WAT DHAMMARAM Information

September 13, 1974: Filed as Thai Buddhist Center of Illinois; engaged in religious duties, raising fund for establishment of the temple. May 17, 1976 (B.E. 2519) : The status of the Center was raised to become the Buddhist Temple in full status under the Religious Law of the State of Illinois, with the Buddhist monk elected as its president (Phra Suddhiratanaporn) was the first president of the Temple), at that time, the Temple not yet had a permanent place. December 13, 1977 (2520): Bought Greek Orthodox Church along with the apartment beside it, at 1000-1004, North Hoyne Avenue, Chicago. Monks moved to reside there for 8 years. 1979 (B.E. 2522) The Main Buddha Statue Phra Buddha Jina Dhammopas was granted by His Majesty the King Bhumibol Adulyades, in his Royal Signature Bhor Por Ror, to the high ranking monk: Venerable Phra Thirayanmuni (Punnakamahathera, Pali 9th Level) of Wat Chakkavarti to be brought along and established in the shrine hall. In1980 (B.E. 2523) Somdes Phra Nanasamvara, the Patriach (Suvatthana Mahathera) when ranked as Phra Nanasamvara came as a special visiting guest. In November 15, 1981 (B.E. 2524) Her Majesty the Queen Sirikit with the Princess Chulapornvalailak came visited. She enshrined the Buddha Holy Relic in the Hair-base of the Main Buddha statue. Out of her generosity she donated the amount of US$25,000.00 which was later on named as Her Majesty Queen Sirikit Fund B.E. 2524. In 1982 (B.E. 2525) The Supreme Patriach Somdes Phra Ariyavangsagatanana (Vasabha Mahathera) of Wat Rajabopit Sthitamahasimaram had presented the name of the temple as well as the name of the Dhamma magazine. After all it was felt that the temple location was too narrow for the increasing people who came for religious festivals and ceremony. So the pursue for the new location had begun. Therefore, in July 8, 1983 Thai people bought this present place, the former Elementary School Buildings with landed property 25 acres, cost $350,00.00. In order to have the new place the old temple was sold. Gradually ...