It was established in 2004 by Venerable Witiyala Seewalie Maha Thera, who is also the current Abbot of the Vihara and the Deputy Chief Sangha Nayaka of North America,[1] appointed by the Malwatta Chapter in Kandy, Sri Lanka.

A president of Sri Lanka issued a greetings on the opening of the temple and said, “In an era when the Buddhist teaching is most wanted to the world.

I wish the sublime motive of propagating the teaching of the Buddha by the inaugurators of this vihara be a success”[3]Since its inception, the Vihara has been a central place for Buddhist community from various backgrounds to come and experience religious and spiritual events such as weekly meditation session, monthly meditation retreats and annual ceremonies.

Resident monks visit South Dakota State Penitentiary once a month to teach and guide mindfulness session for inmates.

[8][9][10] Under the guidance of Venerable Seewalie's leadership, the temple commenced the construction of a sacred stupa within its premises in April 2021.