In which countries were beautiful Buddhist temples built? Buddhist temples in Russia

§ 15. Temples and rituals of Buddhism

Temples (datsans) in Buddhism are the center of religious life. All cults and rituals take place there. The difference in the shapes of the temples themselves different countries due to the diversity of cultures and mixing with local cults and traditions in beliefs and construction. Buddhist temples have not only a variety of shapes, but also the most unexpected sizes: from several buildings with residential buildings to huge pagodas (temples). There are entire cities with dozens of temples and hundreds of service buildings. Despite this, all temples have a number of common features.

The main attraction of Buddhist temples is chinese style roofs with curved edges. Majestic multi-storey complex with gilded hipped roof, surrounded by a fence in the shape of a regular rectangle. At all four corners of the fence, multi-colored strips of fabric with magical texts flutter on high poles, serving to protect the monastery from evil forces.

On both sides of the fence there are rows of prayer wheels, which are metal cylinders mounted on a vertical axis and filled with prayer texts. Usually the number of reels is 108, no one knows why exactly that many. At the top of the roof (especially in Nepal) there are eyes painted on all four sides of the pagoda. Before entering the monastery, believers must go around the fence and spin the reels. It is believed that one turn of the drum is equal to reading all the prayers in it. The believer then enters the monastery gates, which are usually painted red and have dragons painted on them. On both sides of the gate there are statues of deities - the patrons of the four cardinal directions, guarding the monastery. From the gate to the entrance to the main temple there is a white stone road called the “high path”. This road is used by lamas, and only on holidays during ceremonies. At the very middle of this path there is an incense burner in the form of a bowl, pagoda or lion sitting on its hind legs with its mouth raised up. The incense burner itself is made of cast iron, and smoke from juniper and incense sticks flows from it. The beginning of the ritual is announced by a gong made from a sea shell. The lamas climb onto the platform opposite the altar and begin the ceremony.

The main temple is always located in the center, with many other religious buildings around it. Almost always, one of the buildings is intended for a huge figure of a seated Mantreya Buddha (future Buddha). Sometimes the height of this statue reaches 16 m.

Inside the temple is a rectangular hall. The northern wall is intended for sculptures with images of Buddhist deities. These are hollow inside statues of Buddha and other deities, filled with scrolls of sacred texts and various relics.

On the sides are usually hung picturesque paintings of deities made on leather, paper or primed canvas. Buddha and Bodhisattvas are always depicted naked to the waist. The colors of their body and the objects they hold in their hands are white, yellow, red, green and blue. Buddha Shakyamuni can always be recognized by the bowl he holds in his left hand, Buddha Mantreya by his body painted red.

Along with images of Buddhas, Bodhisattvas and formidable deities, there are also images of the “wheel of samsara”, heaven and hell, as well as the twelve major events from the life of Buddha.

The most important ritual in Buddhism, which is performed daily in the temple during a general prayer service, is sacrifice. The altar is a table covered with fabric, located on the northern wall in front of images and sculptures of deities. Ritual objects and 7 sacrificial vessels are laid out on the altar, into which water is poured, flowers and sweets are placed, oil is poured and incense is placed. Platforms are installed along the side walls where the llamas are seated. Books, ritual objects and musical instruments, as well as cups of tea or water. The decoration of the hall consists of multi-colored ribbons, colorful fabric cylinders, silk scarves, umbrellas, fragrant balls and lanterns different colors and forms. Only lamas participate in this ritual inside the temple; the rest of the believers stand at the entrance to the temple, fingering rosaries or reciting prayers.

The reading of prayers and the ceremony itself is a spectacular phenomenon. Lamas read prayers to the music, harmoniously accompanying the singing with hand movements. Bells and small copper plates sound, drums of various sizes and sounds respond to them, and huge gongs hum. Suddenly a trumpet bursts into their choir, signifying the neighing of a heavenly horse.

After the prayer service, the laity go to worship the deities and bring their offerings.

