Do you know a Japanese temple lies in between the chaos of Worli?

If you are a believer in Buddhism or want to explore its faith and visit a serene environment, this Japanese temple in Worli with the name 'Nipponzan Myohoji', can be a good place to give your time!

Everyone remembers Mumbai as a place full of crowd, chaos, and noise. However, very few of us know about the places in Mumbai that provide serene vibes and mental peace to people. We are talking about one such place here. A Japanese temple in Worli, Nipponzan Myohoji, is a perfect example of how the city also houses some hidden gems.

Existence of the temple

The history of this peaceful temple dates back to the year 1931, when a Japanese monk, Nichidatsu Fuji, had visited India. He had stopped in Mumbai to make a small Buddhist temple which was predicted by Maha Bodhisattva Nichiren centuries ago. Hence, Fuji built the temple in the middle of the Worli Naka.

Fuji was also a friend of Mahatma Gandhi. Do you know that he had also contributed to the non-violent freedom struggle in India!

The temple had gone into renovation as in the year 1956, Jugal Kishore Birla modified it on the grounds of the monastery.

All about calmness

This beautiful temple has a large prayer hall, also including two wooden drums there. And, the walls of the temple are decorated with paintings of Buddha's life.

You will also get to see a big and bold Buddhist inscription on the main door of the temple. In fact, the temple also houses a six and a half feet statue of Buddha made of marble. The statue is placed in one of the smaller rooms there.

The best part of being here is that you can involve yourself in conversations with the Bhikshu Morita, caretaker of the temple, who is also a Buddhist monk. Who will not like to sit with him and talk about Buddhism religion!

Apart from this, the monk can also show you things inside the temples while also elaborating on the importance of it.

If you wish to offer prayer here, you are always welcome. The prayer time starts at 6 am and goes on for an hour. However, in the evening, it begins from 5:30 pm that continues up to 7 pm. 

Read this mantra carefully as this is what you will have to chant here- 'na-mu-myo-ho-ren-ge-kyo'.

So, the next time you search for tranquility amidst the noise, don't forget to visit this Japanese temple.

Where: Opposite Poddar hospital, Dr Annie Besant Rd, Worli, Mumbai Timings: 05:30 AM - 12:30 PM , 3:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Also Read: Madurai’s ‘Temple City Restaurant’ makes Mask Parotta to spread awareness about Coronavirus!

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