Zendo and peace. The Surviving Artifacts of Buddhist Civilization
Maya Devi Temple, Nepal
A large part of world-famous Buddhist shrines is located in Nepal. The legendary temple of Maya Devi is among them. This modest temple is the greatest Buddhist landmark. It was built in the place, where according to legend, Buddha was born. The story tells that Maya Devi was walking along the beautiful tree-lined grove, when her labor pains began. She bathed in a nearby pond and gave birth to a son under the Bodhi tree. The tree and the sacred pool can be seen in the vicinity of the temple.
Pilgrims and curious tourists will be able to stroll through the picturesque garden set on the site of the legendary groves. In the immediate vicinity of the temple, there is another prominent attraction, the Ashoka pillar. The area of Maya Devi Temple is very valuable from an archaeological point of view. Here, researchers have found ruins of ancient monasteries and stupas, as well as Buddhist sculptures, which can be seen in the National Museum of Kathmandu.
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Erdene Zuu Monastery, Mongolia
Erdene Zuu Monastery, Mongolia
Description
Survived ancient monasteries in Mongolia attract huge interest. The monastery of Erdene Zuu is considered special among them. In fact, Erdene Zuu Monastery is the temple complex consisting of three separate buildings that are excellent examples of Tibetan, Mongolian, and Chinese architecture. The monastery was founded in the late 16th century. Since then, it has been carrying one constant name. Originally, more than 10 000 lamas were living there. Complete article
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Bodhi Tree, India
Bodhi Tree, India
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A lot of amazing Buddhist sites can be seen in India. A legendary Bodhi tree is among them. This is not just a natural attraction, but a unique historical object, which is associated with many incredible legends and historical facts. It’s believed that Buddha was born under this tree. Later he attained enlightenment there. Complete article
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Mahaparinirvana and Parinirvana Stupa Temple, India
Mahaparinirvana and Parinirvana Stupa Temple, India
Description
Mahaparinirvana temple and Parinirvana Stupa are located in the Indian city of Kushinagar. These sights are usually regarded as a single point of interest, as they are very near to each other. The small town of Kushinagar is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the world. According to the legends, it is here that Gautama Buddha attained parinirvana. Heyday of the town came in the 5-3 century BC. During the reign of King Ashoka, multiple viharas and stupas were built on its territory. Complete article
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Egituysky Datsan, Russia
Egituysky Datsan, Russia
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Many important religious sites are located in Russia. Egituysky datsan is in the Republic of Buryatia, near the village of Egita. It was built in 1826. The main gem of the datsan is the Zandan Zhuu statue, Buddha made of sandalwood. According to a legend, it is the only statue made in Shakyamuni Buddha's lifetime. Its age is more than 2 500 years. Complete article
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Alkhanay National Park, Russia
Alkhanay National Park, Russia
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Alkhanay National Park is one of the youngest in Russia, it was founded in 1999. The park occupies an area of over 138 hectares. It is famous not only for its unique landscapes and outstanding spiritual treasures. Here, aside of Christian relics, you can see Buddhist shrines. A visit will be complemented with walks along the fabulously beautiful places. Complete article
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Yumbulagang Monastery, China
Yumbulagang Monastery, China
Description
Many admirers of Buddhism visit Tibet year by year, as it is famous for its unique religious and architectural monuments. Here is the ancient Yumbulagang monastery. Its name literally translates as the Holy Palace of Mother and Son. This monastery was built over 2 000 years ago on the banks of the Yarlung River. That’s a magnificent four-tiered structure, the last tier of which is the main temple. Complete article
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Longmen Grottoes Temple, China
Longmen Grottoes Temple, China
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One of the most spectacular sights is the Buddhist Longmen Grottoes Temple located in the Chinese province of Henan. It is an incredibly beautiful complex of several hundreds of caves, which have been cut within the limestone rocks at the shore of Yihe River. Besides caves, statues of Buddhist deities, images of the monks, as well as other interesting reliefs typical for Buddhist culture are carved in the rocks. Complete article
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Bagan Ancient City, Myanmar
Bagan Ancient City, Myanmar
Description
Archaeological Area of Bagan is located in Myanmar. It can also be listed among outstanding Buddhist attractions. Once upon a time there was a flourishing city of Bagan. It was the capital of the eponymous state. The ruins were discovered by archaeologists quite recently. The main jewels of these places are ancient stupas and pagodas, which were restored during the excavation. Some stupas are fairly large. All interested can enter into them. Complete article
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Bulguksa Monastery, South Korea
Bulguksa Monastery, South Korea
Description
In South Korea, the first Buddhist monuments began to appear at the end of the 4th century. In the last fifteen hundred years, more than 10 000 temples have been built in the country. Some ancient buildings managed to survive so far. The unique monastery Bulguksa, which is considered a landmark of world importance, is among them. This monastery is located near the city of Gyeongju. For some reason, it’s one of the most attractive for ordinary tourists. Complete article
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