Holidays. In Buddhism Russian Federation 6 main holidays are celebrated:

1. New Year to lunar calendar. During the 15 days of this holiday, the Great Prayer Service is performed, dedicated to the 15 miracles performed by Buddha Shakyamuni. Descriptions of these miracles are preserved in Buddhist literature. Soon after Buddha began preaching his teachings, he had many disciples. Six ascetic monks, who were abandoned by the disciples who became followers of the Buddha, hated him for this and wherever they could, they mocked both the new teaching and the Buddha himself and showed the people all sorts of miracles that they were capable of. The Buddha did not pay attention to them, but one day his disciples asked the Teacher to shame these false teachers, because they cause harm to people and there is no peace from them. And Buddha agreed. A place was chosen - the city of Sharavasti, where he performed his 15 miracles:

- On the 1st of the first spring moon, he stuck his toothpick into the ground, and a huge tree grew from it, which obscured the sun and moon with its branches. There were fruits hanging on it, like vessels that could hold 5 buckets of water.

– On the 2nd, Buddha made high mountains with forests growing on them fruit trees. In the mountains to the right hand of Buddha, people gathered and feasted on wonderful fruits, and to his left, animals grazed.

– On the 3rd, Buddha rinsed his mouth and spat out the water on the ground. It turned into a huge lake. In the middle of it grew many wonderful lotuses, illuminating the whole world with their light and filling it with fragrance.

– On the 4th, by the will of Buddha, a voice was heard from the waters of the lake, preaching the sacred teaching.

– On the 5th, Buddha smiled, and from his smile the light scattered in three thousand worlds; everyone upon whom this light fell became blessed.

– On the 6th of the first moon, all the followers of the Buddha learned each other’s thoughts, virtuous and sinful, and also learned about the reward and retribution that awaited them for this.

– On the 7th, Buddha, by his appearance, aroused in all those gathered a feeling of reverence and desire for sacred teaching by showing himself in all his heavenly grandeur. He appeared surrounded by the rulers of the whole world, their retinues and noble people.

– On the 8th Buddha touched right hand to the throne on which he was sitting, and suddenly five terrible monsters appeared, destroying the seats of the false teachers, and the creature Vajrapani, which arose with them, drove them away with its vajra - a weapon similar to lightning. After this, 91 thousand admirers of false teachers went over to the side of Buddha and accepted the spiritual title.

– On the 9th, Buddha appeared before everyone around him, having grown to heaven, and thus preached the sacred teaching to all animate beings.

– On the 10th, Buddha became visible simultaneously in all kingdoms of the material world and preached his teachings.

– On the 11th, Buddha turned his body into an indescribable light, which filled thousands of worlds with its radiance.

– On the 12th, he emitted a golden ray from his body and illuminated with it all the kingdoms of three thousand worlds. Those who were touched by this light accepted the teachings of the Buddha.

– On the 13th, Buddha released two rays from his navel, which rose to a height of seven fathoms; At the end of each ray, a lotus flower grew. From the middle of each flower came two reflections of Buddha. They, in turn, emitted two rays ending in a lotus, from which new reflections of the Buddha appeared. This continued until flowers and Buddhas filled the Universe.

– On the 14th, Buddha produced with his will a huge chariot that reached the world of the gods. Along with it, many more chariots were formed, each of which contained one reflection of the Buddha. The radiance emanating from them filled all worlds with light.

– On the 15th, Buddha filled all the vessels in the city with food. It had different tastes, but after tasting it, people felt pleasure. The Buddha then touched the ground with his hand and it opened up, revealing the suffering that pleasure-seekers endured in the regions of hell. Those who saw this were confused, and Buddha began to preach his teachings to those gathered.

2. The turning of the “wheel of time” is dedicated to the beginning of Buddha’s preaching of the doctrine of Kalachakra. They organize theatrical performances, visit temples, and make offerings to the lama.

