Over View
The
Buddhist temples in different parts of India are excellent examples of
temple architecture. These are the symbols of the religion that took birth
in India and rapidly spread to the other parts of world. Buddhism is the
religion which represents the thoughts and philosophy of Lord Buddha the
founder of Buddhism, who was born in 563 BC. The teaching of Buddha
emphasizes on peace, meditation and universal harmony.
Buddhism today is one of the major religion of the countries of Central
Asia, China, Korea, Japan, southeast Asia, Tibet and Sri Lanka. The term
Buddha is derived from the Sanskrit word 'Bodh' literary means knowledge. So
Buddha, meaning 'one who is awake' or who has attained all knowledge. Prince
Siddharth Gautam who left all the worldly pleasures to know the truth of
life, later came to known as Buddha, the enlightened one. According to
Buddha if one follows the path of right speech, understanding,
determination, deeds, efforts, awareness, thinking and living, one could
overcome desires, which are the reason for all the miseries.
Buddhist Temples
There are four principal Buddhist shrines where most of the Buddhist
temples are located. These are at Bodhgaya(Bihar), Sanchi, Kushinagar, and
Sarnath.
» Mahabodhi Temple - Mahabodhi temple complex in
Bodhgaya, Bihar is one of the four Buddhist shrines related to the life of
lord Buddha. This is the place where Buddha attained 'enlightenment' under
the sacred Bodhi tree. The first temple was built by emperor Ashoka in the
3rd century BC and the present 50 m high temple dates back to 5th and 6th
century BC. This is an architectural genius of Indian people built entirely
in brick. The site of Mahabodhi Temple provides records for the events
directly associated with the life of lord Buddha. The temple has a huge Idol
of Lord Buddha and surrounded by small pillars with delicate lattice work.
»
Sanchi Stupas - Located in the state of Madhya Pradesh, there are a
total of eight stupas on the hilltop of Sanchi. These were built by the
emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BC and has wonderful architectural
carvings. The designs and the carvings on the walls and gates of the stupas
show great archaeological value.
» Sarnath - Situated just 10 km from Varanasi, Uttar
Pradesh, Sarnath is the place where Gautama Buddha delivered his first
sermon after he gained enlightenment. The 34 m high Dhemek stupa is the
major attraction of this place which contains objects related to Buddha.
» Nalanda - This place in the state Bihar contains
the ruins of the world's oldest university. There are remains of around 11
monasteries built of red bric stones.
» Ladakh - Popularly known as the "Hermit
Kingdom", Ladakh has about 13 major Gompas (Monasteries). Hemis Gompa
is the most important monastery of Ladakh. It has a concealed entrance and a
huge courtyard flanked by two big temples. The famous Hemis festival in the
monastery is held every year and attracts tourists from all over India.
..
..
..
..
..
