Mulagandha Kuti Vihar is a peaceful and beautiful Buddhist temple in Sarnath, near Varanasi, India. Sarnath is a very special place for Buddhists because it is where Lord Buddha gave his first teaching after he became enlightened.
This temple was built in 1931 and is a great place to learn about Buddhism and its history. It has amazing paintings, a golden Buddha statue, and even a sacred relic of Buddha! It is a place full of peace, wisdom, and beauty.
The Story of Mulagandha Kuti Vihar
Mulagandha Kuti Vihar has a very special history. It was built by Anagarika Dharmapala, a Buddhist leader from Sri Lanka. He wanted to bring back the importance of Buddhism in India. In 1891, he started the Mahabodhi Society, an organization to protect and restore Buddhist places.
In 1931, he built this temple in Sarnath as a place for learning and meditation. It was made to honor Lord Buddha’s teachings and to help people connect with his wisdom.
Fun Fact
Did you know that Sarnath is one of the four most important places for Buddhists? The other three are:
Lumbini – where Buddha was born
Bodh Gaya – where he became enlightened
Kushinagar – where he passed away
Beautiful Architecture and Art
The temple has a mix of traditional Buddhist and modern design. The walls are decorated with beautiful paintings that tell the story of Buddha’s life, from his birth to his final days. These paintings were made by Kosetsu Nosu, a Japanese artist.
At the entrance, there is a big bronze bell, which was a gift from Japan’s royal family. Inside, the golden statue of Buddha sits on a white marble platform.
The Sacred Relic
One of the most special things in this temple is the sacred relic of Buddha. It is believed to be a small piece of his bone. This relic helps people feel closer to Buddha and his teachings.
The Bodhi Tree and Gardens
Inside the temple area, there is a Bodhi tree that came from Sri Lanka. This tree is related to the original Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, where Buddha became enlightened.
The temple also has beautiful gardens with prayer flags, making it a peaceful place for meditation and relaxation.
Places to Visit Nearby
If you visit Sarnath, you can also explore other amazing places:
Dhamek Stupa – The place where Buddha gave his first teaching.
Sarnath Museum – Has many old Buddhist artifacts and the famous Ashoka Pillar (which is now India’s national emblem).
Chaukhandi Stupa– The spot where Buddha met his first followers.
Thai Temple– A stunning Buddhist temple made in **Thai style**.
Varanasi – A famous city known for its spiritual and cultural richness.
How to Reach Mulagandha Kuti Vihar
Sarnath is just 10 kilometers from Varanasi. You can get there by taxi, auto-rickshaw, or bus.
Nearest Railway Station: Varanasi Junction
Nearest Airport: Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Varanasi
Temple Timings and Entry Fee
Timings:
Morning: 8:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Afternoon: 1:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Entry Fee:
Indians: ₹5 per person
Foreign visitors: ₹100 per person
It’s a small price to visit such a peaceful and special place!
A Place of Peace and Wisdom
Mulagandha Kuti Vihar is not just a temple. It is a place of spiritual awakening and a center of learning. Anyone who visits can feel calm, peaceful, and inspired by Buddha’s teachings.
If you are interested in Buddhism, history, or just looking for a quiet place, you should definitely visit Mulagandha Kuti Vihar in Sarnath. It is a place full of wisdom, beauty, and peace.
Plan your visit today and experience the magic of Sarnath!