3. Birthday, enlightenment and death of Buddha. Celebrate 7 days. This is the most important of the Buddhist holidays. In all monasteries, prayers are read and festive processions are organized. These days, many observe strict fasting and silence for all 7 days.

4. “The Circulation of Mantreya.” On this day, a chariot with a statue of Mantreya is driven around the monastery. During the day, the procession moves around the outer walls of the monastery, stopping for a long time at each turn to read prayers and drink tea.

5. “Festival of Lights” - the day of descent of Buddha Shanyamuni for his last rebirth among people.

6. The day of Tsonghava’s departure to nirvana. They eat a special porridge made from pieces of dough. When darkness falls, lamps are lit inside the temple and remain lit until dawn.

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In the Russian Federation, Buddhism is the main religion for the residents of Buryatia, Kalmykia, and Tuva. In the lower reaches of the Volga and Transbaikalia, Buddhism began to spread when Mongolian pastoral tribes migrated here. In 1914, Tuva, where Buddhism was also popular, became part of the Yenisei province. In Russia, Buddhism became widespread in the form of the Gelukpa Lamaist school.

Currently, there are more than 200 Buddhist communities operating in Russia. In addition to Tibetan Buddhism, which is traditional for Russia, other directions are also spreading. For example, especially popular in recent years acquires the Tibetan direction “Great Perfection” (dzongnen).

What is the name of a Buddhist temple in Russia

Buddha temples around the world are called by different names. There are naming options with the word “datsan”, or the name of the temple itself is a phrase that includes the words “dzi”, “dera”, “tera”, “garan”. If the name of a building uses the honor of a teacher or the name of a revered deity, then “ji” is used. For example: Yakushiji is the temple of Bhaishajyaguru or the healer Buddha Yakushi. The additional name “garan” is used for ancient temples. From Sanskrit “sangharama” means “community dwelling”. If the building for holding rituals does not have everything that is necessary for such a room, then such a building is called a chapel.

What does a Buddhist temple look like in Russia?

As a rule, places such as Buddhist temples are protected from external influences, the territory is closed on all sides, and there are powerful gates at the entrance. The structure of Buddhist temples in Russia is not much different from the premises of temples around the world. Any Buddha image is placed in the “golden hall” (kondo). The next obligatory building on the territory of the temple is the pagoda, designed to store the remains of the body (earthly) of Buddha Shakyamuni. Almost every Buddhist temple has its own legend about how the remains of a saint got into it. Often the pagoda consists of three or five tiers, and the main pillar is placed in the center. Under it or at its very top the remains of Buddha are kept. In addition to textual versions of Buddhist teachings stored in the form of scrolls, religious information and various sacred traditions here, within the walls of the temple, are passed on orally.

Where are the Buddhist temples in Russia?

There are not very many Buddhist temples in Russia. They exist not only in Moscow and St. Petersburg, but also in different regions of the country - Trans-Baikal Territory, Tyva, Buryatia, the Altai Republic, Kalmykia, Irkutsk region. Here are the most popular of the Buddhist temples in Russia.

Buryatia, Ivolginsky datsan

This Buddhist temple is located at the foot of a mountain range, on a steppe area three dozen kilometers from Ulan-Ude. The Ivolginsky datsan is truly considered the center, the spiritual capital of the Buddhist traditional Sangha of Russia.

The gilded temple already welcomes guests and believers from afar. One gets the impression that everything here is frozen, waiting for time. The atmosphere is filled with the tart and spicy aroma of flowering herbs.

The Buddha Temple appeared here at the end of the Great Patriotic War; the lama’s residence was originally located here. Then a Buddhist University was opened at the datsan.

Authentic interior items and works of art are used as decorations in the temple. Datsan is protected by the state as a monument of religious architecture. Its complex is represented by the main temple “Sogchen”, temples “Choyryn Dugan”, “Sakhyuusan Sume”, “Maanin Dugan”, “Maidarin Sume”, “Devaazhin”, “Zhud Dugan”, as well as the Palace of the Twelfth Pandito Khambo Lama Dashi Dorzho Itigelov.

