained as Bhikkhuni according to
Mahayana tradition
Dharmaditya Dharmacharya (1902-1963) born as Jagat Man Vaidya in Chika
Bahi Lalitpur and the first Newar Buddhist modernist and the first newar
cultural nationalist He went to study in Calcutta where he became a
follower of anagarika Dhammapala the founder of Maha Bodhi Society
He had formed Buddhist revival foundation and published Buddhist
magazines etc
Nyanpurnika Bhikkhu (1936- present day) Born as Hera Lal Sakya in Tansen
He studied with Buddhaghosh in Lalitpur in Burma and in England He is
only monk who passed Dhammacariya examination of Burma He was the
founder of Vishwa Shanti Vihara and Vishwa Shanti Bauddha sikkyalaya
where train novices He is a prominent translator and writer
Kumar Kashyap Bhikkhu (1926- present day) born as Krishna Man Sakya he
was one of those who exiled to India by the Ranas in 1944 He went to
Study in Sri Lanka and hold nepal‟s first bdquoTripitaka acarya‟ Presently he is
president of All Nepal Bhikkhu Association and abbot of Ananda Kuti
Vihara
Mahapragya Bhikkhu (1901-1979) born Prem Bahadur (Nani Kaji ) Shrestha
He ordained into Tibetan tradition but exiled in 1926 and reordained as
novice in Theravada tradition one of the earlier Theravādin monks He
return to householderhood in Kalimpong in 1940s but then returned to
Kathmandu as a Buddhist sage (Bauddha Rishi) in the 1960s where he
taught until his death
Pragyananda Bhikkhu (1900-1993) born as Kul Man Singh Tuladhar in Itum
Baha Kathmandu a trader in Tibet where he met Ven Mahapragya and
impressed by him to ordained He became a Tibetan Gelung Karmasheel in
1928 and two years later a Theravādin under Ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara in 1930 He was nepal‟s first Sanghamahanayaka and well
respected monk
Shakyananda Bhikkhu (1909-1997) born as Chakra Dhan Sakya in Taksar
Bhojpur East Nepal He spent over forty years as a monk in Tansen outside
the Kathmandu and second sanghamahanayaka of Nepal
Subodhanand Bhikkhu (1916-2006) bor as Kul Raj Sakya in Taksar Bhojpur
East Nepal He was one of the monks exiled by the Ranas in 1944 He was
a prolific composer of Hymns in Nepal Bhasa In 2003 as the most senior
monk in Nepal he was the fourth Sanghanayaka of Nepal
Sudarshan Bhikkhu (1934-2002) born as Rudra Raj Sakya in Uku Baha
lalitpur He was famous a bdquothe boy monk‟ For many years he was a lecturer
in the culture Department of Tribhuvan University a prolific writer
preacher and abbot of Sri Kirti Vihara Kirtipur which is became multi-
cultural center and especially for Buddhist meetings and conferences He
was jailed for some months for Nepal Bhasa activities in the Panchayat
period He was a campaigner on Buddhist issues particularly to do with
Lumbini
Sumangal Bhikkhu (1929-1999) born Bhakta Krishna Shilpakar in Lalitpur He
was famous as ldquoDollar bhanterdquo He ordained in 1959 in Burma obtained a
master‟s degree in Buddhism from Rissho University Japan in 1972 and
was among the first monks to mobilize international connections for
Buddhist projects in Nepal He established Buddha Vihara in Bhrikuti
Mandap Kathmandu He helped raise funds from Thailand and Japan for
IBMc (1985) brought the Japanese healing movement Sei Mei Kyo to
Nepal and in 1993 opened an old people‟s home in Banepa
Glimpse of Theravādin activities in Nepal
Samanera ordination at Muni Vihara
Ordination Ceremony at Vishwa Shanti Vihara
Collecting Alms
Chanting Paritta in devotee‟s home
Giving Holy Thread to Devotees
Buddhist Art in Nepal
Main Buddha Image at Sri Kirti Vihara
Four holy places
Some of the Theravada Buddhist Viharas (Monasteries) in Nepal
Vihars In Kathmandu Valley Telephone No
1 Amarapura Buddha Vihar Bungamati 5551068
2 Anandakuti Vihar Swayambhu 4271420
3 Anandabhuwan Vihar Bhuikhyo 4270429
4 Ganamaha vihar Ganabaha 4253454
5 Gautam Buddha Vihar Panga co 4330576
6 Caturbrahma Vihar Matatirtha 4310558
7 Carumati Vihar Cabahil 4469897
8 Baudhajana Vihar Sunakothi co 5570209
9 Jitapur Gandhakuti Vihar khona Co 5542846
10 Jitawan Vihar Thankot 4311912
11 Jyoti udaya vihar Capagaun Co 5571459
12 Dhammavasa Vihar Khusibun 4358688
13 Dharmakirti Vihar Srigha Naghal 4259466
14 Dharmacakra vihar Bagbajar 4261976
15 Nagar Mandap Sri Kirti Vihar Kirtipur 4330836
16 Nagadesh Buddha Vihar Nagadesh Co 6635397
17 Nirvanmurti Anagarikaram Kindol 4285811
18 Padmasugandha Vihar Manjeshwori 4266255
19 Pranidhi Purna Mahavihar Balambu 43105924312455
20 Pati Vihar Thimi Co 6637601
21 Pippali Theravad Buddha Vihar Shiphal 4475066
22 Punya Udaya Vihar Jala Harisiddhi Co 5527456
23 Buddhabhoomi Mahavihar Tokha 4362514
24 Buddha Vihar Bhrikuti mandapa 4226702
25 Buddharatna Vihar Putalisadak 4244277
26 Bauddha samakrit Vihar Bhaktapur 6610842
27 Manimandap Vihar Patko Bhaktapur 5526517
28 Muni Vihar Bhaktapur 6616464
29 Yampi Mahavihar Ibahi Lalitpur 5539644
30 Yashodhara Baudha Bidyalaya Thaina Lalitpur 5521435
31 Biswo Shanti Vihar Baneshwor 4482384
32 Biswo Shanti Dharmakirti vihar Basundhara 4354251
33 Beluvanarama Vihar Theco Co 5570062
34 Sakyasingha Vihar Thaina Lalitpur 5524760
35 Santi Sukhawas Cakupat co 5523613
36 Siddhimangal Buddha Vihar Thasi 5581495
37 Sumangala Vihara Lagankhel 5531715
38 Sulakshan kirti Vihar Chobhar 4331718
39 Suwanrna Chatrapur Vihar Lubhu 5580430
40 Sangharama Vihar Dhalko Visnumati 4255960
41 Srigha Vihar Nagal 4259110
Vihars out side the Kathamandu Velley Telephone No
1 Ananda Vihar Tansen Co 075-520225520216
2 Citravan Vihar Narayangadha Co 056-521478
3 Taksar Vihar Tansen Co 075-520024
4 Dharmashila Buddha Vihar Phokhara 061-520517
5 Dyankuti Banepa Banepa 011-661244
6 Padma Chaitya Vihar Butawal 071-546470
7 Purwarama Vihar Dhulikhel 011-661979
8 Pragya Mahavihar Hetauda Co 057-520264520136
9 Buddha Vihar Dharan 025-520354
10 Buddha Vihar Biratnagar Co 021-522146530604
11 Beni Buddha Vihar Myagdi Co 069-520354
12 Bodhicharya vihar Banepa 011-661789
13 Lokachakra Buddha Vihar Dhan gadhi 091-622174
14 Sakyamuni Vihar Bhojpur Co 029-420260
15 Sugatapur Vihar Trisuli Co 010-560153
16 Sugandha Vihar Ridi Gulmi Co 079-529435
17 Swoyambhu Chetya Buddha Vihar Urlabari Co 021-540080
18 Swoyambhu Chetya Mahavihar Dharan Co 025-520190
19 Gyanodaya Buddha Vihar Baglung Co 068-520921520336
Footnotes
[1] This paper was written as a part of my MA thesis research on bdquoThe
Revival of Theravada Buddhism and its contribution to Nepalese Society‟ of
Mahachulalongkorn University Bangkok Thailand and would like to thank Mr
Dharma Sakya for every suggestion editing and help for the completion of this
article
[2] Nyanatiloka Buddhist Dictionary 3
rd ed The Free Distribution
version the Corporate Body of the Buddha education foundation Taiwan p
179
[3] Triratna Manandhar bdquoPresent of Buddhism in Nepal‟ (Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK Vol 8 May 2005) p 15
[4] helliphelliphelliphellip The New Encyclopedia of Britannica Vol24 (USA
Library of Congress Catalog 1993) p 781 Dhanabajra Vajracharya Cabahilko
Abhilekha (Inscription of Cabahil) The Charumati Voice (Kath Charumati
Buddhist Mission 2001) pp 17-20 Bhikkhu Sudarsan Mahasthavira Nepal
Upatyaka ma Ashokaki Chori Charumati (Charumati A daughter of
Ashoka in Nepal Valley) (The Charumati Vocie (Kath Charumati Buddhist
Mission 2001) p 20
[5] Beal Samuel Si Yu Ri Buddhist Records of the Western World
(New Delhi Motilal Banarsidass Publishers 1994) pp 80-81 Bhuwan Lal
Pradhan Nepalama Buddhadharma (Kath Nepal Rajkiya Pragyapratisthana
1988) pp 102 ndash 103
[6] NB Thapa A Short History of Nepal (Kath Ratna Pustak
bhandhar Nd) pp 30-33 Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ The
Nation Thailand‟s English Newspaper (Sunday special) Oct 18 1987
[7] Opcit NB Thapa p116
[8] David N Gellner Monk Householder and Tantric Priest Newar
Buddhism and its Hierarchy of Ritual (Cambridge University Press 1996) pp
41ff
[9] Bechert Heinz amp Jens-Uwe Hartmann ldquoObservation on the reform
of Buddhism in Nepalrdquo Journal of Nepal Research Centre vol VIII Kath
Kantipur Printing Press1988p 6
[10] Ria Kloppenborg Theravada Buddhism in Nepal‟ Kailash A
Journal of Himalayan Studies Vol 5 no 41977 p 302
[11] BP Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada Gukathan Wagu Kha (Kath
Hisi Press Nepal BS 20421985) pp44ff
[12] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p47ff
[13] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 51-53 Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal (BKK A Thesis of MA Mahamakut Graduate School
2001) p 97
[14] Bhikshu Sudarshan Mahasthavir bdquoRole of Theravada in the
Preservation of Newar Buddhism‟ wwwircnepalorgpapers
[15] Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 69-72
[16] Opcit Observation on the reform of Buddhism in Nepal p10ff
[17] Opcit Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ RV
Vandya Sanghanayaka Venerable Pragnananda Mahasthavir (Kath Nepal
Co-operative Press 1978) pp 11ff
[18] Bhkkhu Dharmaloka Mahasthavir A Pilgrimage in China (kath
published by Bhikkhu Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1999) p 13-15 Opcit Lacoul
Nepalay Sthavirvada p 74-75
[19] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka p 15
[20] Opcit Bhikkhu dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp16ff
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p100
[21] Ibit Bhikkhu Dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp 27-29
[22] See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A Homage
(Kath Anandakuti Vihar Trust 1992) Kuladharma Ratna Tuladhar Buddhism
in Nepal (Kath Dharmodaya Sabha 1986) pp15 Opcit Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 100
[23] Opcit K R Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal 16 RV Vandya
Sanghanayaka ven Pragnananda p 32 ff
[24] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka Pragnananda pp 34-35
Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthavirvada p 86
[25] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 18 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 101
[26] Bhikkhu Amritananda Mahasthavir A Short History of Theravada
Buddhism in Modern Nepal (Kath Anandakuti Vihar trust 1986) pp 8-9
Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir (Kath Anandakuti
Vihar Trust 1992) p 25
[27] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 19 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[28] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[29] Opcit Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir
p 26
[30] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit KR
Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 20
[31] Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha in Nepal
(BKK A Thesis of MA Buddhist Study Mahachulalongkorn University 2547)
p 23 [32]
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit Ratna
Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir p 26
[33] Amrit R Sthapit bdquowho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Aswaghosha‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 4 no 1 May 2001
p8
[34] helliphelliphelliphelliphellip bdquoWho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Nyanapurninka Mahasthavir‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 7
no 1 May 2004 p13 Viswo Shanti Vihar The Shanti Sandesh (Kath Viswo
Shanti Vihar 1998)
[35] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sumangala Mahasthavir
A monk who modernized Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the
LNBDS UK vol 2 no 1 May 1999 p10
[36] Opcit Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha
in Nepal pp 52ff
[37] Rina Tuladhara Dharmakirti 25 Years of Dharmakirti Buddhist
Study Circle A Glimpse (Kath Dharmakirti Vihar 1996) Mallika Sakya
bdquoWho is Who in Nepalese Buddhism Dhammavati Guruma‟ Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 5 no 1 May 2002 p10
[38] Opcit See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A
Homage Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 108
[39] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sudarshan Mahasthavir A
Gem of the Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol
6 no 1 May 2003 p13
1) A Udayashila 2) A Santiwati
21 Padmakirti Vihara Kamalpokhari
1) A Kamala 2) A Karunavati
3) A Pabbhavati 4) A Dhyanavati
5) A Bhavanavati
22 Prajnanandarama Okubahal-Patan
1) Anagarika Jnanavati
23 Pranidhipurna Mahavihara Balambu
1) A Mudita 2) A Chandrashila bdquoB‟
24 SangharakshitaVihara Patan
1) Anagarika Abhaya 2) A Chandrashila
3) A Shilachari
25 Shanti Sukhavasa Chakupat-Patan
1) A Utpalavarna (Chini)
26 Shree Kirti Vihara Kirtipur
1) Anagarika Mina
27 SunandaramaThaina-Patan
1) A Madhavi 2) AMasukhi
3) A Mashobha 4) A Mashraddha
5) A Masudha
28 Sulakshanakirti Viahara Kirtipur
1) A Anoja 2) A Atula
3) A Anula
29 Sangharama ViharaDhalko-KTM
1) Anagarika Dharmarakshita
30 Vishwashanti Vihara New Baneshwar
1) A Shubha 2) A Khema
3) A Sudhamma
31 Vishwashanti Dharmakirti Vihara Basundhara
1) A Dhajavati (Kusum) 2) A Padmavati
3) A Bhadravati
32 Residing other Anagarikas
1) Anagarika Chandrajnani Patan
2) A Sraddhavati Shankhamul
3) A Amaravati Patan
4) A Dhammachari Patan
5) A Nanda Thasi
Some Prominent Personalities in the Theravada Movement1
Sanghamahanayakas of Nepal
1 Ven Pragyanand Mahasthavir 1930 ndash 1993 AD
2 Ven Sakyananda Mahasthavir 1993 - 1997 AD
3 Ven Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1997 - 2002 AD
4 Ven Subodhananda Mahasthavir 2002 - 2006 AD
5 Ven Buddhaghosa Mahasthavir 2006-
Amritananda Bhikkhu (1918-1990) original name Lal Kaji Sakya from Tansen
west Nepal he ordain as a novice in 1936 from ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara He studies and was ordained a monk in Sri Lanka in 1940 He
return to Nepal in 1942 and preached first publicly in Kathmandu He
formed Dharmodaya Sabha in 1944 and All Nepal Bhikkhu Mahasangha in
1951 and remained its unchallenged leader until his death He was well
known and traveled widely outside of Nepal because of his dynamism and
charisma He was also one of the greatest Buddhist scholars and writers of
Nepal
Aniruddha Bhikkhu (1915-2003) original name Gaja Ratna Tuladhar son of
Dasa Ratna Sahu (Later Ven Dhammaloka) He went to Sri Lanka in 1930
and ordained as samanera and studied there He had served many years in
Lumbini and third Sanghanayaka of Nepal
1 Sarah Levine and David N Gellner Rebuilding Buddhism The Theravada Movement in
Twentieth Century Nepal (UK Harvard University Press 2006) pp 293-296
Ashwaghosh Bhikkhu (1926- present) original name Buddha Ratna Sakya and
became a novice in 1944 and went to Sri Lanka for study where he took
higher ordination in 1949 he is known as bdquothe communist monk‟ and was a
nominee of the Unified Marxist-Leninist party one of Nepal‟s two main
political parites in the 1990s to the Upper House 1993-5 He had
established nepal‟s first Bhikkhu Training Center at Sangharama Dhalko
and became abbot of this vihara Presently he is abbot of Shrigha Vihara in
Kathmandu and of Dyanakuti Vihara Banepa
Buddhaghosh Bhikkhu (1921- present day) original name Sapta Ratna
Vajracharya in Kwa Baha Kathamandu The founder of Pariyatti Education
in Nepal and presently acting Sanghanayaka of Nepal (2006) and abbot of
Sri Sumangala Vihara in Lalitpur
Chandramani Bhikkhu (1876-1972) a Burmese monk who spent his life in
Kusinagara where he worked for the propagation of Buddhism until his
death He initiated with most of the early Nepalese Theravadins Monks and
Nuns He was the first president of Dharmodaya Sabha and father of
Theravadins of Nepal
Dharmachari Anagarika (1898-1978) born Laxmi Nani Tuladhar she
impressed by Ven Pragyananda in Kindol Vihara and took the precepts
from Chandramani in Kusinagara in 1934 and most prominent Nepali nun
She founded the first nunnery in Nepal at Kindol Vihara in 1947
Dhammaloka Bhikkhu (1891-1977) born Das Ratna Tuladhar Asan
kathamandu He traded in Lhasha went to Sri Lanka and taught Buddhism
as a layman Later became a monk in 1932 after his son Aniruddha ordain
in 1930 he established nepal‟s first Theravādin Vihara bdquoAnanda Kuti
Vihar‟ in Kathmandu
Dhammawati Anagarika (1925- present day) born as Ganesh Kumari Sakya in
Uku Baha lalitpur She ordain too precepts from Ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara and renamed as Dhammavati in 1950 She went to Burma for
study and return in 1963 after passed the Dhammacariya Examination She
was able to established Dhammakirti Nunnery Centre in 1965 and leader of
the Theravādin Nuns She has been re-ordained as Bhikkhuni according to
Mahayana tradition
Dharmaditya Dharmacharya (1902-1963) born as Jagat Man Vaidya in Chika
Bahi Lalitpur and the first Newar Buddhist modernist and the first newar
cultural nationalist He went to study in Calcutta where he became a
follower of anagarika Dhammapala the founder of Maha Bodhi Society
He had formed Buddhist revival foundation and published Buddhist
magazines etc
Nyanpurnika Bhikkhu (1936- present day) Born as Hera Lal Sakya in Tansen
He studied with Buddhaghosh in Lalitpur in Burma and in England He is
only monk who passed Dhammacariya examination of Burma He was the
founder of Vishwa Shanti Vihara and Vishwa Shanti Bauddha sikkyalaya
where train novices He is a prominent translator and writer
Kumar Kashyap Bhikkhu (1926- present day) born as Krishna Man Sakya he
was one of those who exiled to India by the Ranas in 1944 He went to
Study in Sri Lanka and hold nepal‟s first bdquoTripitaka acarya‟ Presently he is
president of All Nepal Bhikkhu Association and abbot of Ananda Kuti
Vihara
Mahapragya Bhikkhu (1901-1979) born Prem Bahadur (Nani Kaji ) Shrestha
He ordained into Tibetan tradition but exiled in 1926 and reordained as
novice in Theravada tradition one of the earlier Theravādin monks He
return to householderhood in Kalimpong in 1940s but then returned to
Kathmandu as a Buddhist sage (Bauddha Rishi) in the 1960s where he
taught until his death
Pragyananda Bhikkhu (1900-1993) born as Kul Man Singh Tuladhar in Itum
Baha Kathmandu a trader in Tibet where he met Ven Mahapragya and
impressed by him to ordained He became a Tibetan Gelung Karmasheel in
1928 and two years later a Theravādin under Ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara in 1930 He was nepal‟s first Sanghamahanayaka and well
respected monk
Shakyananda Bhikkhu (1909-1997) born as Chakra Dhan Sakya in Taksar
Bhojpur East Nepal He spent over forty years as a monk in Tansen outside
the Kathmandu and second sanghamahanayaka of Nepal
Subodhanand Bhikkhu (1916-2006) bor as Kul Raj Sakya in Taksar Bhojpur
East Nepal He was one of the monks exiled by the Ranas in 1944 He was
a prolific composer of Hymns in Nepal Bhasa In 2003 as the most senior
monk in Nepal he was the fourth Sanghanayaka of Nepal
Sudarshan Bhikkhu (1934-2002) born as Rudra Raj Sakya in Uku Baha
lalitpur He was famous a bdquothe boy monk‟ For many years he was a lecturer
in the culture Department of Tribhuvan University a prolific writer
preacher and abbot of Sri Kirti Vihara Kirtipur which is became multi-
cultural center and especially for Buddhist meetings and conferences He
was jailed for some months for Nepal Bhasa activities in the Panchayat
period He was a campaigner on Buddhist issues particularly to do with
Lumbini
Sumangal Bhikkhu (1929-1999) born Bhakta Krishna Shilpakar in Lalitpur He
was famous as ldquoDollar bhanterdquo He ordained in 1959 in Burma obtained a
master‟s degree in Buddhism from Rissho University Japan in 1972 and
was among the first monks to mobilize international connections for
Buddhist projects in Nepal He established Buddha Vihara in Bhrikuti
Mandap Kathmandu He helped raise funds from Thailand and Japan for
IBMc (1985) brought the Japanese healing movement Sei Mei Kyo to
Nepal and in 1993 opened an old people‟s home in Banepa
Glimpse of Theravādin activities in Nepal
Samanera ordination at Muni Vihara
Ordination Ceremony at Vishwa Shanti Vihara
Collecting Alms
Chanting Paritta in devotee‟s home
Giving Holy Thread to Devotees
Buddhist Art in Nepal
