SHILLONG, May 17 � Perched atop a hillock, the Shillong Buddha Mandir, one of the oldest Buddhist shrines in the North East, today entered its 76th year of existence.
The temple, which has an archway similar in architecture to that of the world famous Sanchi Stupa, was set up on the auspicious occasion of Buddha Jayanti way back in 1935.
The day also marked the culmination of the year-long platinum jubilee celebrations of the temple.
Local legislator AL Hek, speaking on the occasion, exhorted the people to inculcate non-violence and peaceful co-existence as preached by the Buddha.
�Buddhism dispels darkness of superstition and bigotry from the hearts of human beings to see reason. It�s a very dynamic religion founded by Buddha, who himself never claimed to be a representative of God,� a senior monk observed even as he dwelled on the eight-fold path of righteousness that the Buddha taught.
�As part of its services to the community and general public, the Shillong Buddhist Association has established institutions of social service like the Buddha Vidya Niketan Lower Primary and Secondary School, Pali and Sanskrit �Tol� (traditional centre of knowledge), Dharmasala and guest house,� Swapan Barua, member of the Association, said. � PTI