Buddhism, a significant global religion and philosophy, originated in northeastern India during the 5th century BC. It draws its teachings from Siddhartha Gautama, popularly known as “The Buddha,” who was born in present-day Nepal.
The objective of Buddhism is to find liberation from suffering and the repeated process of birth and death, known as rebirth, through achieving nirvana. Currently, there exist a considerable number of Buddhists worldwide, ranging from 230 million to 500 million individuals.
In this context, let us explore a glimpse of some of the most renowned Buddhist temples across the globe.
10. Shwedagon Pagoda
The Shwedagon Pagoda, also known as the Golden Pagoda, holds great significance as the most sacred Buddhist sanctuary in Burma.
Although its origins are shrouded in ancient times, it is believed that the Pagoda was initially constructed by the Mon people during the Bagan era, spanning from the 6th to the 10th century AD.
Within the temple complex, one can find a plethora of stunning and vibrant stupas, but the main attraction undoubtedly lies in the towering central stupa reaching an impressive height of 99 meters (326 feet), adorned entirely in radiant gold.
9. Boudhanath
Boudhanath, situated in the outskirts of Kathmandu, stands as an enormous stupa revered worldwide.
This remarkable structure holds immense significance for Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal, attracting countless Tibetan refugees who have found solace within its surroundings over the past few decades.
However, what truly captures the attention is the presence of Buddha’s watchful eyes gracefully adorning all four sides of the tower.
Interestingly, this awe-inspiring stupa is believed to have been built in the 14th century, following the unfortunate destruction of its predecessor by invaders hailing from the Mughal empire.
8. Pha That Luang
Pha That Luang, also known as the “Great Stupa in Lao,” holds great significance as a monumental structure in Laos. Situated in Vientiane, this stupa encompasses multiple terraces, each symbolizing a distinct phase of Buddhist enlightenment.
The lowermost level represents the physical realm, while the uppermost level signifies the realm of emptiness. Constructed during the 16th century on the remains of a previous Khmer temple, Pha That Luang underwent destruction during a Siamese invasion in 1828.
However, it was resurrected by the French in 1931 to regain its former glory.
7. Jokhang
The Jokhang Temple, situated in Lhasa, holds paramount significance in Tibetan Buddhism and serves as a magnet for numerous pilgrims every year.
It was originally built by King Songtsän Gampo during the 7th century and has endured multiple attacks by the Mongols, yet remarkably managed to remain standing. Presently, the temple complex spans across an expansive area of approximately 25,000 square meters.
6. Mahabodhi Temple
The Mahabodhi Temple, also known as the Great Enlightenment Temple, is situated in Bodh Gaya, India. This Buddhist stupa holds great significance as it encompasses a direct descendent of the original Bodhi Tree, the sacred place where Gautama Buddha achieved enlightenment.
Approximately 250 years after his awakening, Emperor Asoka constructed a temple in this very location. Today, the current temple stands proudly, dating back to the 5th-6th century, serving as a testament to the enduring spiritual heritage of Buddhism.
5. Wat Arun
Located on the Thonburi side of the Chao Phraya River, Wat Arun, also known as the “Temple of Dawn,” stands as a magnificent and renowned landmark in Bangkok, Thailand.
Drawing inspiration from Mount Meru, a sacred place in Buddhist beliefs, this temple showcases remarkable architecture.
Contrary to its name, the optimal time to truly appreciate the breathtaking charm of Wat Arun is during the evening as the radiant sun gracefully sets behind it.
4. Bagan
Bagan, also written as Pagan, is located on the banks of the Ayerwaddy River and boasts the largest concentration of Buddhist temples, pagodas, stupas, and remnants anywhere on the planet.
This remarkable site served as the capital for numerous ancient Burmese kings, who oversaw the construction of an estimated 4,400 temples during the kingdom’s peak between 1000 and 1200 AD.
Unfortunately, in 1287, Bagan’s noble resistance to paying tribute to Kublai Khan resulted in conquest by the Mongols and the subsequent decline of its political significance.
Nevertheless, Bagan managed to maintain its thriving status as a hub for Buddhist studies and spirituality.
3. Todaiji Temple
Todaiji, also known as the “Great Eastern Temple,” holds immense historical importance as one of Japan’s renowned Buddhist temples.
Its construction took place in the 8th century under the rule of Emperor Shomu, who intended for it to serve as the central temple for all Buddhist temples across the country.
Although the original structures of Todaiji have mostly vanished over time, the Daibutsuden or the “Great Buddha Hall” remains intact since its creation in 1709.
This hall proudly showcases one of Japan’s largest Buddha statues and holds the record for being the world’s largest wooden building, despite being two-thirds the size of the original edifice.
2. Borobudur
The Borobudur, found on the enchanting island of Java in Indonesia, stands proudly as the biggest and most renowned Buddhist temple globally.
Constructed by the Sailendra Kingdom during the 8th and 9th centuries, this magnificent architectural marvel took approximately 75 years to complete and utilized an astounding 2 million stone blocks.
Curiously, in the 14th century, the temple was mysteriously abandoned, its abandonment shrouded in ambiguity. For centuries thereafter, it remained concealed within the dense jungle, concealed beneath layers of volcanic ash, creating an air of intrigue and fascination.
1. Haeinsa Temple
Haeinsa, also known as the Temple of Reflection on a Smooth Sea, holds tremendous significance as one of South Korea’s highly revered Buddhist temples. Originally constructed in the year 802, the temple faced destruction from a devastating fire in 1817.
Nevertheless, it was lovingly reconstructed during the 19th century.
Undeniably, the temple boasts an invaluable gem in the form of the Tripitaka Koreana, a complete set of Buddhist scriptures meticulously inscribed on 81,258 wooden blocks, miraculously surviving the destructive flames.