Thousands of pilgrims and tourists from all over the world flock to the Ivolginsky datsan in Buryatia.

Buryatia, Tamchinsky (Gusinoozersky) datsan

The Tamchinsky (Gusinoozersky) datsan was founded in Buryatia almost a century and a half ago, in the mid-eighteenth century. The Buddhist temple is located on the southwestern shore of Lake Gusinoye (Galun-nur in Buryat). Initially, it was a wooden datsan, which was founded by Lama Akhaldain Zhinba. This temple can be considered the first Buddhist temple on the territory of modern Buryatia.

A special feature of the Tamchinsky datsan is a unique archeological monument of the 1st millennium BC. – Deer stone “Altan Serge”. The age of this stone is over 3300 years. This stone is an integral part of ritual holidays that were held in the past. The deer stone was discovered in September 1989 on the territory of the datsan in the foundation of a dismantled house. The stone was split into 12 pieces. It was restored by Hermitage specialists, and now it is restored in its original place, near the main Tsogchen temple. The tetrahedral stone pillar, thickened at the top, depicts deer frozen in the forest. Deer heads are decorated with coiled antlers located along the ridge. There is a disc knocked out in the upper corner above the deer's head. Modern tourists and pilgrims see three dugans behind the monastery fence, the main one of which was Tsogchen.

Buryatia, Aginsky datsan

The Aginsky datsan complex is a living page of the architectural creativity of the Buryat people. The building of the new cathedral temple of Tsokchen Dugan and the old two-story temple of Dashi Lhundubling are of undoubted interest. The Aginsky datsan was founded in 1811 and consecrated in 1816. It was a Buddhist university where lamas of various specialties were trained.

Buryatia, Ugdan datsan

Located 19 km from Chita, in the Khurle-Dobo area. Opened in 1991. Constructed on the initiative and with funds from the Ugdansky cooperative farm. Ugdan datsan includes brick building tsogchen-dugana, Sakhyusan-sume, suburkhan, prayer wheels, houses for lamas. The territory of the datsan is expanding and being improved. In the Ugdan datsan there is a staff of highly qualified lamas and a doctor conducts his practice.

Buryatia, Aninsky datsan

One of the oldest Buddhist temples in Russia. Founded in 1795. 11 family banners of the Khorin Buryats were kept in the datsan. The modern datsan is the first family-clan monastery complex in the history of Russian Buddhism - 108 suburgans were erected around it - repositories of the genealogies of 108 families of Khorin Buryats. The consecration of the suburgans took place in 2011 and was timed to coincide with the 350th anniversary of the voluntary entry of Buryatia into Russia. The territory of the revived Aninsky datsan occupies 9 hectares and will be divided into 9 parts, symbolizing 9 jewels, where 17 dugans will be erected.

Buryatia, Atsagatsky (Kurbinsky) datsan

Founded in 1825 and located on the western outskirts of the village of Naryn-Atsagat, Zaigraevsky district of Buryatia. Known among pilgrims and tourists as a center of high-quality Tibetan medicine.

Buryatia, Atagan-Dyrestuisky datsan

Appeared in mid-18th century century in the south of Buryatia. Two centuries later, the temple was significantly destroyed; only the Tsogchen-Dugan survived, in which the Soviet authorities located machine and tractor workshops. In 2004, restoration work began in the datsan. Afterwards it is planned to put the entire monastery complex in order. In 2007, Buddhist services - khurals - began to be held here.

