HH 17 Karmapa visits Uttar Pradesh, India

24 - 27 November 2005

On July 2005, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Samaj Sudhar Samiti invited His Holiness 17th Gyalwa Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje for installations of Lord Buddha's Statue at five Buddha Viharas in Uttar Pradesh. According to invitation His Holiness visited Agra, Etah and Kannauj Districts of Uttar Pradesh from November 24 to 27, 2005.

At all the Viharas His Holiness expressed happiness and thanked the organizer for facilitating meeting the followers and devotees of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. His Holiness advised that Buddha Dharma's message of compassion and equality could overcome suffering and ensure peace for all living beings.

HH Karmapa's arrival at the Buddha Vihara in Agra

November 24, 2005: Inauguration of Buddha Vihara in Agra

His Holiness was received at Sikandra around 11 a.m. by the organizers and taken to Agra in procession. About 20 Motor Cycle riders carrying dharma flags led the procession followed by Motor Cade. As he alighted from the car and proceed to the Vihara there was shower of flower petals. His Holiness was welcomed by Shri Anil Soni, General Secretary, Zila Panchayat, Smt. Sonu Devi, Councilor City Corporation, area MLA/MLC, Sarpanch, group of Bhikshus and a large number of devotees.

In the afternoon His Holiness was taken around the World Heritage Taj Mahal by Shri Tiwari of the Archaeological Survey of India.

November 25, 2005: Inauguration of Buddha Vihara in Narow Jelisar, Etah District

The Chief Organizer of the Ambedker Samita accompanied His Holiness at the Vihara which was named "Karmapa Buddha Vihara". Souring reception was accorded to His Holiness. Among those present were District President BSP and General Secretary of the Samiti.

HH Karmapa blessing a Buddha statue at the Buddha Vihara in Sardi Meeva, Kannauj District

November 26, 2005: Inauguration of Buddha Vihara in Sardi Meeva, Kannauj District

Next itinerary was Vihara in Sardi Meeva village 62 km. away from Etah in Kannauj district. His Holiness was reached there in the afternoon and received by Shri Khushi Ram, Chairman and other members of organizing committee, Shri TM Kumar and Shri Pooram Mal of Smiti Headquarters from New Delhi. Group of Bhikshu and a large number of devotees which includes persons of other religions.

November 26, 2005: Inauguration of Buddha Vihara in Kewal Ka Nagla, Etah District

The last Vihara to be inaugurated was at village Kewal Ka Nagla, close of the district headquarters of Etah. More than 5000 devotees waited there for welcoming His Holiness. Prominent among the organizer were Smt. Mithilesh Kumar, Panchayat President, General Secretary Talra Ahmed, Dr. Mahinder Singh, Shri Om Prakesh Dalit, District President, BSP Shri S.R. Pushkar of Buddhist Society of lndia, Municipal Chairman Girish Chandra Mishra.

All images above are copywrite the Karmapa Documentary Project : for more images on HH Karmapa's trip to Uttar Pradesh, visit the above link.