Buddharama Temple

Buddharama Temple Fredrika

Buddharama Temple Fredrika is a planned Theravada Buddhist temple, or "Wat," situated near Fredrika in the Åsele Municipality of Sweden. The project commenced in 2004 with the ambitious goal of becoming the largest Buddhist temple in Europe. However, the initiative has encountered substantial financial and practical obstacles, leading to a severe reduction in its scope and budget, which now stands at approximately 10% of the original allocation.

Background and Vision

The vision for Buddharama Temple Fredrika emerged in 2004 when Phra Boonthin, the new abbot for Buddharama Temple Sweden, visited Fredrika and envisioned a temple large enough for significant religious gatherings. This was a departure from the smaller facilities available elsewhere. Discussions with Fredrika's municipal commissioner, Bert-Rune Dahlberg, in 2005 led to the municipality's commitment to support infrastructure development, such as waterlines, sewerage, and broadband, for the temple site. The initial plans were expansive, including a main temple building for 300 people, a large conference hall, a prominent Buddha statue atop a hill, ample parking, and residences for monks. The temple was intended to serve as a spiritual center for Buddhists across Europe.

Financial Challenges and Construction Progress

The project's financing has been precarious. While initial support was promised by the Thai government, this was not realized after the 2006 coup d'état. Subsequent interest from a businessman with a fraudulent past was quickly terminated. By 2015, the project was reportedly financed by donations, though efforts to secure new investors continued. Despite an inaugural ceremony in 2005 and groundwork in 2006, including the erection of a 4.5-meter statue of Luang Pu Thuat and an 8-meter Buddha statue, the main temple construction had not begun as of 2020. The organization faced debts of around half a million SEK, which they aimed to clear before proceeding. The COVID-19 pandemic further disrupted plans, including a planned trip to Thailand to seek investors. Bert-Rune Dahlberg's continued involvement stems from the hope that the temple would stimulate tourism and provide economic benefits to Fredrika.

Media Coverage

The temple project garnered public attention, notably in 2014 when Sveriges Television broadcast a one-hour documentary titled "Tempelriddaren" (The Knight Templar). This program focused on the temple's development and the role of Bert-Rune Dahlberg. In 2015, a nearby smaller temple, Wat Buddharama Fredrika, was noted to house a single monk.