Main Buddha Image at Sri Kirti Vihara
Four holy places
Some of the Theravada Buddhist Viharas (Monasteries) in Nepal
Vihars In Kathmandu Valley Telephone No
1 Amarapura Buddha Vihar Bungamati 5551068
2 Anandakuti Vihar Swayambhu 4271420
3 Anandabhuwan Vihar Bhuikhyo 4270429
4 Ganamaha vihar Ganabaha 4253454
5 Gautam Buddha Vihar Panga co 4330576
6 Caturbrahma Vihar Matatirtha 4310558
7 Carumati Vihar Cabahil 4469897
8 Baudhajana Vihar Sunakothi co 5570209
9 Jitapur Gandhakuti Vihar khona Co 5542846
10 Jitawan Vihar Thankot 4311912
11 Jyoti udaya vihar Capagaun Co 5571459
12 Dhammavasa Vihar Khusibun 4358688
13 Dharmakirti Vihar Srigha Naghal 4259466
14 Dharmacakra vihar Bagbajar 4261976
15 Nagar Mandap Sri Kirti Vihar Kirtipur 4330836
16 Nagadesh Buddha Vihar Nagadesh Co 6635397
17 Nirvanmurti Anagarikaram Kindol 4285811
18 Padmasugandha Vihar Manjeshwori 4266255
19 Pranidhi Purna Mahavihar Balambu 43105924312455
20 Pati Vihar Thimi Co 6637601
21 Pippali Theravad Buddha Vihar Shiphal 4475066
22 Punya Udaya Vihar Jala Harisiddhi Co 5527456
23 Buddhabhoomi Mahavihar Tokha 4362514
24 Buddha Vihar Bhrikuti mandapa 4226702
25 Buddharatna Vihar Putalisadak 4244277
26 Bauddha samakrit Vihar Bhaktapur 6610842
27 Manimandap Vihar Patko Bhaktapur 5526517
28 Muni Vihar Bhaktapur 6616464
29 Yampi Mahavihar Ibahi Lalitpur 5539644
30 Yashodhara Baudha Bidyalaya Thaina Lalitpur 5521435
31 Biswo Shanti Vihar Baneshwor 4482384
32 Biswo Shanti Dharmakirti vihar Basundhara 4354251
33 Beluvanarama Vihar Theco Co 5570062
34 Sakyasingha Vihar Thaina Lalitpur 5524760
35 Santi Sukhawas Cakupat co 5523613
36 Siddhimangal Buddha Vihar Thasi 5581495
37 Sumangala Vihara Lagankhel 5531715
38 Sulakshan kirti Vihar Chobhar 4331718
39 Suwanrna Chatrapur Vihar Lubhu 5580430
40 Sangharama Vihar Dhalko Visnumati 4255960
41 Srigha Vihar Nagal 4259110
Vihars out side the Kathamandu Velley Telephone No
1 Ananda Vihar Tansen Co 075-520225520216
2 Citravan Vihar Narayangadha Co 056-521478
3 Taksar Vihar Tansen Co 075-520024
4 Dharmashila Buddha Vihar Phokhara 061-520517
5 Dyankuti Banepa Banepa 011-661244
6 Padma Chaitya Vihar Butawal 071-546470
7 Purwarama Vihar Dhulikhel 011-661979
8 Pragya Mahavihar Hetauda Co 057-520264520136
9 Buddha Vihar Dharan 025-520354
10 Buddha Vihar Biratnagar Co 021-522146530604
11 Beni Buddha Vihar Myagdi Co 069-520354
12 Bodhicharya vihar Banepa 011-661789
13 Lokachakra Buddha Vihar Dhan gadhi 091-622174
14 Sakyamuni Vihar Bhojpur Co 029-420260
15 Sugatapur Vihar Trisuli Co 010-560153
16 Sugandha Vihar Ridi Gulmi Co 079-529435
17 Swoyambhu Chetya Buddha Vihar Urlabari Co 021-540080
18 Swoyambhu Chetya Mahavihar Dharan Co 025-520190
19 Gyanodaya Buddha Vihar Baglung Co 068-520921520336
Footnotes
[1] This paper was written as a part of my MA thesis research on bdquoThe
Revival of Theravada Buddhism and its contribution to Nepalese Society‟ of
Mahachulalongkorn University Bangkok Thailand and would like to thank Mr
Dharma Sakya for every suggestion editing and help for the completion of this
article
[2] Nyanatiloka Buddhist Dictionary 3
rd ed The Free Distribution
version the Corporate Body of the Buddha education foundation Taiwan p
179
[3] Triratna Manandhar bdquoPresent of Buddhism in Nepal‟ (Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK Vol 8 May 2005) p 15
[4] helliphelliphelliphellip The New Encyclopedia of Britannica Vol24 (USA
Library of Congress Catalog 1993) p 781 Dhanabajra Vajracharya Cabahilko
Abhilekha (Inscription of Cabahil) The Charumati Voice (Kath Charumati
Buddhist Mission 2001) pp 17-20 Bhikkhu Sudarsan Mahasthavira Nepal
Upatyaka ma Ashokaki Chori Charumati (Charumati A daughter of
Ashoka in Nepal Valley) (The Charumati Vocie (Kath Charumati Buddhist
Mission 2001) p 20
[5] Beal Samuel Si Yu Ri Buddhist Records of the Western World
(New Delhi Motilal Banarsidass Publishers 1994) pp 80-81 Bhuwan Lal
Pradhan Nepalama Buddhadharma (Kath Nepal Rajkiya Pragyapratisthana
1988) pp 102 ndash 103
[6] NB Thapa A Short History of Nepal (Kath Ratna Pustak
bhandhar Nd) pp 30-33 Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ The
Nation Thailand‟s English Newspaper (Sunday special) Oct 18 1987
[7] Opcit NB Thapa p116
[8] David N Gellner Monk Householder and Tantric Priest Newar
Buddhism and its Hierarchy of Ritual (Cambridge University Press 1996) pp
41ff
[9] Bechert Heinz amp Jens-Uwe Hartmann ldquoObservation on the reform
of Buddhism in Nepalrdquo Journal of Nepal Research Centre vol VIII Kath
Kantipur Printing Press1988p 6
[10] Ria Kloppenborg Theravada Buddhism in Nepal‟ Kailash A
Journal of Himalayan Studies Vol 5 no 41977 p 302
[11] BP Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada Gukathan Wagu Kha (Kath
Hisi Press Nepal BS 20421985) pp44ff
[12] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p47ff
[13] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 51-53 Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal (BKK A Thesis of MA Mahamakut Graduate School
2001) p 97
[14] Bhikshu Sudarshan Mahasthavir bdquoRole of Theravada in the
Preservation of Newar Buddhism‟ wwwircnepalorgpapers
[15] Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 69-72
[16] Opcit Observation on the reform of Buddhism in Nepal p10ff
[17] Opcit Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ RV
Vandya Sanghanayaka Venerable Pragnananda Mahasthavir (Kath Nepal
Co-operative Press 1978) pp 11ff
[18] Bhkkhu Dharmaloka Mahasthavir A Pilgrimage in China (kath
published by Bhikkhu Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1999) p 13-15 Opcit Lacoul
Nepalay Sthavirvada p 74-75
[19] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka p 15
[20] Opcit Bhikkhu dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp16ff
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p100
[21] Ibit Bhikkhu Dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp 27-29
[22] See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A Homage
(Kath Anandakuti Vihar Trust 1992) Kuladharma Ratna Tuladhar Buddhism
in Nepal (Kath Dharmodaya Sabha 1986) pp15 Opcit Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 100
[23] Opcit K R Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal 16 RV Vandya
Sanghanayaka ven Pragnananda p 32 ff
[24] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka Pragnananda pp 34-35
Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthavirvada p 86
[25] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 18 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 101
[26] Bhikkhu Amritananda Mahasthavir A Short History of Theravada
Buddhism in Modern Nepal (Kath Anandakuti Vihar trust 1986) pp 8-9
Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir (Kath Anandakuti
Vihar Trust 1992) p 25
[27] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 19 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[28] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[29] Opcit Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir
p 26
[30] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit KR
Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 20
[31] Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha in Nepal
(BKK A Thesis of MA Buddhist Study Mahachulalongkorn University 2547)
p 23 [32]
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit Ratna
Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir p 26
[33] Amrit R Sthapit bdquowho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Aswaghosha‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 4 no 1 May 2001
p8
[34] helliphelliphelliphelliphellip bdquoWho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Nyanapurninka Mahasthavir‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 7
no 1 May 2004 p13 Viswo Shanti Vihar The Shanti Sandesh (Kath Viswo
Shanti Vihar 1998)
[35] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sumangala Mahasthavir
A monk who modernized Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the
LNBDS UK vol 2 no 1 May 1999 p10
[36] Opcit Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha
in Nepal pp 52ff
[37] Rina Tuladhara Dharmakirti 25 Years of Dharmakirti Buddhist
Study Circle A Glimpse (Kath Dharmakirti Vihar 1996) Mallika Sakya
bdquoWho is Who in Nepalese Buddhism Dhammavati Guruma‟ Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 5 no 1 May 2002 p10
[38] Opcit See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A
Homage Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 108
[39] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sudarshan Mahasthavir A
Gem of the Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol
6 no 1 May 2003 p13
3) A Bhadravati
32 Residing other Anagarikas
1) Anagarika Chandrajnani Patan
2) A Sraddhavati Shankhamul
3) A Amaravati Patan
4) A Dhammachari Patan
5) A Nanda Thasi
Some Prominent Personalities in the Theravada Movement1
Sanghamahanayakas of Nepal
1 Ven Pragyanand Mahasthavir 1930 ndash 1993 AD
2 Ven Sakyananda Mahasthavir 1993 - 1997 AD
3 Ven Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1997 - 2002 AD
4 Ven Subodhananda Mahasthavir 2002 - 2006 AD
5 Ven Buddhaghosa Mahasthavir 2006-
Amritananda Bhikkhu (1918-1990) original name Lal Kaji Sakya from Tansen
west Nepal he ordain as a novice in 1936 from ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara He studies and was ordained a monk in Sri Lanka in 1940 He
return to Nepal in 1942 and preached first publicly in Kathmandu He
formed Dharmodaya Sabha in 1944 and All Nepal Bhikkhu Mahasangha in
1951 and remained its unchallenged leader until his death He was well
known and traveled widely outside of Nepal because of his dynamism and
charisma He was also one of the greatest Buddhist scholars and writers of
Nepal
Aniruddha Bhikkhu (1915-2003) original name Gaja Ratna Tuladhar son of
Dasa Ratna Sahu (Later Ven Dhammaloka) He went to Sri Lanka in 1930
and ordained as samanera and studied there He had served many years in
Lumbini and third Sanghanayaka of Nepal
1 Sarah Levine and David N Gellner Rebuilding Buddhism The Theravada Movement in
Twentieth Century Nepal (UK Harvard University Press 2006) pp 293-296
Ashwaghosh Bhikkhu (1926- present) original name Buddha Ratna Sakya and
became a novice in 1944 and went to Sri Lanka for study where he took
higher ordination in 1949 he is known as bdquothe communist monk‟ and was a
nominee of the Unified Marxist-Leninist party one of Nepal‟s two main
political parites in the 1990s to the Upper House 1993-5 He had
established nepal‟s first Bhikkhu Training Center at Sangharama Dhalko
and became abbot of this vihara Presently he is abbot of Shrigha Vihara in
Kathmandu and of Dyanakuti Vihara Banepa
Buddhaghosh Bhikkhu (1921- present day) original name Sapta Ratna
Vajracharya in Kwa Baha Kathamandu The founder of Pariyatti Education
in Nepal and presently acting Sanghanayaka of Nepal (2006) and abbot of
Sri Sumangala Vihara in Lalitpur
Chandramani Bhikkhu (1876-1972) a Burmese monk who spent his life in
Kusinagara where he worked for the propagation of Buddhism until his
death He initiated with most of the early Nepalese Theravadins Monks and
Nuns He was the first president of Dharmodaya Sabha and father of
Theravadins of Nepal
Dharmachari Anagarika (1898-1978) born Laxmi Nani Tuladhar she
impressed by Ven Pragyananda in Kindol Vihara and took the precepts
from Chandramani in Kusinagara in 1934 and most prominent Nepali nun
She founded the first nunnery in Nepal at Kindol Vihara in 1947
Dhammaloka Bhikkhu (1891-1977) born Das Ratna Tuladhar Asan
kathamandu He traded in Lhasha went to Sri Lanka and taught Buddhism
as a layman Later became a monk in 1932 after his son Aniruddha ordain
in 1930 he established nepal‟s first Theravādin Vihara bdquoAnanda Kuti
Vihar‟ in Kathmandu
Dhammawati Anagarika (1925- present day) born as Ganesh Kumari Sakya in
Uku Baha lalitpur She ordain too precepts from Ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara and renamed as Dhammavati in 1950 She went to Burma for
study and return in 1963 after passed the Dhammacariya Examination She
was able to established Dhammakirti Nunnery Centre in 1965 and leader of
the Theravādin Nuns She has been re-ordained as Bhikkhuni according to
Mahayana tradition
Dharmaditya Dharmacharya (1902-1963) born as Jagat Man Vaidya in Chika
Bahi Lalitpur and the first Newar Buddhist modernist and the first newar
cultural nationalist He went to study in Calcutta where he became a
follower of anagarika Dhammapala the founder of Maha Bodhi Society
He had formed Buddhist revival foundation and published Buddhist
magazines etc
Nyanpurnika Bhikkhu (1936- present day) Born as Hera Lal Sakya in Tansen
He studied with Buddhaghosh in Lalitpur in Burma and in England He is
only monk who passed Dhammacariya examination of Burma He was the
founder of Vishwa Shanti Vihara and Vishwa Shanti Bauddha sikkyalaya
where train novices He is a prominent translator and writer
Kumar Kashyap Bhikkhu (1926- present day) born as Krishna Man Sakya he
was one of those who exiled to India by the Ranas in 1944 He went to
Study in Sri Lanka and hold nepal‟s first bdquoTripitaka acarya‟ Presently he is
president of All Nepal Bhikkhu Association and abbot of Ananda Kuti
Vihara
Mahapragya Bhikkhu (1901-1979) born Prem Bahadur (Nani Kaji ) Shrestha
He ordained into Tibetan tradition but exiled in 1926 and reordained as
novice in Theravada tradition one of the earlier Theravādin monks He
return to householderhood in Kalimpong in 1940s but then returned to
Kathmandu as a Buddhist sage (Bauddha Rishi) in the 1960s where he
taught until his death
Pragyananda Bhikkhu (1900-1993) born as Kul Man Singh Tuladhar in Itum
Baha Kathmandu a trader in Tibet where he met Ven Mahapragya and
impressed by him to ordained He became a Tibetan Gelung Karmasheel in
1928 and two years later a Theravādin under Ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara in 1930 He was nepal‟s first Sanghamahanayaka and well
respected monk
Shakyananda Bhikkhu (1909-1997) born as Chakra Dhan Sakya in Taksar
Bhojpur East Nepal He spent over forty years as a monk in Tansen outside
the Kathmandu and second sanghamahanayaka of Nepal
Subodhanand Bhikkhu (1916-2006) bor as Kul Raj Sakya in Taksar Bhojpur
East Nepal He was one of the monks exiled by the Ranas in 1944 He was
a prolific composer of Hymns in Nepal Bhasa In 2003 as the most senior
monk in Nepal he was the fourth Sanghanayaka of Nepal
Sudarshan Bhikkhu (1934-2002) born as Rudra Raj Sakya in Uku Baha
lalitpur He was famous a bdquothe boy monk‟ For many years he was a lecturer
in the culture Department of Tribhuvan University a prolific writer
preacher and abbot of Sri Kirti Vihara Kirtipur which is became multi-
cultural center and especially for Buddhist meetings and conferences He
was jailed for some months for Nepal Bhasa activities in the Panchayat
period He was a campaigner on Buddhist issues particularly to do with
Lumbini
Sumangal Bhikkhu (1929-1999) born Bhakta Krishna Shilpakar in Lalitpur He
was famous as ldquoDollar bhanterdquo He ordained in 1959 in Burma obtained a
master‟s degree in Buddhism from Rissho University Japan in 1972 and
was among the first monks to mobilize international connections for
Buddhist projects in Nepal He established Buddha Vihara in Bhrikuti
Mandap Kathmandu He helped raise funds from Thailand and Japan for
IBMc (1985) brought the Japanese healing movement Sei Mei Kyo to
Nepal and in 1993 opened an old people‟s home in Banepa
Glimpse of Theravādin activities in Nepal
Samanera ordination at Muni Vihara
Ordination Ceremony at Vishwa Shanti Vihara
Collecting Alms
Chanting Paritta in devotee‟s home
Giving Holy Thread to Devotees
Buddhist Art in Nepal
Main Buddha Image at Sri Kirti Vihara
Four holy places
Some of the Theravada Buddhist Viharas (Monasteries) in Nepal
Vihars In Kathmandu Valley Telephone No
1 Amarapura Buddha Vihar Bungamati 5551068
2 Anandakuti Vihar Swayambhu 4271420
3 Anandabhuwan Vihar Bhuikhyo 4270429
4 Ganamaha vihar Ganabaha 4253454
5 Gautam Buddha Vihar Panga co 4330576
6 Caturbrahma Vihar Matatirtha 4310558
7 Carumati Vihar Cabahil 4469897
8 Baudhajana Vihar Sunakothi co 5570209
9 Jitapur Gandhakuti Vihar khona Co 5542846
10 Jitawan Vihar Thankot 4311912
11 Jyoti udaya vihar Capagaun Co 5571459
12 Dhammavasa Vihar Khusibun 4358688
13 Dharmakirti Vihar Srigha Naghal 4259466
14 Dharmacakra vihar Bagbajar 4261976
15 Nagar Mandap Sri Kirti Vihar Kirtipur 4330836
16 Nagadesh Buddha Vihar Nagadesh Co 6635397
17 Nirvanmurti Anagarikaram Kindol 4285811
18 Padmasugandha Vihar Manjeshwori 4266255
19 Pranidhi Purna Mahavihar Balambu 43105924312455
20 Pati Vihar Thimi Co 6637601
21 Pippali Theravad Buddha Vihar Shiphal 4475066
22 Punya Udaya Vihar Jala Harisiddhi Co 5527456
23 Buddhabhoomi Mahavihar Tokha 4362514
24 Buddha Vihar Bhrikuti mandapa 4226702
25 Buddharatna Vihar Putalisadak 4244277
26 Bauddha samakrit Vihar Bhaktapur 6610842
27 Manimandap Vihar Patko Bhaktapur 5526517
28 Muni Vihar Bhaktapur 6616464
29 Yampi Mahavihar Ibahi Lalitpur 5539644
30 Yashodhara Baudha Bidyalaya Thaina Lalitpur 5521435
31 Biswo Shanti Vihar Baneshwor 4482384
32 Biswo Shanti Dharmakirti vihar Basundhara 4354251
33 Beluvanarama Vihar Theco Co 5570062
34 Sakyasingha Vihar Thaina Lalitpur 5524760
35 Santi Sukhawas Cakupat co 5523613
36 Siddhimangal Buddha Vihar Thasi 5581495
37 Sumangala Vihara Lagankhel 5531715
38 Sulakshan kirti Vihar Chobhar 4331718
39 Suwanrna Chatrapur Vihar Lubhu 5580430
40 Sangharama Vihar Dhalko Visnumati 4255960
41 Srigha Vihar Nagal 4259110
Vihars out side the Kathamandu Velley Telephone No
1 Ananda Vihar Tansen Co 075-520225520216
2 Citravan Vihar Narayangadha Co 056-521478
3 Taksar Vihar Tansen Co 075-520024
4 Dharmashila Buddha Vihar Phokhara 061-520517
5 Dyankuti Banepa Banepa 011-661244
6 Padma Chaitya Vihar Butawal 071-546470
7 Purwarama Vihar Dhulikhel 011-661979
8 Pragya Mahavihar Hetauda Co 057-520264520136
9 Buddha Vihar Dharan 025-520354
10 Buddha Vihar Biratnagar Co 021-522146530604
11 Beni Buddha Vihar Myagdi Co 069-520354
12 Bodhicharya vihar Banepa 011-661789
13 Lokachakra Buddha Vihar Dhan gadhi 091-622174
14 Sakyamuni Vihar Bhojpur Co 029-420260
15 Sugatapur Vihar Trisuli Co 010-560153
16 Sugandha Vihar Ridi Gulmi Co 079-529435
17 Swoyambhu Chetya Buddha Vihar Urlabari Co 021-540080
18 Swoyambhu Chetya Mahavihar Dharan Co 025-520190
19 Gyanodaya Buddha Vihar Baglung Co 068-520921520336
Footnotes
[1] This paper was written as a part of my MA thesis research on bdquoThe
Revival of Theravada Buddhism and its contribution to Nepalese Society‟ of
Mahachulalongkorn University Bangkok Thailand and would like to thank Mr
Dharma Sakya for every suggestion editing and help for the completion of this
article
[2] Nyanatiloka Buddhist Dictionary 3
rd ed The Free Distribution
version the Corporate Body of the Buddha education foundation Taiwan p
179
[3] Triratna Manandhar bdquoPresent of Buddhism in Nepal‟ (Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK Vol 8 May 2005) p 15
[4] helliphelliphelliphellip The New Encyclopedia of Britannica Vol24 (USA
Library of Congress Catalog 1993) p 781 Dhanabajra Vajracharya Cabahilko
Abhilekha (Inscription of Cabahil) The Charumati Voice (Kath Charumati
Buddhist Mission 2001) pp 17-20 Bhikkhu Sudarsan Mahasthavira Nepal
Upatyaka ma Ashokaki Chori Charumati (Charumati A daughter of
Ashoka in Nepal Valley) (The Charumati Vocie (Kath Charumati Buddhist
Mission 2001) p 20
[5] Beal Samuel Si Yu Ri Buddhist Records of the Western World
(New Delhi Motilal Banarsidass Publishers 1994) pp 80-81 Bhuwan Lal
Pradhan Nepalama Buddhadharma (Kath Nepal Rajkiya Pragyapratisthana
1988) pp 102 ndash 103
[6] NB Thapa A Short History of Nepal (Kath Ratna Pustak
bhandhar Nd) pp 30-33 Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ The
Nation Thailand‟s English Newspaper (Sunday special) Oct 18 1987
[7] Opcit NB Thapa p116
[8] David N Gellner Monk Householder and Tantric Priest Newar
Buddhism and its Hierarchy of Ritual (Cambridge University Press 1996) pp
41ff
