India is home to many wonderful Buddhist temples. Buddhist culture and spirit can be found throughout the country. With their impressive architecture and peaceful surroundings, Buddhist temples are found almost everywhere in the country. These stunning monasteries are sure to be peaceful and they give a harmonious experience. You can attend spiritual retreats, ponder meditative chants, and have one-to-one discussions with the monks.
So, here is a list of some of the breathtaking Buddhist temples located in India. Check them out and visit these gorgeous temples to find solace.
1. Tawang Monastery, Arunachal Pradesh
Pay homage to India’s largest monastery. Perched 10,000 feet above sea level, the picturesque Himalayas set the backdrop for Tawang Monastery in Arunachal Pradesh. Tawang Monastery is India’s also birthplace of the sixth Dalai Lama. The inner walls of the monastery are filled with Buddhist statues and paintings.
Also read: 6 Temples In India That Offer Liquor, Chocolates & Other Unusual Offerings To Its Deities
2. Mahabodhi Temple, Bihar
Mahabodhi Temple in Bihar was the first to be built in the 3rd century by King Ashoka and is considered India’s most sacred Buddhist temple. The temple has a 180-foot high ‘Shikara Tower’ with several motifs carved on its surface. If you’re visiting this temple, do meditate under the ancient Bodhi tree.
3. Sarnath Temple, Uttar Pradesh
It is believed that the Sarnath temple located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh is the site where Buddha first gave his spiritual lectures as an enlightened master. Sarnath is one of his four sacred Buddhist sites in India, with monuments such as the Dhamek stupa and Chaukandhi stupa honoring its historical importance.
4. Thiksey Monastery, Ladakh
The main attraction of this monastery in Ladakh is the two-storey, 49-foot-tall Maitreya Buddha. Buddha statues, pagodas, scriptures, and paintings are also worth seeing.
5. Wat Thai Temple, Uttar Pradesh
Wat Thai Temple is built by Buddhists who came from Thailand to India. And that’s why the architecture of Wat Thai Temple is a mixture of Thai and Indian Buddhist styles. Temple is located in a lush forest area.
Also read: Keshavraj Temple Is Believed To Have Been Built In One Night By The Pandavas