A diary of Shillong Buddhist Temple & Barua community

     During colonial period, British had selected Shillong as a capital of North East (Assam).  To run the administration British had recruited many educated Bengali clerk's from Bengal & other places likewise Barua's came here as a cook along with English Sahib and remaining were came for business purpose.  The question comes – who, when and why the first Barua came in Shillong? If Buddha Dharmankur Sabha was established in the year 1918 that means first person of Barua community probably arrived in Shillong in between 1850 to 1900. Till now we know Mr. Kamala Kantha Barua arrived in Shillong in 1900 one of the oldest known name settler in these place. Presently, 5^th & 6^th generation of his offspring's running their one of the oldest shop in Shillong by the name of K K Barua & Sons in the heart of city - Police Bazar Shillong.  It is known that he had come here via Guwahati by horse cart. His fellow Baruas during his time, namely:  Mr. Notebor Barua (British Governor's cook), Mr. Hirondrolal Barua (Charcoal Businessman in police Bazaar), Mr Pulin Bihari Barua (Assistant Cook of British Governor - my grandfather), Mr. Mohim Barua (Charcoal Businessman in police Bazaar - my grandfather in law),  Mr Otindrolal Barua (cook of British Governor), Mr. Bipin Chandra Barua (cook of Rajbari - Grandfather of Bikkhu Bodipal), Mr. Sochindrolal Barua (cook of Rajbari – Maternal Grandfather of Bikkhu Bodipal) etc. In the next batch Mr. Hemendu Bikas Barua in 1957, Mr. Pulin Barua, Mr. Gyanaranjan Barua shop owner of "Ashok Bhandar" and Mr. Upendrolal Barua etc few Barua's were migrated in these place for their livelihood.

Shillong in old days

     The local tribe Khasi, who had settled in the Ri Hynniewtrep land bordering the Brahmaputra Valley in the North and the plains of Bengal in the South, carried out trade relations with their neighbors through trade routes and also in the border markets known as haats which dotted the border areas. May be these was the another reason for welcoming earlier businessmen settler.

Initially Barua's were Chef, Business man; Security guard etc. had earned well-respect in their job and profession.  Everyone were living lives scattered, individualized and marginalized in a land of their dreams and aspirations, a land of hopes which was a metropolis and the then capital city of North East India (Assam). Struggling to come to terms with a life of urban hurry and economic hardship, they worked hard and for long hours and many of them become famous as the Barua cook working with the Maharajas in the Rajbaris (Tripura Castle, Birla guest house, Sidly Rajbari …. etc), with the English Sahibs in the Raj Bhavan and the consulates to the big hotels (Shillong club, … etc) in town.  But everyone had a dream for own religious institution. Which was naturally comes from their family upbringing. This dream became reality after visiting in his holiness Ven. Kripasaran Mahastavir, the president of Buddha Dharmankur Sabha, who visited Shillong on his pilgrimage tour and accordingly planed and arranged to build the Buddhist Temple in the land of the Hynniewtrep.  His influential initiatives brought all Barua's united and enlighten Buddhism from far flange places of Assam. 

Ven. Kripasaran Mahastavir

     Buddhism had set its roots in Shillong, the then capital of Assam and now the capital of Meghalaya in the year 1918, and though it spread very slowly, at present, it has three places of worship, in an around the city. Shillong which is very popularly known to the outside world as 'The Scotland of East' is blessed with much natural scenic beauty. The picturesque landscape of Shillong with its greenery, the sylvan forest, the enchanting beauty of the hills and the quaint pace of life of the people make it a unique place like none other. Shillong is also well-known for its diversity and secular nature is the Buddhist temple which was built in the state and which also happens to be the oldest Buddhist temple in the region.  Most of the disciples of this temple are follower of school of Theravada.

      Perched atop a hillock, the Shillong Buddhist Temple at Forest Colony near Polo Hills-Shillong is one of the Buddhist shrines in existence in Shillong. The temple has an archway similar in architecture to that of the world famous Bodh Gaya and gate is replica of Sanchi gate.

