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The vast city of Kolkata boasts numerous Buddhist-affiliated places of worship, each with a unique story worth telling. These Buddhist temples in Kolkata serve as a beautiful escape for seekers of Buddhism and those who wish to learn about Buddhist practices. Ancient and modern collections of temples spread all over the city, each uniquely contributing to its beauty. There’s a range of ambience and stunning structural designs inside the Buddhist temples, signifying the city’s cosmopolitan nature.
10 Buddhist Temples In Kolkata
Here are some of the most important Buddhist temples in Kolkata from the Burmese Buddhist Temple to the Indian Buddhist Temple.
1. The Burmese Buddhist Temple
Photo: DeepanjanGhosh / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Burmese Buddhist Temple is famous for its stunning Burmese architectural design. Intricate wood carvings and a huge idol of Buddha embellished this sacred Buddhist temple. Families and friends do not only come here to appreciate the beauty of the construction of the buildings but also to enjoy the peaceful ambience that is ideal for meditation. Because of its native observations, this temple is a significant destination for someone who wants to enjoy true Buddhism in Kolkatta.
Major Attractions: Unique Burmese architecture, Peaceful environment
2. The Maha Bodhi Society Temple
Photo: Sujay25 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Maha Bodhi Society constructed this structure, and it is focused on Lord Buddha, making it one of the best places for Buddhist followers to come and meditate. Associated with the life of Lord Buddha, the temple also organises teachings about Buddhist philosophy and discussions on many occasions. The calming atmosphere here makes it an apt location for contemplation and spiritual uplifting.
Major Attractions: Historical significance, Meditation retreats
3. The Tibetan Buddhist Temple
Photo: Alexkom000 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Tibetan Buddhist Temple, Kolkata, introduces Tibetan worship, prayer flags, idols of many Tibetan Buddhist deities, and so on. Due to the traditions and rituals of Tibetan Buddhism, one of the holy Buddhist temples in Kolkata is also famous among the city’s Tibetan population. Many people come to this place to experience the culture of Tibet and learn about Buddhism, especially during the special prayers and festivals that are conducted throughout the year.
Major Attractions: Tibetan Buddhist practices, Vibrant prayer flags
4. The Kalachand Temple
Photo: SuvadipSanyal / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Kalachand Temple is a famous Buddhist temple in Kolkata that attracts both residents and foreign tourists. This temple is known for its tranquil garden and gigantic Buddha statue, which provide an escape from the city’s chaos. Here, tourists can enjoy the real experience of Buddhist meditation and prayers. Regular religious activities take place in this temple, making it one of the important Buddhist temples.
Major Attractions: Peaceful gardens, Buddha statue
5. The International Buddhist Monastery
Photo: Bhutanesefuture66 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The International Buddhist Monastery, located in Kolkata, is an integrated Buddhist temple of gross international curriculums of Buddhism. The monastery, as established by monks from Sri Lanka, had this worldwide drowning five centuries back. It is still a centre of meditation and other Buddhist practices, drawing a wide variety of people in quest of spirituality. The temple is also significant in facilitating the interaction of the people of India with other Buddhist countries.
Major Attractions: International Buddhist community, Spiritual practices
6. The Boddhisattva Buddhist Temple
Photo: Béria Lima de Rodríguez / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
It is located in South Kolkata; Boddhisatva Buddhist Temple is one of the less-known but highly-ranked Buddhist temples. It is famed for its quietness coupled with an absence of excessive expediential architectural structures and for being a dwelling place of many monks. The temple draws in those who crave calmness and those who would like to explore more of Buddhism’s philosophical teachings. A few monks also reside in the temple and teach those willing to learn about the path of enlightenment.
Major Attractions: Peaceful ambiance, Monastic rituals
7. The Peace Pagoda
Photo: shankar s. / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Kolkata’s Peace Pagoda is situated right in the middle of the city. The temple has been constructed by the sect called Nipponzan Myohoji and is popular in Kolkata because of its amazing pagoda structures as well as a 360-degree view of the city. It is a representation of tranquillity and is the best place for contemplation. The Peace Pagoda is frequented by both residents and travellers in search of a friendly environment and spiritual energy.
Major Attractions: Pagoda architecture, City view
8. The Shanti Stupa
Photo: Amitabha Gupta / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Shanti Stupa also figures amongst the prominent Buddhist temples, which are best known for their large golden Buddha statue and for preaching harmony. The stupa on the city’s outskirts offers a quiet sanctum for Buddhists and other religious followers who thirst for inner peace. The serene environment and the golden Buddha presence of this temple make it very famous among all those who want to know the religion of Buddhism and its extreme ways of practising it.
Major Attractions: Buddhist teachings, Golden Buddha statue
9. The Indian Buddhist Temple
Photo: Sujay25 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The huge structure of the Indian Buddhist Temple is another important Buddhist temple in Kolkata known for its deep historical significance. Several Buddhist relics and rich Buddhist bibliography are preserved in this temple. This temple has grown into a significant venue for the hiring community, providing them with teachings concerning holy writings as well as sessions for meditation regularly. The serene environment, coupled with the beautiful design of the temple, makes it an ideal place for Buddhism enthusiasts to come and visit.
Major Attractions: Historical significance, Buddhist artefacts
10. The Vivekananda Buddhist Temple
Photo: Ravi Dwivedi / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Vivekananda Buddhist Temple located in Kolkata is of high importance on account of its association with the teachings of Swami Vivekananda. This building is dedicated to a great Indian who played a significant role in uniting the followers of Hinduism and Buddhism. The temple provides a perspective on the cultural impact of Buddhism in India. It also incorporates quite impressive paintings in addition to sculptures for the visitors.
Major Attractions: Connection to Swami Vivekananda
Kolkata is a vibrant city with a rich tapestry of Buddhist temples, each offering a unique experience. Whether you’re a Buddhist or someone seeking spiritual solace, visiting these holy Buddhist temples in Kolkata will leave you with a deep sense of peace and tranquillity. Plan a trip with TripXL and explore the spiritual heritage of the city and connect with the calming presence of Buddha.
Cover Photo: Basile Morin / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