[9] Bechert Heinz amp Jens-Uwe Hartmann ldquoObservation on the reform
of Buddhism in Nepalrdquo Journal of Nepal Research Centre vol VIII Kath
Kantipur Printing Press1988p 6
[10] Ria Kloppenborg Theravada Buddhism in Nepal‟ Kailash A
Journal of Himalayan Studies Vol 5 no 41977 p 302
[11] BP Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada Gukathan Wagu Kha (Kath
Hisi Press Nepal BS 20421985) pp44ff
[12] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p47ff
[13] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 51-53 Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal (BKK A Thesis of MA Mahamakut Graduate School
2001) p 97
[14] Bhikshu Sudarshan Mahasthavir bdquoRole of Theravada in the
Preservation of Newar Buddhism‟ wwwircnepalorgpapers
[15] Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 69-72
[16] Opcit Observation on the reform of Buddhism in Nepal p10ff
[17] Opcit Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ RV
Vandya Sanghanayaka Venerable Pragnananda Mahasthavir (Kath Nepal
Co-operative Press 1978) pp 11ff
[18] Bhkkhu Dharmaloka Mahasthavir A Pilgrimage in China (kath
published by Bhikkhu Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1999) p 13-15 Opcit Lacoul
Nepalay Sthavirvada p 74-75
[19] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka p 15
[20] Opcit Bhikkhu dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp16ff
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p100
[21] Ibit Bhikkhu Dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp 27-29
[22] See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A Homage
(Kath Anandakuti Vihar Trust 1992) Kuladharma Ratna Tuladhar Buddhism
in Nepal (Kath Dharmodaya Sabha 1986) pp15 Opcit Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 100
[23] Opcit K R Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal 16 RV Vandya
Sanghanayaka ven Pragnananda p 32 ff
[24] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka Pragnananda pp 34-35
Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthavirvada p 86
[25] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 18 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 101
[26] Bhikkhu Amritananda Mahasthavir A Short History of Theravada
Buddhism in Modern Nepal (Kath Anandakuti Vihar trust 1986) pp 8-9
Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir (Kath Anandakuti
Vihar Trust 1992) p 25
[27] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 19 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[28] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[29] Opcit Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir
p 26
[30] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit KR
Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 20
[31] Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha in Nepal
(BKK A Thesis of MA Buddhist Study Mahachulalongkorn University 2547)
p 23 [32]
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit Ratna
Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir p 26
[33] Amrit R Sthapit bdquowho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Aswaghosha‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 4 no 1 May 2001
p8
[34] helliphelliphelliphelliphellip bdquoWho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Nyanapurninka Mahasthavir‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 7
no 1 May 2004 p13 Viswo Shanti Vihar The Shanti Sandesh (Kath Viswo
Shanti Vihar 1998)
[35] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sumangala Mahasthavir
A monk who modernized Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the
LNBDS UK vol 2 no 1 May 1999 p10
[36] Opcit Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha
in Nepal pp 52ff
[37] Rina Tuladhara Dharmakirti 25 Years of Dharmakirti Buddhist
Study Circle A Glimpse (Kath Dharmakirti Vihar 1996) Mallika Sakya
bdquoWho is Who in Nepalese Buddhism Dhammavati Guruma‟ Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 5 no 1 May 2002 p10
[38] Opcit See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A
Homage Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 108
[39] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sudarshan Mahasthavir A
Gem of the Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol
6 no 1 May 2003 p13
Ashwaghosh Bhikkhu (1926- present) original name Buddha Ratna Sakya and
became a novice in 1944 and went to Sri Lanka for study where he took
higher ordination in 1949 he is known as bdquothe communist monk‟ and was a
nominee of the Unified Marxist-Leninist party one of Nepal‟s two main
political parites in the 1990s to the Upper House 1993-5 He had
established nepal‟s first Bhikkhu Training Center at Sangharama Dhalko
and became abbot of this vihara Presently he is abbot of Shrigha Vihara in
Kathmandu and of Dyanakuti Vihara Banepa
Buddhaghosh Bhikkhu (1921- present day) original name Sapta Ratna
Vajracharya in Kwa Baha Kathamandu The founder of Pariyatti Education
in Nepal and presently acting Sanghanayaka of Nepal (2006) and abbot of
Sri Sumangala Vihara in Lalitpur
Chandramani Bhikkhu (1876-1972) a Burmese monk who spent his life in
Kusinagara where he worked for the propagation of Buddhism until his
death He initiated with most of the early Nepalese Theravadins Monks and
Nuns He was the first president of Dharmodaya Sabha and father of
Theravadins of Nepal
Dharmachari Anagarika (1898-1978) born Laxmi Nani Tuladhar she
impressed by Ven Pragyananda in Kindol Vihara and took the precepts
from Chandramani in Kusinagara in 1934 and most prominent Nepali nun
She founded the first nunnery in Nepal at Kindol Vihara in 1947
Dhammaloka Bhikkhu (1891-1977) born Das Ratna Tuladhar Asan
kathamandu He traded in Lhasha went to Sri Lanka and taught Buddhism
as a layman Later became a monk in 1932 after his son Aniruddha ordain
in 1930 he established nepal‟s first Theravādin Vihara bdquoAnanda Kuti
Vihar‟ in Kathmandu
Dhammawati Anagarika (1925- present day) born as Ganesh Kumari Sakya in
Uku Baha lalitpur She ordain too precepts from Ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara and renamed as Dhammavati in 1950 She went to Burma for
study and return in 1963 after passed the Dhammacariya Examination She
was able to established Dhammakirti Nunnery Centre in 1965 and leader of
the Theravādin Nuns She has been re-ordained as Bhikkhuni according to
Mahayana tradition
Dharmaditya Dharmacharya (1902-1963) born as Jagat Man Vaidya in Chika
Bahi Lalitpur and the first Newar Buddhist modernist and the first newar
cultural nationalist He went to study in Calcutta where he became a
follower of anagarika Dhammapala the founder of Maha Bodhi Society
He had formed Buddhist revival foundation and published Buddhist
magazines etc
Nyanpurnika Bhikkhu (1936- present day) Born as Hera Lal Sakya in Tansen
He studied with Buddhaghosh in Lalitpur in Burma and in England He is
only monk who passed Dhammacariya examination of Burma He was the
founder of Vishwa Shanti Vihara and Vishwa Shanti Bauddha sikkyalaya
where train novices He is a prominent translator and writer
Kumar Kashyap Bhikkhu (1926- present day) born as Krishna Man Sakya he
was one of those who exiled to India by the Ranas in 1944 He went to
Study in Sri Lanka and hold nepal‟s first bdquoTripitaka acarya‟ Presently he is
president of All Nepal Bhikkhu Association and abbot of Ananda Kuti
Vihara
Mahapragya Bhikkhu (1901-1979) born Prem Bahadur (Nani Kaji ) Shrestha
He ordained into Tibetan tradition but exiled in 1926 and reordained as
novice in Theravada tradition one of the earlier Theravādin monks He
return to householderhood in Kalimpong in 1940s but then returned to
Kathmandu as a Buddhist sage (Bauddha Rishi) in the 1960s where he
taught until his death
Pragyananda Bhikkhu (1900-1993) born as Kul Man Singh Tuladhar in Itum
Baha Kathmandu a trader in Tibet where he met Ven Mahapragya and
impressed by him to ordained He became a Tibetan Gelung Karmasheel in
1928 and two years later a Theravādin under Ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara in 1930 He was nepal‟s first Sanghamahanayaka and well
respected monk
Shakyananda Bhikkhu (1909-1997) born as Chakra Dhan Sakya in Taksar
Bhojpur East Nepal He spent over forty years as a monk in Tansen outside
the Kathmandu and second sanghamahanayaka of Nepal
Subodhanand Bhikkhu (1916-2006) bor as Kul Raj Sakya in Taksar Bhojpur
East Nepal He was one of the monks exiled by the Ranas in 1944 He was
a prolific composer of Hymns in Nepal Bhasa In 2003 as the most senior
monk in Nepal he was the fourth Sanghanayaka of Nepal
Sudarshan Bhikkhu (1934-2002) born as Rudra Raj Sakya in Uku Baha
lalitpur He was famous a bdquothe boy monk‟ For many years he was a lecturer
in the culture Department of Tribhuvan University a prolific writer
preacher and abbot of Sri Kirti Vihara Kirtipur which is became multi-
cultural center and especially for Buddhist meetings and conferences He
was jailed for some months for Nepal Bhasa activities in the Panchayat
period He was a campaigner on Buddhist issues particularly to do with
Lumbini
Sumangal Bhikkhu (1929-1999) born Bhakta Krishna Shilpakar in Lalitpur He
was famous as ldquoDollar bhanterdquo He ordained in 1959 in Burma obtained a
master‟s degree in Buddhism from Rissho University Japan in 1972 and
was among the first monks to mobilize international connections for
Buddhist projects in Nepal He established Buddha Vihara in Bhrikuti
Mandap Kathmandu He helped raise funds from Thailand and Japan for
IBMc (1985) brought the Japanese healing movement Sei Mei Kyo to
Nepal and in 1993 opened an old people‟s home in Banepa
Glimpse of Theravādin activities in Nepal
Samanera ordination at Muni Vihara
Ordination Ceremony at Vishwa Shanti Vihara
Collecting Alms
Chanting Paritta in devotee‟s home
Giving Holy Thread to Devotees
Buddhist Art in Nepal
Main Buddha Image at Sri Kirti Vihara
Four holy places
Some of the Theravada Buddhist Viharas (Monasteries) in Nepal
Vihars In Kathmandu Valley Telephone No
1 Amarapura Buddha Vihar Bungamati 5551068
2 Anandakuti Vihar Swayambhu 4271420
3 Anandabhuwan Vihar Bhuikhyo 4270429
4 Ganamaha vihar Ganabaha 4253454
5 Gautam Buddha Vihar Panga co 4330576
6 Caturbrahma Vihar Matatirtha 4310558
7 Carumati Vihar Cabahil 4469897
8 Baudhajana Vihar Sunakothi co 5570209
9 Jitapur Gandhakuti Vihar khona Co 5542846
10 Jitawan Vihar Thankot 4311912
11 Jyoti udaya vihar Capagaun Co 5571459
12 Dhammavasa Vihar Khusibun 4358688
13 Dharmakirti Vihar Srigha Naghal 4259466
14 Dharmacakra vihar Bagbajar 4261976
15 Nagar Mandap Sri Kirti Vihar Kirtipur 4330836
16 Nagadesh Buddha Vihar Nagadesh Co 6635397
17 Nirvanmurti Anagarikaram Kindol 4285811
18 Padmasugandha Vihar Manjeshwori 4266255
19 Pranidhi Purna Mahavihar Balambu 43105924312455
20 Pati Vihar Thimi Co 6637601
21 Pippali Theravad Buddha Vihar Shiphal 4475066
22 Punya Udaya Vihar Jala Harisiddhi Co 5527456
23 Buddhabhoomi Mahavihar Tokha 4362514
24 Buddha Vihar Bhrikuti mandapa 4226702
25 Buddharatna Vihar Putalisadak 4244277
26 Bauddha samakrit Vihar Bhaktapur 6610842
27 Manimandap Vihar Patko Bhaktapur 5526517
28 Muni Vihar Bhaktapur 6616464
29 Yampi Mahavihar Ibahi Lalitpur 5539644
30 Yashodhara Baudha Bidyalaya Thaina Lalitpur 5521435
31 Biswo Shanti Vihar Baneshwor 4482384
32 Biswo Shanti Dharmakirti vihar Basundhara 4354251
33 Beluvanarama Vihar Theco Co 5570062
34 Sakyasingha Vihar Thaina Lalitpur 5524760
35 Santi Sukhawas Cakupat co 5523613
36 Siddhimangal Buddha Vihar Thasi 5581495
37 Sumangala Vihara Lagankhel 5531715
38 Sulakshan kirti Vihar Chobhar 4331718
39 Suwanrna Chatrapur Vihar Lubhu 5580430
40 Sangharama Vihar Dhalko Visnumati 4255960
41 Srigha Vihar Nagal 4259110
Vihars out side the Kathamandu Velley Telephone No
1 Ananda Vihar Tansen Co 075-520225520216
2 Citravan Vihar Narayangadha Co 056-521478
3 Taksar Vihar Tansen Co 075-520024
4 Dharmashila Buddha Vihar Phokhara 061-520517
5 Dyankuti Banepa Banepa 011-661244
6 Padma Chaitya Vihar Butawal 071-546470
7 Purwarama Vihar Dhulikhel 011-661979
8 Pragya Mahavihar Hetauda Co 057-520264520136
9 Buddha Vihar Dharan 025-520354
10 Buddha Vihar Biratnagar Co 021-522146530604
11 Beni Buddha Vihar Myagdi Co 069-520354
12 Bodhicharya vihar Banepa 011-661789
13 Lokachakra Buddha Vihar Dhan gadhi 091-622174
14 Sakyamuni Vihar Bhojpur Co 029-420260
15 Sugatapur Vihar Trisuli Co 010-560153
16 Sugandha Vihar Ridi Gulmi Co 079-529435
17 Swoyambhu Chetya Buddha Vihar Urlabari Co 021-540080
18 Swoyambhu Chetya Mahavihar Dharan Co 025-520190
19 Gyanodaya Buddha Vihar Baglung Co 068-520921520336
Footnotes
[1] This paper was written as a part of my MA thesis research on bdquoThe
Revival of Theravada Buddhism and its contribution to Nepalese Society‟ of
Mahachulalongkorn University Bangkok Thailand and would like to thank Mr
Dharma Sakya for every suggestion editing and help for the completion of this
article
[2] Nyanatiloka Buddhist Dictionary 3
rd ed The Free Distribution
version the Corporate Body of the Buddha education foundation Taiwan p
179
[3] Triratna Manandhar bdquoPresent of Buddhism in Nepal‟ (Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK Vol 8 May 2005) p 15
[4] helliphelliphelliphellip The New Encyclopedia of Britannica Vol24 (USA
Library of Congress Catalog 1993) p 781 Dhanabajra Vajracharya Cabahilko
Abhilekha (Inscription of Cabahil) The Charumati Voice (Kath Charumati
Buddhist Mission 2001) pp 17-20 Bhikkhu Sudarsan Mahasthavira Nepal
Upatyaka ma Ashokaki Chori Charumati (Charumati A daughter of
Ashoka in Nepal Valley) (The Charumati Vocie (Kath Charumati Buddhist
Mission 2001) p 20
[5] Beal Samuel Si Yu Ri Buddhist Records of the Western World
(New Delhi Motilal Banarsidass Publishers 1994) pp 80-81 Bhuwan Lal
Pradhan Nepalama Buddhadharma (Kath Nepal Rajkiya Pragyapratisthana
1988) pp 102 ndash 103
[6] NB Thapa A Short History of Nepal (Kath Ratna Pustak
bhandhar Nd) pp 30-33 Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ The
Nation Thailand‟s English Newspaper (Sunday special) Oct 18 1987
[7] Opcit NB Thapa p116
[8] David N Gellner Monk Householder and Tantric Priest Newar
Buddhism and its Hierarchy of Ritual (Cambridge University Press 1996) pp
41ff
[9] Bechert Heinz amp Jens-Uwe Hartmann ldquoObservation on the reform
of Buddhism in Nepalrdquo Journal of Nepal Research Centre vol VIII Kath
Kantipur Printing Press1988p 6
[10] Ria Kloppenborg Theravada Buddhism in Nepal‟ Kailash A
Journal of Himalayan Studies Vol 5 no 41977 p 302
[11] BP Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada Gukathan Wagu Kha (Kath
Hisi Press Nepal BS 20421985) pp44ff
[12] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p47ff
[13] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 51-53 Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal (BKK A Thesis of MA Mahamakut Graduate School
2001) p 97
[14] Bhikshu Sudarshan Mahasthavir bdquoRole of Theravada in the
Preservation of Newar Buddhism‟ wwwircnepalorgpapers
[15] Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 69-72
[16] Opcit Observation on the reform of Buddhism in Nepal p10ff
[17] Opcit Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ RV
Vandya Sanghanayaka Venerable Pragnananda Mahasthavir (Kath Nepal
Co-operative Press 1978) pp 11ff
[18] Bhkkhu Dharmaloka Mahasthavir A Pilgrimage in China (kath
published by Bhikkhu Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1999) p 13-15 Opcit Lacoul
Nepalay Sthavirvada p 74-75
[19] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka p 15
[20] Opcit Bhikkhu dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp16ff
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p100
[21] Ibit Bhikkhu Dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp 27-29
[22] See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A Homage
(Kath Anandakuti Vihar Trust 1992) Kuladharma Ratna Tuladhar Buddhism
in Nepal (Kath Dharmodaya Sabha 1986) pp15 Opcit Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 100
[23] Opcit K R Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal 16 RV Vandya
Sanghanayaka ven Pragnananda p 32 ff
[24] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka Pragnananda pp 34-35
Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthavirvada p 86
[25] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 18 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 101
[26] Bhikkhu Amritananda Mahasthavir A Short History of Theravada
Buddhism in Modern Nepal (Kath Anandakuti Vihar trust 1986) pp 8-9
Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir (Kath Anandakuti
Vihar Trust 1992) p 25
[27] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 19 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[28] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[29] Opcit Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir
p 26
[30] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit KR
Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 20
[31] Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha in Nepal
(BKK A Thesis of MA Buddhist Study Mahachulalongkorn University 2547)
p 23 [32]
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit Ratna
Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir p 26
[33] Amrit R Sthapit bdquowho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Aswaghosha‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 4 no 1 May 2001
p8
[34] helliphelliphelliphelliphellip bdquoWho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Nyanapurninka Mahasthavir‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 7
no 1 May 2004 p13 Viswo Shanti Vihar The Shanti Sandesh (Kath Viswo
Shanti Vihar 1998)
[35] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sumangala Mahasthavir
A monk who modernized Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the
LNBDS UK vol 2 no 1 May 1999 p10
[36] Opcit Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha
in Nepal pp 52ff
[37] Rina Tuladhara Dharmakirti 25 Years of Dharmakirti Buddhist
Study Circle A Glimpse (Kath Dharmakirti Vihar 1996) Mallika Sakya
bdquoWho is Who in Nepalese Buddhism Dhammavati Guruma‟ Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 5 no 1 May 2002 p10
[38] Opcit See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A
Homage Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 108
[39] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sudarshan Mahasthavir A
Gem of the Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol
6 no 1 May 2003 p13
He had formed Buddhist revival foundation and published Buddhist
magazines etc
Nyanpurnika Bhikkhu (1936- present day) Born as Hera Lal Sakya in Tansen
He studied with Buddhaghosh in Lalitpur in Burma and in England He is
only monk who passed Dhammacariya examination of Burma He was the
founder of Vishwa Shanti Vihara and Vishwa Shanti Bauddha sikkyalaya
where train novices He is a prominent translator and writer
Kumar Kashyap Bhikkhu (1926- present day) born as Krishna Man Sakya he
was one of those who exiled to India by the Ranas in 1944 He went to
Study in Sri Lanka and hold nepal‟s first bdquoTripitaka acarya‟ Presently he is
president of All Nepal Bhikkhu Association and abbot of Ananda Kuti
Vihara
Mahapragya Bhikkhu (1901-1979) born Prem Bahadur (Nani Kaji ) Shrestha
He ordained into Tibetan tradition but exiled in 1926 and reordained as
novice in Theravada tradition one of the earlier Theravādin monks He
return to householderhood in Kalimpong in 1940s but then returned to
Kathmandu as a Buddhist sage (Bauddha Rishi) in the 1960s where he
taught until his death
Pragyananda Bhikkhu (1900-1993) born as Kul Man Singh Tuladhar in Itum
Baha Kathmandu a trader in Tibet where he met Ven Mahapragya and
impressed by him to ordained He became a Tibetan Gelung Karmasheel in
1928 and two years later a Theravādin under Ven Chandramani in
Kusinagara in 1930 He was nepal‟s first Sanghamahanayaka and well
respected monk
Shakyananda Bhikkhu (1909-1997) born as Chakra Dhan Sakya in Taksar
Bhojpur East Nepal He spent over forty years as a monk in Tansen outside