Shillong Buddhist Temple 

Gate of Shillong Buddhist Temple  in replica of Sanchi gate

     The temple construction can be read in three phase:

First phase of Buddhist Temple construction:

    In first visit of Ven. Kripasaran Mahastavir in 1912 at Shillong had realized for sustaining Buddhism among Buddhist Barua's necessary for monastery.  He had offered this responsibility to prominent business men Mr. Kamal Kanta Barua owner of the shop "K. K. Barua & Sons", Mr. Gyanaranjan Barua shop owner of "Ashok Bhandar" and Mr. Upendrolal Barua. They are the iconic Business men during those times. With their leadership all Barua's were united and pioneered first Shillong Buddhist Association and it is registered in the banner of "the Shillong Branch of Buddha Dharmankur Sabha" established on May 16, 1923. Later on 29^th February 1938 representative of Buddha Dharmankur Sabha Dr. Arobindo Barua and Advocate Mr Bhupen Muthsuddhi had reorganized the old committee and legally registered as a branch of Buddha Dharmankur Sabha.

     This motivated committee members had decided for institute (Bihar) building. With support of local disciples Ven. Kripasaran Mahastavir acquired a plot of land (one bigha) from Mr. A. J. Lane, the Deputy Commissioner of Khasi and Jaintia Hills District for the construction of a Buddhist Temple here. The First foundation stone of Buddhist Temple setup in the entire north east was on May 24th 1918. The temple was registered Under Act XXI OF 1860 No. S/2665 of 1915. The construction work was started in 1925, but had to be stopped due to the death of Ven. Kripasaran Mahastavir in 1926. Unfortunately, government had taken back the land due to un-utilization, although Buddhist ritual was carried on the premises during every full moon day. To protect this land Mr. Kamal Kanta Barua and his fellow Barua's donated their man power to setup kitchen after labeling the mountain land but due to  "RAIN COURSE VIEW" there was a land slide and requested to the Deputy Commissioner for stop farther official proceedings. In 1927 with great effort Mr. Kamal Kanta Barua had approached to Prof. Mahathero Dharmasen from Chittagong College for helping in these regard but meeting was not fruitful. Finally after approaching with Dr. Arobindo Barua in Kolkata via mail had received appropriate suggestion for retake the temple land. The suggestion was successfully convinced to Deputy Commissioner through legally and finally land was handed over to Buddhist community of Shillong. Enthusiastic Shillong Buddhist community thrilled of joy after receiving the land without delay constructed a simple hut for Buddha ritual.

Second phase of Buddhist Temple construction:

Bikkhu Jinaratana Mahathero

     In 1936 Bikkhu Jinaratana Mahathero, while visiting Assam-Shillong, stayed at the incomplete structure of the Temple. Understanding the response of the general public and the need to spread the spiritual meditational teachings of Buddha in an around Assam-Shillong, the next year, he decided to finish the work left by Late Mahastavir and initiated the members of the committee to complete the construction of the Temple. In 1937 visiting of Ven Jinaratana (Ven. Upekkha) in Shillong and meeting with Mr. Kamla Kantha had taken the initiative for cementing the temple. All most all Barua's had given their contribution with manpower and wealth to build the temple in RCC, even contractor had donated 1500/- during those time. In next visit i.e., 1942 of Ven Jinaratana had offered as a head of the institution (Bihar) by Shillongite Barua's. During his tenure he had approached Kolkata Dhormankur for Lord Buddha's statue.   Fortunately, with grace of all well-wisher received a big crystal white Barmish Buddha statue for Shillong Buddhist temple. Behind of institute building with Ven. Jinaratana many dignitaries had an ample contribution: namely Chief Minister of Assam Gopinath Bordoloi, Rai Bahadur, Horembo Prashad Barua, Barrister S K Dutta, ICS chief. Secretary Mr. Desai, ICS Rai Bahadhur SK Bhuia, Chief Minister Bishnuram Medhi, Chief Minister Bimal Prasad Chalida, Minister Rupnath Brommho, Minister Chotro Singh Tariang, Minister Lolit Kumar Dole, Mr. Horiram Goinka, Komola Kantho Barua, Dr. Beni Madhob Barua, Lokkhi Shoron Barua, Pulin Bihari Barua, Hemendhu Bikash Barua, Rohini Ronjon Barua, Mohim Ranjan Barua, Prodhunno Gupto, Horeshor Fukan, Sharada Ronjon Barua, Owner of Shanti Niketan Hotel etc were helping with hand in hand. The building of this Temple took a few years to be completed and with the generosity of the Buddhist believers the temple was finally inaugurated on May  4, 1947 by Dr. Benimadhob Barua. Ven. Bishuddhananda Mahathero, Mr. Holiram Dekha, Dr. Surjokumar Bhuia among the special dignitaries ware present in that occasion. During visiting of Chief Minister of West Bengal Dr. Bidhan Chondra Rai in Shillong Buddhist temple had electrifying without taking any fees.

