An Overview

Mangala Vihara Buddhist Temple (MVBT), founded by the late Ven. M.M. Mahaweera Maha Nayaka Thera, had a very humble beginning.  It started as a small hut in the 1960’s, built on a piece of land donated by the late Madam Chew Quee Neo.  Over the past few decades, it had grown to become one of the largest and most reputable Buddhist temples in Singapore.

Realising the importance of educating, and especially propagating the Dhamma in the proper light to the public, Ven. Mahaweera started the Sunday Dhamma Classes in Mangala Vihara.  These classes were conducted free-of-charge and in affiliation with the Young Men’s Buddhist Association (YMBA) of Colombo. The students of the Sunday Dhamma Classes have consistently done very well in the annual YMBA examinations.

Ven. Mahaweera laid down a systematic approach towards the study of the Dhamma in MVBT, a practice which is still carried on today.  Puja and blessings are conducted prior to the commencement of classes, after which students and teachers proceed to their respective classes for their lessons.  Over the years this has built a solid foundation for the discipline and conduct of the students which is of fundamental importance to Dhamma practice.

The seeds of Theravada Buddhism were firmly planted in Singapore by Ven. Mahaweera. He dedicated his life to educating the lay people on its noble doctrines and popularizing Buddhist education in Singapore.  He will always be remembered by the Buddhists in Singapore for the services he had rendered and the legacy he left behind.

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