the Kathmandu and second sanghamahanayaka of Nepal
Subodhanand Bhikkhu (1916-2006) bor as Kul Raj Sakya in Taksar Bhojpur
East Nepal He was one of the monks exiled by the Ranas in 1944 He was
a prolific composer of Hymns in Nepal Bhasa In 2003 as the most senior
monk in Nepal he was the fourth Sanghanayaka of Nepal
Sudarshan Bhikkhu (1934-2002) born as Rudra Raj Sakya in Uku Baha
lalitpur He was famous a bdquothe boy monk‟ For many years he was a lecturer
in the culture Department of Tribhuvan University a prolific writer
preacher and abbot of Sri Kirti Vihara Kirtipur which is became multi-
cultural center and especially for Buddhist meetings and conferences He
was jailed for some months for Nepal Bhasa activities in the Panchayat
period He was a campaigner on Buddhist issues particularly to do with
Lumbini
Sumangal Bhikkhu (1929-1999) born Bhakta Krishna Shilpakar in Lalitpur He
was famous as ldquoDollar bhanterdquo He ordained in 1959 in Burma obtained a
master‟s degree in Buddhism from Rissho University Japan in 1972 and
was among the first monks to mobilize international connections for
Buddhist projects in Nepal He established Buddha Vihara in Bhrikuti
Mandap Kathmandu He helped raise funds from Thailand and Japan for
IBMc (1985) brought the Japanese healing movement Sei Mei Kyo to
Nepal and in 1993 opened an old people‟s home in Banepa
Glimpse of Theravādin activities in Nepal
Samanera ordination at Muni Vihara
Ordination Ceremony at Vishwa Shanti Vihara
Collecting Alms
Chanting Paritta in devotee‟s home
Giving Holy Thread to Devotees
Buddhist Art in Nepal
Main Buddha Image at Sri Kirti Vihara
Four holy places
Some of the Theravada Buddhist Viharas (Monasteries) in Nepal
Vihars In Kathmandu Valley Telephone No
1 Amarapura Buddha Vihar Bungamati 5551068
2 Anandakuti Vihar Swayambhu 4271420
3 Anandabhuwan Vihar Bhuikhyo 4270429
4 Ganamaha vihar Ganabaha 4253454
5 Gautam Buddha Vihar Panga co 4330576
6 Caturbrahma Vihar Matatirtha 4310558
7 Carumati Vihar Cabahil 4469897
8 Baudhajana Vihar Sunakothi co 5570209
9 Jitapur Gandhakuti Vihar khona Co 5542846
10 Jitawan Vihar Thankot 4311912
11 Jyoti udaya vihar Capagaun Co 5571459
12 Dhammavasa Vihar Khusibun 4358688
13 Dharmakirti Vihar Srigha Naghal 4259466
14 Dharmacakra vihar Bagbajar 4261976
15 Nagar Mandap Sri Kirti Vihar Kirtipur 4330836
16 Nagadesh Buddha Vihar Nagadesh Co 6635397
17 Nirvanmurti Anagarikaram Kindol 4285811
18 Padmasugandha Vihar Manjeshwori 4266255
19 Pranidhi Purna Mahavihar Balambu 43105924312455
20 Pati Vihar Thimi Co 6637601
21 Pippali Theravad Buddha Vihar Shiphal 4475066
22 Punya Udaya Vihar Jala Harisiddhi Co 5527456
23 Buddhabhoomi Mahavihar Tokha 4362514
24 Buddha Vihar Bhrikuti mandapa 4226702
25 Buddharatna Vihar Putalisadak 4244277
26 Bauddha samakrit Vihar Bhaktapur 6610842
27 Manimandap Vihar Patko Bhaktapur 5526517
28 Muni Vihar Bhaktapur 6616464
29 Yampi Mahavihar Ibahi Lalitpur 5539644
30 Yashodhara Baudha Bidyalaya Thaina Lalitpur 5521435
31 Biswo Shanti Vihar Baneshwor 4482384
32 Biswo Shanti Dharmakirti vihar Basundhara 4354251
33 Beluvanarama Vihar Theco Co 5570062
34 Sakyasingha Vihar Thaina Lalitpur 5524760
35 Santi Sukhawas Cakupat co 5523613
36 Siddhimangal Buddha Vihar Thasi 5581495
37 Sumangala Vihara Lagankhel 5531715
38 Sulakshan kirti Vihar Chobhar 4331718
39 Suwanrna Chatrapur Vihar Lubhu 5580430
40 Sangharama Vihar Dhalko Visnumati 4255960
41 Srigha Vihar Nagal 4259110
Vihars out side the Kathamandu Velley Telephone No
1 Ananda Vihar Tansen Co 075-520225520216
2 Citravan Vihar Narayangadha Co 056-521478
3 Taksar Vihar Tansen Co 075-520024
4 Dharmashila Buddha Vihar Phokhara 061-520517
5 Dyankuti Banepa Banepa 011-661244
6 Padma Chaitya Vihar Butawal 071-546470
7 Purwarama Vihar Dhulikhel 011-661979
8 Pragya Mahavihar Hetauda Co 057-520264520136
9 Buddha Vihar Dharan 025-520354
10 Buddha Vihar Biratnagar Co 021-522146530604
11 Beni Buddha Vihar Myagdi Co 069-520354
12 Bodhicharya vihar Banepa 011-661789
13 Lokachakra Buddha Vihar Dhan gadhi 091-622174
14 Sakyamuni Vihar Bhojpur Co 029-420260
15 Sugatapur Vihar Trisuli Co 010-560153
16 Sugandha Vihar Ridi Gulmi Co 079-529435
17 Swoyambhu Chetya Buddha Vihar Urlabari Co 021-540080
18 Swoyambhu Chetya Mahavihar Dharan Co 025-520190
19 Gyanodaya Buddha Vihar Baglung Co 068-520921520336
Footnotes
[1] This paper was written as a part of my MA thesis research on bdquoThe
Revival of Theravada Buddhism and its contribution to Nepalese Society‟ of
Mahachulalongkorn University Bangkok Thailand and would like to thank Mr
Dharma Sakya for every suggestion editing and help for the completion of this
article
[2] Nyanatiloka Buddhist Dictionary 3
rd ed The Free Distribution
version the Corporate Body of the Buddha education foundation Taiwan p
179
[3] Triratna Manandhar bdquoPresent of Buddhism in Nepal‟ (Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK Vol 8 May 2005) p 15
[4] helliphelliphelliphellip The New Encyclopedia of Britannica Vol24 (USA
Library of Congress Catalog 1993) p 781 Dhanabajra Vajracharya Cabahilko
Abhilekha (Inscription of Cabahil) The Charumati Voice (Kath Charumati
Buddhist Mission 2001) pp 17-20 Bhikkhu Sudarsan Mahasthavira Nepal
Upatyaka ma Ashokaki Chori Charumati (Charumati A daughter of
Ashoka in Nepal Valley) (The Charumati Vocie (Kath Charumati Buddhist
Mission 2001) p 20
[5] Beal Samuel Si Yu Ri Buddhist Records of the Western World
(New Delhi Motilal Banarsidass Publishers 1994) pp 80-81 Bhuwan Lal
Pradhan Nepalama Buddhadharma (Kath Nepal Rajkiya Pragyapratisthana
1988) pp 102 ndash 103
[6] NB Thapa A Short History of Nepal (Kath Ratna Pustak
bhandhar Nd) pp 30-33 Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ The
Nation Thailand‟s English Newspaper (Sunday special) Oct 18 1987
[7] Opcit NB Thapa p116
[8] David N Gellner Monk Householder and Tantric Priest Newar
Buddhism and its Hierarchy of Ritual (Cambridge University Press 1996) pp
41ff
[9] Bechert Heinz amp Jens-Uwe Hartmann ldquoObservation on the reform
of Buddhism in Nepalrdquo Journal of Nepal Research Centre vol VIII Kath
Kantipur Printing Press1988p 6
[10] Ria Kloppenborg Theravada Buddhism in Nepal‟ Kailash A
Journal of Himalayan Studies Vol 5 no 41977 p 302
[11] BP Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada Gukathan Wagu Kha (Kath
Hisi Press Nepal BS 20421985) pp44ff
[12] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p47ff
[13] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 51-53 Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal (BKK A Thesis of MA Mahamakut Graduate School
2001) p 97
[14] Bhikshu Sudarshan Mahasthavir bdquoRole of Theravada in the
Preservation of Newar Buddhism‟ wwwircnepalorgpapers
[15] Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 69-72
[16] Opcit Observation on the reform of Buddhism in Nepal p10ff
[17] Opcit Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ RV
Vandya Sanghanayaka Venerable Pragnananda Mahasthavir (Kath Nepal
Co-operative Press 1978) pp 11ff
[18] Bhkkhu Dharmaloka Mahasthavir A Pilgrimage in China (kath
published by Bhikkhu Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1999) p 13-15 Opcit Lacoul
Nepalay Sthavirvada p 74-75
[19] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka p 15
[20] Opcit Bhikkhu dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp16ff
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p100
[21] Ibit Bhikkhu Dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp 27-29
[22] See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A Homage
(Kath Anandakuti Vihar Trust 1992) Kuladharma Ratna Tuladhar Buddhism
in Nepal (Kath Dharmodaya Sabha 1986) pp15 Opcit Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 100
[23] Opcit K R Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal 16 RV Vandya
Sanghanayaka ven Pragnananda p 32 ff
[24] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka Pragnananda pp 34-35
Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthavirvada p 86
[25] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 18 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 101
[26] Bhikkhu Amritananda Mahasthavir A Short History of Theravada
Buddhism in Modern Nepal (Kath Anandakuti Vihar trust 1986) pp 8-9
Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir (Kath Anandakuti
Vihar Trust 1992) p 25
[27] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 19 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[28] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[29] Opcit Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir
p 26
[30] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit KR
Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 20
[31] Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha in Nepal
(BKK A Thesis of MA Buddhist Study Mahachulalongkorn University 2547)
p 23 [32]
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit Ratna
Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir p 26
[33] Amrit R Sthapit bdquowho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Aswaghosha‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 4 no 1 May 2001
p8
[34] helliphelliphelliphelliphellip bdquoWho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Nyanapurninka Mahasthavir‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 7
no 1 May 2004 p13 Viswo Shanti Vihar The Shanti Sandesh (Kath Viswo
Shanti Vihar 1998)
[35] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sumangala Mahasthavir
A monk who modernized Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the
LNBDS UK vol 2 no 1 May 1999 p10
[36] Opcit Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha
in Nepal pp 52ff
[37] Rina Tuladhara Dharmakirti 25 Years of Dharmakirti Buddhist
Study Circle A Glimpse (Kath Dharmakirti Vihar 1996) Mallika Sakya
bdquoWho is Who in Nepalese Buddhism Dhammavati Guruma‟ Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 5 no 1 May 2002 p10
[38] Opcit See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A
Homage Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 108
[39] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sudarshan Mahasthavir A
Gem of the Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol
6 no 1 May 2003 p13
was jailed for some months for Nepal Bhasa activities in the Panchayat
period He was a campaigner on Buddhist issues particularly to do with
Lumbini
Sumangal Bhikkhu (1929-1999) born Bhakta Krishna Shilpakar in Lalitpur He
was famous as ldquoDollar bhanterdquo He ordained in 1959 in Burma obtained a
master‟s degree in Buddhism from Rissho University Japan in 1972 and
was among the first monks to mobilize international connections for
Buddhist projects in Nepal He established Buddha Vihara in Bhrikuti
Mandap Kathmandu He helped raise funds from Thailand and Japan for
IBMc (1985) brought the Japanese healing movement Sei Mei Kyo to
Nepal and in 1993 opened an old people‟s home in Banepa
Glimpse of Theravādin activities in Nepal
Samanera ordination at Muni Vihara
Ordination Ceremony at Vishwa Shanti Vihara
Collecting Alms
Chanting Paritta in devotee‟s home
Giving Holy Thread to Devotees
Buddhist Art in Nepal
Main Buddha Image at Sri Kirti Vihara
Four holy places
Some of the Theravada Buddhist Viharas (Monasteries) in Nepal
Vihars In Kathmandu Valley Telephone No
1 Amarapura Buddha Vihar Bungamati 5551068
2 Anandakuti Vihar Swayambhu 4271420
3 Anandabhuwan Vihar Bhuikhyo 4270429
4 Ganamaha vihar Ganabaha 4253454
5 Gautam Buddha Vihar Panga co 4330576
6 Caturbrahma Vihar Matatirtha 4310558
7 Carumati Vihar Cabahil 4469897
8 Baudhajana Vihar Sunakothi co 5570209
9 Jitapur Gandhakuti Vihar khona Co 5542846
10 Jitawan Vihar Thankot 4311912
11 Jyoti udaya vihar Capagaun Co 5571459
12 Dhammavasa Vihar Khusibun 4358688
13 Dharmakirti Vihar Srigha Naghal 4259466
14 Dharmacakra vihar Bagbajar 4261976
15 Nagar Mandap Sri Kirti Vihar Kirtipur 4330836
16 Nagadesh Buddha Vihar Nagadesh Co 6635397
17 Nirvanmurti Anagarikaram Kindol 4285811
18 Padmasugandha Vihar Manjeshwori 4266255
19 Pranidhi Purna Mahavihar Balambu 43105924312455
20 Pati Vihar Thimi Co 6637601
21 Pippali Theravad Buddha Vihar Shiphal 4475066
22 Punya Udaya Vihar Jala Harisiddhi Co 5527456
23 Buddhabhoomi Mahavihar Tokha 4362514
24 Buddha Vihar Bhrikuti mandapa 4226702
25 Buddharatna Vihar Putalisadak 4244277
26 Bauddha samakrit Vihar Bhaktapur 6610842
27 Manimandap Vihar Patko Bhaktapur 5526517
28 Muni Vihar Bhaktapur 6616464
29 Yampi Mahavihar Ibahi Lalitpur 5539644
30 Yashodhara Baudha Bidyalaya Thaina Lalitpur 5521435
31 Biswo Shanti Vihar Baneshwor 4482384
32 Biswo Shanti Dharmakirti vihar Basundhara 4354251
33 Beluvanarama Vihar Theco Co 5570062
34 Sakyasingha Vihar Thaina Lalitpur 5524760
35 Santi Sukhawas Cakupat co 5523613
36 Siddhimangal Buddha Vihar Thasi 5581495
37 Sumangala Vihara Lagankhel 5531715
38 Sulakshan kirti Vihar Chobhar 4331718
39 Suwanrna Chatrapur Vihar Lubhu 5580430
40 Sangharama Vihar Dhalko Visnumati 4255960
41 Srigha Vihar Nagal 4259110
Vihars out side the Kathamandu Velley Telephone No
1 Ananda Vihar Tansen Co 075-520225520216
2 Citravan Vihar Narayangadha Co 056-521478
3 Taksar Vihar Tansen Co 075-520024
4 Dharmashila Buddha Vihar Phokhara 061-520517
5 Dyankuti Banepa Banepa 011-661244
6 Padma Chaitya Vihar Butawal 071-546470
7 Purwarama Vihar Dhulikhel 011-661979
8 Pragya Mahavihar Hetauda Co 057-520264520136
9 Buddha Vihar Dharan 025-520354
10 Buddha Vihar Biratnagar Co 021-522146530604
11 Beni Buddha Vihar Myagdi Co 069-520354
12 Bodhicharya vihar Banepa 011-661789
13 Lokachakra Buddha Vihar Dhan gadhi 091-622174
14 Sakyamuni Vihar Bhojpur Co 029-420260
15 Sugatapur Vihar Trisuli Co 010-560153
16 Sugandha Vihar Ridi Gulmi Co 079-529435
17 Swoyambhu Chetya Buddha Vihar Urlabari Co 021-540080
18 Swoyambhu Chetya Mahavihar Dharan Co 025-520190
19 Gyanodaya Buddha Vihar Baglung Co 068-520921520336
Footnotes
[1] This paper was written as a part of my MA thesis research on bdquoThe
Revival of Theravada Buddhism and its contribution to Nepalese Society‟ of
Mahachulalongkorn University Bangkok Thailand and would like to thank Mr
Dharma Sakya for every suggestion editing and help for the completion of this
article
[2] Nyanatiloka Buddhist Dictionary 3
rd ed The Free Distribution
version the Corporate Body of the Buddha education foundation Taiwan p
179
[3] Triratna Manandhar bdquoPresent of Buddhism in Nepal‟ (Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK Vol 8 May 2005) p 15
[4] helliphelliphelliphellip The New Encyclopedia of Britannica Vol24 (USA
Library of Congress Catalog 1993) p 781 Dhanabajra Vajracharya Cabahilko
Abhilekha (Inscription of Cabahil) The Charumati Voice (Kath Charumati
Buddhist Mission 2001) pp 17-20 Bhikkhu Sudarsan Mahasthavira Nepal
Upatyaka ma Ashokaki Chori Charumati (Charumati A daughter of
Ashoka in Nepal Valley) (The Charumati Vocie (Kath Charumati Buddhist
Mission 2001) p 20
[5] Beal Samuel Si Yu Ri Buddhist Records of the Western World
(New Delhi Motilal Banarsidass Publishers 1994) pp 80-81 Bhuwan Lal
Pradhan Nepalama Buddhadharma (Kath Nepal Rajkiya Pragyapratisthana
1988) pp 102 ndash 103
[6] NB Thapa A Short History of Nepal (Kath Ratna Pustak
bhandhar Nd) pp 30-33 Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ The
Nation Thailand‟s English Newspaper (Sunday special) Oct 18 1987
[7] Opcit NB Thapa p116
[8] David N Gellner Monk Householder and Tantric Priest Newar
Buddhism and its Hierarchy of Ritual (Cambridge University Press 1996) pp
41ff
[9] Bechert Heinz amp Jens-Uwe Hartmann ldquoObservation on the reform
of Buddhism in Nepalrdquo Journal of Nepal Research Centre vol VIII Kath
Kantipur Printing Press1988p 6
[10] Ria Kloppenborg Theravada Buddhism in Nepal‟ Kailash A
Journal of Himalayan Studies Vol 5 no 41977 p 302
[11] BP Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada Gukathan Wagu Kha (Kath
Hisi Press Nepal BS 20421985) pp44ff
[12] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p47ff
[13] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 51-53 Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal (BKK A Thesis of MA Mahamakut Graduate School
2001) p 97
[14] Bhikshu Sudarshan Mahasthavir bdquoRole of Theravada in the
Preservation of Newar Buddhism‟ wwwircnepalorgpapers
[15] Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 69-72
[16] Opcit Observation on the reform of Buddhism in Nepal p10ff
[17] Opcit Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ RV
Vandya Sanghanayaka Venerable Pragnananda Mahasthavir (Kath Nepal
Co-operative Press 1978) pp 11ff
[18] Bhkkhu Dharmaloka Mahasthavir A Pilgrimage in China (kath
published by Bhikkhu Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1999) p 13-15 Opcit Lacoul
Nepalay Sthavirvada p 74-75
[19] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka p 15
[20] Opcit Bhikkhu dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp16ff
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p100
[21] Ibit Bhikkhu Dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp 27-29
[22] See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A Homage
(Kath Anandakuti Vihar Trust 1992) Kuladharma Ratna Tuladhar Buddhism
in Nepal (Kath Dharmodaya Sabha 1986) pp15 Opcit Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 100
[23] Opcit K R Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal 16 RV Vandya
Sanghanayaka ven Pragnananda p 32 ff
[24] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka Pragnananda pp 34-35
Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthavirvada p 86
[25] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 18 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 101
[26] Bhikkhu Amritananda Mahasthavir A Short History of Theravada
Buddhism in Modern Nepal (Kath Anandakuti Vihar trust 1986) pp 8-9
Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir (Kath Anandakuti
Vihar Trust 1992) p 25
[27] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 19 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[28] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[29] Opcit Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir
p 26
[30] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit KR
Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 20
[31] Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha in Nepal
(BKK A Thesis of MA Buddhist Study Mahachulalongkorn University 2547)
p 23 [32]
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit Ratna
Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir p 26
[33] Amrit R Sthapit bdquowho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Aswaghosha‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 4 no 1 May 2001
p8
[34] helliphelliphelliphelliphellip bdquoWho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Nyanapurninka Mahasthavir‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 7
no 1 May 2004 p13 Viswo Shanti Vihar The Shanti Sandesh (Kath Viswo
Shanti Vihar 1998)
[35] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sumangala Mahasthavir
A monk who modernized Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the
LNBDS UK vol 2 no 1 May 1999 p10
[36] Opcit Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha
in Nepal pp 52ff
[37] Rina Tuladhara Dharmakirti 25 Years of Dharmakirti Buddhist
Study Circle A Glimpse (Kath Dharmakirti Vihar 1996) Mallika Sakya
bdquoWho is Who in Nepalese Buddhism Dhammavati Guruma‟ Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 5 no 1 May 2002 p10
[38] Opcit See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A
Homage Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 108
[39] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sudarshan Mahasthavir A
Gem of the Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol
6 no 1 May 2003 p13
Glimpse of Theravādin activities in Nepal
Samanera ordination at Muni Vihara
Ordination Ceremony at Vishwa Shanti Vihara
Collecting Alms
Chanting Paritta in devotee‟s home
Giving Holy Thread to Devotees
Buddhist Art in Nepal
Main Buddha Image at Sri Kirti Vihara