     A steep flight of concrete steps, constructed in 1949 by (Late) Balchand Hariprasad Goenka prominent Business man in Shillong.

     In March-1955, Sromon Deboprio came in Shillong in his young age and became a most sincere disciple of Ven. Jinaratana. In absence of in charge of temple he was to taking care of all official and social work. 

     In 1958, Jinaratana's most obedient disciples Ven. Suman Bikkhu & Sromon Deboprio initially had given the name 'Buddha Bihar Mondhir Primary School' and later on change to 'Buddha Vidya Niketan'. 

     The Buddha Vidya Niketan School is situated on a plot of government lease land measuring 5000 sq ft given in 1960 and subsequently another plot of land was given to the Shillong Buddhist Association vide government memo number FIOR/SETT/283/65/50 dated July 17, 1967 and according to the terms of lease, an agreement was signed between the government and Shillong Buddhist Association branch of Buddha Dharmankur Sabha on August 10, 1971.

     The first piece of land where the Buddhist temple stands was given to the Buddha Dharmankur Sabha in 1923. At present, two and half bighas in two plots of land are under the possession of the SBA branch of Buddha Dharmankur Sabha (in paper).

    The Buddha Vidya Niketan Lower Primary School was established in 1958 and the Secondary School in 1968. The departmental recognition was granted from January 1, 1970 and permission to open class IX was granted in July 1, 1971. Pali School was started in the same time (mostly evening class) in school premises under the guidance of the Assam Sanskrit Board. 

      In 1963 Ven. Deboprio had appointed as a Head Master of Buddha Bidhya Nikethon High School with reference of Ven. Jinaratana. During his tenor many development had noticed in the Temple and strong community building with bless of Ven. Jinaratana. In his request Mr. Komola Kantho Barua had donated 100 Kg. Safe (Donation Box) to the Temple. This is still lying in the same place.   

    In 29^th July 1963 Ven. Deboprio appointed as a head master and on 1^st August 1963 as a Pali teacher in Shillong Pali college (evening). In his tenor he had facilitated with very active team of faculty member namely Mr. Probir Kurmar Sen, Mr. Dilip Barua, Mr Bimal Barua, Mr Sudhakor Barua and Mr Onadhi Ranjan Barua. Their contribution in the Buddha Bidya Nikethon School was also equally appraisable. With faculty and staff's effort School had started expansion due to increase of student's number. For long run sustained of school, committee has decided - school to be run on deficit grant-in aid system.

    In 1964 Ven. Deboprio had realized about water crises in the temple and had share with Mr. Komola Kantho Barua. Without delay Komola Kantho Barua had donated capacity of 2000 ltr - iron tank which is not there anymore. In recent decade, local MLA Ba. A L Heck has donated capacity of 2000 ltr plastic tank in replace of old one.  In the same year in request Mr. Otindrolal Barua had donated fencing with candling facility outside the Bhodi tree. Presently it is more upgraded.

      In 100^th birth anniversary of Ven. Kripasaran in Shillong temple ex-chief Minister of Assam Mr. Bimola Prasad Chalia inaugurate a Kripasaran Public Library. Ven. Deboprio & Mr. Pradip Ranjan Barua had given ample contribution for this library. Now it is no more.

     In 1965, Ven. Deboprio had a plan for setup Homio & Dental Dispensary for poor people in temple premises. In this regard he had approached to Businessman Mr. Rohini Barua. With Rs. 5000/- donation within a year Ven. Deboprio had successfully setup a Homio & Dental  Dispensary. Presently it is closed.

