12 of the Most Famous Buddhist Temples and Monasteries in India

Table of Content 

• Mahabodhi Temple, Bodh Gaya

• Mahaparinirvana Temple, Kushinagar

• Ramadhan Stupa Temple, Kushinagar

•  Wat Thai Temple, Kushinagar

• Thiksey Monastery, Leh

• Mindrolling Monastery, Dehradun

• Ghoom Monastery, Darjeeling

• Namdroling Monastery & Golden Temple, Mysore

• Rumtek Monastery, Gangtok

• Tsuglagkhang Temple Complex, Dharamsala

• Dhamekh Stupa, Sarnath

• Vishwa Shanti Stupa, Rajgir

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 and have faith in Buddhism, don't forget to come across these religious Buddhist sites.

Most Famous Buddhist Temples & Monasteries in India

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 while 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-metres 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 as an attraction for the travellers coming here. Its scenic beauty and charisma is truly 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 a mini Potala Palace.

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6. Mindrolling Monastery, Dehradun

The Mindrolling Monastery is one of the most popular Buddhist Monasteries in Dehradun. It is located close to the Rajaji National Park in the Dehradun district of Uttarakhand. The 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 the Eastern Himalayan ranges in Darjeeling, Ghoom Monastery is among the oldest Tibetan Buddhist monasteries. It is one of the largest monasteries in the state and features a 15-foot statue of the Maitreya Buddha, also known as the "Future Buddha," which attracts numerous visitors and pilgrims from around the world. The monastery is renowned for its stunning collection of ancient Buddhist manuscripts and rare artefacts that reflect the rich cultural heritage of Tibetan Buddhism. Surrounded by misty mountains and lush greenery, Ghoom Monastery provides a serene and spiritual retreat, making it not only the most famous monastery in India but also a vital centre for Buddhist learning and meditation.

8. Namdroling Monastery & Golden Temple, Mysore

Namdroling Monastery, also known as the Golden Temple, is a renowned Buddhist monastery located in Mysore, India. It is famous as a hub for upholding the pure teachings of the Buddha and serves as a centre for learning and meditation. The monastery features stunning Tibetan-style architecture, with intricate designs and vibrant colours that captivate every visitor. Inside, two towering golden statues of Buddha stand majestically, their serene expressions embodying the essence of compassion and enlightenment. The monastery’s tranquil gardens and peaceful ambiance provide a perfect setting for spiritual seekers and tourists alike, making it a must-visit destination for those exploring Mysore.

9. Rumtek Monastery, Gangtok

Also recognized as the Dharmachakra Center, Rumtek Monastery is located on a hilltop near Gangtok, Sikkim. The monastery, surrounded by stunning landscapes, offers breathtaking views of the lush valleys and snow-capped mountains that encircle it. As the seat of the Karmapa, the spiritual leader of the Karma Kagyu lineage, Rumtek Monastery is not only a place of serene beauty but also a significant centre for Buddhist learning and meditation. Visitors are captivated by the monastery’s vibrant architecture, exquisite murals, and the peaceful atmosphere that permeates the grounds. It is one of the most visited attractions in the region, drawing pilgrims and tourists alike.

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 and serves as a spiritual haven for Buddhists worldwide. The complex features the much-admired Tsuglagkhang Temple, which houses impressive statues of Buddha, Avalokiteshvara, and Padmasambhava, making it a focal point of devotion and meditation. Along with the famous Kalchakra Temple, known for its intricate murals and Thangka paintings, the Tsuglagkhang Complex Dalai Lama Temple also includes a monastery, a museum, and a library, offering visitors a comprehensive glimpse into Tibetan culture and spirituality.

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 metres high and has a width of 28 metres. 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 colour structure with a golden statue of Lord Buddha. This incredibly peaceful place is a must-visit destination for all visiting this place

Wrapping Up! 

In a nutshell, India's Buddhist temples and monasteries are not just architectural marvels but also serene retreats that offer a glimpse into the country's rich spiritual heritage. Each of these revered sites promises an unforgettable journey into tranquillity and history, making them must-visit destinations for both the spiritually inclined and curious travellers. As you plan your spiritual odyssey to explore these twelve iconic locations, consider EaseMyTrip for a seamless travel experience. We offer end-to-end online bus booking services to make sure your roadways travel is as smooth as you expect it to be.