Madras story - Buddhist Temple

The one and only Buddhist Temple in South India is in Madras

For years I have been telling people that as far as I know there are no buddhist temple to be found in the southern part of India. I was wrong. There is one and it is in Madras. I think most people in Madras don't even know about it as I have been asking them about it for donkey years without success. It was only while skimming for news from Madras at an online website that I came to know of the existence of this elusive temple.

The temple is tucked away in a relatively quiet corner at one end of Kennet Lane. As opposed to the temple's end of Kennet Lane which is relatively quiet, the other end of the lane that opens out to Egmore Station is a very busy place. Egmore station is the starting point for all incoming and outgoing local trains running within the state of Tamil Nadu As a result the area in front of the station is bustling with activities as the many hotels, restaurants and vendors does a thriving business from the train passengers from Egmore station.

In my early years in Madras I stayed at Hotel New Victoria a budget hotel somewhere at the center of the length of Kennet Lane. All the time when I was there I have gone past the temple many times but remain oblivious to its existence probably because the temple is obscured by a huge compound at its front. I think unless you stand in front of the compound gate, the temple would not be apparent to you.

The buddhist temple is attached to the Mahabodhi Society of Sri Lanka and the address is 17 Kennet Lane, Egmore, Chennai 600 008. The phone number is 9144-2819 2458. I understand that there is an 18 feet tall buddha statue at the ground floor as you enter the Society. To think I missed seeing this not so small staue all those years.