Aurangabad, March 10:
Pujyabhadant Anandbodhi (91), stationed at Shravasti Vihar at Saketnagar near Pethenagar, attained Nirvana on Wednesday morning. He was ill for the past few days.
The last rites were performed on him at the Buddhaleni area in the evening. All India Samta Sainik Dal, led by Commander Bajirao Sonune gave him the guard of honour. Bhadant Bodhipalo Mahsthavir, Bhadant Pradnyabodhi, Bhadant Dr M Satyapal, Bhadant Dyanrakshit, Bhadant Abhayputra, Bhadant Vinaybodhi, Bhadant Harshbodhi, Bhadant Karunanand, Bhadant Anandbodhi, Bhadant Rahulbodhi and other Bhikhu sangha, Upasak, Upasikas were present.
Bhante Anandbodhi had closely seen Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar during his public meeting at Jamner (Jalgaon) in 1954. He was very impressed by his speech and then decided to devote himself to the Dhamma Service. He was initiated in the Dhamma Order in 1986 by Bhadant Vishudhanandbodhi Mahasthavir. He conducted 33 Varshvas across the state. He also published a book of Buddha Vandana. He had a treasure of around 4000 books. He stayed at Maitri Buddha Vihara, Osmanpura and Shavati Buddha Vihara, Saketnagar in the city for the past 33 years.