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10 famous Buddhist monasteries and temples in India: India, a land of rich cultural and spiritual heritage, is home to numerous Buddhist monasteries and temples that attract devotees and tourists from around the world. These sacred sites offer a glimpse into the ancient traditions and teachings of Buddhism, as well as serene environments for meditation and reflection.
A Buddhist monastery, or vihara, is a place where monks and nuns live, study, and practice Buddhism. These monasteries are centres of religious learning and spiritual practice, providing a tranquil space for meditation, prayer, and the study of Buddhist scriptures, thereby serving as community hubs, offering teachings and guidance to lay followers, and preserving the rich traditions and cultural heritage of Buddhism.
Today, we commemorate Buddha Jayanti, the most significant Buddhist festival, commemorating the birth, enlightenment, and death (parinirvana) of Gautama Buddha. Also known as Vesak or Buddha Purnima, it’s the perfect time to visit the Buddhist monasteries, as devotees visit temples and monasteries to offer flowers, incense, and candles, participate in meditation sessions, and listen to sermons on the life and teachings of Buddha.
Here are the top ten of the most renowned Buddhist monasteries and temples in India, each with its unique history and significance.
The Mahabodhi Temple, located in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, is one of the most sacred sites in Buddhism. It marks the location where Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. The temple complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, features a large, intricately carved tower and a descendant of the original Bodhi tree. Pilgrims from around the world visit this revered site to meditate and pay homage to Buddha.
Sarnath, near Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh (iStock)Sarnath, near Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, is where Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. The Dhamek Stupa, built by Emperor Ashoka, stands as a prominent structure on this historical site. Sarnath is also home to several monasteries, temples, and the Sarnath Archaeological Museum, which houses important relics and artefacts from the Buddhist era.
Kushinagar, in Uttar Pradesh, is the place where Buddha attained Parinirvana, or final nirvana, after his death. The Mahaparinirvana Temple, which houses a reclining statue of Buddha, and the Ramabhar Stupa, believed to be the cremation site of Buddha, are key attractions here. Kushinagar is an important pilgrimage site, symbolising the end of Buddha’s earthly journey and his entry into eternal peace.
Nalanda, in Bihar, was an ancient centre of learning and one of the world’s first residential universities for Buddhist studies. It attracted scholars from all over Asia. The ruins of Nalanda University include stupas, monasteries, and temples, offering a glimpse into the rich intellectual and spiritual legacy of Buddhism.
Rumtek Monastery, located near Gangtok in Sikkim, is one of the most significant monasteries in Tibetan Buddhism. Originally built in the 16th century and later reconstructed, it serves as the main seat of the Karma Kagyu lineage outside Tibet. The monastery complex includes a main shrine, a golden stupa, and several other important structures, all set against the backdrop of the majestic Himalayas.
Hemis Monastery, situated in the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir, is one of the largest and wealthiest monasteries in India. Founded in the 17th century, it is renowned for its annual Hemis festival, which celebrates Guru Padmasambhava’s birth anniversary with colourful masked dances and traditional music. The monastery’s impressive architecture and serene location make it a popular destination for both pilgrims and tourists.
Tawang Monastery, located on a hilltop in Arunachal Pradesh, is the largest monastery in India and the second largest in the world. Established in the 17th century, it is an important centre for Mahayana Buddhism. The monastery complex includes a three-story main assembly hall, a library, and residential quarters for monks, all surrounded by breathtaking natural scenery.
Mindrolling Monastery, located in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, is one of the six major monasteries of the Nyingma School of Tibetan Buddhism. Founded in 1965, it serves as a centre for learning and spiritual practice. The monastery is known for its impressive Great Stupa, beautiful murals, and lush gardens, which attract visitors seeking peace and spiritual growth.
Thiksey Monastery, located near Leh in Ladakh, is a striking complex of buildings set on a hill, resembling the Potala Palace in Lhasa. It was founded in the 15th century and belongs to the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery houses a large Maitreya Buddha statue, numerous shrines, and an extensive collection of Buddhist art and manuscripts.
The Dharmarajika Stupa in Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh, is part of the Sanchi Stupa complex, one of the oldest and most significant Buddhist archaeological sites in India. Built by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE, the stupas at Sanchi are notable for their intricate carvings and historical significance. The site reflects the early architectural and artistic traditions of Buddhism and serves as a testament to its enduring legacy.
