Our history
Founded in 1998
A temple built by the devotion of a community, to serve the Buddhists of the London Borough of Redbridge.
Our story
How the Vihara began
Before the Redbridge Buddhist Cultural Centre was established in 1998, the Buddhist community of the London Borough of Redbridge had no temple of its own. To change that, twenty families came together under the leadership of Reginald Wimalsundera, meeting to raise the funds needed to purchase a suitable site in and around Ilford.
With no resident monk at the time, raising the £40,000 deposit on a building priced at £180,000 was a formidable undertaking. The original twenty families gave generously, and through many fundraising events and additional loans the community secured ownership of the property. The temple was inaugurated in November 1998.
In its early years, before Venerable Pethigamuwe Hemaratana took up residence, the temple was cared for by several visiting monks under the guidance of Venerable Bogoda Seelawimala, Head of the London Vihara.
From 2003, through the devoted service of Venerable Hemaratana, the Vihara grew to offer the full range of religious and educational activities that serve the wider Buddhist community today.
Milestones
Over the years
1998
The Vihara is founded
Twenty families, led by Reginald Wimalsundera, raise the funds to purchase a building near Ilford. The temple is inaugurated in November 1998.
Early years
Cared for by visiting monks
Before a resident monk arrives, the temple is guided by several monks under Venerable Bogoda Seelawimala, Head of the London Vihara.
2003
Venerable Hemaratana takes up residence
Under Venerable Pethigamuwe Hemaratana, the Vihara grows into the active centre of practice it is today.
Today
A community of practice
Daily puja, Sunday school, and religious and cultural events throughout the year serve the wider Buddhist community. [Further milestones to be added with the temple.]
(photo to be added)
Our teacher
Venerable Pethigamuwe Hemaratana
The resident teacher of the Vihara, who has guided the temple and its community since 2003.
A short biography will be added here: the Venerable's background, his tradition, and his role at the Vihara.
With gratitude
Our founders
The Vihara was made possible by the generosity and vision of its founding trustees:
Reginald Wimalsundera · Mallika Nanayakkara
Ranjith Perera · Bandu Perera
Over the years
Moments from our history
Visit
All are welcome
Come and take part in the life of the temple, whatever your background or experience.