     After that Ven. Deboprio had taken initiative to construction of road connectivity with temple premises.  With the help of Mr. Komola Kantho Barua and his relatives from all the places in 1965 - the pitch road & beautiful Sanchi Stupa's design gate was constructed (the gate was design & created by one Manipuri artist). It is still standing high with beautiful carving and beside road 80 ft wall constructed. In the entrance Mr. Lokkhi Choron Barua donated the Iron Gate.

     During those days' water crises was common problem in the temple and surround locality. Supply of municipality water was not sufficient.  To find the permanent solution Ven. Jinaratana took initiative for construction of permanent well near School road side premises. In the same time, Vhante's initiative for school expansion 1 bigha land added with School campus. 

     It is also better to knew that School is also registered in the same no, which is used by Shillong Buddhist Association and Kolkata Buddha Dhormakur Sabha.

     Day by day increasing Buddhist disciple in the temple, Ven. Deboprio had realized and later on he had given expansion plan to popular Business man Mr. Hemendu Bikash Barua for taking initiative in this matter.  In request of Ven. Jinaratana, Assam Finance Minister Mr. Fokuruddhin ali Ahemmad had setup a foundation stone for expansion of a temple. With the help of Mr. Hemendu Bikash Barua and Shillongites disciples' contribution temple has got big prayer space. The statues are housed in the main temple complex behind an iron grill. The grill is opened only during prayer time. A covered open area in front of the Buddha statues, serve as a place for worshippers to congregate.

     In the year 1965, Ven. Jinaratana & Ven. Deboprio took initiative with the help of government fund for construction of two stories 'Rupnath Tribal hostel' for objective of helping student from Buddhist tribal community in North East India. Presently the hostel name can see in the name of “Buddhist Tribal Student Hostel” and it is observed that especially from long time many Chakma Students has been benefited from this hostel till date after construction. Presently hostel needs renovation.

      In 1966, Ven. Deboprio had taken initiative for telephone connection in the temple for helping his Master Ven. Jinaratana regarding social & religious activity in the South East Asia.

    Between 1965-69 a group of Barua's namely Mr. Pradip Barua, Mr. Sishir Barua, Mr. Montu Barua, Mr. Boro Kanai Barua, Mr. Moni Barua, Mr. Nikhil Barua, Mr. Dipok Barua, Mr. Sudakar Barua, Mr Onadhi Barua … etc from Laitumkhrah, Shillong under leadership of Mr. Monindrolal Barua (X-Retired cook & participated 2nd world war from Assam Rifle)  were informally had formed a acting group (Natok mondoli) and was practicing in Laitumkhrah, Shillong.  Interestingly under criticism from temple authority - the group were proving their performance at per. In the May 1969 while performing act on traditional Jathok in the temple, some mischievous were thrown stone  on some of the artist at the stage. In result some chaos had seen among in the crowed. The committee & monks had been boycotted those families who were involved in these acts during those time. Later on Ven. Jinaratana realized the matter and had taken initiative to resolve the issue. All Barua's were united again. I can still remember, in our school days we had seen some the beautiful act on Buddha Jathok by those group of artist in the temple. A band of Buddha Kirthon (song) was flourished during those days in Shillong Buddhist temple till 1991. Among in Kirthon group members were namely :  Bihari Barua, Pulin Barua, Shil, Rohini Barua and all members of acting group (Natok mondoli).                   

Buddha Purnima in Laitumkhra, Shillong

      In 30^th Jun 1969, Ven. Deboprio had resigned from his post & bachelor (brahmachari) life, after giving 16 years service as a Bhikkhu to the society.

      In 12^th September 1969, Ven. Dhormo Dar had appointed as a faculty member & head master of Pali college (Evening). He had been holding the post for 15 years. At present Pali college is running by Acharia Mr. Dilip Barua and his wife in his premises from last 25 years under the guidance of the Assam Sanskrit Board. The Secretary cum Deputy Director of the Board executes, all decisions adopted by the Board including holding of Sanskrit and Pali examinations yearly in all over Assam and also Meghalaya and Manipur. At present Shillong Buddhist temple has limited role in this regards.

