Buddhist Temples

Buddhism is one of the oldest religions in the world. It originated in India sometime between the 6th and 4th centuries BC and eventually spread out across Asia and the other parts of the world. The era of Buddhism can be traced back from the Magadha region and spread across the world by the followers of Buddha. Siddharth Gautam was the founder of this spiritual conviction and he along with his followers established so many Buddhist Monasteries in India. There are around 250 to 500 million Buddhists all over the world. There are several Buddhist monasteries and other sites related to Buddhism that are situated at the diverse corners of the country. Discover the most popular Buddhist temples in India through this blog. If you are planning for a trip to India then do not forget to check out these amazing religious Buddhist sites.

1. Mahabodhi Temple, Bihar
   Located in Gaya, Mahabodhi temple is considered to be the most sacred of the Buddhist temples in India. The temple was built by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BC. It is a famous Buddhist temple of India where Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment while sitting under the eminent Bodhi Tree. This temple features a beautiful architecture which is a comprehensible reflection of the diverse customs, cultures and traditions of Buddhism. This temple contains a 180-foot tall “shikhara tower” that has several motifs engraved on its surface. The temple is also a statue of the Buddha made from yellow sandstone inside a glass box.

   

   How to reach
   To get here Gaya International Airport is the nearest air terminal situated 10.6 Km away from the temple. The closest railway station is Gaya junction (GAYA) which is located at a distance of 14 km from the temple. Here is a list of trains that run between Delhi and Gaya. You can take a taxi from the station to reach the temple.

2. Sarnath Temple, Uttar Pradesh
   Sarnath Temple is widely known to be one of the holiest and must-visit pilgrim sites holding great significance in the Buddhism religion. Situated in Varanasi, Sarnath temple is believed to be where Buddha held his first spiritual discussion as an enlightened master. This sacred temple was built by Emperor Asoka and it features the Great Dhamek Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, Dharmarajika Stupa, Mulagandha Kuti Vihar and other archaeological wonders. Hence, the place has a great significance in Buddhism and is a must-visit Buddhist pilgrim site.

   

   How to reach
   If you wish to visit the temple by air then the nearest airport is Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport in Varanasi which is 24 km away from the temple. After that hire a taxi or cab that can take you to Sarnath temple. However if you want to reach via rail then the nearest railway station is Varanasi (BSB) and then hire a taxi or an autorickshaw up to Sarnath. Here is a list of trains between New Delhi and Varanasi.

3. Mahaparinirvana Temple, Uttar Pradesh
   Located in the city of Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh - Mahaparinirvana temple is one of the Buddhist temples in India that holds utmost importance. Set amidst extensive lawns and ancient ruins, this temple is well known for its six meters long statue of reclining Buddha. The monolithic idol was built from a single piece of red sandstone of Chunar and rests on a huge platform made from brick with four stone pillars at its corners. While the idol itself symbolises the highest state of salvation achieved by Lord Buddha when he left for his heavenly abode, the posture denotes the dying age of Gautam Buddha.

   

   How to reach
   The nearest airport is Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh which is approximately 53 Kilometers from the temple. From there you can hire a cab that will take you directly to Mahaparinirvana temple. Deoria Sadar (DEOS) is the nearest railway station that is 35 km from the temple. You can take a taxi from the station to reach here directly. Here is a list of trains between New Delhi and Deoria Sadar. Roadways buses are also running from Gorakhpur and Deoria regularly.