Four holy places
Some of the Theravada Buddhist Viharas (Monasteries) in Nepal
Vihars In Kathmandu Valley Telephone No
1 Amarapura Buddha Vihar Bungamati 5551068
2 Anandakuti Vihar Swayambhu 4271420
3 Anandabhuwan Vihar Bhuikhyo 4270429
4 Ganamaha vihar Ganabaha 4253454
5 Gautam Buddha Vihar Panga co 4330576
6 Caturbrahma Vihar Matatirtha 4310558
7 Carumati Vihar Cabahil 4469897
8 Baudhajana Vihar Sunakothi co 5570209
9 Jitapur Gandhakuti Vihar khona Co 5542846
10 Jitawan Vihar Thankot 4311912
11 Jyoti udaya vihar Capagaun Co 5571459
12 Dhammavasa Vihar Khusibun 4358688
13 Dharmakirti Vihar Srigha Naghal 4259466
14 Dharmacakra vihar Bagbajar 4261976
15 Nagar Mandap Sri Kirti Vihar Kirtipur 4330836
16 Nagadesh Buddha Vihar Nagadesh Co 6635397
17 Nirvanmurti Anagarikaram Kindol 4285811
18 Padmasugandha Vihar Manjeshwori 4266255
19 Pranidhi Purna Mahavihar Balambu 43105924312455
20 Pati Vihar Thimi Co 6637601
21 Pippali Theravad Buddha Vihar Shiphal 4475066
22 Punya Udaya Vihar Jala Harisiddhi Co 5527456
23 Buddhabhoomi Mahavihar Tokha 4362514
24 Buddha Vihar Bhrikuti mandapa 4226702
25 Buddharatna Vihar Putalisadak 4244277
26 Bauddha samakrit Vihar Bhaktapur 6610842
27 Manimandap Vihar Patko Bhaktapur 5526517
28 Muni Vihar Bhaktapur 6616464
29 Yampi Mahavihar Ibahi Lalitpur 5539644
30 Yashodhara Baudha Bidyalaya Thaina Lalitpur 5521435
31 Biswo Shanti Vihar Baneshwor 4482384
32 Biswo Shanti Dharmakirti vihar Basundhara 4354251
33 Beluvanarama Vihar Theco Co 5570062
34 Sakyasingha Vihar Thaina Lalitpur 5524760
35 Santi Sukhawas Cakupat co 5523613
36 Siddhimangal Buddha Vihar Thasi 5581495
37 Sumangala Vihara Lagankhel 5531715
38 Sulakshan kirti Vihar Chobhar 4331718
39 Suwanrna Chatrapur Vihar Lubhu 5580430
40 Sangharama Vihar Dhalko Visnumati 4255960
41 Srigha Vihar Nagal 4259110
Vihars out side the Kathamandu Velley Telephone No
1 Ananda Vihar Tansen Co 075-520225520216
2 Citravan Vihar Narayangadha Co 056-521478
3 Taksar Vihar Tansen Co 075-520024
4 Dharmashila Buddha Vihar Phokhara 061-520517
5 Dyankuti Banepa Banepa 011-661244
6 Padma Chaitya Vihar Butawal 071-546470
7 Purwarama Vihar Dhulikhel 011-661979
8 Pragya Mahavihar Hetauda Co 057-520264520136
9 Buddha Vihar Dharan 025-520354
10 Buddha Vihar Biratnagar Co 021-522146530604
11 Beni Buddha Vihar Myagdi Co 069-520354
12 Bodhicharya vihar Banepa 011-661789
13 Lokachakra Buddha Vihar Dhan gadhi 091-622174
14 Sakyamuni Vihar Bhojpur Co 029-420260
15 Sugatapur Vihar Trisuli Co 010-560153
16 Sugandha Vihar Ridi Gulmi Co 079-529435
17 Swoyambhu Chetya Buddha Vihar Urlabari Co 021-540080
18 Swoyambhu Chetya Mahavihar Dharan Co 025-520190
19 Gyanodaya Buddha Vihar Baglung Co 068-520921520336
Footnotes
[1] This paper was written as a part of my MA thesis research on bdquoThe
Revival of Theravada Buddhism and its contribution to Nepalese Society‟ of
Mahachulalongkorn University Bangkok Thailand and would like to thank Mr
Dharma Sakya for every suggestion editing and help for the completion of this
article
[2] Nyanatiloka Buddhist Dictionary 3
rd ed The Free Distribution
version the Corporate Body of the Buddha education foundation Taiwan p
179
[3] Triratna Manandhar bdquoPresent of Buddhism in Nepal‟ (Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK Vol 8 May 2005) p 15
[4] helliphelliphelliphellip The New Encyclopedia of Britannica Vol24 (USA
Library of Congress Catalog 1993) p 781 Dhanabajra Vajracharya Cabahilko
Abhilekha (Inscription of Cabahil) The Charumati Voice (Kath Charumati
Buddhist Mission 2001) pp 17-20 Bhikkhu Sudarsan Mahasthavira Nepal
Upatyaka ma Ashokaki Chori Charumati (Charumati A daughter of
Ashoka in Nepal Valley) (The Charumati Vocie (Kath Charumati Buddhist
Mission 2001) p 20
[5] Beal Samuel Si Yu Ri Buddhist Records of the Western World
(New Delhi Motilal Banarsidass Publishers 1994) pp 80-81 Bhuwan Lal
Pradhan Nepalama Buddhadharma (Kath Nepal Rajkiya Pragyapratisthana
1988) pp 102 ndash 103
[6] NB Thapa A Short History of Nepal (Kath Ratna Pustak
bhandhar Nd) pp 30-33 Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ The
Nation Thailand‟s English Newspaper (Sunday special) Oct 18 1987
[7] Opcit NB Thapa p116
[8] David N Gellner Monk Householder and Tantric Priest Newar
Buddhism and its Hierarchy of Ritual (Cambridge University Press 1996) pp
41ff
[9] Bechert Heinz amp Jens-Uwe Hartmann ldquoObservation on the reform
of Buddhism in Nepalrdquo Journal of Nepal Research Centre vol VIII Kath
Kantipur Printing Press1988p 6
[10] Ria Kloppenborg Theravada Buddhism in Nepal‟ Kailash A
Journal of Himalayan Studies Vol 5 no 41977 p 302
[11] BP Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada Gukathan Wagu Kha (Kath
Hisi Press Nepal BS 20421985) pp44ff
[12] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p47ff
[13] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 51-53 Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal (BKK A Thesis of MA Mahamakut Graduate School
2001) p 97
[14] Bhikshu Sudarshan Mahasthavir bdquoRole of Theravada in the
Preservation of Newar Buddhism‟ wwwircnepalorgpapers
[15] Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 69-72
[16] Opcit Observation on the reform of Buddhism in Nepal p10ff
[17] Opcit Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ RV
Vandya Sanghanayaka Venerable Pragnananda Mahasthavir (Kath Nepal
Co-operative Press 1978) pp 11ff
[18] Bhkkhu Dharmaloka Mahasthavir A Pilgrimage in China (kath
published by Bhikkhu Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1999) p 13-15 Opcit Lacoul
Nepalay Sthavirvada p 74-75
[19] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka p 15
[20] Opcit Bhikkhu dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp16ff
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p100
[21] Ibit Bhikkhu Dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp 27-29
[22] See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A Homage
(Kath Anandakuti Vihar Trust 1992) Kuladharma Ratna Tuladhar Buddhism
in Nepal (Kath Dharmodaya Sabha 1986) pp15 Opcit Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 100
[23] Opcit K R Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal 16 RV Vandya
Sanghanayaka ven Pragnananda p 32 ff
[24] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka Pragnananda pp 34-35
Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthavirvada p 86
[25] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 18 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 101
[26] Bhikkhu Amritananda Mahasthavir A Short History of Theravada
Buddhism in Modern Nepal (Kath Anandakuti Vihar trust 1986) pp 8-9
Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir (Kath Anandakuti
Vihar Trust 1992) p 25
[27] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 19 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[28] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[29] Opcit Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir
p 26
[30] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit KR
Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 20
[31] Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha in Nepal
(BKK A Thesis of MA Buddhist Study Mahachulalongkorn University 2547)
p 23 [32]
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit Ratna
Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir p 26
[33] Amrit R Sthapit bdquowho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Aswaghosha‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 4 no 1 May 2001
p8
[34] helliphelliphelliphelliphellip bdquoWho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Nyanapurninka Mahasthavir‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 7
no 1 May 2004 p13 Viswo Shanti Vihar The Shanti Sandesh (Kath Viswo
Shanti Vihar 1998)
[35] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sumangala Mahasthavir
A monk who modernized Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the
LNBDS UK vol 2 no 1 May 1999 p10
[36] Opcit Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha
in Nepal pp 52ff
[37] Rina Tuladhara Dharmakirti 25 Years of Dharmakirti Buddhist
Study Circle A Glimpse (Kath Dharmakirti Vihar 1996) Mallika Sakya
bdquoWho is Who in Nepalese Buddhism Dhammavati Guruma‟ Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 5 no 1 May 2002 p10
[38] Opcit See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A
Homage Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 108
[39] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sudarshan Mahasthavir A
Gem of the Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol
6 no 1 May 2003 p13
Ordination Ceremony at Vishwa Shanti Vihara
Collecting Alms
Chanting Paritta in devotee‟s home
Giving Holy Thread to Devotees
Buddhist Art in Nepal
Main Buddha Image at Sri Kirti Vihara
Four holy places
Some of the Theravada Buddhist Viharas (Monasteries) in Nepal
Vihars In Kathmandu Valley Telephone No
1 Amarapura Buddha Vihar Bungamati 5551068
2 Anandakuti Vihar Swayambhu 4271420
3 Anandabhuwan Vihar Bhuikhyo 4270429
4 Ganamaha vihar Ganabaha 4253454
5 Gautam Buddha Vihar Panga co 4330576
6 Caturbrahma Vihar Matatirtha 4310558
7 Carumati Vihar Cabahil 4469897
8 Baudhajana Vihar Sunakothi co 5570209
9 Jitapur Gandhakuti Vihar khona Co 5542846
10 Jitawan Vihar Thankot 4311912
11 Jyoti udaya vihar Capagaun Co 5571459
12 Dhammavasa Vihar Khusibun 4358688
13 Dharmakirti Vihar Srigha Naghal 4259466
14 Dharmacakra vihar Bagbajar 4261976
15 Nagar Mandap Sri Kirti Vihar Kirtipur 4330836
16 Nagadesh Buddha Vihar Nagadesh Co 6635397
17 Nirvanmurti Anagarikaram Kindol 4285811
18 Padmasugandha Vihar Manjeshwori 4266255
19 Pranidhi Purna Mahavihar Balambu 43105924312455
20 Pati Vihar Thimi Co 6637601
21 Pippali Theravad Buddha Vihar Shiphal 4475066
22 Punya Udaya Vihar Jala Harisiddhi Co 5527456
23 Buddhabhoomi Mahavihar Tokha 4362514
24 Buddha Vihar Bhrikuti mandapa 4226702
25 Buddharatna Vihar Putalisadak 4244277
26 Bauddha samakrit Vihar Bhaktapur 6610842
27 Manimandap Vihar Patko Bhaktapur 5526517
28 Muni Vihar Bhaktapur 6616464
29 Yampi Mahavihar Ibahi Lalitpur 5539644
30 Yashodhara Baudha Bidyalaya Thaina Lalitpur 5521435
31 Biswo Shanti Vihar Baneshwor 4482384
32 Biswo Shanti Dharmakirti vihar Basundhara 4354251
33 Beluvanarama Vihar Theco Co 5570062
34 Sakyasingha Vihar Thaina Lalitpur 5524760
35 Santi Sukhawas Cakupat co 5523613
36 Siddhimangal Buddha Vihar Thasi 5581495
37 Sumangala Vihara Lagankhel 5531715
38 Sulakshan kirti Vihar Chobhar 4331718
39 Suwanrna Chatrapur Vihar Lubhu 5580430
40 Sangharama Vihar Dhalko Visnumati 4255960
41 Srigha Vihar Nagal 4259110
Vihars out side the Kathamandu Velley Telephone No
1 Ananda Vihar Tansen Co 075-520225520216
2 Citravan Vihar Narayangadha Co 056-521478
3 Taksar Vihar Tansen Co 075-520024
4 Dharmashila Buddha Vihar Phokhara 061-520517
5 Dyankuti Banepa Banepa 011-661244
6 Padma Chaitya Vihar Butawal 071-546470
7 Purwarama Vihar Dhulikhel 011-661979
8 Pragya Mahavihar Hetauda Co 057-520264520136
9 Buddha Vihar Dharan 025-520354
10 Buddha Vihar Biratnagar Co 021-522146530604
11 Beni Buddha Vihar Myagdi Co 069-520354
12 Bodhicharya vihar Banepa 011-661789
13 Lokachakra Buddha Vihar Dhan gadhi 091-622174
14 Sakyamuni Vihar Bhojpur Co 029-420260
15 Sugatapur Vihar Trisuli Co 010-560153
16 Sugandha Vihar Ridi Gulmi Co 079-529435
17 Swoyambhu Chetya Buddha Vihar Urlabari Co 021-540080
18 Swoyambhu Chetya Mahavihar Dharan Co 025-520190
19 Gyanodaya Buddha Vihar Baglung Co 068-520921520336
Footnotes
[1] This paper was written as a part of my MA thesis research on bdquoThe
Revival of Theravada Buddhism and its contribution to Nepalese Society‟ of
Mahachulalongkorn University Bangkok Thailand and would like to thank Mr
Dharma Sakya for every suggestion editing and help for the completion of this
article
[2] Nyanatiloka Buddhist Dictionary 3
rd ed The Free Distribution
version the Corporate Body of the Buddha education foundation Taiwan p
179
[3] Triratna Manandhar bdquoPresent of Buddhism in Nepal‟ (Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK Vol 8 May 2005) p 15
[4] helliphelliphelliphellip The New Encyclopedia of Britannica Vol24 (USA
Library of Congress Catalog 1993) p 781 Dhanabajra Vajracharya Cabahilko
Abhilekha (Inscription of Cabahil) The Charumati Voice (Kath Charumati
Buddhist Mission 2001) pp 17-20 Bhikkhu Sudarsan Mahasthavira Nepal
Upatyaka ma Ashokaki Chori Charumati (Charumati A daughter of
Ashoka in Nepal Valley) (The Charumati Vocie (Kath Charumati Buddhist
Mission 2001) p 20
[5] Beal Samuel Si Yu Ri Buddhist Records of the Western World
(New Delhi Motilal Banarsidass Publishers 1994) pp 80-81 Bhuwan Lal
Pradhan Nepalama Buddhadharma (Kath Nepal Rajkiya Pragyapratisthana
1988) pp 102 ndash 103
[6] NB Thapa A Short History of Nepal (Kath Ratna Pustak
bhandhar Nd) pp 30-33 Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ The
Nation Thailand‟s English Newspaper (Sunday special) Oct 18 1987
[7] Opcit NB Thapa p116
[8] David N Gellner Monk Householder and Tantric Priest Newar
Buddhism and its Hierarchy of Ritual (Cambridge University Press 1996) pp
41ff
[9] Bechert Heinz amp Jens-Uwe Hartmann ldquoObservation on the reform
of Buddhism in Nepalrdquo Journal of Nepal Research Centre vol VIII Kath
Kantipur Printing Press1988p 6
[10] Ria Kloppenborg Theravada Buddhism in Nepal‟ Kailash A
Journal of Himalayan Studies Vol 5 no 41977 p 302
[11] BP Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada Gukathan Wagu Kha (Kath
Hisi Press Nepal BS 20421985) pp44ff
[12] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p47ff
[13] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 51-53 Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal (BKK A Thesis of MA Mahamakut Graduate School
2001) p 97
[14] Bhikshu Sudarshan Mahasthavir bdquoRole of Theravada in the
Preservation of Newar Buddhism‟ wwwircnepalorgpapers
[15] Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 69-72
[16] Opcit Observation on the reform of Buddhism in Nepal p10ff
[17] Opcit Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ RV
Vandya Sanghanayaka Venerable Pragnananda Mahasthavir (Kath Nepal
Co-operative Press 1978) pp 11ff
[18] Bhkkhu Dharmaloka Mahasthavir A Pilgrimage in China (kath
published by Bhikkhu Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1999) p 13-15 Opcit Lacoul
Nepalay Sthavirvada p 74-75
[19] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka p 15
[20] Opcit Bhikkhu dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp16ff
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p100
[21] Ibit Bhikkhu Dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp 27-29
[22] See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A Homage
(Kath Anandakuti Vihar Trust 1992) Kuladharma Ratna Tuladhar Buddhism
in Nepal (Kath Dharmodaya Sabha 1986) pp15 Opcit Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 100
[23] Opcit K R Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal 16 RV Vandya
Sanghanayaka ven Pragnananda p 32 ff
[24] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka Pragnananda pp 34-35
Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthavirvada p 86
[25] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 18 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 101
[26] Bhikkhu Amritananda Mahasthavir A Short History of Theravada
Buddhism in Modern Nepal (Kath Anandakuti Vihar trust 1986) pp 8-9
Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir (Kath Anandakuti
Vihar Trust 1992) p 25
[27] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 19 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[28] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[29] Opcit Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir
p 26
[30] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit KR
Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 20
[31] Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha in Nepal
(BKK A Thesis of MA Buddhist Study Mahachulalongkorn University 2547)
p 23 [32]
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit Ratna
Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir p 26
[33] Amrit R Sthapit bdquowho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Aswaghosha‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 4 no 1 May 2001
p8
[34] helliphelliphelliphelliphellip bdquoWho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Nyanapurninka Mahasthavir‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 7
no 1 May 2004 p13 Viswo Shanti Vihar The Shanti Sandesh (Kath Viswo
Shanti Vihar 1998)
[35] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sumangala Mahasthavir
A monk who modernized Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the
LNBDS UK vol 2 no 1 May 1999 p10
[36] Opcit Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha
in Nepal pp 52ff
[37] Rina Tuladhara Dharmakirti 25 Years of Dharmakirti Buddhist
Study Circle A Glimpse (Kath Dharmakirti Vihar 1996) Mallika Sakya
bdquoWho is Who in Nepalese Buddhism Dhammavati Guruma‟ Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 5 no 1 May 2002 p10
[38] Opcit See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A
Homage Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 108
[39] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sudarshan Mahasthavir A
Gem of the Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol
6 no 1 May 2003 p13
Chanting Paritta in devotee‟s home
Giving Holy Thread to Devotees
Buddhist Art in Nepal
Main Buddha Image at Sri Kirti Vihara
Four holy places
Some of the Theravada Buddhist Viharas (Monasteries) in Nepal
Vihars In Kathmandu Valley Telephone No
1 Amarapura Buddha Vihar Bungamati 5551068
2 Anandakuti Vihar Swayambhu 4271420
3 Anandabhuwan Vihar Bhuikhyo 4270429
4 Ganamaha vihar Ganabaha 4253454
5 Gautam Buddha Vihar Panga co 4330576
6 Caturbrahma Vihar Matatirtha 4310558
7 Carumati Vihar Cabahil 4469897
8 Baudhajana Vihar Sunakothi co 5570209
9 Jitapur Gandhakuti Vihar khona Co 5542846
10 Jitawan Vihar Thankot 4311912
11 Jyoti udaya vihar Capagaun Co 5571459
12 Dhammavasa Vihar Khusibun 4358688
13 Dharmakirti Vihar Srigha Naghal 4259466
14 Dharmacakra vihar Bagbajar 4261976
15 Nagar Mandap Sri Kirti Vihar Kirtipur 4330836
16 Nagadesh Buddha Vihar Nagadesh Co 6635397
17 Nirvanmurti Anagarikaram Kindol 4285811
18 Padmasugandha Vihar Manjeshwori 4266255
19 Pranidhi Purna Mahavihar Balambu 43105924312455
20 Pati Vihar Thimi Co 6637601
21 Pippali Theravad Buddha Vihar Shiphal 4475066
22 Punya Udaya Vihar Jala Harisiddhi Co 5527456
23 Buddhabhoomi Mahavihar Tokha 4362514
24 Buddha Vihar Bhrikuti mandapa 4226702
25 Buddharatna Vihar Putalisadak 4244277
26 Bauddha samakrit Vihar Bhaktapur 6610842
27 Manimandap Vihar Patko Bhaktapur 5526517
28 Muni Vihar Bhaktapur 6616464
29 Yampi Mahavihar Ibahi Lalitpur 5539644
30 Yashodhara Baudha Bidyalaya Thaina Lalitpur 5521435
31 Biswo Shanti Vihar Baneshwor 4482384
32 Biswo Shanti Dharmakirti vihar Basundhara 4354251
33 Beluvanarama Vihar Theco Co 5570062
34 Sakyasingha Vihar Thaina Lalitpur 5524760
35 Santi Sukhawas Cakupat co 5523613
36 Siddhimangal Buddha Vihar Thasi 5581495
37 Sumangala Vihara Lagankhel 5531715
38 Sulakshan kirti Vihar Chobhar 4331718
39 Suwanrna Chatrapur Vihar Lubhu 5580430
40 Sangharama Vihar Dhalko Visnumati 4255960
41 Srigha Vihar Nagal 4259110
Vihars out side the Kathamandu Velley Telephone No
1 Ananda Vihar Tansen Co 075-520225520216
2 Citravan Vihar Narayangadha Co 056-521478
3 Taksar Vihar Tansen Co 075-520024
4 Dharmashila Buddha Vihar Phokhara 061-520517
5 Dyankuti Banepa Banepa 011-661244
6 Padma Chaitya Vihar Butawal 071-546470
7 Purwarama Vihar Dhulikhel 011-661979
8 Pragya Mahavihar Hetauda Co 057-520264520136
9 Buddha Vihar Dharan 025-520354
10 Buddha Vihar Biratnagar Co 021-522146530604
11 Beni Buddha Vihar Myagdi Co 069-520354
12 Bodhicharya vihar Banepa 011-661789
13 Lokachakra Buddha Vihar Dhan gadhi 091-622174
14 Sakyamuni Vihar Bhojpur Co 029-420260
15 Sugatapur Vihar Trisuli Co 010-560153
16 Sugandha Vihar Ridi Gulmi Co 079-529435
