12 of the Most Famous Buddhist Temples and Monasteries in India

Buddhism is one of the key religions of the world that teaches a beautiful way of spiritual development, meditation, and philosophy. The era of Buddhism came to pass from the Magadha region and was 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. The main goal of Buddhism is to get away from agony and the cycles of reincarnation and the attainment of nirvana. There are around 250 to 500 million Buddhists all over the world. Several Buddhist temples and other religious sites related to Buddhism are situated at the diverse corners of the country. Explore the most popular Buddhist temples in India through this article. If you are planning a holiday trip in India and have faith in Buddhism, don't forget to come across these religious Buddhist sites.

1. Mahabodhi Temple, Bodh Gaya

Situated in Bodh Gaya city of the Bihar state of India, Mahabodhi Temple is supposed to be one of the most important and sacred places of Buddhism. It is a famous Buddhist temple of India, where Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment during sitting under the eminent Bodhi Tree. This temple features beautiful architecture, which is a comprehensible reflection of the diverse customs, cultures, and traditions of Buddhism.

2. Mahaparinirvana Temple, Kushinagar

Located in Kushinagar of Uttar Pradesh state of India, Mahaparinirvana Temple features a 6-meters long statue of the reclining Buddha. The temple is set amidst the extensive lawns and ancient unearthed ruins with a circumambulatory path. The composed 5th-century reclining Buddha of the temple was discovered in 1876. The idol depicts the dying age of Gautam Buddha and makes it one of the renowned Buddhist temples in India.

3. Ramadhan Stupa Temple, Kushinagar

Located in close proximity to the Mahaparinirvana Temple, Ramabhar Stupa Temple holds a special position due to being built at the place of the cremation of Lord Buddha. The temple features a splendid 49-feet-high stupa, which is recognized for its architectural elegance. The manifestation of this stupa is quite glorious and appealing.

4. Wat Thai Temple, Kushinagar

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. This temple is known for its exceptional architectural charm and is not to be missed attraction for the travelers coming here. Its scenic beauty and charisma is unparalleled.

5. Thikse Monastery, Leh

Situated in the north of the Indus River on a hilltop, Thiksey Monastery belongs to the Gelukpa Order of Buddhism. It was built in 1430 AD and features a temple dedicated to Goddess Dorje Chenmo. Being one of the major Buddhist monasteries of India, the monastery complex features a number of holy shrines. Thiksey Gompa is the largest monastery in Ladakh and is also supposed to be mini Potala Palace.

6. Mindrolling Monastery, Dehradun

The Mindrolling Monastery is one of the most popular religious sites for Buddhists in India. It is located close to the Rajaji National Park in the Dehradun district of Uttarakhand. Buddha temple of this monastery is one of the key tourist attractions and a great architectural wonder. The monastery features one of the most amazing and tall statues of Lord Buddha, which has a height of 107 feet.

7. Ghum Monastery, Darjeeling

Situated amidst the hill regions of Eastern Himalayan ranges in Darjeeling, Ghum Monastery is among the oldest Tibetan Buddhist monasteries. It is one of the largest monasteries in the state. It features a 15-foot statue of the Maitreya Buddha. Ghum Monastery is considered to be the most famous monastery in India.

8. Namdroling Monastery & Golden Temple, Mysore

Namdroling Monastery is famous as a hub for upholding the pure teachings of the Buddha. It features amazing architecture and its prayer hall has been beautifully carved in gold. The sight of this spiritual place is simply overwhelming. There are two gold statues of Buddha, which are also astonishing in appearance.

9. Rumtek Monastery, Gangtok

Also recognized as the Dharmachakra Center, Rumtek Monastery is located at the hilltop of Gangtok, Sikkim. The place is surrounded by stunning locations. It is one of the most visited attractions in the region.

10. Tsuglagkhang Temple Complex, Dharamsala

It is one of the key tourist attractions of the region. This incredible temple complex is the official abode of the Dalai Lama. The complex features the much-admired Tsuglagkhang Temple along with the famous Kalchakra Temple.

11. Dhamekh Stupa, Sarnath

Also called Dhamekha or Dhamek Stupa, Dhamekh Stupa is a massive Buddhist Stupa in Sarnath. It marks the spot where Buddha gave his first sermon to his first disciples post-enlightenment. This is the reason; it is considered an important religious place for Buddhism followers. This massive cylindrical Stupa is 43.6 meters high and has a width of 28 meters. This famous Buddhist shrine of India receives a huge number of devotees.

12. 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 the Bihar state of India, it is a key attraction of the city that can be reached through a ropeway. Located on the top of a hill, it is a beautiful white color structure with a golden statue of Lord Buddha. This incredibly peaceful place is a must-visit destination for all visiting this place