     During that time other than Buddhist community among in non Buddhist community had realized of spirituality on the Barmish Buddha statue. All of sudden, with request of Tongla Buddhist Temple association, Ven. Jinaratana had donated that big crystal white Barmish Buddha statue to their temple. Many of us still, it is a belief that these event was responsible for down fall of The Shillong Buddhist temple and unity among Barua community in Shillong area. At present what we see the golden Buddha statue which was donated by Thai people from Thailand.

     During 1988 onwards few sects of the Barua members' had been agitating in regards of activities in Temple decision by Ven. Jinaratana and they had formed a separate independent committee without any separate registration under the society act. In this regards among in Barua community two separate groups formed. One in support of Ven. Jinaratana and other in support of newly formed committee. One regrettable incident on Sunday 19^th May 1991, bitterness among the group had crossed its limit and two groups ware vandalize temple property and thrashing each other so badly many of them hospitalized & some of them critically injured. Police had taken limited role to stop these vandalized mobs.  Basically clashes between these two sects only on Temple title suit. It was unfortunate many of us not knew about the subject - why the brawl was occurred? Buddhists are peace lover and we had given wrong message to the other communities. From that day almost all temple development ceased. The legal battle is still going on in the High court to Supreme Court and Supreme Court to Lower court without final judgment. The roller coaster of judgment is going on and it will be continue till the final verdict comes.  The honorable High court order the temple management will be under supervision of chief secretary appointed government ad-hock committee members till the jurisdiction settle the unsolved issue. Now, the case is stalemate in the court.   After prolong 25 years of legal battle we Buddhist community didn't get any benefit rather we are again living lives scattered, individualized and marginalized in the developing hill city Shillong. The common Shillongits Barua's understand about these and many of them mixed-up and few families are converted to other religion and community. Unfortunately, although it is marginal but the two groups are still visible on boycotting each others - social gathering.

The Shillong Times about Shillong Buddhist Temple on 19th May 1991

     In 12^th November 1994, with increasing presser & humiliation by some of our community members to Ven. Jinaratana - one of the founders of the Shillong Buddhist temple. Finally he had decided to leave behind his most adored Buddhist temple permanently with heavy hart.   He had departed earthly life on 24^th March 1995 in Dibrugarh at Mr. Sumon Barua premises. In his absence Ven. Ronthopal was here for few months.

Third phase of Buddhist Temple construction:

     After Ven. Jinaratana, the Shillong Buddhist temple has lost the tradition of temple head by Barua Bikkhu's till date.

     Since last 25 years Ven. Jyotipal Bhikkhu has been serving as a head priest of this temple. Regarding temple development – it is almost stopped from last 25 years even community bonding & religious celebration isolated with "Buddha Purnima", "Kotin Chibor dan" & "Austo Shil" only. State Meghalaya has removed a Buddha Purnima from the holiday list. Other than conducting peaceful religious ritual not have done any other community development or shown any helping jester towards poor people. Although they have limited hand in these respect. Recently (in 2014) Gvt. ad hoc committee and youth members took initiatives to construct a concrete wall on around the Buddhist Temple premises. The Bodhi tree is more beautify with iron fencing. 

Shillong Bodhi Tree

      After prolong 25 years legal battle on title suit in the temple and Dhormankur Maha-sabha & other authority of Temple had putted blindfold on the development of Buddhist community Shillong. May be little or more, all of us are responsible for paralyzing on social engineering.   Day by day there was degrading social bonding among Barua's.  

     On May 2013, Smt. Protima Barua (wife of late Mr Sudir Barua) in her premises the first Baruas NGO "Jinaratana Mahathero Youth Welfare Society Shillong (JMYWSS)" is created from outside temple jurisdiction in Shillong, with dedicated team members namely Mr. Subir Mutsuddi (President), Mr. Sujit Barua (Secretary), Mr Amit Barua (Asst. Secretary), Mr. Ashish Barua (Legal advisor), Mr. Ananda Mitra Barua (Treasurer), Mr Bapon Barua, Mr. Ranjit Barua, Mr. Ratan Barua etc (Executives Members). Currently JMYWSS on process of registration under society's act of Meghalaya with its permanent address is in Demshiniong, Shillong.