Kalmykia, Golden Abode of Buddha Shakyamuni

This is one of the richest Buddhist temples in Russia. The temple area is surrounded by an openwork fence with the sign “108 Buddhas”. The gates are located in the four cardinal directions as symbols of the four elements: Earth, Fire, Water and Wind. On both sides of the gate there is a wonderful wish-fulfilling stone that bestows wealth - “cintamani”. The gates are made in traditional oriental style. From the gate there is a paved path along which you can climb to the temple or walk around it. The general composition of the complex is completed by flower beds, ornamental flower beds, a khurul garden with walking alleys, and an ethnographic zone with tents.

Kalmykia, Tantric Monastery of Lord Tsongkhapa

This is one of the young Buddhist temples in Russia. It was founded in 2008 in Gorodovikovsk. This is the first tantric monastery. What makes the new monastery unique is a rare relic – a piece of Lama Tsongkhapa’s skull. There are other amazing relics in the monastery - white balls that remain after the cremation of the bodies of high lamas.

St. Petersburg, datsan Gunzechoiney

The temple appeared in the Northern capital on the eve of the 1917 revolution. The initiator of the construction was the envoy of the 13th Dalai Lama, the learned Buryat Lama Agvan Lobsan Dorzhiev. At the same time as the temple, a four-story dormitory for monks and visiting Buddhists and a service wing were erected. Of interest to fans of Buddhism is the statue of the Big Buddha, made by Mongolian craftsmen in the traditional Mongolian style, from papier-mâché and then covering the figure of the teacher with gold leaf. The height of the Buddha’s body is 2.5 meters, together with the halo and pedestal - about 5 m. In 2003, the statue of the Siamese “Standing Buddha” was returned to the temple after restoration. Also here, astrologers and a Tibetan doctor receive consultations, and lectures on Buddhist philosophy are held.

St. Petersburg, Wat Abhidhamma Buddhavihara

Also a young Buddhist temple - founded in 2006 in the village of Gorelovo. This is the only operating temple of the Theravada tradition in Russia - the oldest branch of Buddhism, widespread in the countries of Southeast Asia.

Tuva, Tsechenling

The Buddhist temple “Tsechenling”, built in 1999, is one of the first datsans, or khurees, as Tuvans call Buddhist temples, reconstructed in Tuva. The temple is located in the center of Kyzyl on Krasnoarmeyskaya Street. This is a two-story building, a meeting place for lamas with the population. On the second floor, where a magnificent marble staircase, is a prayer hall where there is an altar with bright bronze, silver and gilded burkhans, images of Buddha. The temple successfully combines the traditions of iconic oriental architecture and new construction technologies.

Sverdlovsk region, Kachkanar, Shad Tchup Ling

The Buddha Temple, which is associated with the current news of 2016. The regional authorities wanted to demolish the monastery to develop an iron ore deposit in its place, but subsequently postponed these plans. A Buddhist monastery appeared near Kachkanar in May 1995. An ornate mountain road leads to the temple; it leads through the Kachkanarsky ore-bearing massif, the local river Vyya and the Nizhnevysky reservoir. The monastery was built according to the ancient Tibetan and Mongolian canons of monastic architecture, which allows preserving the ecosystem of the area and harmoniously fitting the complex of buildings into the picturesque landscape of Mount Kachkanar. One of the attractive buildings of the monastery is the stupa, a monument to the enlightened mind of Buddha.

There are more than fifty Buddha temples in Russia, but so far not all of them have been explored by tourists. It’s like a pioneer’s trail that attracts the traveler with its views, buildings, and the opportunity to touch oldest religion and feel far away from the bustle of the city.

Buddhist temples can now be found in many countries as Buddhism has spread throughout the world. Buddhism has undergone many changes over the past 2,500 years, and today there are three main branches of this religion, each with their own monasteries for believers. The roots of Buddhism are located in India. Although the date of Buddha's birth is still a controversial point, Buddhism originated approximately in the 5th century. The literal translation of Buddha is “enlightened one.” In this article I will introduce you to some amazing and revered monasteries that you may want to visit.

1. Buddhist Monastery Wat Arun (WAT ARUN) in Thailand.

The famous Buddhist monastery Wat Arun is one of the most iconic images in Bangkok, Thailand. The temple is very recognizable.

