Copenhagen Buddhist Vihara

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Ven. Marathugoda Uparathana Thero

Bhante Uparathana has been a resident monk of the Vihara since June, 2002. He was born in Sri Lanka and has been a monk since 1969. He is also a disciple of Bhante Dhammaratana Maha Thera. He obtained higher ordination in 1978.

He obtained the B. A. (Hons.) degree in Buddhism from the University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka and M.A. also from the same University. He also has a Diploma in Education from the University of Peradeniya, Kandy.

Before coming to Sweden in 1989 along with Bhante Dhammatratana on their first visit, he has also been working as a teacher in Buddhism at the Maratugoda Pirivena Institute, where he was also the Vice Principal.

History of the Copenhagen Buddhist Vihara

Bhante K. Siri Dhammaratana (Maha Thera)

Bhante Kirindigalle Gnanaratana (Thera)

The Copenhagen Buddhist Vihara is a Theravada Buddhist temple that was founded in July 2002 by the Sri Lankan-Danish Buddhist Religious and Cultural Association. The temple owes its existence to the dedicated efforts of Venerable Bhante Dhammaratana Nayaka Thera, who serves as the chief Sangha Nayaka of Scandinavia.

Bhante Dhammaratana was ordained as a monk at the age of 13 and arrived in Sweden in 1989. In 1995, he became the Chief Incumbent of the Vihara in Sweden, a position he holds to this day. He is a highly knowledgeable individual, holding a BA Honours degree in Buddhism from the University of Kelaniya and an MA degree from the University of Jayawardenapura in Sri Lanka. Furthermore, he has educational diplomas in oriental language studies such as Pali, Sanskrit, and Sinhalese. He also possesses extensive administrative experience, having served as a Co-coordinating Officer for Pirivena and Religious Education in the central province of Sri Lanka.

During his visits to Denmark over the years, Ven. Bhante Dhammaratana conducted discourses for his followers, who would gather at the homes of Sanath Gunawardene. On one such occasion, the assembled followers discussed the possibility of having their own resident monk to serve them on a daily basis in Denmark, thus allowing the Sri Lankan Theravada Buddhist community to continue practicing their religion. This led to the formation of the Association.

Asiri Wimaladasa generously offered his apartment in Brønby Strand to host the first Vassa retreat in July 2002.

The two visiting monks for this retreat were Bhante Gnanapiya and Bhante Kirindigalle Gnanaratana Thero. With the assistance of Upali Wedage, the Association rented an apartment on Augustagade to establish the Copenhagen Buddhist Vihara. The temple operated there for a year and a half, during which the first Kathina ceremony was organized in November 2002. Monks from various countries such as England, Italy, Germany, France, Sweden, and Thailand participated in this significant Buddhist ceremony.

Bhante Kirindigalle Gnanaratana Thero became the first resident monk and served as the chief monk from 2002 until 2011.

In February 2006, the temple relocated to Gammelgårds Alle 17, 1, 11, and later moved again to Gammelgårds Alle 29, 1, 16 in Vallensbæk Strand.

Bhante K. Siri Dhammaratana Maha Thera, through his profound religious contributions, has become the subject of a captivating book authored by Dr. Naveendra De Zoysa, PhD. This enlightening publication delves into the remarkable journey of the Thera and reveals the invaluable impact he has had on shaping the religious landscape of Europe.

We had a fabulous Wesak Celebration Event on May 27th at Vejlegårdsvej 121, 2625 Vallensbæk. From 9 am to 5 pm, we came together to commemorate the birth, enlightenment, and passing away of Gautama Buddha.