Login
Facebook
YouTube
WhatsApp
Twitter
Kolkata, a city rich in cultural diversity, is home to several serene Buddhist monasteries that offer a peaceful retreat from its bustling streets. These Buddhist monasteries in Kolkata are known for their tranquil ambience, traditional architecture, and spiritual significance. From famous Buddhist monasteries in Kolkata frequented by devotees to popular Buddhist monasteries in Kolkata offering a glimpse into Buddhist culture, each monastery has something unique to offer. For those seeking spiritual solace, the essential Buddhist monasteries in Kolkata provide a space for meditation and introspection, making them a must-visit.
Top Buddhist Monasteries In Kolkata That You Must Visit
Here are some of the best Buddhist Monasteries in Kolkata:
1. Nipponzan Myohoji Buddhist Monastery
Photo: Sujay25 / Wikimedia Commons
Nipponzan Myohoji is one of the famous Buddhist monasteries in Kolkata, which a Japanese monk established to help spread the message of peace through Buddha’s teachings. This famous Buddhist monastery in Kolkata is renowned for its beautiful peace settings and striking architectural patterns inspired by Japan’s designs. The retreats have meditation sessions and calm, serene environments; therefore, it is an essential Buddhist monastery in Kolkata for those looking for a break from the rhythm of city life.
Location: Lake Gardens
Entry Fees: Free
Suggested Read: Best Places To Visit In Salt Lake Kolkata For An Unforgettable Experience
2. Karma Gon Buddhist Monastery
Photo: Amitabha Gupta / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Karma Gon Monastery – a famous Buddhist monastery located in Kolkata, is situated in the heart of the city and is renowned for its Tibetan architecture and spiritual ambience. Among devotees and visitors interested in Tibetan Buddhism, this famous Buddhist monastery in Kolkata sees them in swarms. The lovely prayer hall, rich in bright murals and statues, is a retreat for meditation and mindfulness practices. Among the important Buddhist monasteries in Kolkata. It is quite rightly a suitable abode for introspection and tranquillity.
Location: Tollygunge
Entry Fees: Free
3. Dharmankur Vihar
Photo: Jonoikobangali / Wikimedia Commons
Dharmankur Vihar is one of the oldest and most well-known Buddhist monasteries in Kolkata. The famous Buddhist monastery in Kolkata has a long history and acts as a meeting point for social and spiritual activities. The surrounding atmosphere at Dharmankur Vihar is calm and peaceful, and thus, it attracts locals as well as travellers to the teachings of Buddhism. It holds meditation classes, Buddhist ceremonies, and cultural programs, so it is an essential Buddhist monastery in Kolkata. Indeed, the stunning simple architecture forms a south nave and is perfect for meditating upon.
Location: Bowbazar
Entry Fees: Free
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In South Kolkata
4. Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Monastery
Photo: Zairon / Wikimedia Commons
Fo Guang Shan Monastery is an international Buddhist organization and a marked place of Buddhist practice in Kolkata. This Buddhist monastery in Kolkata, which has a legacy of Humanistic Buddhism, regularly conducts meditation and cultural events. Its architecture is characterized by traditional Buddhist aesthetics- a serene prayer hall and peaceful gardens to retreat from the bustle of the city. It has, to date, been an excellent source of harmony and mindfulness that is equally popular with others seeking inner peace.
Location: Topsia Road
Entry Fees: Free
5. Sakya Guru Monastery
Photo: Antoine Taveneaux / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Sakya Monastery is one of the well-known Buddhist monasteries in Kolkata, which practices Tibetan Buddhism’s Sakya school. This famous Buddhist monastery in Kolkata is also popularly known for its elaborate prayer hall, which has coloured paintings and murals in conventional Tibetan attire, producing a quiet environment for meditation. Besides, the monastery regularly performs teaching and spiritual activities and attracts the devotees as well as the tourists.
Location: Lake Gardens
Entry Fees: Free
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Sundarbans
6. Mahabodhi Society Of India
Photo: Sumitsurai / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Mahabodhi Society of India – The most important Buddhist monasteries of Kolkata was founded by Anagarika Dharmapala in 1891. This historic centre of Buddhist teachings is closely related to the resurgence of Buddhism in India and is one of the prominent Buddhist monasteries of Kolkata. Meditation sessions are also provided to the tourists visiting this populous Buddhist monastery of Kolkata. Its library is replete with various Buddhist texts.
Location: College Square
Entry Fees: Free
7. Burmese Buddhist Temple
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Burmese Buddhist Temple is an outstanding and famous Buddhist monastery in Kolkata that represents Burmese cultural heritage. Burmese immigrants founded this famous Buddhist monastery in Kolkata, which is meant to spread the teachings of Buddhism. Its architecture is also distinguished and traditional in style, with traditional designs from Burma. The temple also hosts various cultural and religious functions, therefore making it one of the prominent Buddhist monasteries in Kolkata among devotees.
Location: Eden Gardens
Entry Fees: Free
Suggested Read: Discover The Best Places To Visit In Taki On Your Visit To West Bengal
Kolkata’s Buddhist monasteries are not only centres of spirituality but also cultural landmarks that highlight the diversity of Buddhist practices. From famous Buddhist monasteries in Kolkata like Dharmankur Vihar to lesser-known but critical Buddhist monasteries in Kolkata, each monastery offers a tranquil escape and an opportunity for spiritual growth. These famous Buddhist monasteries in Kolkata are sanctuaries of peace, making them essential destinations for anyone exploring Buddhism or seeking inner calm.
Cover Photo: Amitabha Gupta / Wikimedia Commons
