Top 10 Buddhist Temples In India

Buddhist temples or monasteries hold great significance in India's rich history, culture, and architecture. As Lord Buddha attained enlightenment in India, tourists from all over the world who follow Buddhism visit India to experience spiritual bliss and witness the exceptional architectural sites located in various parts of India. Most of these places have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. If you are also looking for some peace of mind and want to delve into meditating in the historically famous Buddhist temples, then this blog is for you. Refer to this article to understand in detail the historical, religious, and cultural significance of the Buddhist temple in India, with some tips to follow while visiting these places.

The Most Famous Buddhist Temples in India

1. Mahabodhi Temple, Bodh Gaya, Bihar:
2. Rumtek Monastery, Sikkim:
3. Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh:
4. Sachi Stupa, Madhya Pradesh:
5. Nalanda Mahavira, Bihar:
6. Mahaparini Temple, Uttar Pradesh:
7. Tawang Monastery, Arunachal Pradesh:
8. Thikse Monastery, Leh Ladakh:
9. Ghoom Monastery, Darjeeling:
10. Hemis Monastery, Leh Ladakh:

1. Mahabodhi Temple, Bodh Gaya, Bihar:

A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Mahabodhi Temple is an ancient Buddhist temple in Bodh Gaya, Bihar. Bodh Gaya is referred to as the most sacred pilgrimage for Buddhists across the world, as Lord Buddha attained enlightenment here. Mahabodhi Temple consists of stupas that are made with detailed craftsmanship. The Mahabodhi Temple during Buddha Purnima is worth visiting, as there are processions and celebrations to celebrate the birth of Lord Buddha. There are hundreds of visitors who visit the Mahabodhi Temple to experience its cultural and spiritual importance. If you visit this monastery, you can participate in various ceremonial events and activities. You can also go to the official website of the Mahabodhi Temple to check the upcoming events and temple timings.

2. Rumtek Monastery, Sikkim:

Situated in Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim in the north eastern part of India, Rumtek Monastery is one of the largest monasteries in Sikkim. The monastery was established in the 16th century and is particularly followed by the Kargyu sect of Buddhism. It is located between the hills, where you will be able to spend a calm and quiet time. The monastery is painted in vibrant colors and is decorated with golden sculptures, making it wonderful to see and for photography. In the prayer hall, there is an idol of Mahakal, where people believe that if you visit the monastery, the difficulties in your life will be removed.

3. Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh:

Sarnath is an essential Buddhist pilgrimage site in India, a famous archaeological and religious place in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. It is famous for being the first place where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon or teaching of Buddhism to the followers after his enlightenment. Therefore, you can visit Sarnath Temple to understand the roots of Buddhism and enjoy the breathtaking Buddhist architecture, like the Dhamekh Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, Ashoka Pillar, Sarnath Museum, Mulagandha Kuti Vihar, and many more.

4. Sachi Stupa, Madhya Pradesh:

Located in Raisen, Madhya Pradesh, Sachi is well known for various Buddhist Monuments, like the Great Stupa. A stupa is a dome-shaped monument where the relics of Buddha and other holy persons are kept. Visiting the stupa is regarded as sacred. Sachi is also one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites that showcases several historical, architectural, and Buddhist temples. There are several Buddhist temples you can visit in Saranth, like Ugayagiri caves, which are significant for their rock-cut style, Bhojpur Temple, Buddhist Viharas, and Vidisha temple complex. You can also visit other significant places in Sachi, like the Archaeological Museum, the Light Show, and Buddha Jambudweep Park.

5. Nalanda Mahavira, Bihar:

Nalanda Mahavira was the largest Buddhist monastery and the most excellent university in ancient India during the 5th century. It is said that Gautama Buddha and Mahavira visited the university frequently and used to stay there for several years. If you visit Nalanda Mahavira, remember that the temples are on the complex's eastern side. You will be able to see unique images of Buddha in different positions and marvellous Buddhist sculptures.

6. Mahaparini Temple, Uttar Pradesh:

Mahaparini Temple, also known as Mahanirvana Stupa, is an important Buddhist temple located in Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh. The temple is an important Buddhist site because Gautama Buddha took his final breath at this temple and attained Maha parinibbana, which means final nirvana after death. Like most visitors or devotees, you can also visit this temple to experience the reclining Buddha, which is kept inside the Mahaaprini Temple. It is said that to witness the religious activities and become a part of them, you can visit the Mahaparini temple during Buddha Purnima.

7. Tawang Monastery, Arunachal Pradesh:

Tawang Monastery is the largest monastery in India, founded in 1680-81 in the Western part of Arunachal Pradesh. Tawang Monastery mainly influences the Mahayana sect of Buddhism. The monastery comprises several goddesses and has unique architecture and art objects. The monastery's entrance is decorated in a colourful way, which is famously known as Kakaling. When you visit the monastery, you will be able to see the monastery as well. Tawang monastery has 17 related Gompa (monasteries). Each of the monasteries offers a unique and pleasant service to the visitors.

8. Thikse Monastery, Leh Ladakh:

Thikse Monastery is a 12-storey building situated at an elevation of 11,800 feet, which is famous for being the largest complex of monasteries in Ladakh, India. It was founded in the mid-fifteenth century and is similar to the Potala Palace in Lhasa. There are different objects and wonders you will be able to witness in Lamkhang Temple, like stupas and pillars on which the teachings of Lord Buddha are written. There is a large statue of Maitreya Buddha inside the monastery, where thousands of visitors come to see and seek blessings. There are other temples as well, like Tara Temple, in which 21 idols of the goddess Tara are kept, Lamokhang Temple, and be part of celebrations like the Gustor Festival. The female Buddhist practitioners stay at a Nunnery in Thikse Monastery, where they practice the teachings of Lord Buddha.

9. Ghoom Monastery, Darjeeling:

Ghoom monastery is the first Tibetan and oldest monastery located in Ghoom, Darjeeling, at a height of 8,000 feet. When you visit Ghoom monastery, there are several other monasteries nearby, like Dali monastery, Peace Pagoda, or Japanese Temple, which display the four manifestations of Lord Buddha, as well as several other Buddhist temples that you would want to discover. You can visit these monasteries during Saka Dawa to enjoy the celebration.

10. Hemis Monastery, Leh Ladakh:

Hemis Monastery, covered by mountains, is a famous monastery of the Drukpa lineage of Buddhism, where more than ten thousand monks live. Hemis Monastery was established in 1672 and comprises attractive architecture, such as a golden statue, with religious significance. Hemis Monastery also consists of a library and a museum where antiques signifying the art and culture of Buddhism are displayed. You can also visit Hemis National Park and explore the Tibetan-style architecture, Cham Dance, and many more.

Conclusion:

There are numerous Buddhist sites and temples in India. The most prominent ones and worth visiting are the ones mentioned above. You can visit the monasteries to experience art, culture, tradition, and architecture, or simply to meditate and enjoy the calmness around you. Not only do followers of Buddhism visit the Buddhist temple, but tourists and visitors also enjoy the bliss and serenity offered by the monastery.