High in the Himalayas, on the edge of a gorge or atop an extinct volcano, stand some of the most impressive monasteries in the world. Anyone with an interest in Buddha Statues, Tibetan Buddhist art or the spiritual history of Asia will sooner or later come across these extraordinary places. In this article, we take you on a journey to ten Buddha holy places, each with its own story of Buddhism, devotion and craftsmanship.
Buddhism Places of Worship: The Origins of the Monastery
Buddhism is one of the world’s major religions. It originated in northeastern India and is based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, better known as the Buddha.
Monastic life is one of the most important pillars of this tradition. Monks and nuns preserve the teachings and pass them on to other followers. Monasteries provide them with shelter, education and guidance.
From Rainy-Season Retreat to Centre of Learning
The first monasteries most likely grew out of the Vassa: the retreat that monks and nuns in South Asia observed during the rainy season. These temporary dwellings later developed into permanent monasteries.
As a result, a monastery became far more than a place where Buddhists worship and meditate. It became a centre of study, where the philosophical principles of Buddhism were developed and discussed.
One Monastery, Many Names
Depending on the region, Buddhist monasteries are known by different names, such as:
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Gompa or Gonpa (Tibetan cultural region)
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Vihara (South and Southeast Asia)
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Dzong (Bhutan)
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Gumba (Nepal and surrounding areas)
The Most Beautiful Monasteries in India
Phugtal Gompa – Zanskar
In the remote southeast of Zanskar lies Phugtal Gompa, carved out of a cliff face at an altitude of around 3,800 metres. The monastery was founded in the 12th century by Lama Gangsem Sherap Sampo.
To this day, this monk temple is home to around 70 monks. The fact that the building, made of mud bricks, stone and wood, has stood for centuries is a remarkable feat of engineering.
Ki Gompa – Spiti Valley
Ki Gompa (also Key Gompa) is a Tibetan Monastery around a thousand years old. It sits on a hilltop at roughly 4,166 metres above sea level, overlooking the Spiti Valley.
The monastery has survived attacks by the Mongols and other armies, as well as fires and earthquakes. The many cycles of destruction and restoration have given it a box-like appearance reminiscent of a fortress. Ki Gompa remains a training centre for lamas today.
Thikse Monastery – Ladakh
Thikse is a monastery of the Yellow Hat (Gelug) order and is often compared to the Potala Palace in Lhasa. The twelve-storey complex is located at about 3,600 metres in the Indus Valley.
Inside, you will find a wealth of Buddhist art and symbols, including stupas, Buddha Statues and wall paintings. A highlight is the Maitreya Temple, built to commemorate the visit of the 14th Dalai Lama in 1970.
Monasteries and Temples in Myanmar
Bagan – On the Irrawaddy
Bagan (also Pagan) lies on the banks of the Irrawaddy River and contains the largest area of Buddhist temples, pagodas, stupas and ruins in the world. At the height of the kingdom, the city counted some 4,400 temples.
After the empire fell to the Mongols in 1287, following Bagan’s refusal to pay tribute to Kublai Khan, the city lost its political role. As a centre of Buddhist scholarship, however, Bagan remained highly significant.
Inspired by the Burmese artistic tradition? At 1stBuddha, you will find a collection of antique Buddha statues from Burma.
Taung Kalat – Near Mount Popa
The monastery of Taung Kalat stands on the summit of an extinct volcanic plug, one of the most breathtaking sights in the country. Visitors climb 777 steps to reach the top.
For many pilgrims, this is a sacred place of Buddhist devotion, and the view makes the climb more than worthwhile. From the top, you can see:
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the ancient city and monasteries of Bagan in the distance;
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the conical peak of Mount Popa, the volcano to which the volcanic plug owes its existence.
Iconic Monasteries in Bhutan
Taktsang – The Tiger’s Nest
Taktsang, better known as the Tiger’s Nest, clings to the edge of a 900-metre cliff and is regarded as the unofficial symbol of Bhutan. The hike up from the car park takes around two to three hours.
According to legend, Guru Rinpoche flew here from Tibet on the back of a tigress to subdue a tiger demon. The first monastery was not built until the late 17th century. After a devastating fire in 1998, it was painstakingly restored to its former glory.
Punakha Dzong – Between Two Rivers
Punakha Dzong stands on an island at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers and is one of the most photogenic dzongs in Bhutan. An arched wooden bridge connects it to the mainland.
Like many dzongs, Punakha serves several purposes:
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protection of the region;
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administrative seat of the government;
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winter residence of the monastic community.
The dzong also houses priceless relics from the days when the kings ruled from this valley.
Kopan Monastery in Nepal
A Tibetan Buddhist Centre Near Kathmandu
Kopan Monastery lies close to the great Boudhanath Stupa on the outskirts of Kathmandu. It belongs to the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT), an international network of Gelug dharma centres, and once served as its headquarters.
The founders, Lama Thubten Yeshe and Thubten Zopa Rinpoche, purchased the land in 1969 from the then Royal Astrologer of Nepal. The monastery is named after the hill on which it stands.
Meditation Courses for Western Visitors
Kopan is particularly popular with Western visitors. The first meditation course was held in 1971 and grew into an annual month-long course in November and December. These courses combine:
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traditional Lam Rim teachings;
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informal conversation and discussion;
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several guided meditation sessions a day;
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a vegetarian diet.
Remarkable Monasteries in China and Thailand
Xuan Kong – The Hanging Monastery
Xuan Kong Monastery, known as the Hanging Monastery, is located in China’s Shanxi province, set into a cliff near Mount Heng. At first glance, it appears to rest on thin stilts that could barely withstand a gust of wind.
Yet thanks to clever engineering, the monastery has survived several earthquakes. Its halls and rooms follow the rugged contours of the cliff face. Built around 1,400 years ago, it is an outstanding example of exceptional architecture.
Wat Rong Khun – The White Temple
Wat Rong Khun in Chiang Rai is one of the most unique Buddhism places of worship in the world. The temple is entirely white, richly ornamented and inlaid with mirror mosaics in a distinctly contemporary style.
It is the creation of renowned Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat. Construction is still ongoing and, according to the plans, will not be completed for several more decades.
Conclusion: Ten Places Full of History and Devotion
From the cliffside monasteries of the Himalayas to the White Temple of Chiang Rai, these monasteries show just how diverse and resilient Buddhism is. They have withstood wars, fires and earthquakes, and remain places of study, meditation and reflection to this day.
Whether you are planning to travel yourself or want to bring the atmosphere of these places into your home, a Buddha statue brings a little of that serenity closer. At 1stBuddha, we are happy to help you find a statue that suits your space and your practice.
Contact Us
Do you have questions about our Buddha statues, their origins or the meaning of different postures? Contact us anytime. The 1stBuddha team will be glad to help.
