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Bodhgaya is one of the major pilgrimage sites for Buddhists in India and the world. The Thai Monastery Bodhgaya is one of Bodhgaya’s many temples and monasteries and is particularly significant as a representation of Thai Buddhist architecture, culture, and spirituality. It stands in the land where Buddha experienced enlightenment and, therefore, draws you to it for a distinguished experience in peace. Once you cross its peaceful entrance, you find yourself at the heart of Thai tradition without ever leaving India.
Quick Details About Thai Monastery Bodhgaya
Elevation: 370 feet (113 meters above the sea level)
Where To Stay: Hotel Sujata, Bodhgaya Regency Hotel, and Niranjana Resort
Where To Eat: Tirupati South Café, Mahamaya Restaurant, and Be Happy Café
Opening Timings: 6 AM – 7 PM every day
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Location
Photo: Amitabha Gupta / Wikimedia Commons
The Thai Monastery Bodhgaya was built by the government of Thailand in 1957 to represent the style of Thai architecture and culture, characterised by its curved, golden roof and architecture. It is situated in Bodhgaya, Bihar. There is a large golden statue of the Buddha in the main temple. In addition to the main temple building, you will want to sit in the serene surroundings of this monastery, with gardens and the sounds of peaceful monks chanting in unison echoing through the buildings and grounds.
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How To Reach
Photo: Mark Harkin / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
When seeking a site to visit, it is useful to have an understanding of how to travel to Bodhgaya. Here is the detail on how:
By Road: Bodhgaya is accessible by road and if you are travelling from Gaya, it is a 12 km journey which takes approximately 20–30 minutes. However, public transportation options such as buses, autos, and taxis are available. If traveling from Patna, Bodhgaya is approximately 110 km and takes around 3 hours by road.
By Air: The nearest airport is Gaya International Airport, which is about 12 km away from the Monastery. If travelling by train to Patna Airport, hiring a taxi to the monastery will take approximately three hours, about 125 km from Bodhgaya.
By Train: The nearest train station is Gaya Junction, approximately 16 km from Thai Monastery. After you arrive at Gaya Junction, taxis and auto-rickshaws can take you to Bodhgaya and Thai Monastery.
Things To Do
Photo: Chainwit. / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The monastery is a great location to experience the beauty of the Thai Temple architecture. The golden pagoda roofs, ornate carvings, and beautiful images of Buddha decorating the memorial will not disappoint. If you happen to be visiting Bodhgaya during religious festivals or special events, you may be offered the opportunity to attend a religious teaching by a monk. Regardless of your level of interest, it is the experience of being in the presence of a monk that will help you learn about Buddhism and its guiding principles.
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Places To Visit In And Around Thai Monastery Bodhgaya
Bodhgaya is a destination where the Buddha received enlightenment; thus, there are many other temples and nearby destinations you can visit. Here are some recommended sites located around the Thai Monastery Bodhgaya:
1. Mahabodhi Temple
Photo: Admantine123 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the premier destination at Bodhgaya. The temple is built on the site in which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. Both the sacred Bodhi Tree and the considerable temple grounds will provide a spiritually inspirational experience. It is one of the earliest all-brick Buddhist temples alive in India from the late Gupta period. The first temple here was constructed during the 3rd century BC by the emperor Asoka.
2. The Great Buddha Statue
Photo: Amitabha Gupta / Wikimedia Commons
This 80-foot statue of Lord Buddha is located 2 km from the Thai monastery, and it is considered to be an iconic representation of Bodhgaya. It is one of the tallest Buddha statues in India, and its sheer size should be impressive. This statue was consecrated by the 14th Dalai Lama.
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3. Indosan Nipponji Temple
Photo: Hideyuki KAMON / Wikimedia Commons
The Indosan Nipponji temple is another beautiful temple next to the Thai monastery, built in a Japanese style of architecture. This place adds insights into Buddhism, which was influenced by Japanese culture. It was established in 1963 and is adjacent to the Royal Bhutan Monastery. The walls are painted with inscriptions of Buddha’s teachings, and the gallery is home to a series of Japanese paintings that depict significant episodes in his life.
4. Royal Bhutan Monastery
Photo: Rohit Sharma / Wikimedia Commons
The Royal Bhutan monastery is only a few minutes away from the Thai monastery. Visiting this monastery is a great opportunity to see Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage. The King of Bhutan built this monastery to show respect to Lord Buddha. It is built with good architecture, peace, and a seven-foot statue of Buddha inside. Its colourful paintings and carvings around the monastery are desirable to experience and explore.
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5. Dungeshwari Cave Temples
Photo: Hiroki Ogawa / Wikimedia Commons
The caves are located around 12 km from Bodhgaya. These caves are supposed to be the place where Buddha meditated before enlightenment. Before descending to the sacred city of Bodhgaya, this cave is where Lord Buddha was protected for six years. The caves provide a peaceful, quiet atmosphere for serious contemplation. Dungeshwari Cave is also known as Mahakala Cave.
Tips For Travellers
Photo: Ukr07 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Dress Code: Again, Bodhgaya is a sacred site, so it is preferable to dress modestly. You are expected to wear clothing covering your shoulders and knees.
Etiquette: Visitors should always demonstrate respect for the monastery. You should not take photographs inside the temple and should not be loud in the inside of the temple. Remove your shoes to enter the temple ground.
Accommodation: Bodhgaya has a wide variety of lodgings available from inexpensive economical hotels to the more luxurious. Most monasteries, including the Thai monastery, have guest houses as part of their premises available for visitors.
Food: Bodhgaya has many vegetarian restaurants, several serving traditional Indian cuisine, but, also others reflecting international tastes offering Thai, Tibetian, and continental food.
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A visit to the Thai Monastery Bodhgaya will feel tranquil and contemplative. Whether you go there to meditate, learn about Buddhist value systems, or simply find yourself in the serene surroundings, you will return with an enhanced sense of spirituality within yourself. So, plan to visit the numerous temples and sites surrounding Bodhgaya with TripXL, and you will be reminded of the universality of Buddhism and its sacredness.
Cover Photo: Amitabha Gupta / Wikimedia Commons
