Famous Buddhist Temples in the World

Mahabodhi Temple, India

Mahabodhi Temple is one of the major Buddhist temples in India. Located in Bodh Gaya in the state of Bihar,India, this ancient temple's and monastery's first foundation was laid by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd Century BC. At the heart of the temple complex lies the Vajrasana, or the Diamond Throne which marks the very spot where Buddha is believed to have attained enlightenment

However it was rebuilt and it houses a descendant of the Bodhi Tree or Peepul Tree under Siddhartha Gautama achieved total enlightenment. According to several Jataka legends, this spot is the navel of the earth and will be the last one to disappear during the end of the world.

Mahabodhi Temple is adorned with intricate carvings and a fine example of brickwork. The walls both internal and external depict various stages of Buddha's life, also of various legends and figures. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Shwedagon Pagoda

Perched atop Singuttara Hill in Yangon, the Shwedagon Pagoda Temple is an iconic symbol of Myanmar's rich Buddhist heritage. Legend has it that the Shwedagon Pagoda has graced the skyline of Yangon for over 2,600 years. The Pagoda is a blend of iconic architecture and sight to see. The pagoda is known as the Great Dragon Pagoda or Golden Pagoda, it stands 170 ft above the sea level.

The Pagoda is highly revered as it houses the relics of great importance such as 8 strands of Buddha's hair, the staff of Kakusandha, a piece of the robe of Kassapa and also the water filter of Konagamana. The design of the temple has attracted the popular culture so much that there are many replicas of the structure around the world including the famed Global Vipassana Pagoda located in Mumbai, India.

Borobudur, Indonesia

The Borobudur Temple is known as the Largest Buddhist Temple in the World, and often considered one of the wonders of the world. The temple is located in city of Magelang, Central Java, Indonesia. Borobudur is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major tourist attraction.

The temple was built during the time of Sailendra Dynasty, and is work of marvel with unbelievable stone works and masonry without the use of any mortar. Designed in the shape of a Mandala symbolising the Buddhist cosmology, and houses 504 Buddha Statues and over 2,672 relief works.

The huge temple complex was abandoned after its heyday and was hidden amongst the jungles and volcanic ash until its rediscovery in the 19th century under the colonial rule. The reasons for its abandonment are still not clear but attributes majorly to the socio political climate and the religious conversions. It's modern restoration started during the 1960.

Todai-ji, Japan

Todai-ji or the Great Eastern Temple is one of the major Buddhist Temples in the World. A part of the Great Seven Temples, it is located in Nara, Japan. The temple also houses the largest bronze statue of Buddha (Daibutsu) in the world which is 49 feet tall.

It's a symbol of the powerful political and religious influence of Buddhism in ancient Japan. Todaiji is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a significant pilgrimage site for Buddhists and tourists alike.

Wat Pho, Thailand

Temple of the Reclining Buddha or Wat Pho located in Bangkok, Thailand is considered one of the most beautiful Buddhist temples in the world. Officially known as Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram Rajwaramahawihan, the temple houses the statue of the Reclining Buddha (also known as Phra Buddha Theva Patimakorn) which is 46 m long and the largest collection of Buddhist images.

Built by King Rama I the architecture is adorned with intricate designs, statues and colorful decorations and reflects a mix of Thai and Chinese styles. Are you a big fan of Thai massages? Well, you can thank Wat Pho for that as it is the birthplace of traditional Thai massage.

Swayambhunath, Nepal

Swayambhunath Temple is located in the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal and it is one of the most widely revered Buddhist Stupas in the world. It is also dubbed as the monkey temple due to its large number of monkey population that is inherent to the temple. Swayambhunath Temple's iconography comes from the esteemed Vajrayana tradition

The word Swayambhu Means self-sprung or self created, which has its roots in Hinduism. The Stupa is only second to Boudha in Nepal and is said to be as old as 2500 years old. The current Stupa was built around 5th century but the sacred site existed even before that according to legends. It had undergone multipe renovations, the last major renovation was during 2010, however it got damaged during the 2015 Nepal Earthquakes as well.

Dambulla Cave Temple, Sri Lanka

Dambulla Cave Temple is also known as Golden Temple of Dambulla, is located in Matale, Sri Lanka. It is one of the best preserved and largest Buddhist Temples in Sri Lanka. The temple is a cave complex of granite with over 80 documented caves but 5 of them are majorly comprising of temples. A testament to the Lankan architectural brilliance the interiors of the walls are adorned with various intricate artwork and sculptures denoting Buddha's life, teachings and anecdotes.

It houses over 150 Buddha statues, including a colossal reclining Buddha statue that stretches over 14 meters. The caves also contain statues of Hindu deities as well. The caves have a long history, dating back to the 1st century BCE when King Valagamba took refuge in these caves during an invasion. After reclaiming his throne, the transformed these caves into an amazing rock temple complex

Tiger's Nest Monastery, Bhutan

Paro Taktsang better known across the globe as Tiger's Nest Monastery is one of the reputed Buddhist Temples in the World. Located in Paro Valley, Bhutan the temple is where Padmasambhava taught Vajrayana. According to local legends, the great Guru Rinpoche, also known as Padmasambhava, flew to the site on the back of a fierce tigress, subduing a demon and bringing Buddhism to Bhutan. The name "Tiger's Nest" is derived from this legend.

