The pretty Thai temple at Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh || A Serene, peaceful place with several grand statues of the Buddha
While we were at Benaras, Uttar Pradesh, we planned to also visit Sarnath, which is 10-15 kilometers from Benaras depending upon from which part of Benaras you are starting. It is possible to travel to Sarnath on an auto or in a car. Because of crowded streets, the travel takes anywhere from half an hour to 45 minutes to cover this distance.
The first place in Sarnath that we visited was the Thai temple, or the Hinayana Buddha Temple. This temple was built by Thai Missionaries in 1933. The temple is surrounded by vast, lush green garden that offers a lot to explore and discover.
Sarnath is an important Buddhist pilgrimage site as it is believed to be the place where Lord Buddha first preached the Dharma after attaining enlightenment. The temple's architecture is influenced by traditional Thai style and is designed to reflect the unique heritage of Thai Buddhism.
The Thai Temple at Sarnath is an important center for the Thai Buddhist community in India, and also attracts visitors from around the world who are interested in Buddhism and its teachings. It is open to visitors daily from 8:00am to 6:00pm and admission is free.
The temple complex includes a main hall, a meditation hall, and a library, as well as several smaller buildings and structures. The main hall at the Thai Temple in Sarnath is a beautiful structure that features traditional Thai architecture and artwork. The hall is also known as the Phra Buddha Rangsee shrine.
At the center of the hall, there is a large golden Buddha statue that is approximately 6 meters tall. This statue is a replica of the Phra Buddha Chinnarat, a famous Buddha statue in Thailand. The walls of the hall are adorned with colorful murals that depict scenes from the life of the Buddha, as well as other important figures in Buddhist history. These murals are done in a style that is characteristic of Thai art and feature intricate details and vivid colors.
In addition to the main Buddha statue, the hall also houses several smaller statues of the Buddha and other important figures in Buddhism. There are also offerings of flowers and incense placed throughout the hall as a sign of respect and devotion.
The meditation hall is a tranquil space designed specifically for the practice of meditation. The hall is a rectangular building that is constructed in traditional Thai architectural style, with a tiered roof and ornate decorations. Inside the hall, there is a raised platform for meditation that is covered with a carpet or mat. Visitors are invited to sit on the platform and practice meditation in the traditional Buddhist style. The hall is spacious and airy, with large windows that provide natural light and ventilation.
Also in this complex is a giant statue of Buddha in a standing position. The statue is nearly 25m tall, making it the tallest statue of Buddha in India. The creation of this statue has taken some perseverance. Though the idea was conceptualized in the 1970s, the construction could only begin in 1997. The carving and polishing of stones took 5 years and the work came to a halt after that for 3 years. The work was resumed in 2006 and the statue was finally completed and unveiled in 2011.
The garden contains several other statues, like one of the laughing Buddha and one of a reclining Buddha. There is also a replica of the Ashoka Pillar at the Thai Temple that stands approximately 12 meters tall and is made of sandstone. The pillar is adorned with intricate carvings and inscriptions, including the famous Ashokan edicts that promote nonviolence, religious tolerance, and social justice. The replica was constructed in the 20th century to commemorate the long-standing cultural ties between Thailand and India.
There are ponds with pretty waterlilies that help make this a more fluid space and add a lot of serenity and positivity. This is a beautiful place to spend an hour or so if you happen to be in Sarnath.
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