【Maha Karuna Buddhist Society Malaysia]】12 August 2026 | Maha Karuna Vihara Inaugurated in Shah Alam, Bringing Together More Than 2,000 People to Promote Compassion, Kindness and Harmony
SHAH ALAM, 8 August 2026 — Maha Karuna Vihara, located at Elmina Green, Shah Alam, was officially inaugurated on 8 August 2026, bringing together more than 2,000 members of the public, Sangha Members, Buddhist devotees, Buddhist leaders, community representatives and distinguished guests to witness this significant milestone.
The inauguration ceremony was officiated by YB Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia, who graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour.
The ceremony was attended by distinguished diplomatic representatives, including His Excellency Hitesh Rajpal, Deputy High Commissioner of India to Malaysia, His Excellency Dharshana Perera, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Malaysia, representatives from the Embassy of Pakistan, including the Visa Counsellor, as well as Buddhist leaders and more than 120 Sangha members from Malaysia and overseas.
Towards Kindness — Walking Together with Compassion
One of the highlights of the inauguration was a special performance themed “Towards Kindness”, conveying a simple yet profound message:
No matter where we come from, what our background, culture or nationality may be, we can come together with compassion and kindness, united by one common purpose — Towards Kindness.
This is not merely the theme of the inauguration, but also a spirit that Maha Karuna Vihara hopes to cultivate and share for years to come.
Maha Karuna Vihara aspires to be more than a place of Buddhist worship. It seeks to be a space for the propagation of the Dhamma, cultivation of compassion, cultural exchange and community harmony — encouraging the values of loving-kindness, compassion, peace and understanding to extend from the temple into families, communities and society.
Support for Cultural and Heritage Tourism
The proposal to explore the inclusion of Maha Karuna Vihara as part of Malaysia’s cultural and heritage tourism development was put forward by Ms Yee Shin, Chairwoman of the Inauguration Ceremony, and was warmly received by YB Dato Sri Tiong King Sing.
YB Minister also expressed his support for exploring the promotion of Maha Karuna Vihara as part of Malaysia’s cultural and heritage tourism offerings.
During the ceremony, YB Minister also presented a RM30,000 contribution towards the development of Maha Karuna Vihara as a gesture of encouragement and support.
Maha Karuna Buddhist Society believes that Buddhist temples are not only places of religious practice, but also custodians of valuable history, culture, art and traditions. Through cultural and heritage tourism, visitors from Malaysia and around the world can gain a deeper understanding of the Buddhist heritage that forms part of Malaysia’s rich and diverse multicultural identity.
Malaysia Book of Records Recognition
Another historic highlight of the inauguration was the presentation of the Malaysia Book of Records recognition for the “First Teak Wood Buddha Relics Chamber in Malaysia.”
The recognition was witnessed by the Sangha, Guest of Honour, distinguished guests and devotees, marking another significant milestone in the history of Maha Karuna Vihara.
The Buddha Relics Chamber is not only a sacred Buddhist space, but also reflects Maha Karuna Buddhist Society’s commitment to preserving Buddhist heritage and passing this precious spiritual and cultural legacy on to future generations.
A New Beginning — Serving Society with Compassion
Maha Karuna Buddhist Society (Kuala Lumpur & Selangor) extends its deepest gratitude to the Most Venerable Sangha Nayaka, Sangha Members, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia, diplomatic representatives, Buddhist leaders, devotees, sponsors, well wishers, volunteers, organising committee members and all those who quietly contributed their time, effort and dedication towards the construction and successful inauguration of Maha Karuna Vihara.
The inauguration is not simply the completion of a temple. It marks the beginning of a new journey in propagating the Dhamma and serving society through compassion and kindness.
Moving forward, Maha Karuna Vihara will continue to uphold the values of Dhamma, compassion, wisdom and wholesome action, while promoting Buddhist education, cultural preservation, community service and charitable activities.
It aspires to be a place where people from different backgrounds can come together with mutual respect, learn from one another and cultivate greater harmony.
As expressed through the spirit of the inauguration:
“No matter where we come from, we are here together.
Because we share one common purpose — Towards Kindness.”
Below are the captured moments. Click here for more photos.
