FEB 19, 2024
InternetZindagi
The Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, India, marks where Siddhartha Gautama achieved enlightenment to become the Buddha. It features a Bodhi tree, descendant of the original, and a grand Mahabodhi stupa, a revered Buddhist monument.
Borobudur in Magelang, Indonesia, is a renowned 9th-century Mahayana Buddhist temple, adorned with intricate reliefs illustrating Buddha's life and teachings. It's a stepped pyramid crowned by a central stupa, making it one of the world's most celebrated Buddhist monuments.
The Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon, Myanmar, is a golden stupa, symbolizing Theravada Buddhism. Enshrining eight strands of Buddha's hair, it's a landmark believed to be over 2,500 years old.
The Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, Sri Lanka, holds the Buddha's left canine tooth, a revered relic in Buddhism. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it's a vital pilgrimage spot for Theravada Buddhists.
The Jokhang Temple in Lhasa, Tibet, is a revered Tibetan Buddhist site and the spiritual heart of Lhasa. It houses significant Buddhist statues and relics, notably the Jowo Shakyamuni, a gilded Buddha statue believed to have been brought to Tibet in the 7th century by Princess Wencheng.
Kinkaku-ji, also known as the Golden Pavilion in Kyoto, Japan, is a top tourist destination. Covered in gold leaf and set on a lake, it offers a breathtaking reflection. Originally constructed in the 14th century, the temple has undergone multiple rebuilds due to fires.
Wat Pho in Bangkok, Thailand, features the renowned 46-meter-long Reclining Buddha statue and serves as a hub for traditional Thai massage and medicine.
Angkor Wat in Cambodia, initially a Hindu temple complex, transitioned into a Buddhist center. It's the world's largest religious monument and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger's Nest, clings to a cliff above Paro Valley, Bhutan. Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on a tigress in the 8th century. The challenging hike offers stunning vistas and insight into Bhutan's spiritual essence.
The Leshan Giant Buddha in Sichuan Province stands at 71 meters tall, carved into a cliffside. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a remarkable feat of engineering.