17 Swoyambhu Chetya Buddha Vihar Urlabari Co 021-540080
18 Swoyambhu Chetya Mahavihar Dharan Co 025-520190
19 Gyanodaya Buddha Vihar Baglung Co 068-520921520336
Footnotes
[1] This paper was written as a part of my MA thesis research on bdquoThe
Revival of Theravada Buddhism and its contribution to Nepalese Society‟ of
Mahachulalongkorn University Bangkok Thailand and would like to thank Mr
Dharma Sakya for every suggestion editing and help for the completion of this
article
[2] Nyanatiloka Buddhist Dictionary 3
rd ed The Free Distribution
version the Corporate Body of the Buddha education foundation Taiwan p
179
[3] Triratna Manandhar bdquoPresent of Buddhism in Nepal‟ (Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK Vol 8 May 2005) p 15
[4] helliphelliphelliphellip The New Encyclopedia of Britannica Vol24 (USA
Library of Congress Catalog 1993) p 781 Dhanabajra Vajracharya Cabahilko
Abhilekha (Inscription of Cabahil) The Charumati Voice (Kath Charumati
Buddhist Mission 2001) pp 17-20 Bhikkhu Sudarsan Mahasthavira Nepal
Upatyaka ma Ashokaki Chori Charumati (Charumati A daughter of
Ashoka in Nepal Valley) (The Charumati Vocie (Kath Charumati Buddhist
Mission 2001) p 20
[5] Beal Samuel Si Yu Ri Buddhist Records of the Western World
(New Delhi Motilal Banarsidass Publishers 1994) pp 80-81 Bhuwan Lal
Pradhan Nepalama Buddhadharma (Kath Nepal Rajkiya Pragyapratisthana
1988) pp 102 ndash 103
[6] NB Thapa A Short History of Nepal (Kath Ratna Pustak
bhandhar Nd) pp 30-33 Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ The
Nation Thailand‟s English Newspaper (Sunday special) Oct 18 1987
[7] Opcit NB Thapa p116
[8] David N Gellner Monk Householder and Tantric Priest Newar
Buddhism and its Hierarchy of Ritual (Cambridge University Press 1996) pp
41ff
[9] Bechert Heinz amp Jens-Uwe Hartmann ldquoObservation on the reform
of Buddhism in Nepalrdquo Journal of Nepal Research Centre vol VIII Kath
Kantipur Printing Press1988p 6
[10] Ria Kloppenborg Theravada Buddhism in Nepal‟ Kailash A
Journal of Himalayan Studies Vol 5 no 41977 p 302
[11] BP Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada Gukathan Wagu Kha (Kath
Hisi Press Nepal BS 20421985) pp44ff
[12] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p47ff
[13] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 51-53 Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal (BKK A Thesis of MA Mahamakut Graduate School
2001) p 97
[14] Bhikshu Sudarshan Mahasthavir bdquoRole of Theravada in the
Preservation of Newar Buddhism‟ wwwircnepalorgpapers
[15] Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 69-72
[16] Opcit Observation on the reform of Buddhism in Nepal p10ff
[17] Opcit Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ RV
Vandya Sanghanayaka Venerable Pragnananda Mahasthavir (Kath Nepal
Co-operative Press 1978) pp 11ff
[18] Bhkkhu Dharmaloka Mahasthavir A Pilgrimage in China (kath
published by Bhikkhu Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1999) p 13-15 Opcit Lacoul
Nepalay Sthavirvada p 74-75
[19] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka p 15
[20] Opcit Bhikkhu dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp16ff
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p100
[21] Ibit Bhikkhu Dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp 27-29
[22] See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A Homage
(Kath Anandakuti Vihar Trust 1992) Kuladharma Ratna Tuladhar Buddhism
in Nepal (Kath Dharmodaya Sabha 1986) pp15 Opcit Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 100
[23] Opcit K R Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal 16 RV Vandya
Sanghanayaka ven Pragnananda p 32 ff
[24] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka Pragnananda pp 34-35
Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthavirvada p 86
[25] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 18 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 101
[26] Bhikkhu Amritananda Mahasthavir A Short History of Theravada
Buddhism in Modern Nepal (Kath Anandakuti Vihar trust 1986) pp 8-9
Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir (Kath Anandakuti
Vihar Trust 1992) p 25
[27] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 19 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[28] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[29] Opcit Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir
p 26
[30] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit KR
Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 20
[31] Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha in Nepal
(BKK A Thesis of MA Buddhist Study Mahachulalongkorn University 2547)
p 23 [32]
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit Ratna
Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir p 26
[33] Amrit R Sthapit bdquowho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Aswaghosha‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 4 no 1 May 2001
p8
[34] helliphelliphelliphelliphellip bdquoWho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Nyanapurninka Mahasthavir‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 7
no 1 May 2004 p13 Viswo Shanti Vihar The Shanti Sandesh (Kath Viswo
Shanti Vihar 1998)
[35] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sumangala Mahasthavir
A monk who modernized Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the
LNBDS UK vol 2 no 1 May 1999 p10
[36] Opcit Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha
in Nepal pp 52ff
[37] Rina Tuladhara Dharmakirti 25 Years of Dharmakirti Buddhist
Study Circle A Glimpse (Kath Dharmakirti Vihar 1996) Mallika Sakya
bdquoWho is Who in Nepalese Buddhism Dhammavati Guruma‟ Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 5 no 1 May 2002 p10
[38] Opcit See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A
Homage Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 108
[39] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sudarshan Mahasthavir A
Gem of the Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol
6 no 1 May 2003 p13
Buddhist Art in Nepal
Main Buddha Image at Sri Kirti Vihara
Four holy places
Some of the Theravada Buddhist Viharas (Monasteries) in Nepal
Vihars In Kathmandu Valley Telephone No
1 Amarapura Buddha Vihar Bungamati 5551068
2 Anandakuti Vihar Swayambhu 4271420
3 Anandabhuwan Vihar Bhuikhyo 4270429
4 Ganamaha vihar Ganabaha 4253454
5 Gautam Buddha Vihar Panga co 4330576
6 Caturbrahma Vihar Matatirtha 4310558
7 Carumati Vihar Cabahil 4469897
8 Baudhajana Vihar Sunakothi co 5570209
9 Jitapur Gandhakuti Vihar khona Co 5542846
10 Jitawan Vihar Thankot 4311912
11 Jyoti udaya vihar Capagaun Co 5571459
12 Dhammavasa Vihar Khusibun 4358688
13 Dharmakirti Vihar Srigha Naghal 4259466
14 Dharmacakra vihar Bagbajar 4261976
15 Nagar Mandap Sri Kirti Vihar Kirtipur 4330836
16 Nagadesh Buddha Vihar Nagadesh Co 6635397
17 Nirvanmurti Anagarikaram Kindol 4285811
18 Padmasugandha Vihar Manjeshwori 4266255
19 Pranidhi Purna Mahavihar Balambu 43105924312455
20 Pati Vihar Thimi Co 6637601
21 Pippali Theravad Buddha Vihar Shiphal 4475066
22 Punya Udaya Vihar Jala Harisiddhi Co 5527456
23 Buddhabhoomi Mahavihar Tokha 4362514
24 Buddha Vihar Bhrikuti mandapa 4226702
25 Buddharatna Vihar Putalisadak 4244277
26 Bauddha samakrit Vihar Bhaktapur 6610842
27 Manimandap Vihar Patko Bhaktapur 5526517
28 Muni Vihar Bhaktapur 6616464
29 Yampi Mahavihar Ibahi Lalitpur 5539644
30 Yashodhara Baudha Bidyalaya Thaina Lalitpur 5521435
31 Biswo Shanti Vihar Baneshwor 4482384
32 Biswo Shanti Dharmakirti vihar Basundhara 4354251
33 Beluvanarama Vihar Theco Co 5570062
34 Sakyasingha Vihar Thaina Lalitpur 5524760
35 Santi Sukhawas Cakupat co 5523613
36 Siddhimangal Buddha Vihar Thasi 5581495
37 Sumangala Vihara Lagankhel 5531715
38 Sulakshan kirti Vihar Chobhar 4331718
39 Suwanrna Chatrapur Vihar Lubhu 5580430
40 Sangharama Vihar Dhalko Visnumati 4255960
41 Srigha Vihar Nagal 4259110
Vihars out side the Kathamandu Velley Telephone No
1 Ananda Vihar Tansen Co 075-520225520216
2 Citravan Vihar Narayangadha Co 056-521478
3 Taksar Vihar Tansen Co 075-520024
4 Dharmashila Buddha Vihar Phokhara 061-520517
5 Dyankuti Banepa Banepa 011-661244
6 Padma Chaitya Vihar Butawal 071-546470
7 Purwarama Vihar Dhulikhel 011-661979
8 Pragya Mahavihar Hetauda Co 057-520264520136
9 Buddha Vihar Dharan 025-520354
10 Buddha Vihar Biratnagar Co 021-522146530604
11 Beni Buddha Vihar Myagdi Co 069-520354
12 Bodhicharya vihar Banepa 011-661789
13 Lokachakra Buddha Vihar Dhan gadhi 091-622174
14 Sakyamuni Vihar Bhojpur Co 029-420260
15 Sugatapur Vihar Trisuli Co 010-560153
16 Sugandha Vihar Ridi Gulmi Co 079-529435
17 Swoyambhu Chetya Buddha Vihar Urlabari Co 021-540080
18 Swoyambhu Chetya Mahavihar Dharan Co 025-520190
19 Gyanodaya Buddha Vihar Baglung Co 068-520921520336
Footnotes
[1] This paper was written as a part of my MA thesis research on bdquoThe
Revival of Theravada Buddhism and its contribution to Nepalese Society‟ of
Mahachulalongkorn University Bangkok Thailand and would like to thank Mr
Dharma Sakya for every suggestion editing and help for the completion of this
article
[2] Nyanatiloka Buddhist Dictionary 3
rd ed The Free Distribution
version the Corporate Body of the Buddha education foundation Taiwan p
179
[3] Triratna Manandhar bdquoPresent of Buddhism in Nepal‟ (Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK Vol 8 May 2005) p 15
[4] helliphelliphelliphellip The New Encyclopedia of Britannica Vol24 (USA
Library of Congress Catalog 1993) p 781 Dhanabajra Vajracharya Cabahilko
Abhilekha (Inscription of Cabahil) The Charumati Voice (Kath Charumati
Buddhist Mission 2001) pp 17-20 Bhikkhu Sudarsan Mahasthavira Nepal
Upatyaka ma Ashokaki Chori Charumati (Charumati A daughter of
Ashoka in Nepal Valley) (The Charumati Vocie (Kath Charumati Buddhist
Mission 2001) p 20
[5] Beal Samuel Si Yu Ri Buddhist Records of the Western World
(New Delhi Motilal Banarsidass Publishers 1994) pp 80-81 Bhuwan Lal
Pradhan Nepalama Buddhadharma (Kath Nepal Rajkiya Pragyapratisthana
1988) pp 102 ndash 103
[6] NB Thapa A Short History of Nepal (Kath Ratna Pustak
bhandhar Nd) pp 30-33 Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ The
Nation Thailand‟s English Newspaper (Sunday special) Oct 18 1987
[7] Opcit NB Thapa p116
[8] David N Gellner Monk Householder and Tantric Priest Newar
Buddhism and its Hierarchy of Ritual (Cambridge University Press 1996) pp
41ff
[9] Bechert Heinz amp Jens-Uwe Hartmann ldquoObservation on the reform
of Buddhism in Nepalrdquo Journal of Nepal Research Centre vol VIII Kath
Kantipur Printing Press1988p 6
[10] Ria Kloppenborg Theravada Buddhism in Nepal‟ Kailash A
Journal of Himalayan Studies Vol 5 no 41977 p 302
[11] BP Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada Gukathan Wagu Kha (Kath
Hisi Press Nepal BS 20421985) pp44ff
[12] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p47ff
[13] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 51-53 Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal (BKK A Thesis of MA Mahamakut Graduate School
2001) p 97
[14] Bhikshu Sudarshan Mahasthavir bdquoRole of Theravada in the
Preservation of Newar Buddhism‟ wwwircnepalorgpapers
[15] Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 69-72
[16] Opcit Observation on the reform of Buddhism in Nepal p10ff
[17] Opcit Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ RV
Vandya Sanghanayaka Venerable Pragnananda Mahasthavir (Kath Nepal
Co-operative Press 1978) pp 11ff
[18] Bhkkhu Dharmaloka Mahasthavir A Pilgrimage in China (kath
published by Bhikkhu Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1999) p 13-15 Opcit Lacoul
Nepalay Sthavirvada p 74-75
[19] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka p 15
[20] Opcit Bhikkhu dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp16ff
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p100
[21] Ibit Bhikkhu Dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp 27-29
[22] See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A Homage
(Kath Anandakuti Vihar Trust 1992) Kuladharma Ratna Tuladhar Buddhism
in Nepal (Kath Dharmodaya Sabha 1986) pp15 Opcit Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 100
[23] Opcit K R Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal 16 RV Vandya
Sanghanayaka ven Pragnananda p 32 ff
[24] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka Pragnananda pp 34-35
Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthavirvada p 86
[25] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 18 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 101
[26] Bhikkhu Amritananda Mahasthavir A Short History of Theravada
Buddhism in Modern Nepal (Kath Anandakuti Vihar trust 1986) pp 8-9
Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir (Kath Anandakuti
Vihar Trust 1992) p 25
[27] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 19 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[28] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[29] Opcit Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir
p 26
[30] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit KR
Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 20
[31] Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha in Nepal
(BKK A Thesis of MA Buddhist Study Mahachulalongkorn University 2547)
p 23 [32]
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit Ratna
Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir p 26
[33] Amrit R Sthapit bdquowho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Aswaghosha‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 4 no 1 May 2001
p8
[34] helliphelliphelliphelliphellip bdquoWho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Nyanapurninka Mahasthavir‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 7
no 1 May 2004 p13 Viswo Shanti Vihar The Shanti Sandesh (Kath Viswo
Shanti Vihar 1998)
[35] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sumangala Mahasthavir
A monk who modernized Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the
LNBDS UK vol 2 no 1 May 1999 p10
[36] Opcit Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha
in Nepal pp 52ff
[37] Rina Tuladhara Dharmakirti 25 Years of Dharmakirti Buddhist
Study Circle A Glimpse (Kath Dharmakirti Vihar 1996) Mallika Sakya
bdquoWho is Who in Nepalese Buddhism Dhammavati Guruma‟ Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 5 no 1 May 2002 p10
[38] Opcit See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A
Homage Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 108
[39] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sudarshan Mahasthavir A
Gem of the Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol
6 no 1 May 2003 p13
Main Buddha Image at Sri Kirti Vihara
Four holy places
Some of the Theravada Buddhist Viharas (Monasteries) in Nepal
Vihars In Kathmandu Valley Telephone No
1 Amarapura Buddha Vihar Bungamati 5551068
2 Anandakuti Vihar Swayambhu 4271420
3 Anandabhuwan Vihar Bhuikhyo 4270429
4 Ganamaha vihar Ganabaha 4253454
5 Gautam Buddha Vihar Panga co 4330576
6 Caturbrahma Vihar Matatirtha 4310558
7 Carumati Vihar Cabahil 4469897
8 Baudhajana Vihar Sunakothi co 5570209
9 Jitapur Gandhakuti Vihar khona Co 5542846
10 Jitawan Vihar Thankot 4311912
11 Jyoti udaya vihar Capagaun Co 5571459
12 Dhammavasa Vihar Khusibun 4358688
13 Dharmakirti Vihar Srigha Naghal 4259466
14 Dharmacakra vihar Bagbajar 4261976
15 Nagar Mandap Sri Kirti Vihar Kirtipur 4330836
16 Nagadesh Buddha Vihar Nagadesh Co 6635397
17 Nirvanmurti Anagarikaram Kindol 4285811
18 Padmasugandha Vihar Manjeshwori 4266255
19 Pranidhi Purna Mahavihar Balambu 43105924312455
20 Pati Vihar Thimi Co 6637601
21 Pippali Theravad Buddha Vihar Shiphal 4475066
22 Punya Udaya Vihar Jala Harisiddhi Co 5527456
23 Buddhabhoomi Mahavihar Tokha 4362514
24 Buddha Vihar Bhrikuti mandapa 4226702
25 Buddharatna Vihar Putalisadak 4244277
26 Bauddha samakrit Vihar Bhaktapur 6610842
27 Manimandap Vihar Patko Bhaktapur 5526517
28 Muni Vihar Bhaktapur 6616464
29 Yampi Mahavihar Ibahi Lalitpur 5539644
30 Yashodhara Baudha Bidyalaya Thaina Lalitpur 5521435
31 Biswo Shanti Vihar Baneshwor 4482384
32 Biswo Shanti Dharmakirti vihar Basundhara 4354251
33 Beluvanarama Vihar Theco Co 5570062
34 Sakyasingha Vihar Thaina Lalitpur 5524760
35 Santi Sukhawas Cakupat co 5523613
36 Siddhimangal Buddha Vihar Thasi 5581495
37 Sumangala Vihara Lagankhel 5531715
38 Sulakshan kirti Vihar Chobhar 4331718
39 Suwanrna Chatrapur Vihar Lubhu 5580430
40 Sangharama Vihar Dhalko Visnumati 4255960
41 Srigha Vihar Nagal 4259110
Vihars out side the Kathamandu Velley Telephone No
1 Ananda Vihar Tansen Co 075-520225520216
2 Citravan Vihar Narayangadha Co 056-521478
3 Taksar Vihar Tansen Co 075-520024
4 Dharmashila Buddha Vihar Phokhara 061-520517
5 Dyankuti Banepa Banepa 011-661244
6 Padma Chaitya Vihar Butawal 071-546470
7 Purwarama Vihar Dhulikhel 011-661979
8 Pragya Mahavihar Hetauda Co 057-520264520136
9 Buddha Vihar Dharan 025-520354
10 Buddha Vihar Biratnagar Co 021-522146530604
11 Beni Buddha Vihar Myagdi Co 069-520354
12 Bodhicharya vihar Banepa 011-661789
13 Lokachakra Buddha Vihar Dhan gadhi 091-622174
14 Sakyamuni Vihar Bhojpur Co 029-420260
15 Sugatapur Vihar Trisuli Co 010-560153
16 Sugandha Vihar Ridi Gulmi Co 079-529435
17 Swoyambhu Chetya Buddha Vihar Urlabari Co 021-540080
18 Swoyambhu Chetya Mahavihar Dharan Co 025-520190
19 Gyanodaya Buddha Vihar Baglung Co 068-520921520336
Footnotes
[1] This paper was written as a part of my MA thesis research on bdquoThe
Revival of Theravada Buddhism and its contribution to Nepalese Society‟ of
Mahachulalongkorn University Bangkok Thailand and would like to thank Mr
Dharma Sakya for every suggestion editing and help for the completion of this
article
[2] Nyanatiloka Buddhist Dictionary 3
rd ed The Free Distribution
version the Corporate Body of the Buddha education foundation Taiwan p
179
[3] Triratna Manandhar bdquoPresent of Buddhism in Nepal‟ (Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK Vol 8 May 2005) p 15
[4] helliphelliphelliphellip The New Encyclopedia of Britannica Vol24 (USA
Library of Congress Catalog 1993) p 781 Dhanabajra Vajracharya Cabahilko
Abhilekha (Inscription of Cabahil) The Charumati Voice (Kath Charumati
Buddhist Mission 2001) pp 17-20 Bhikkhu Sudarsan Mahasthavira Nepal
Upatyaka ma Ashokaki Chori Charumati (Charumati A daughter of
Ashoka in Nepal Valley) (The Charumati Vocie (Kath Charumati Buddhist
Mission 2001) p 20
[5] Beal Samuel Si Yu Ri Buddhist Records of the Western World
(New Delhi Motilal Banarsidass Publishers 1994) pp 80-81 Bhuwan Lal
Pradhan Nepalama Buddhadharma (Kath Nepal Rajkiya Pragyapratisthana
1988) pp 102 ndash 103
[6] NB Thapa A Short History of Nepal (Kath Ratna Pustak
bhandhar Nd) pp 30-33 Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ The
Nation Thailand‟s English Newspaper (Sunday special) Oct 18 1987
[7] Opcit NB Thapa p116
[8] David N Gellner Monk Householder and Tantric Priest Newar
Buddhism and its Hierarchy of Ritual (Cambridge University Press 1996) pp
41ff
[9] Bechert Heinz amp Jens-Uwe Hartmann ldquoObservation on the reform
of Buddhism in Nepalrdquo Journal of Nepal Research Centre vol VIII Kath
Kantipur Printing Press1988p 6
[10] Ria Kloppenborg Theravada Buddhism in Nepal‟ Kailash A
Journal of Himalayan Studies Vol 5 no 41977 p 302
[11] BP Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada Gukathan Wagu Kha (Kath
Hisi Press Nepal BS 20421985) pp44ff
[12] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p47ff
[13] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 51-53 Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal (BKK A Thesis of MA Mahamakut Graduate School
2001) p 97
[14] Bhikshu Sudarshan Mahasthavir bdquoRole of Theravada in the
Preservation of Newar Buddhism‟ wwwircnepalorgpapers
[15] Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 69-72
[16] Opcit Observation on the reform of Buddhism in Nepal p10ff
[17] Opcit Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ RV
