A slice of Japan in heart of Mumbai - Nipponzan Myohoji (Japanese Buddhist temple)

Mumbai is city full of surprises and it never fails to amaze you with monuments or heritage structures which are truly hidden gems. On four road junction which is bustling with ever increasing traffic near Worli Naka and right opposite Podar Hospital lies a secret. The monument which has its own connection with India's freedom struggle, A serene spot in a congested and busy main road, Hidden under a canopy of trees in a walled compound stands the tall stone haven of peace & tranquility, The temple of "Nipponzan Myohoji" - Japanese Buddhist temple. 

Yes, This is a Buddhist temple which started as Japanese Buddhist monastery and it is one of only two remaining monuments in city of Mumbai which has Japanese connection. It was around 700 years ago, a monk in Japan called Maha Bodhisattva Nichiren prophesied that the salvation of Humans would lie in land from where Buddhism spread. So between 1931- 38 a Japanese monk "Nichidatsu Fuji Guruji" travelled to India following the prophecy of 13th century monk and for regenerating the message of peace. He became close friends with Mahatma Gandhi and contributed in India's freedom movement. As a gratitude to Guruji, philanthropist Raja Baldeo Das Birla funded and built this temple in 1956 and till date is maintained by Birla trust which has a Japanese monk as its resident caretaker.

The temple follows the order of Nicherin Buddhism and the main prayer of this school is "Na Myo Ha Ren Ge Kyo", a chant of peace which is chanted twice a day with beat of drums.

As one enters the temple from the main road, the traffic noise outside is exchanged by peace and tranquility. The main door leading to the prayer hall has big bold Buddhist inscription in Japanese.

The hall is adorned with many paintings on life of Buddha out of which the painting of sleeping Buddha is one which catches one's eye. Various motifs & lanterns adorn the walls and ceilings of the hall. Just outside the main shrine is bust of Buddha on the left and standing Buddha statue in black stone adorn the entrance on the right. 

The shrine has a main marble statue of Buddha in perpetual meditation along with other statues of Buddha in gold. The walls behind the statue has framed picture of "Guruji" with beautiful lamps and incense stick stand adorn the small room. Prayers are held twice a day one in morning and other in evening for one hour during which there is continuous chants of peace mantra and rhythmic beat of drums by regular devotees. 

The temple has plaque which mentions that there is no restriction on anyone visiting the temple, no discrimination is done to anyone. In fact during my visit to the temple I was permitted to click pictures and also allowed to enter the shrine hall without any restrictions. Sitting in hall during prayer time with chants of mantra and beats of drums around, one gets soothed with tranquility with musical chants, the experience which was the highlight during my visit. 

Some newspaper article cut-outs in corner of prayer hall mentioned that Mahatma Gandhi and even Dr Ambedkar have visited this sanctuary. One of the other article which caught my eye was about almost forgotten and least known cemetery of Japanese community close by, on E. Moses road which was built in 1907 and is suppose to be the oldest one, Many Japanese citizens  ashes after death have been enshrined here. Even Fuji Guruji is buried in this cemetery. It said that there is prayer service held every year which is participated by Japanese citizens in Mumbai and those working for Japanese consulate in Mumbai. For heritage enthusiast these places are definitely worth a visit and I have kept it for my next visit.

The temple of Nipponzan Myohoji stands out amidst the mundane sights of the city and truly is place of haven for everybody. It was heartening to note that there exist these two places which has such strong Japanese influence and is probably the best bridge of friendship between the two nations. I would certainly recommend stepping in to have a look next time you are at Worli. 

Location: Worli Naka, opp Podar Hospital. 

Timings: 5.30 am to 12.30 pm, 3.30 pm to 8 pm, Prayers timings: 6 am to 7 am & 6 pm to 7 pm.