It's decorated ceramic tiles and colored porcelain. To visit the temple, you will need to take a taxi across the river.

2. Buddhist Monastery Luang (PHA THAT LUANG) in Laos.

Pha That Luang Temple is located in Laos. It is the most important national monument of Vientiane. Legends say that missionaries built this huge temple with a gilded dome to house a part of the Buddha.

A lot of excavations were carried out, but evidence of the legend was never found.

3. Buddhist Temple Jokhang (JOKHANG) in Tibet.

The Buddhist Jokhang Temple in the center of Lhasa is known as the Tibetan center of the spiritual world. The temple is the oldest remaining on earth and gives tourists an authentic taste of Tibetan culture.

The temple is stunningly beautiful. It remains the center of Buddhism in Tibet.

4. Buddhist Temple Todaiji (TODAIJI) in Japan.

One of the most significant and famous Buddhist temples is the Todaiji Temple in Nara. The monastery is the largest wooden building in the world, there is a huge Buddha statue.

The temple has always been and remains extremely popular. The temple is also home to many influential Buddhist schools.

5. Buddhist Temple BOUDHANATH in Nepal.

BOUDHANATH Temple is one of the most revered monuments in Kathmandu, Nepal. BOUDHANATH is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

BOUDHANATH attracts tourists from all over the world.

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Republic of the Union of Myanmar

Shwedagon Pagoda is one of the holiest places in the world. The main stupas of the temple are covered in gold and shimmer in the sun.

The temple is located in Yangon, Myanmar.

V Republic of the Union of Myanmar

Bagan Square has the largest concentration of Buddhist temples, stupas, and pagodas in the whole world.

The temples at Bagan Square are much simpler in design than many others in the world, but people still make pilgrimages to worship and enjoy the splendor of the place.

9. Buddhist Monastery in Borobudur (BOROBUDUR) in Indonesia

Buddhism gradually spread throughout the planet over several millennia. Today, Buddhist temples can be found in different countries, and the roots of this religion are concentrated in India. In the article we will get acquainted with what a Buddhist temple is and what are the features of their architecture, we will learn about the most famous temples and monasteries.

Ajanta Temple and Monastery Cave Complex

What is the name of the Buddhist temple

Buddha Temple may have different names: datsan, or, directly, the name of the temple itself, combined with the words ji, dera, tera, garan.

If the temple is named after the locality or in honor of the founders, then the name contains tera or dera. For example, Asuka-dera so called due to the fact that the temple is located on the Asuka Plain. A Tachibana-dera is a temple of the Tachibana family.

If the name of the building uses the honor of a teacher or the name of a revered deity, then dzi is used. For example: Yakushiji – Bhaishajyaguru temple or the healer buddha Yakushi.

The additional name garan is used to designate ancient temples. From Sanskrit "sangharama" - "community dwelling" .

If the building for holding rituals does not have everything that is necessary for such a room, then such a building is called a chapel.

Maharashtra Buddhist Temple

Architecture of Buddhist temples and monasteries

What does it mean to be a Buddhist? If explained from the point of view of this religious teaching, then to be a Buddhist is to take refuge in “ Three Treasures " "Three Treasures" - This Buddha, his doctrine And community, formed around this teaching. The structure is designed to embody all of the Three Treasures. They are all presented in one place, but at the same time divided into parts, each of which carries its own semantic and religious meaning.

A Buddhist temple is a sacred complex structure, representing religious value, a place of pilgrimage, worship and residence for Buddhist monks. It must be protected from external influences that disturb this holy place - extraneous sounds, sights, smells and other influences. The territory is closed on all sides, and at the entrance there are powerful gates.

In the "golden hall"(kondo) any Buddha images are placed ( Buddha Shakyamuni , compassionate Amitabha etc.) – embroidered, drawn, in the form of sculptures. In the same room there can be any images of various revered beings, bodhisattvas.