The Tiger's Nest is located at an elevation of about 3,120 meters (10,240 feet) on a sheer cliff overlooking the Paro Valley. Paro Taktsang attracts visitors from around the world and is considered one of Bhutan's holiest sites.

Haeinsa Temple, South Korea

Haeinsa Temple is a prominent Buddhist temple located on Mount Gaya in the Gayasan National Park in South Korea. Known as one of the three jewel temples, it houses the complete collection of sacred Buddhist scriptures carved onto over 80,000 wooden printing blocks. The famed temple was founded in 802 CE during the Silla Dynasty by two monks, Suneung and Ijeong. The temple is located in a beautiful locale surrounding by multiple stepped rice fields.

Shaolin Temple, China

Ofcourse we save the best for the last. Whoever doesn't know about the Shaolin Temple might've been living in a cave for the past two decades or so. Made extremely Popular by Cantonese films and Wuxia fiction, Shaolin is widely revered as the birthplace of Chan Buddhism (Zen Buddhism in Japan) and Shaolin Kung Fu.

The Shaolin Temple and Monastery is highly regarded as it is one of the Five Holy Peaks of Chinese Buddhism, and Bodhidharma an Indian Buddhist Monk and a Patron of Mahayana school taught Chan Buddhism to the devotees. He developed a rigorous tradition of meditation and physical exercises to enhance the monks' health and self-defense.

Visitors to the Shaolin Temple can witness live performances of Shaolin Kung Fu by the temple's resident martial artists. These performances showcase various forms and techniques that have been passed down through generations. The Shaolin Temple stands as a symbol of the integration of Buddhism and martial arts, and it continues to be a centre for spiritual practice and cultural preservation.

Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo, Japan

Senso-ji Temple, located in the center of Tokyo's Asakusa district, is one of the city's oldest and most known Buddhist temples. Its distinctive crimson gate, known as Kaminarimon, welcomes visitors to a realm of spiritual peace and cultural richness. The temple's history goes back to the 7th century, when two fishermen discovered a revered statue of Kannon Bosatsu, the Goddess of Mercy. In recognition of this finding, they constructed a tiny temple on the banks of the Sumida River, which eventually grew into the majestic Senso-ji Temple that we see today. The temple's ornate architecture, tranquil grounds, and lively Nakamise-dori commercial area make it a must-see site for both tourists and locals looking to learn about Tokyo's rich cultural legacy.

Wat Arun, Bangkok, Thailand

Wat Arun, popularly known as the Temple of the Dawn, is one of Bangkok's most prominent landmarks. Its majestic prang, decorated with beautiful mosaics and porcelain tiles, dominates the Chao Phraya River skyline. The temple's name, "Arun," means "dawn," referring to its spectacular aspect when lighted by the early morning sun. Visitors to Wat Arun can admire the delicate features of its architecture, visit its tranquil courtyards, and ascend the central prang for panoramic views of the city. The temple's architectural splendor and spiritual significance make it a must-see attraction for anybody visiting Bangkok.

Wat Phra Kaew, Bangkok, Thailand

Wat Phra Kaew, or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, is the grandiose centerpiece of Bangkok's Grand Palace complex. This revered temple is extremely important to the Thai people because it serves as the royal family's official temple. The Emerald Buddha, a jade figure studded with gold and precious stones, is the temple's center point. This ancient relic is thought to have amazing abilities and is elegantly decorated with changing robes for each season. Wat Phra Kaew's magnificent architecture, which includes golden spires and brilliant mosaics, depicts the Thai monarchy's grandeur and richness. The temple's calm environment and spiritual significance make it a must-see attraction for both tourists and locals.

Yongdusan Park Buddhist Temple, Busan, South Korea

The Yongdusan Park Buddhist Temple, located atop Yongdusan Park in Busan, South Korea, is a peaceful oasis in the midst of the city's hustle and bustle. This renowned temple provides a compelling combination of spiritual serenity and beautiful views. A magnificent bronze Buddha statue greets visitors as a symbol of enlightenment and serenity. The temple's hilltop location offers panoramic views of Busan's harbor, cityscape, and neighboring islands, creating a captivating sight that encapsulates the essence of the city. Beyond its spiritual significance and natural beauty, the Yongdusan Park Buddhist Temple is a popular tourist site, attracting tourists from all over the world looking for a moment of relaxation and cultural immersion in the heart of Busan.

Ta Prohm, Cambodia

Ta Prohm is famous for its breathtakingly gorgeous ruins that are intricately integrated with the surrounding vegetation. Ta Prohm, originally erected as a Buddhist temple and monastery in the late 12th century, has become a powerful and beautiful emblem of nature. The huge trees and extensive roots that surround the ancient stone constructions create a captivating and mystical ambiance. Ta Prohm's distinct blend of man-made artistry and natural restoration has made it an iconic symbol of humanity's long-standing relationship with nature.

In conclusion, our journey through the world's Buddhist temples has unveiled not just architectural marvels but profound spiritual sanctuaries. From the iconic Tiger's Nest in Bhutan to the historic Shaolin Temple in China, each site tells a unique tale of faith, resilience, and cultural heritage.