Bhikkhu Visvakirti is known as “Bhante Kirti” or “Podi Hamuduruwo”, who is a resident monk and an assistant abbot of Minnesota Buddhist Vihara. Born in Nepal, he was ordained at age of 14 and went to Sri Lanka for a monastic education. Under the guidance of Ven. Seewalie, he studied monastic education at Parama Dhamma Cetiya Pirivena and completed a Diploma in Pali Language from Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka. In 2007, Bhante Kirti received his higher ordination (upasampada) at Bhavana Society, West Virginia under the leadership of Venerable Dr. Henepola Gunaratana Maha Nayaka Thera as “Upajjhaya”, Venerable Witiyala Seewalie Nayaka Thera as “Achariya” and Ven. Yogavachara Rahula Maha Thera as “Kammachariya”.
After coming to Minnesota, Bhante continued his higher education at North Hennepin Community College and completed an Associate Degree and Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Metropolitan State University. In addition, he has completed several 10-days Vipassana courses.
He leads Dhamma School for children and assists the abbot in leading spiritual and religious activities.