Pagoda- This building designed to store the remains of the body (earthly) of Buddha Shakyamuni. Almost every Buddhist temple has its own legend about how the remains got into it. Often the pagoda consists of three or five tiers, and the main pillar is placed in the center. Under it or at its very top the remains of Buddha are kept.

In addition to textual versions of Buddhist teachings stored in the form of scrolls, religious information and various sacred traditions are transmitted orally. In addition, readings and interpretations of the teachings are regularly held in the “reading hall” (ko:do).

Since the 8th century, kami have appeared - places for venerating “native gods”. They are placed both on the territory of the temple and outside it. The gods are revered as protectors of the temple.

The temple community includes monks, their students and lay people who temporarily reside in the galleries.

Buddhist temples in India have their own design features. Monumental structures have a large number of arches, vaults, columns, and reliefs dedicated to Buddha. At the same time, all these unique architectural elements are brought to perfection. In India, stupas are most often found in the form of a sphere on a cubic base. Their entrances are usually represented by stone gates with carved images on them. There are also buildings with sharp high domes with bas-reliefs.

Buddhist temples in India

There are many Buddhist temples in India, since this religious movement is especially revered here. Let's pay attention to the most famous ones.

. The third largest state in India is Maharashtra. This region is known primarily for its rock monasteries and temples:

Ajanta – a temple and monastery cave complex, represented by a cliff in the shape of a horseshoe. There are 29 caves in total. They are divided into viharas (dormitories of Buddhist monks, with a portico-terrace at the entrance and square halls surrounded by cells on three sides) and chaityas (prayer halls). The walls of the caves are skillfully painted with illustrations of Buddhist myths and legends. Ajanta is a World Heritage Site.
Caves of Aurangabad - relatively small three complexes of cave temples located near the city of Aurangabad. There are nine caves in total, divided into eastern and western ones.
Pithalkora – a cave temple complex consisting of 13 caves. Equipped in the 2nd century BC. Somewhat later, in the 5th-6th centuries, additions to them occurred.
Ellora – a system of 34 caves. Of these, 17 caves are Hindu, 12 caves are Buddhist, 5 are . The most remarkable building with unique architecture is “Kailas”, which has deservedly become one of the precious monuments of Indian religious culture. Numerous castles located in Ellora are classified as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.

- exactly the place where Gautama Sidhartha achieved enlightenment, which resulted in his reincarnation as Buddha. The temple is located in Bodh Gaya, Indian state of Bihar. Here is Bodhi - the sacred tree, sitting under which Gautama found his enlightenment. It is believed that it was grown from a seed that bestowed exactly that original tree, under which the enlightened Buddha sat.

Sanchi, which is the World UNESCO heritage, is a village in Madhya Pradesh known for its preserved temples, monasteries and stupas from early Buddhist times. The main attraction is the first known stupa in history. It was intended as a visual symbol of the Wheel of Dharma. It was from the Sanchi stupa that other stupas began to be copied.

It's impossible not to remember about Dhamek Stupa, located in Sarnath. According to legend, here Buddha, who achieved enlightenment, gave his first sermon and launched Wheel of Dharma.

Buddhist monasteries in India

There are also a considerable number of Buddhist monasteries in India. It is not possible to list them all, so let’s get acquainted with some of them:

Temples of Ladakh. The land of Ladakh is located in the extreme western part of the Tibetan plateau. The highest mountains in the world rise along the southern and northern parts. Here are concentrated all the beauties for which travelers come here with pleasure - snow-capped mountains, lakes, rivers, strange animals and birds, incredible mountain abodes. True, all this became available to foreign tourists only in 1974. The population of Ladakh is mainly represented by the descendants of settled nomads who arrived from Kham (eastern Tibet). In the 7th century they mixed with the Indo-Aryan tribes. There are many temples in this region: Alchi Gompa, Vanla, Lamayuru, Mulbek Gompa, Seni Gompa, She Gompa and others.

