TOP 10 Buddhist Monasteries in India to Visit: A Spiritual Pilgrimage
India is home to some of the most sacred Buddhist sites in the world, with a rich history of Buddhist teachings and practices. From the majestic Himalayas to the peaceful plains of Bihar, the country is dotted with monasteries that offer a glimpse into the life and teachings of the Buddha. Here are the 10 best Buddhist monasteries in India that are a must-visit for spiritual seekers and travelers alike.
Top 10 Buddhist monasteries to experience spirituality in India
Discover the spiritual oasis of India with the ‘TOP 10 Buddhist Monasteries’ guide. Experience the divine teachings and immerse yourself in the serene atmosphere.
Sarnath
Sarnath is located at a distance of 13 km from Varanasi, is one of the famous Buddhist pilgrimage centres in India. It is believed that after attaining enlightenment at Bodh Gaya, Lord Buddha came to Sarnath in search of his former companions and delivered his first sermon here.
Lumbini
Lumbini is located in the lap of the Himalayan Mountains, and it is the birth place of Gautam Buddha. This place is situated in Roopandehi district of Pal near the border of India. Lumbini is a UNESCO World Heritage Site whose stupas and monasteries make it very special, it is around 2000 years old.
Kushinagar
Located near Gorakhpur in the north-eastern region of Uttar Pradesh, Kushinagar is a major Buddhist pilgrimage site. Lord Buddha is believed to have died in Kushinagar after which Emperor Ashoka built a stupa here to mark the site of parinirvana.
Dharamshala
Dharamshala which located in Kangra district at a distance of 18 km from Kangra city, is one of the most popular Buddhist sites in India. Dharamsala is home to the Dalai Lama, a Buddhist guru who runs his government from Dharamsala. The Dalai Lama came to India in the year 1959 along with his followers.
Tawang
Tawang is the most famous Buddhist site in India, which attracts a lot of tourists due to its beauty. Situated at an altitude of about 3048 m, Tawang is famous for many important and beautiful monasteries and the birth place of the Dalai Lama. Tawang Monastery is the largest monastery in India and the second largest monastery in the world.
Sanchi Stupa
Sanchi Stupa is located at a distance of 46 km from Bhopal. It is situated on the bank of the river Betba in the north-east. Sanchi Stupa is one of the most prominent Buddhist sites in India. The Sanchi Stupa was established in the 3rd century BC by the Emperor Ashoka of the Mauryan dynasty, where the relics of Lord Buddha are kept.
Rumtek Monastery
Rumtek Monastery is situated on a hilltop which is 23 km from Gangtok. It is one of the largest and most important monasteries in Sikkim. Rumtek Monastery belongs to the Kargiya sect of Buddhists, which originated in Tibet in the 12th century.
Also Read: The Top 10 Most Controversial Historical Sites That Still Stir Debate Today
Mindroling Monastery
Mindroling Monastery was established in the year 1965 by Khochen Rinpoche in Clement Town, Dehradun, Uttarakhand. Also known as the Buddha Temple Complex. Mindroling Monastery is one of the largest Buddhist centres located in the middle of the serene foothills of the Himalayas.
Hemis Monastery
Hemis Monastery is located 45 km south of Leh, is a famous Buddhist monastery in Ladakh. Hemis Monastery was built by the Ladakhi king Sengge Namgyal. This Monastery is situated among the amidst majestic mountains on the banks of the Indus River. It is the largest and most popular monastery in the region.
Namdroling Monastery
Namdroling Monastery is located at a distance of about 34 kilometers from Coorg Hill Station. It is one of the most popular Buddhist sites in India. Namdroling Monastery is considered to be the largest teaching centre of schools related to Tibetan Buddhism.
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