Buddhism is one of the world's oldest and primary religions, founded in India between the mid-sixth and mid-fourth centuries BCE. It is based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, also known as Buddha or Gautama Buddha, who was born in the region that straddles modern-day India and Nepal and grew up in what is now Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
This non-theistic religion has significantly influenced Asian culture, art, and architecture. Buddhist temples are prime examples of this influence, reflecting the principles of the Four Noble Truths, which aim to guide individuals towards mental liberation.
Buddhist temples exhibit considerable variation based on their regional origins, even among traditional ones. Meditation and quiet reflection are central to their practice. Let's explore some of the most beautiful Buddhist temples in the world.
# Shwedagon PagodaThe Shwedagon Pagoda, also known as the Golden Pagoda, is the most sacred Buddhist temple in Burma, located in Yangon. Although its exact origins are unknown, it is believed to have been constructed by the Mon people during the Bagan period, between the 6th and 10th centuries AD. The temple complex features vibrant and ornate stupas, with the central stupa standing 99 meters (326 feet) tall and covered in gold, serving as the focal point of the shrine.
# Yumbulagang Monastery, TibetLegend holds that Yumbulagang was the first building constructed in Tibet. Originally a royal palace for the first Tibetan king, Nyatri Tsenpo, the name translates to Palace of Mother and Son in Tibetan. Under the rule of the fifth Dalai Lama, it became a monastery of the Gelug school. The monastery suffered significant damage during a cultural uprising but was rebuilt in 1983.
# Todaiji Temple, JapanTodaiji Temple, one of Japan's most important Buddhist sites, was originally built in the 8th century by Emperor Shomu. Today, little of the original structure remains. The temple's most notable feature is the Daibutsuden, or Great Buddha Hall, which is the largest wooden building in the world. This hall, rebuilt in 1709, houses one of Japan’s largest Buddha statues.
# Tiger’s Nest Monastery, BhutanPerched on a cliffside in Bhutan’s Paro Valley, the Paro Taktsang, or 'Tiger’s Nest,' is situated 3,120 meters above sea level. According to legend, Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) meditated here in the 8th century. To reach the monastery, visitors must hike for two hours through scenic landscapes. Though the journey can be challenging due to the altitude, it is a spiritually rewarding experience. The monastery was rebuilt after a fire in 1988 and remains a popular tourist destination.
# Ulun Danu Bratan, IndonesiaSet against the backdrop of Bali's active volcano, Mt. Batur, the Ulun Danu Bratan temple complex is a stunning sight. Located beside Lake Bratan, the temple reflects beautifully on the lake’s surface. This unique temple is a prominent feature of Bali and offers a picturesque experience, especially during spring when the mirror effect on the lake is most striking.
# Taung Kalat, MyanmarTaung Kalat, a Buddhist monastery located on Mandalay’s Mount Popa, is a prominent pilgrimage site in Myanmar. The mountain, a volcanic plug, is considered a source of spiritual energy. To reach the monastery, visitors must climb a 777-step stairway, which offers panoramic views of Bagan. Pilgrims come to see the 37 nat statues and numerous relics.
# Boudhanath, NepalBoudhanath Stupa, one of the largest stupas in the world, is a central hub for Tibetan Buddhism in Kathmandu. The shrine is renowned for its large, iconic Buddha eyes that adorn each of the stupa's four sides. The original structure was destroyed by Mughal invasions in the 14th century but was later rebuilt.
# White Temple, ThailandWat Rong Khun, commonly known as the White Temple, was opened to the public in 1997 in Chiang Rai. Designed by Chalermchai Kositpipat, the temple features white plaster and glass to symbolize the purity of Buddha. The temple combines traditional Buddhist themes with modern elements, including murals of Spider-Man, Michael Jackson, Hello Kitty, Mickey Mouse, and Superman. The reflective crystals enhance the temple's radiant appearance.
# Lama Temple, BeijingThe Yonghe Temple, or Lama Temple, is located in northeastern Beijing and is one of the largest Buddhist monasteries globally. Built due to the interest of Chinese Emperors in Tibetan Buddhism, the temple has hosted many Mongolian and Tibetan monks. A highlight is the 26-meter-high statue of Maitreya Buddha, carved from a single piece of white sandalwood.