Vandya Sanghanayaka Venerable Pragnananda Mahasthavir (Kath Nepal
Co-operative Press 1978) pp 11ff
[18] Bhkkhu Dharmaloka Mahasthavir A Pilgrimage in China (kath
published by Bhikkhu Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1999) p 13-15 Opcit Lacoul
Nepalay Sthavirvada p 74-75
[19] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka p 15
[20] Opcit Bhikkhu dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp16ff
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p100
[21] Ibit Bhikkhu Dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp 27-29
[22] See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A Homage
(Kath Anandakuti Vihar Trust 1992) Kuladharma Ratna Tuladhar Buddhism
in Nepal (Kath Dharmodaya Sabha 1986) pp15 Opcit Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 100
[23] Opcit K R Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal 16 RV Vandya
Sanghanayaka ven Pragnananda p 32 ff
[24] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka Pragnananda pp 34-35
Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthavirvada p 86
[25] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 18 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 101
[26] Bhikkhu Amritananda Mahasthavir A Short History of Theravada
Buddhism in Modern Nepal (Kath Anandakuti Vihar trust 1986) pp 8-9
Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir (Kath Anandakuti
Vihar Trust 1992) p 25
[27] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 19 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[28] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[29] Opcit Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir
p 26
[30] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit KR
Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 20
[31] Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha in Nepal
(BKK A Thesis of MA Buddhist Study Mahachulalongkorn University 2547)
p 23 [32]
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit Ratna
Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir p 26
[33] Amrit R Sthapit bdquowho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Aswaghosha‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 4 no 1 May 2001
p8
[34] helliphelliphelliphelliphellip bdquoWho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Nyanapurninka Mahasthavir‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 7
no 1 May 2004 p13 Viswo Shanti Vihar The Shanti Sandesh (Kath Viswo
Shanti Vihar 1998)
[35] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sumangala Mahasthavir
A monk who modernized Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the
LNBDS UK vol 2 no 1 May 1999 p10
[36] Opcit Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha
in Nepal pp 52ff
[37] Rina Tuladhara Dharmakirti 25 Years of Dharmakirti Buddhist
Study Circle A Glimpse (Kath Dharmakirti Vihar 1996) Mallika Sakya
bdquoWho is Who in Nepalese Buddhism Dhammavati Guruma‟ Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 5 no 1 May 2002 p10
[38] Opcit See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A
Homage Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 108
[39] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sudarshan Mahasthavir A
Gem of the Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol
6 no 1 May 2003 p13
Four holy places
Some of the Theravada Buddhist Viharas (Monasteries) in Nepal
Vihars In Kathmandu Valley Telephone No
1 Amarapura Buddha Vihar Bungamati 5551068
2 Anandakuti Vihar Swayambhu 4271420
3 Anandabhuwan Vihar Bhuikhyo 4270429
4 Ganamaha vihar Ganabaha 4253454
5 Gautam Buddha Vihar Panga co 4330576
6 Caturbrahma Vihar Matatirtha 4310558
7 Carumati Vihar Cabahil 4469897
8 Baudhajana Vihar Sunakothi co 5570209
9 Jitapur Gandhakuti Vihar khona Co 5542846
10 Jitawan Vihar Thankot 4311912
11 Jyoti udaya vihar Capagaun Co 5571459
12 Dhammavasa Vihar Khusibun 4358688
13 Dharmakirti Vihar Srigha Naghal 4259466
14 Dharmacakra vihar Bagbajar 4261976
15 Nagar Mandap Sri Kirti Vihar Kirtipur 4330836
16 Nagadesh Buddha Vihar Nagadesh Co 6635397
17 Nirvanmurti Anagarikaram Kindol 4285811
18 Padmasugandha Vihar Manjeshwori 4266255
19 Pranidhi Purna Mahavihar Balambu 43105924312455
20 Pati Vihar Thimi Co 6637601
21 Pippali Theravad Buddha Vihar Shiphal 4475066
22 Punya Udaya Vihar Jala Harisiddhi Co 5527456
23 Buddhabhoomi Mahavihar Tokha 4362514
24 Buddha Vihar Bhrikuti mandapa 4226702
25 Buddharatna Vihar Putalisadak 4244277
26 Bauddha samakrit Vihar Bhaktapur 6610842
27 Manimandap Vihar Patko Bhaktapur 5526517
28 Muni Vihar Bhaktapur 6616464
29 Yampi Mahavihar Ibahi Lalitpur 5539644
30 Yashodhara Baudha Bidyalaya Thaina Lalitpur 5521435
31 Biswo Shanti Vihar Baneshwor 4482384
32 Biswo Shanti Dharmakirti vihar Basundhara 4354251
33 Beluvanarama Vihar Theco Co 5570062
34 Sakyasingha Vihar Thaina Lalitpur 5524760
35 Santi Sukhawas Cakupat co 5523613
36 Siddhimangal Buddha Vihar Thasi 5581495
37 Sumangala Vihara Lagankhel 5531715
38 Sulakshan kirti Vihar Chobhar 4331718
39 Suwanrna Chatrapur Vihar Lubhu 5580430
40 Sangharama Vihar Dhalko Visnumati 4255960
41 Srigha Vihar Nagal 4259110
Vihars out side the Kathamandu Velley Telephone No
1 Ananda Vihar Tansen Co 075-520225520216
2 Citravan Vihar Narayangadha Co 056-521478
3 Taksar Vihar Tansen Co 075-520024
4 Dharmashila Buddha Vihar Phokhara 061-520517
5 Dyankuti Banepa Banepa 011-661244
6 Padma Chaitya Vihar Butawal 071-546470
7 Purwarama Vihar Dhulikhel 011-661979
8 Pragya Mahavihar Hetauda Co 057-520264520136
9 Buddha Vihar Dharan 025-520354
10 Buddha Vihar Biratnagar Co 021-522146530604
11 Beni Buddha Vihar Myagdi Co 069-520354
12 Bodhicharya vihar Banepa 011-661789
13 Lokachakra Buddha Vihar Dhan gadhi 091-622174
14 Sakyamuni Vihar Bhojpur Co 029-420260
15 Sugatapur Vihar Trisuli Co 010-560153
16 Sugandha Vihar Ridi Gulmi Co 079-529435
17 Swoyambhu Chetya Buddha Vihar Urlabari Co 021-540080
18 Swoyambhu Chetya Mahavihar Dharan Co 025-520190
19 Gyanodaya Buddha Vihar Baglung Co 068-520921520336
Footnotes
[1] This paper was written as a part of my MA thesis research on bdquoThe
Revival of Theravada Buddhism and its contribution to Nepalese Society‟ of
Mahachulalongkorn University Bangkok Thailand and would like to thank Mr
Dharma Sakya for every suggestion editing and help for the completion of this
article
[2] Nyanatiloka Buddhist Dictionary 3
rd ed The Free Distribution
version the Corporate Body of the Buddha education foundation Taiwan p
179
[3] Triratna Manandhar bdquoPresent of Buddhism in Nepal‟ (Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK Vol 8 May 2005) p 15
[4] helliphelliphelliphellip The New Encyclopedia of Britannica Vol24 (USA
Library of Congress Catalog 1993) p 781 Dhanabajra Vajracharya Cabahilko
Abhilekha (Inscription of Cabahil) The Charumati Voice (Kath Charumati
Buddhist Mission 2001) pp 17-20 Bhikkhu Sudarsan Mahasthavira Nepal
Upatyaka ma Ashokaki Chori Charumati (Charumati A daughter of
Ashoka in Nepal Valley) (The Charumati Vocie (Kath Charumati Buddhist
Mission 2001) p 20
[5] Beal Samuel Si Yu Ri Buddhist Records of the Western World
(New Delhi Motilal Banarsidass Publishers 1994) pp 80-81 Bhuwan Lal
Pradhan Nepalama Buddhadharma (Kath Nepal Rajkiya Pragyapratisthana
1988) pp 102 ndash 103
[6] NB Thapa A Short History of Nepal (Kath Ratna Pustak
bhandhar Nd) pp 30-33 Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ The
Nation Thailand‟s English Newspaper (Sunday special) Oct 18 1987
[7] Opcit NB Thapa p116
[8] David N Gellner Monk Householder and Tantric Priest Newar
Buddhism and its Hierarchy of Ritual (Cambridge University Press 1996) pp
41ff
[9] Bechert Heinz amp Jens-Uwe Hartmann ldquoObservation on the reform
of Buddhism in Nepalrdquo Journal of Nepal Research Centre vol VIII Kath
Kantipur Printing Press1988p 6
[10] Ria Kloppenborg Theravada Buddhism in Nepal‟ Kailash A
Journal of Himalayan Studies Vol 5 no 41977 p 302
[11] BP Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada Gukathan Wagu Kha (Kath
Hisi Press Nepal BS 20421985) pp44ff
[12] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p47ff
[13] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 51-53 Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal (BKK A Thesis of MA Mahamakut Graduate School
2001) p 97
[14] Bhikshu Sudarshan Mahasthavir bdquoRole of Theravada in the
Preservation of Newar Buddhism‟ wwwircnepalorgpapers
[15] Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 69-72
[16] Opcit Observation on the reform of Buddhism in Nepal p10ff
[17] Opcit Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ RV
Vandya Sanghanayaka Venerable Pragnananda Mahasthavir (Kath Nepal
Co-operative Press 1978) pp 11ff
[18] Bhkkhu Dharmaloka Mahasthavir A Pilgrimage in China (kath
published by Bhikkhu Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1999) p 13-15 Opcit Lacoul
Nepalay Sthavirvada p 74-75
[19] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka p 15
[20] Opcit Bhikkhu dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp16ff
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p100
[21] Ibit Bhikkhu Dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp 27-29
[22] See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A Homage
(Kath Anandakuti Vihar Trust 1992) Kuladharma Ratna Tuladhar Buddhism
in Nepal (Kath Dharmodaya Sabha 1986) pp15 Opcit Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 100
[23] Opcit K R Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal 16 RV Vandya
Sanghanayaka ven Pragnananda p 32 ff
[24] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka Pragnananda pp 34-35
Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthavirvada p 86
[25] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 18 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 101
[26] Bhikkhu Amritananda Mahasthavir A Short History of Theravada
Buddhism in Modern Nepal (Kath Anandakuti Vihar trust 1986) pp 8-9
Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir (Kath Anandakuti
Vihar Trust 1992) p 25
[27] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 19 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[28] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[29] Opcit Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir
p 26
[30] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit KR
Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 20
[31] Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha in Nepal
(BKK A Thesis of MA Buddhist Study Mahachulalongkorn University 2547)
p 23 [32]
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit Ratna
Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir p 26
[33] Amrit R Sthapit bdquowho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Aswaghosha‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 4 no 1 May 2001
p8
[34] helliphelliphelliphelliphellip bdquoWho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Nyanapurninka Mahasthavir‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 7
no 1 May 2004 p13 Viswo Shanti Vihar The Shanti Sandesh (Kath Viswo
Shanti Vihar 1998)
[35] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sumangala Mahasthavir
A monk who modernized Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the
LNBDS UK vol 2 no 1 May 1999 p10
[36] Opcit Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha
in Nepal pp 52ff
[37] Rina Tuladhara Dharmakirti 25 Years of Dharmakirti Buddhist
Study Circle A Glimpse (Kath Dharmakirti Vihar 1996) Mallika Sakya
bdquoWho is Who in Nepalese Buddhism Dhammavati Guruma‟ Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 5 no 1 May 2002 p10
[38] Opcit See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A
Homage Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 108
[39] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sudarshan Mahasthavir A
Gem of the Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol
6 no 1 May 2003 p13
Some of the Theravada Buddhist Viharas (Monasteries) in Nepal
Vihars In Kathmandu Valley Telephone No
1 Amarapura Buddha Vihar Bungamati 5551068
2 Anandakuti Vihar Swayambhu 4271420
3 Anandabhuwan Vihar Bhuikhyo 4270429
4 Ganamaha vihar Ganabaha 4253454
5 Gautam Buddha Vihar Panga co 4330576
6 Caturbrahma Vihar Matatirtha 4310558
7 Carumati Vihar Cabahil 4469897
8 Baudhajana Vihar Sunakothi co 5570209
9 Jitapur Gandhakuti Vihar khona Co 5542846
10 Jitawan Vihar Thankot 4311912
11 Jyoti udaya vihar Capagaun Co 5571459
12 Dhammavasa Vihar Khusibun 4358688
13 Dharmakirti Vihar Srigha Naghal 4259466
14 Dharmacakra vihar Bagbajar 4261976
15 Nagar Mandap Sri Kirti Vihar Kirtipur 4330836
16 Nagadesh Buddha Vihar Nagadesh Co 6635397
17 Nirvanmurti Anagarikaram Kindol 4285811
18 Padmasugandha Vihar Manjeshwori 4266255
19 Pranidhi Purna Mahavihar Balambu 43105924312455
20 Pati Vihar Thimi Co 6637601
21 Pippali Theravad Buddha Vihar Shiphal 4475066
22 Punya Udaya Vihar Jala Harisiddhi Co 5527456
23 Buddhabhoomi Mahavihar Tokha 4362514
24 Buddha Vihar Bhrikuti mandapa 4226702
25 Buddharatna Vihar Putalisadak 4244277
26 Bauddha samakrit Vihar Bhaktapur 6610842
27 Manimandap Vihar Patko Bhaktapur 5526517
28 Muni Vihar Bhaktapur 6616464
29 Yampi Mahavihar Ibahi Lalitpur 5539644
30 Yashodhara Baudha Bidyalaya Thaina Lalitpur 5521435
31 Biswo Shanti Vihar Baneshwor 4482384
32 Biswo Shanti Dharmakirti vihar Basundhara 4354251
33 Beluvanarama Vihar Theco Co 5570062
34 Sakyasingha Vihar Thaina Lalitpur 5524760
35 Santi Sukhawas Cakupat co 5523613
36 Siddhimangal Buddha Vihar Thasi 5581495
37 Sumangala Vihara Lagankhel 5531715
38 Sulakshan kirti Vihar Chobhar 4331718
39 Suwanrna Chatrapur Vihar Lubhu 5580430
40 Sangharama Vihar Dhalko Visnumati 4255960
41 Srigha Vihar Nagal 4259110
Vihars out side the Kathamandu Velley Telephone No
1 Ananda Vihar Tansen Co 075-520225520216
2 Citravan Vihar Narayangadha Co 056-521478
3 Taksar Vihar Tansen Co 075-520024
4 Dharmashila Buddha Vihar Phokhara 061-520517
5 Dyankuti Banepa Banepa 011-661244
6 Padma Chaitya Vihar Butawal 071-546470
7 Purwarama Vihar Dhulikhel 011-661979
8 Pragya Mahavihar Hetauda Co 057-520264520136
9 Buddha Vihar Dharan 025-520354
10 Buddha Vihar Biratnagar Co 021-522146530604
11 Beni Buddha Vihar Myagdi Co 069-520354
12 Bodhicharya vihar Banepa 011-661789
13 Lokachakra Buddha Vihar Dhan gadhi 091-622174
14 Sakyamuni Vihar Bhojpur Co 029-420260
15 Sugatapur Vihar Trisuli Co 010-560153
16 Sugandha Vihar Ridi Gulmi Co 079-529435
17 Swoyambhu Chetya Buddha Vihar Urlabari Co 021-540080
18 Swoyambhu Chetya Mahavihar Dharan Co 025-520190
19 Gyanodaya Buddha Vihar Baglung Co 068-520921520336
Footnotes
[1] This paper was written as a part of my MA thesis research on bdquoThe
Revival of Theravada Buddhism and its contribution to Nepalese Society‟ of
Mahachulalongkorn University Bangkok Thailand and would like to thank Mr
Dharma Sakya for every suggestion editing and help for the completion of this
article
[2] Nyanatiloka Buddhist Dictionary 3
rd ed The Free Distribution
version the Corporate Body of the Buddha education foundation Taiwan p
179
[3] Triratna Manandhar bdquoPresent of Buddhism in Nepal‟ (Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK Vol 8 May 2005) p 15
[4] helliphelliphelliphellip The New Encyclopedia of Britannica Vol24 (USA
Library of Congress Catalog 1993) p 781 Dhanabajra Vajracharya Cabahilko
Abhilekha (Inscription of Cabahil) The Charumati Voice (Kath Charumati
Buddhist Mission 2001) pp 17-20 Bhikkhu Sudarsan Mahasthavira Nepal
Upatyaka ma Ashokaki Chori Charumati (Charumati A daughter of
Ashoka in Nepal Valley) (The Charumati Vocie (Kath Charumati Buddhist
Mission 2001) p 20
[5] Beal Samuel Si Yu Ri Buddhist Records of the Western World
(New Delhi Motilal Banarsidass Publishers 1994) pp 80-81 Bhuwan Lal
Pradhan Nepalama Buddhadharma (Kath Nepal Rajkiya Pragyapratisthana
1988) pp 102 ndash 103
[6] NB Thapa A Short History of Nepal (Kath Ratna Pustak
bhandhar Nd) pp 30-33 Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ The
Nation Thailand‟s English Newspaper (Sunday special) Oct 18 1987
[7] Opcit NB Thapa p116
[8] David N Gellner Monk Householder and Tantric Priest Newar
Buddhism and its Hierarchy of Ritual (Cambridge University Press 1996) pp
41ff
[9] Bechert Heinz amp Jens-Uwe Hartmann ldquoObservation on the reform
of Buddhism in Nepalrdquo Journal of Nepal Research Centre vol VIII Kath
Kantipur Printing Press1988p 6
[10] Ria Kloppenborg Theravada Buddhism in Nepal‟ Kailash A
Journal of Himalayan Studies Vol 5 no 41977 p 302
[11] BP Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada Gukathan Wagu Kha (Kath
Hisi Press Nepal BS 20421985) pp44ff
[12] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p47ff
[13] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 51-53 Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal (BKK A Thesis of MA Mahamakut Graduate School
2001) p 97
[14] Bhikshu Sudarshan Mahasthavir bdquoRole of Theravada in the
Preservation of Newar Buddhism‟ wwwircnepalorgpapers
[15] Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 69-72
[16] Opcit Observation on the reform of Buddhism in Nepal p10ff
[17] Opcit Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ RV
Vandya Sanghanayaka Venerable Pragnananda Mahasthavir (Kath Nepal
Co-operative Press 1978) pp 11ff
[18] Bhkkhu Dharmaloka Mahasthavir A Pilgrimage in China (kath
published by Bhikkhu Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1999) p 13-15 Opcit Lacoul
Nepalay Sthavirvada p 74-75
[19] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka p 15
[20] Opcit Bhikkhu dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp16ff
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p100
[21] Ibit Bhikkhu Dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp 27-29
[22] See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A Homage
(Kath Anandakuti Vihar Trust 1992) Kuladharma Ratna Tuladhar Buddhism
in Nepal (Kath Dharmodaya Sabha 1986) pp15 Opcit Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 100
[23] Opcit K R Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal 16 RV Vandya
Sanghanayaka ven Pragnananda p 32 ff
[24] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka Pragnananda pp 34-35
Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthavirvada p 86
[25] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 18 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 101
[26] Bhikkhu Amritananda Mahasthavir A Short History of Theravada
Buddhism in Modern Nepal (Kath Anandakuti Vihar trust 1986) pp 8-9
Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir (Kath Anandakuti
Vihar Trust 1992) p 25
[27] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 19 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[28] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[29] Opcit Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir
p 26
[30] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit KR
Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 20
[31] Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha in Nepal
(BKK A Thesis of MA Buddhist Study Mahachulalongkorn University 2547)
p 23 [32]
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit Ratna
Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir p 26
[33] Amrit R Sthapit bdquowho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Aswaghosha‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 4 no 1 May 2001
p8
[34] helliphelliphelliphelliphellip bdquoWho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Nyanapurninka Mahasthavir‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 7
no 1 May 2004 p13 Viswo Shanti Vihar The Shanti Sandesh (Kath Viswo
Shanti Vihar 1998)
[35] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sumangala Mahasthavir
A monk who modernized Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the
LNBDS UK vol 2 no 1 May 1999 p10
[36] Opcit Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha
in Nepal pp 52ff
[37] Rina Tuladhara Dharmakirti 25 Years of Dharmakirti Buddhist
Study Circle A Glimpse (Kath Dharmakirti Vihar 1996) Mallika Sakya
