Last updated: 12-05-2025
The New Jersey Buddhist Vihara & Meditation Center, founded in 2003, sits on a peaceful 10-acre property just 10 minutes from Princeton University and 45 minutes from New York City. In September 2009, the center unveiled a Samadhi-style Buddha statue that now stands as the largest of its kind in the Western Hemisphere. Since then, it has become a well-known New Jersey landmark, drawing visitors year-round.
As interest in the center continues to grow, expansion is needed to better support the congregation and the increasing popularity of meditation across all communities. The planned project includes an environmentally friendly, aesthetically designed 11,000-square-foot building, meditation trails through the surrounding woods, a footbridge over a natural stream, and landscaped gardens for quiet reflection. The new building will feature a library, meditation hall, clergy residence, and spaces for community gatherings.
The center’s mission is to serve as a resource for people of all backgrounds by offering programs that promote interfaith dialogue. By welcoming visiting groups, scholars, and community partners, the center aims to foster meaningful connections, encourage shared learning, and inspire collaborations that bridge cultural and spiritual boundaries.
After confirming the project’s viability, the temple formed several committees including engineering and construction, fundraising, and accounting and finance to manage the expansion. These committees are working in coordination under the leadership of Rev. Sirirathana Thero, the center’s chief incumbent.
The project began with a groundbreaking ceremony in May 2017, after Roshan Wijerama and his family foundation pledged $3.5 million for the project. Although we faced many challenges along the way, the project has advanced significantly thanks to the dedication of our community members, who actively participated in fundraising and other supportive efforts. The growing enthusiasm around the project has strengthened a shared sense of unity and purpose among all involved. The new building is now nearly complete, with only the parking lot and access road remaining.
The original budget for the project was $3.5 million, funded by our major contributor, Roshan Wijerama, and his family foundation. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other unforeseen circumstances, the cost of the project has doubled over the past several years. As a result, we secured a $1,300,000 bank loan to complete the remaining phases of the construction. After fully utilizing the loan proceeds, we still needed an additional $250,000 to complete the sidewalk, access road, and parking lot. The fundraising committee intensified its efforts to raise this amount, which Roshan Wijerama generously matched dollar for dollar. The paving work is already underway and is expected to be completed within the next couple of weeks.
The New Jersey Buddhist Vihara & Meditation Center is a non-profit religious organization under IRC 501(c)(3) and is therefore subject to applicable federal and state regulations. To ensure accountability and transparency, Vihara’s financial records are reviewed on a regular basis, and all required filings are prepared by certified public accountants. In accordance with IRS disclosure requirements, Vihara’s three most recently filed Form 990 or 990-PF returns, along with all supporting documents, are available for public inspection.
