Buddhism is one of the most influential belief systems in the world. Buddhism was founded over 2,500 years ago. It teaches a way to end suffering. It has spread to every corner of the globe since its founding. Buddhism’s influence stretches far beyond just affecting the beliefs of millions throughout history. It has also inspired some of the most remarkable landmarks the world has ever seen. Despite the same inspiration, Buddhist temples have been constructed in a variety of shapes and sizes. They show many unique styles of design.
- Borobudur Temple, Indonesia
This famous Buddhist temple, dating from the 8th and 9th centuries, is located in central Java. It was built in three tiers. The first tier is a pyramidal base with five concentric square terraces. The second tier is the trunk of a cone with three circular platforms. At the top, there is a monumental stupa. The walls and balustrades are decorated with fine low reliefs, covering a total surface area of 2,500 m2. Around the circular platforms are 72 openwork stupas, each containing a statue of the Buddha. The monument was restored with UNESCO’s help in the 1970s.
2. Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya
The Mahabodhi Temple Complex is one of the four holy sites related to the life of the Lord Buddha. It is particularly significant for the attainment of Enlightenment. The first temple was built by Emperor Asoka in the 3rd century B.C., and the current temple dates from the 5th or 6th centuries. It is one of the earliest Buddhist temples built entirely in brick. This temple still stands in India from the late Gupta period.
3. Shwedagon Pagoda on Singuttara Hill, Myanmar
The Shwedagon Pagoda is situated on Singuttara Hill in the center of Yangon (Rangoon). It is the most sacred Buddhist stupa in Myanmar. It is also one of the most important religious reliquary monuments in the world. The proposed property includes the hill where the main stupa is located. It also includes the hill-top reliquary stupa and associated religious buildings. Additionally, there are sacred statuary, bells, and other emblems situated on the hill. The hill’s surrounding sacred perimeter is also part of the property. The proposed property comprises a total area of 46.3 hectares.
4. Fo Guang Shan’s Temple, Taiwan
Fo Guang Shan’s main shrine covers an area of 3570 square meters. It is 30 meters high. It can house up to one thousand people. There are three statues of Buddhas, each 7.8 meters high. The Great Buddha is located on the eastern side of Fo Guang Shan next to the Great Wisdom Shrine. The Great Buddha is 36 meters in height, and is the highest standing Buddha in Southeast Asia. The interior four walls are filled with Dunhuang style stone niches enshrining 14800 more statues of Sakyamuni Buddha. The Great Compassion Shrine has an area of 800 square meters. It is 6 meters high. It holds a 6-meter-high statue of Guan Yin.
5. Wat Phra Thammakai, Thailand
Wat Phra Thammakai, is a Buddhist temple in Khlong Luang district, in the Pathum Thani province north of Bangkok, Thailand. It was founded in 1970 by the maechi Chandra Khonnokyoong and Luang Por Dhammajayo. It is the best-known and the fastest growing temple of the Dhammakaya tradition. This tradition teaches Dhammakaya meditation (Vijja Dhammakaya). The meditation master Luang Pu Sodh Candasaro started it in the early 20th century. Wat Phra Dhammakaya emerged from this tradition. It is part of the Mahā Nikāya fraternity. The temple is legally represented by the Dhammakaya Foundation. It aims to adapt traditional Buddhist values in modern society, doing so through modern technology and marketing techniques.The temple has faced controversy and a government crackdown. Wat Phra Dhammakaya plays a leading role in Thai Buddhism. Theologian Edward Irons describes it as “the face of modern Thai Buddhism”.
