5 Most Famous Buddhist Temples To Visit In Asia
By: Priyanka Maheshwari Mon, 18 Dec 2023 4:00:27
Embark on a spiritual journey through Asia's rich cultural tapestry, where ancient traditions and serene sanctuaries converge to offer an unparalleled experience. The continent is adorned with a plethora of Buddhist temples, each a testament to centuries-old craftsmanship, devotion, and tranquility. These revered sanctums stand as timeless landmarks, beckoning pilgrims and travelers alike to delve into the heart of Buddhist heritage and spirituality.
From the iconic splendor of Japan's Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion, to the ethereal beauty of Cambodia's Angkor Wat, a symbol of Khmer architecture and spirituality, Asia boasts an array of temples that transcend time and captivate the soul. These temples, nestled amidst scenic landscapes or nestled within bustling cities, exude an aura of serenity, inviting visitors to explore their intricate designs, ancient scriptures, and the profound wisdom they embody.
The historic Borobudur in Indonesia, an architectural marvel steeped in Mahayana Buddhism, or the tranquil plains of Bagan in Myanmar, adorned with thousands of pagodas, offer glimpses into spiritual devotion and architectural grandeur.
From Thailand's resplendent Wat Pho, housing the revered reclining Buddha, to Sri Lanka's sacred Temple of the Tooth, home to a relic of Lord Buddha, each temple narrates tales of reverence, enlightenment, and cultural opulence, shaping the spiritual identity of the regions they grace.
As we traverse through these sacred grounds, we unveil the essence of Buddhist philosophy, immerse ourselves in profound tranquility, and witness the architectural splendor that stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Buddhism in Asia.
# Borobudur
Situated on the Indonesian island of Java, 40 KM northwest of Yogyakarta, the Borobudur is the biggest and most popular Buddhist temple in the world. This temple was constructed over a period of around 75 years during the 8th and 9th centuries by the Kingdom of Sailendra. The temple is built out of an estimated 2 million blocks of stone.
# Bagan
Also spelt as Pagan, Bagan is situated on the banks of the Ayerwaddy River is home to the major area of Buddhist temples, pagodas, stupas and ruins in the world. This place was once the capital of various ancient kings of Burma, who built possibly as many as 4,400 temples during the height of their reign (between 1000 and 1200 AD). In the year 1287, the kingdom fell to the Mongols and Bagan swiftly declined as a political center, but continued to thrive as a major place for Buddhist scholarship.
# Shwedagon Pagoda
The Shwedagon Pagoda (also referred to as Golden Pagoda) in Yangon is the holiest Buddhist shrine located in Burma. There are not certain origins of Shwedagon and lost in antiquity but it is anticipated that the Pagoda was first constructed by the Mon during the Bagan period (between the 6th and 10th century AD). The temple complex is entirely glittering and has colorful stupas but the center of attention is the 99 meter high main stupa which is entirely covered in gold.
# Mahabodhi Temple
The Mahabodhi (Great Enlightenment) Temple is a Buddhist stupa situated in the Bodh Gaya in the state of Bihar, India. The main complex of the stupa has an inheritor of the original Bodhi Tree under which Gautama Buddha attained the enlightenment. It is the most sacred place of Buddhism. This temple was constructed by great Emperor Asoka after 250 years of the time when Buddha attained Enlightenment. The present temple dates from the 5th-6th century.
# Todaiji Temple
Also known as “Great Eastern Temple”, Todaiji temple is located in Nara Japan. It is one of the most historically important and popular Buddhist temples in the country. The temple was constructed during the 8th century by Emperor Shomu as the head of all provincial Buddhist temples in Japan. Today small remains of the original buildings of Todaiji are located here. The Daibutsuden (“Great Buddha Hall”) dates for the most of the part from 1709, which houses one of the biggest Buddha statues in Japan.