India, widely known as the cradle of Buddhism, is home to many famous pilgrimage sites and Buddhist temples. The main center is Bodh Gaya, where Buddha attained enlightenment. This country has many wonderful temples that you must visit.
Buddhism is one of the important religions of the world that teaches a good way to develop spirituality, meditation and philosophy. The main goal of Buddhism is to escape suffering and the cycle of samsara and nirvana. There are about 250 to 500 million Buddhists around the world. Several Buddhist temples and other religious sites related to Buddhism and various Buddhist sects are located in various corners of India. Below are the most beautiful Buddhist temples in India to visit and admire if you have the opportunity to travel to India
1. Vipassana Temple, Maharashtra
The domed meditation hall of the Global Vipassana Temple is the largest in the world, with a capacity of about 8,000 vipassana students. The purpose of the temple’s mission is to share information about vipassana (literally special vision) and spread the teachings of Buddha. The peaceful atmosphere of the temple that radiates golden light during the day must be admired by those who want to meditate and change their lives.
With traditional Burmese design, the temple is located near Gorai, northwest of Mumbai and 42 km from Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport. You can also take a taxi from Borivali railway station. Various vipassana meditation courses are offered free of charge at the Dhamma Pattana meditation center, part of the Global Vipassana Pagoda. Depending on the course, students stay on campus to make the most of the spiritual experience.
2. Vishwa Shanti Stupa, Ladakh
One of the seven peace temples in India, the white-domed Vishwa Shanti stupa is located in the Leh district of Ladakh. At its base, the Buddha’s relics enshrined by the Fourteenth Dalai Lama are kept. The first level of the stupa has a central relief of Dharmachakra with deer on each side. Depicting Zhuan Falun, a golden Buddha statue in the center sits on a platform.
The Shanti Stupa is one of the major tourist attractions and offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape of the surrounding mountains.
3. Darjeeling Peace Pagoda, West Bengal
Designed to inspire peace and provide a place for people to unite, the Peace Pagoda in Darjeeling features four representations of Buddha, including Maitreya Buddha. The temple’s foundation stone was laid in 1972 and since then, it has attracted visitors from all over the world. From the top of the temple, one can witness breathtaking views of the verdant landscape and the Kanchenjunga range.
This is a Buddhist temple in India with 30 similar structures around the world. This white building is highlighted with gold-painted sculptures, which are the highlight of the entire temple. This is one of the most beautiful temples in India built between 1885 and 1985 by a Japanese Buddhist monk Nichidatsu Fuji and it continues to be one of the most popular places to visit in Darjeeling.
The main purpose of establishing this monument is to promote peace, unity and goodwill among people belonging to different communities and religions. Additionally, this place offers a sense of peace and tranquility as it is surrounded by snow-capped peaks on all sides.
4. Vishwa Shanti Stupa, Bihar
Rajgir is an ancient city in Nalanda district of Bihar. The first capital of the Magadha kingdom, which eventually evolved into the Mauryan empire, was known to be one of the favorite places of Buddha and Lord Mahavira. Located on top of Rajgir hill, this is where Buddha preached the Lotus Sutra. Inspired by Japanese architectural styles and made of marble, it also includes four golden Buddha statues with each representing the stages of his life – birth, enlightenment , preached and died.
5. Golden Temple, Arunachal Pradesh
Nestled in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas, the Golden Temple is located in the Namsai district of Arunachal Pradesh . Spread over a vast area of 20 hectares, this amazing temple is also known to have 12 domes in the Temple. Also known as Kong Mu Kham, the temple is also famous for hosting the Kathina festival which is held with great enthusiasm in November. You definitely won’t want to miss visiting this amazing temple!
Built in 2010, the temple’s architecture is inspired by the Burmese architectural style which further adds to its unique character.
6. Tsuglagkhang temple complex, Dharamsala
This temple complex is the official residence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The complex houses the Tsuglagkhang temple along with the famous Kalchakra temple. This is a place full of Tibetan culture, Dalai Lama Temple also known as Tsuglakhang Temple is a religious and political center in Dharamsala. An ideal place for peaceful meditation and religious reflection, the temple is filled with lamas at all times of the day chanting on prayer wheels or rosaries.
Famous for its stunning views, the temple complex has become a revered pilgrimage site for Buddhists. Plus, the peaceful environment attracts tourists from all over the world.
This is one of the most beautiful temples in India with a huge scale containing giant statues of Avalokiteshvara, Padmasambhava and several other Buddhist monks. The main attraction of the Dalai Lama Temple is the giant statue of Buddha sitting on a high pedestal. The main prayer wheel is also located here, in the center of the temple which is plated with gold and has the chants ‘Om Mani Padme Hum’.
Tsuglagkhang temple
Pilgrims walk around the platform to pay their respects and turn the prayer wheel. It is believed that by spinning the wheel, merit will be multiplied and devotees will be greatly blessed. The large adjacent hall can accommodate thousands of people meditating and spending moments of silence.
There are also several small shops on site selling books on religion, peace, meditation, Nirvana and the like; in addition to small souvenirs and sundries. Situated quietly among idyllic mountain peaks, the glorious Dalai Lama Temple offers solitude and serenity unlike any other.