4. Sanchi Stupa, Madhya Pradesh
   The Buddhist monument in Sanchi is one of the oldest stone structures in India. Designated a World Heritage site by UNESCO, the Great Stupa was installed in the 3rd century BC by Emperor Ashoka of the Mauryan dynasty. The sculptures and monuments present at the site are a fine example of the development of Buddhist art and architecture in Madhya Pradesh. The stupa sits atop a hill in Sanchi, 46 km from the city of Bhopal. The magnificence of this old stone structure has also garnered itself a place on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

   

   How to reach
   Sanchi has its own railway station but doesn't have an airport. The nearest airport is Raja Bhoj Airport in Bhopal which is about 55 kilometres away from the temple. You can hire a cab from the airport that can take you straight to the temple. The nearest railway station to Sanchi Stupa is Bhopal Jn (BPL) which is 50 km away from the main city. It is well-connected to the rest of the country. Here is a list of trains between New Delhi and Bhopal. After that hire a taxi that can take you to the temple. Regular bus services ply to and from the city of Sanchi. You can also take shared taxis or cabs for the same route.

5. Red Maitreya Temple, Jammu & Kashmir
   Housed at the Thiksey Monastery in Leh, the Red Maitreya Temple is known for its 49 ft clay statue of the Maitreya Buddha. This tall statue covers two storeys of the monastery and is painted a striking golden colour. Located amidst the mountains of Ladakh the temple offers breathtaking views of the town and the surrounding rugged mountains. The walls of the temple are also decorated with beautiful paintings depicting the images of Mahakala, Avalokiteshvara, and Buddha that take you back to the past. Moreover, other than its pure creativity and devotional attribute, the serene location just adds on to the charm of the temple. It is a religious hub of many Buddhist devotees!

   

   How to reach
   The closest air terminal is Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport situated in Leh. This air terminal is associated with numerous international air terminals in India like Delhi. The closest railroad station to Ladakh is Jammu Tawi (JAT) which is 700 km far from Ladakh. Here is a list of trains between New Delhi and Jammu Tawi. You can take a taxi from the station to reach the temple.

6. Vishwa Shanti Stupa, Rajgir
   Also known as World Peace Pagoda, Vishwa Shanti Stupa is among the most famous Buddhist temples in India. Located in Rajgir city of Bihar, it is a key attraction of the city that can be reached via ropeway. Located on the top of a hill, it is a spectacular white colour structure with a golden statue of Lord Buddha. This incredibly peaceful place is a must-visit destination for all visiting this place.

   

   How to reach
   The nearest airport is JPN International Airport in Patna which is 110 km away from the temple. From the airport you can take a taxi that can take you straight to the temple. If you are travelling by train then the nearest station is Rajgir (RGD). Here is a list of trains between New Delhi and Rajgir. You can hire a cab from the railway station to reach the place directly. Rajgir is well connected by road to Patna (110 km), Nalanda ( 15 km), Gaya (78 km), Pawapuri (38 km) and Bihar Sharif (25 km). Regular Bus Services are available from all these locations.

7. Wat Thai Temple, Uttar Pradesh
   One of the most distinctive Buddhist temples of India, Wat Thai Temple was built to commemorate the victory of the popular King Bhumibol of Thailand. The atmosphere of peace and serenity has enveloped the temple and hence it proves to be best for those who are seeking tranquillity or a quiet and calm place to practice meditation amidst nature. The temple also has a prayer hall if you wish to sit, meditate and pray inside the temple premises. This temple is known for its exceptional architectural charm and is not to be missed attraction for the travellers coming here. Its scenic beauty and charisma are unparalleled.

   

   How to reach
   The nearest airport to Kushinagar is the Gorakhpur Airport. One can also reach via rail. The closest railway station to the temple is Gorakhpur (GKP) railway station. The rail head is well-connected with stations like Mumbai, Delhi, Cochin, Barauni, Kolkata, Lucknow, Agra and Jaipur. Here is a list of trains between New Delhi and Gorakhpur. From the station you can hire a taxi that can take you to the temple. You can also reach Wat Thai temple by road. There are several Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation buses that ply on this route.

I am sure now you have a list of a handful of Buddhist temples to visit across the nation. Tell us in the comments below about the place where you are planning to go first? Plan a trip to any of these temples and book your tickets through Trainman app. Download the Trainman App to check PNR Status of your booked ticket, Train inquiry, Seat Availability in any train and many such exciting features.