      8^th March 2014: from Shillong Barua community member of JMYWSS - Mr. Subir Mutsuddhi & Mr. Sujit Barua were participate in "Barua Sammelan 2014", 8-10 March 2014 in International Brotherhood Mission, Dibrugarh,  invited by Bhikkhu Bodhipala.

     On 18^th May 2014 JMYWSS has successfully organized on the topic of "Children Sammelan on Basic Buddha Manthras in Shillong" at K. K. Barua's lobby, Police Bazar, Shillong.  

      We have to know, Barua Buddhist Community has two main pillars namely: Bikkhu society and Family society. Both are interdependent and helping each other.  Their unity, brotherhood, loyalty and activities may bring community development. We belief group discussion (panchola) among in the youth group, Senior group, all the parties even in monks level may bring right direction to our community development.   

     With ups and down of the Shillong Buddhist Temple still it is beautiful and Buddha teaching us "Buddhang Saranang Gachami, Dhamang Saranag Gachami, Sangang Saranang Gachami". Let us learn his holy word on Dhamma, humanity, compassion & brotherhood. We Barua's are ancient Buddhist and it is our responsibility to practice Buddha Dhamma. A person who has multiplied his or her ego has no knowledge of Dhamma, is not practicing Vipassana. With Dhamma and ego – cannot go together. Our ancestor had given us a beautiful temple to protect Dhamma among us and it is our duty to practice Dhamma without keeping any ego among ourselves.  We are minority of minorities in this beautiful land. With progress of economic, social changes there are so many problems on daily basis facing by our community members. Social support & bonding might give some solution in this respect. 

Shillong Buddhist Temple

      The Buddhist Temple is a reminder of the secularism and religious tolerance of Shillong, which is predominantly a region where the people follow Christianity.  This Buddhist Temple offers its message of compassion towards one and all and is a popular place to visit. Buddhism has followers all across the world due to its simplicity and thus the temple finds visitors and followers from all around the globe, who come here to revel in the peace and tranquility of the place. A visit to the temple will surely find you at peace with yourself and the world around you; as you soak up the energy that the place generates.

Flag hosting on occasion of Buddha Purnima, on May 2014

 

Shillongits Buddhist Community

 from Buddha Vidya Niketan School 

Bibliography:

     1) Eastern Panorama – (Magazine) June 2012/VOL XXX. No 06/ page no: 47 by Dr. M. L. Kynshi, Ronald Evans Lyngdoh Aibanbhalang.
2)       Mawphor Today – (Local News paper) vol. III No. 139, page-12 dated 24.05.2011.
3)      The Biography of Karmabir Jinaratana by Debopria Barua.
4)      Barua sammelon, Dibrugarh, Assam 2014.
5)      The Sentinel dated 30.05.1991.
6)      The Shillong Times dated 20^th May 1991 Vol No. XLVI no. 265.

Written by:

Sujit Barua

(Ancestor's village: Unainpur, CHT)

Upper Lummawri,

Laitumkhrah

Shillong – 793003.

sujit1111@gmail.com

From long time, I have a plan to know about our Shillong Buddhist temple and its history. Fortunately, Mr. Shilabrotho Barua and "The Biography of Karmabir Jinaratana" by Debopria Barua have given me an inspiration to write the above contained. Your suggestion and comments are always welcome to improve in the above write-up. I would also like to thanks my father Mr. Nikhil Barua, Mr. Sagar Barua and his wife for contributing information about our past. At the end, I pray for unity and brotherhood among in Barua community. We may have different opinion among in the groups but instead creating conflict, best is to finding the solution in the positive direction.  

 Eastern Panorama – (Magazine) June 2012/VOL XXX. No 06/ page no: 47 by Dr. M. L. Kynshi, Ronald Evans Lyngdoh Aibanbhalang.

 

The Shillong Times dated 20^th May 1991 Vol No. XLVI no. 265.

Mawphor Today – (Local News paper) vol. III No. 139, page-12 dated 24.05.2011.

Historical judgement from 

"HIGH COURT OF GUWAHATI" on 3rd April  1996.

 " BUDDHA DHARMANKUR SABHA VS. SUNIL BARUAH "