Our Bureau
Franklin, NJ
Nestled along Route 27 in central New Jersey, a Buddhist temple is gaining recognition for housing one of the largest Buddha statues in the United States. The New Jersey Buddhist Vihara and Meditation Center has become a significant spiritual and cultural landmark, attracting visitors from across the region.
The temple’s most striking feature is its massive Samadhi Buddha statue, which rises approximately 30 feet above the surrounding landscape. Unveiled in 2009, the statue symbolizes meditation and inner peace, serving as a focal point for worshippers and tourists alike. Constructed from steel, brick, and cement, the monument is widely regarded as one of the largest Buddha statues in the Western Hemisphere.
Founded in 2003 by Sri Lankan monk Venerable Hungampola Sirirathana Nayaka Thero, the center was established with a vision of creating an inclusive spiritual space open to people of all faiths. Located on a 10-acre property in Franklin Township, the temple follows the Theravada Buddhist tradition while actively promoting interfaith understanding and community engagement.
Beyond the main statue, visitors can explore landscaped gardens, meditation trails, and a statue of Kuan Yin, revered in Buddhist traditions as a symbol of compassion. Educational and cultural programs held throughout the year further strengthen the temple’s role as a community gathering place.
The center is also undergoing expansion, including the development of a new building designed to house a library, meditation hall, residential facilities for clergy, and community event spaces. These additions aim to enhance the visitor experience while supporting the temple’s growing activities.
Open daily to the public without an admission fee, the New Jersey Buddhist Vihara continues to offer a peaceful retreat where visitors can reflect, meditate, and learn about Buddhist culture in a welcoming environment.