bdquoWho is Who in Nepalese Buddhism Dhammavati Guruma‟ Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 5 no 1 May 2002 p10
[38] Opcit See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A
Homage Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 108
[39] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sudarshan Mahasthavir A
Gem of the Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol
6 no 1 May 2003 p13
35 Santi Sukhawas Cakupat co 5523613
36 Siddhimangal Buddha Vihar Thasi 5581495
37 Sumangala Vihara Lagankhel 5531715
38 Sulakshan kirti Vihar Chobhar 4331718
39 Suwanrna Chatrapur Vihar Lubhu 5580430
40 Sangharama Vihar Dhalko Visnumati 4255960
41 Srigha Vihar Nagal 4259110
Vihars out side the Kathamandu Velley Telephone No
1 Ananda Vihar Tansen Co 075-520225520216
2 Citravan Vihar Narayangadha Co 056-521478
3 Taksar Vihar Tansen Co 075-520024
4 Dharmashila Buddha Vihar Phokhara 061-520517
5 Dyankuti Banepa Banepa 011-661244
6 Padma Chaitya Vihar Butawal 071-546470
7 Purwarama Vihar Dhulikhel 011-661979
8 Pragya Mahavihar Hetauda Co 057-520264520136
9 Buddha Vihar Dharan 025-520354
10 Buddha Vihar Biratnagar Co 021-522146530604
11 Beni Buddha Vihar Myagdi Co 069-520354
12 Bodhicharya vihar Banepa 011-661789
13 Lokachakra Buddha Vihar Dhan gadhi 091-622174
14 Sakyamuni Vihar Bhojpur Co 029-420260
15 Sugatapur Vihar Trisuli Co 010-560153
16 Sugandha Vihar Ridi Gulmi Co 079-529435
17 Swoyambhu Chetya Buddha Vihar Urlabari Co 021-540080
18 Swoyambhu Chetya Mahavihar Dharan Co 025-520190
19 Gyanodaya Buddha Vihar Baglung Co 068-520921520336
Footnotes
[1] This paper was written as a part of my MA thesis research on bdquoThe
Revival of Theravada Buddhism and its contribution to Nepalese Society‟ of
Mahachulalongkorn University Bangkok Thailand and would like to thank Mr
Dharma Sakya for every suggestion editing and help for the completion of this
article
[2] Nyanatiloka Buddhist Dictionary 3
rd ed The Free Distribution
version the Corporate Body of the Buddha education foundation Taiwan p
179
[3] Triratna Manandhar bdquoPresent of Buddhism in Nepal‟ (Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK Vol 8 May 2005) p 15
[4] helliphelliphelliphellip The New Encyclopedia of Britannica Vol24 (USA
Library of Congress Catalog 1993) p 781 Dhanabajra Vajracharya Cabahilko
Abhilekha (Inscription of Cabahil) The Charumati Voice (Kath Charumati
Buddhist Mission 2001) pp 17-20 Bhikkhu Sudarsan Mahasthavira Nepal
Upatyaka ma Ashokaki Chori Charumati (Charumati A daughter of
Ashoka in Nepal Valley) (The Charumati Vocie (Kath Charumati Buddhist
Mission 2001) p 20
[5] Beal Samuel Si Yu Ri Buddhist Records of the Western World
(New Delhi Motilal Banarsidass Publishers 1994) pp 80-81 Bhuwan Lal
Pradhan Nepalama Buddhadharma (Kath Nepal Rajkiya Pragyapratisthana
1988) pp 102 ndash 103
[6] NB Thapa A Short History of Nepal (Kath Ratna Pustak
bhandhar Nd) pp 30-33 Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ The
Nation Thailand‟s English Newspaper (Sunday special) Oct 18 1987
[7] Opcit NB Thapa p116
[8] David N Gellner Monk Householder and Tantric Priest Newar
Buddhism and its Hierarchy of Ritual (Cambridge University Press 1996) pp
41ff
[9] Bechert Heinz amp Jens-Uwe Hartmann ldquoObservation on the reform
of Buddhism in Nepalrdquo Journal of Nepal Research Centre vol VIII Kath
Kantipur Printing Press1988p 6
[10] Ria Kloppenborg Theravada Buddhism in Nepal‟ Kailash A
Journal of Himalayan Studies Vol 5 no 41977 p 302
[11] BP Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada Gukathan Wagu Kha (Kath
Hisi Press Nepal BS 20421985) pp44ff
[12] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p47ff
[13] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 51-53 Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal (BKK A Thesis of MA Mahamakut Graduate School
2001) p 97
[14] Bhikshu Sudarshan Mahasthavir bdquoRole of Theravada in the
Preservation of Newar Buddhism‟ wwwircnepalorgpapers
[15] Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 69-72
[16] Opcit Observation on the reform of Buddhism in Nepal p10ff
[17] Opcit Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ RV
Vandya Sanghanayaka Venerable Pragnananda Mahasthavir (Kath Nepal
Co-operative Press 1978) pp 11ff
[18] Bhkkhu Dharmaloka Mahasthavir A Pilgrimage in China (kath
published by Bhikkhu Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1999) p 13-15 Opcit Lacoul
Nepalay Sthavirvada p 74-75
[19] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka p 15
[20] Opcit Bhikkhu dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp16ff
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p100
[21] Ibit Bhikkhu Dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp 27-29
[22] See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A Homage
(Kath Anandakuti Vihar Trust 1992) Kuladharma Ratna Tuladhar Buddhism
in Nepal (Kath Dharmodaya Sabha 1986) pp15 Opcit Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 100
[23] Opcit K R Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal 16 RV Vandya
Sanghanayaka ven Pragnananda p 32 ff
[24] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka Pragnananda pp 34-35
Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthavirvada p 86
[25] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 18 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 101
[26] Bhikkhu Amritananda Mahasthavir A Short History of Theravada
Buddhism in Modern Nepal (Kath Anandakuti Vihar trust 1986) pp 8-9
Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir (Kath Anandakuti
Vihar Trust 1992) p 25
[27] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 19 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[28] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[29] Opcit Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir
p 26
[30] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit KR
Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 20
[31] Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha in Nepal
(BKK A Thesis of MA Buddhist Study Mahachulalongkorn University 2547)
p 23 [32]
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit Ratna
Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir p 26
[33] Amrit R Sthapit bdquowho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Aswaghosha‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 4 no 1 May 2001
p8
[34] helliphelliphelliphelliphellip bdquoWho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Nyanapurninka Mahasthavir‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 7
no 1 May 2004 p13 Viswo Shanti Vihar The Shanti Sandesh (Kath Viswo
Shanti Vihar 1998)
[35] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sumangala Mahasthavir
A monk who modernized Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the
LNBDS UK vol 2 no 1 May 1999 p10
[36] Opcit Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha
in Nepal pp 52ff
[37] Rina Tuladhara Dharmakirti 25 Years of Dharmakirti Buddhist
Study Circle A Glimpse (Kath Dharmakirti Vihar 1996) Mallika Sakya
bdquoWho is Who in Nepalese Buddhism Dhammavati Guruma‟ Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 5 no 1 May 2002 p10
[38] Opcit See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A
Homage Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 108
[39] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sudarshan Mahasthavir A
Gem of the Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol
6 no 1 May 2003 p13
Footnotes
[1] This paper was written as a part of my MA thesis research on bdquoThe
Revival of Theravada Buddhism and its contribution to Nepalese Society‟ of
Mahachulalongkorn University Bangkok Thailand and would like to thank Mr
Dharma Sakya for every suggestion editing and help for the completion of this
article
[2] Nyanatiloka Buddhist Dictionary 3
rd ed The Free Distribution
version the Corporate Body of the Buddha education foundation Taiwan p
179
[3] Triratna Manandhar bdquoPresent of Buddhism in Nepal‟ (Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK Vol 8 May 2005) p 15
[4] helliphelliphelliphellip The New Encyclopedia of Britannica Vol24 (USA
Library of Congress Catalog 1993) p 781 Dhanabajra Vajracharya Cabahilko
Abhilekha (Inscription of Cabahil) The Charumati Voice (Kath Charumati
Buddhist Mission 2001) pp 17-20 Bhikkhu Sudarsan Mahasthavira Nepal
Upatyaka ma Ashokaki Chori Charumati (Charumati A daughter of
Ashoka in Nepal Valley) (The Charumati Vocie (Kath Charumati Buddhist
Mission 2001) p 20
[5] Beal Samuel Si Yu Ri Buddhist Records of the Western World
(New Delhi Motilal Banarsidass Publishers 1994) pp 80-81 Bhuwan Lal
Pradhan Nepalama Buddhadharma (Kath Nepal Rajkiya Pragyapratisthana
1988) pp 102 ndash 103
[6] NB Thapa A Short History of Nepal (Kath Ratna Pustak
bhandhar Nd) pp 30-33 Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ The
Nation Thailand‟s English Newspaper (Sunday special) Oct 18 1987
[7] Opcit NB Thapa p116
[8] David N Gellner Monk Householder and Tantric Priest Newar
Buddhism and its Hierarchy of Ritual (Cambridge University Press 1996) pp
41ff
[9] Bechert Heinz amp Jens-Uwe Hartmann ldquoObservation on the reform
of Buddhism in Nepalrdquo Journal of Nepal Research Centre vol VIII Kath
Kantipur Printing Press1988p 6
[10] Ria Kloppenborg Theravada Buddhism in Nepal‟ Kailash A
Journal of Himalayan Studies Vol 5 no 41977 p 302
[11] BP Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada Gukathan Wagu Kha (Kath
Hisi Press Nepal BS 20421985) pp44ff
[12] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p47ff
[13] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 51-53 Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal (BKK A Thesis of MA Mahamakut Graduate School
2001) p 97
[14] Bhikshu Sudarshan Mahasthavir bdquoRole of Theravada in the
Preservation of Newar Buddhism‟ wwwircnepalorgpapers
[15] Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 69-72
[16] Opcit Observation on the reform of Buddhism in Nepal p10ff
[17] Opcit Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ RV
Vandya Sanghanayaka Venerable Pragnananda Mahasthavir (Kath Nepal
Co-operative Press 1978) pp 11ff
[18] Bhkkhu Dharmaloka Mahasthavir A Pilgrimage in China (kath
published by Bhikkhu Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1999) p 13-15 Opcit Lacoul
Nepalay Sthavirvada p 74-75
[19] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka p 15
[20] Opcit Bhikkhu dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp16ff
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p100
[21] Ibit Bhikkhu Dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp 27-29
[22] See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A Homage
(Kath Anandakuti Vihar Trust 1992) Kuladharma Ratna Tuladhar Buddhism
in Nepal (Kath Dharmodaya Sabha 1986) pp15 Opcit Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 100
[23] Opcit K R Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal 16 RV Vandya
Sanghanayaka ven Pragnananda p 32 ff
[24] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka Pragnananda pp 34-35
Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthavirvada p 86
[25] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 18 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 101
[26] Bhikkhu Amritananda Mahasthavir A Short History of Theravada
Buddhism in Modern Nepal (Kath Anandakuti Vihar trust 1986) pp 8-9
Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir (Kath Anandakuti
Vihar Trust 1992) p 25
[27] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 19 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[28] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[29] Opcit Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir
p 26
[30] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit KR
Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 20
[31] Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha in Nepal
(BKK A Thesis of MA Buddhist Study Mahachulalongkorn University 2547)
p 23 [32]
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit Ratna
Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir p 26
[33] Amrit R Sthapit bdquowho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Aswaghosha‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 4 no 1 May 2001
p8
[34] helliphelliphelliphelliphellip bdquoWho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Nyanapurninka Mahasthavir‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 7
no 1 May 2004 p13 Viswo Shanti Vihar The Shanti Sandesh (Kath Viswo
Shanti Vihar 1998)
[35] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sumangala Mahasthavir
A monk who modernized Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the
LNBDS UK vol 2 no 1 May 1999 p10
[36] Opcit Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha
in Nepal pp 52ff
[37] Rina Tuladhara Dharmakirti 25 Years of Dharmakirti Buddhist
Study Circle A Glimpse (Kath Dharmakirti Vihar 1996) Mallika Sakya
bdquoWho is Who in Nepalese Buddhism Dhammavati Guruma‟ Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 5 no 1 May 2002 p10
[38] Opcit See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A
Homage Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 108
[39] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sudarshan Mahasthavir A
Gem of the Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol
6 no 1 May 2003 p13
[10] Ria Kloppenborg Theravada Buddhism in Nepal‟ Kailash A
Journal of Himalayan Studies Vol 5 no 41977 p 302
[11] BP Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada Gukathan Wagu Kha (Kath
Hisi Press Nepal BS 20421985) pp44ff
[12] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p47ff
[13] Ibit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 51-53 Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal (BKK A Thesis of MA Mahamakut Graduate School
2001) p 97
[14] Bhikshu Sudarshan Mahasthavir bdquoRole of Theravada in the
Preservation of Newar Buddhism‟ wwwircnepalorgpapers
[15] Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthaviravada p 69-72
[16] Opcit Observation on the reform of Buddhism in Nepal p10ff
[17] Opcit Nancy Grant bdquoThe Monk who Would Return‟ RV
Vandya Sanghanayaka Venerable Pragnananda Mahasthavir (Kath Nepal
Co-operative Press 1978) pp 11ff
[18] Bhkkhu Dharmaloka Mahasthavir A Pilgrimage in China (kath
published by Bhikkhu Aniruddha Mahasthavir 1999) p 13-15 Opcit Lacoul
Nepalay Sthavirvada p 74-75
[19] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka p 15
[20] Opcit Bhikkhu dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp16ff
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p100
[21] Ibit Bhikkhu Dharmalok A Pilgrimage in China pp 27-29
[22] See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A Homage
(Kath Anandakuti Vihar Trust 1992) Kuladharma Ratna Tuladhar Buddhism
in Nepal (Kath Dharmodaya Sabha 1986) pp15 Opcit Phra Vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 100
[23] Opcit K R Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal 16 RV Vandya
Sanghanayaka ven Pragnananda p 32 ff
[24] Opcit RB Vandya Sanghanayaka Pragnananda pp 34-35
Opcit Lacoul Nepalay Sthavirvada p 86
[25] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 18 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 101
[26] Bhikkhu Amritananda Mahasthavir A Short History of Theravada
Buddhism in Modern Nepal (Kath Anandakuti Vihar trust 1986) pp 8-9
Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir (Kath Anandakuti
Vihar Trust 1992) p 25
[27] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 19 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[28] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[29] Opcit Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir
p 26
[30] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit KR
Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 20
[31] Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha in Nepal
(BKK A Thesis of MA Buddhist Study Mahachulalongkorn University 2547)
p 23 [32]
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit Ratna
Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir p 26
[33] Amrit R Sthapit bdquowho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Aswaghosha‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 4 no 1 May 2001
p8
[34] helliphelliphelliphelliphellip bdquoWho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Nyanapurninka Mahasthavir‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 7
no 1 May 2004 p13 Viswo Shanti Vihar The Shanti Sandesh (Kath Viswo
Shanti Vihar 1998)
[35] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sumangala Mahasthavir
A monk who modernized Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the
LNBDS UK vol 2 no 1 May 1999 p10
[36] Opcit Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha
in Nepal pp 52ff
[37] Rina Tuladhara Dharmakirti 25 Years of Dharmakirti Buddhist
Study Circle A Glimpse (Kath Dharmakirti Vihar 1996) Mallika Sakya
bdquoWho is Who in Nepalese Buddhism Dhammavati Guruma‟ Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 5 no 1 May 2002 p10
[38] Opcit See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A
Homage Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 108
[39] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sudarshan Mahasthavir A
Gem of the Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol
6 no 1 May 2003 p13
[25] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 18 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 101
[26] Bhikkhu Amritananda Mahasthavir A Short History of Theravada
Buddhism in Modern Nepal (Kath Anandakuti Vihar trust 1986) pp 8-9
Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir (Kath Anandakuti
Vihar Trust 1992) p 25
[27] Opcit KR Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 19 Phra vipassi
Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[28] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 102
[29] Opcit Ratna Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir
p 26
[30] Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit KR
Tuladhar Buddhism in Nepal p 20
[31] Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha in Nepal
(BKK A Thesis of MA Buddhist Study Mahachulalongkorn University 2547)
p 23 [32]
Opcit Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 104 Opcit Ratna
Sundhar Sakya Bhikkhu Dharmalok Mahasthavir p 26
[33] Amrit R Sthapit bdquowho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Aswaghosha‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 4 no 1 May 2001
p8
[34] helliphelliphelliphelliphellip bdquoWho is who in Nepalese Buddhism Bhikkhu
Nyanapurninka Mahasthavir‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 7
no 1 May 2004 p13 Viswo Shanti Vihar The Shanti Sandesh (Kath Viswo
Shanti Vihar 1998)
[35] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sumangala Mahasthavir
A monk who modernized Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the
LNBDS UK vol 2 no 1 May 1999 p10
[36] Opcit Ven Panna Murti A historical Study of Pariyatti Sikkha
in Nepal pp 52ff
[37] Rina Tuladhara Dharmakirti 25 Years of Dharmakirti Buddhist
Study Circle A Glimpse (Kath Dharmakirti Vihar 1996) Mallika Sakya
bdquoWho is Who in Nepalese Buddhism Dhammavati Guruma‟ Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 5 no 1 May 2002 p10
[38] Opcit See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A
Homage Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 108
[39] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sudarshan Mahasthavir A
Gem of the Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol
6 no 1 May 2003 p13
bdquoWho is Who in Nepalese Buddhism Dhammavati Guruma‟ Lumbini A
Journal of the LNBDS UK vol 5 no 1 May 2002 p10
[38] Opcit See Nhucche Bahadur Bajracharya Amritanjali A
Homage Phra Vipassi Buddhism in Nepal p 108
[39] Bhikkhu Sugandha bdquoAn Obituary ven Sudarshan Mahasthavir A
Gem of the Buddhism in Nepal‟ Lumbini A Journal of the LNBDS UK vol
6 no 1 May 2003 p13