Tiksi is a Buddhist monastery located off the banks of the Indus on a hilltop. Its location is amazing: it rises 3600 meters above sea level and consists of 12 floors. There are also statues, frescoes, weapons, thangkas (religious images in Tibetan art), and buildings with chortens. The Maitreya Temple, which later became the Buddha, is also amazing. It is famous for the 15-meter statue of Maitreya, erected in 1970 before the visit of the Dalai Lama.

, located on a hill outside the city of Tawang. It is located at an altitude of 3300 meters. Designed for 700 monks, currently approximately 450 lamas live in it. There is a Parkhang library here, famous for that it contains many historically valuable manuscripts.

Buddhist monasteries in Russia

In Russia Buddhism is practiced in different areas countries - Trans-Baikal Territory, Tyva, Buryatia, Altai Republic, Kalmykia, Irkutsk region. Buddhist monasteries in Russia exist in a large number of cities, including Moscow and St. Petersburg.

Ivolginsky datsan (Gandan Dashi Choynkhorlin - Tibet) is located in the Republic of Buryatia, in the village of Verkhnyaya Ivolga. This is a real complex consisting of many buildings, including:

a temple-palace in which the incorruptible body of the great Teacher Khambo Lama Itigelov is kept;
tantric temple (Zhan-dugan);
main cathedral temple (Tsogchen-dugan);
greenhouse designed for sacred tree Bodhi et al.

Also on the territory of the complex there is a library, a summer hotel, sacred stupas-suburgans and even an enclosure for roe deer.

Another Buddhist monastery in Russia, or rather a temple-monastery, is the Khoymorsky datsan “Bodhidharma”, located in Buryatia (Arshan village, Tunkinsky district). This is the central temple of the Buddhist organization "Maidar".
Tsugolsky datsan is the oldest monastery, built in the Transbaikal region in 1801. Monastic schools of classical Buddhist philosophy and Tibetan medicine were founded here. The monastery has a very rich history.

There are others in Russia, no less wonderful temples Buddhists: Aninsky(Buryatia) and Aginsky(Trans-Baikal Territory) datsans, , Temple of the Great Victory(Kalmykia), Egituisky datsan(Buryatia).

Today, about one percent of the Russian population is Buddhist. Buddhism - widespread world religion, but in Russia very little is known about it. There are also few Buddhist temples in our country. This is due to historical and political reasons. The most famous are the Buddhist temples in Kalmykia, Irkutsk region and Transbaikal region. With their exotic beauty they attract not only Buddhists from Russia, but also pilgrims from all over the world, as well as tourists who are far from this religion. Let's look at the most famous similar temples in our country.

Buddhist temples in St. Petersburg

Today, guests and residents of St. Petersburg can visit a rather unusual attraction for Russia - a Buddhist temple. It is known as Datsan Gunzechoiney and became the first such establishment in Europe.

Initially, adherents of this religion began to appear in St. Petersburg back in the 18th century, when the Peter and Paul Fortress was just being built. At that time there were still few Buddhists in the city, only about 75 people (in 1897). In the first decade of the twentieth century, their number grew to almost two hundred. Among them were many foreigners who came from the countries of the East, as well as Buryats, Kalmyks and representatives of the Buddhist movement that was fashionable at that time - neo-Buddhism.

History of the St. Petersburg Buddhist Temple

The number of Buddhists grew rapidly, but these people did not have their own temple where they could pray. The Buryat Lama Avgan Dorzhiev, who was the representative of the Dalai Lama in Russia, received permission to build the first Buddhist prayer house in St. Petersburg. The Dalai Lama himself, as well as believers from all over Russia, donated money for the construction.

However, construction of the datsan (Buddhist temple) began only in 1909. The architects were G.V. Baranovsky. and Berezovsky N.M., who created their project in accordance with the canons of Tibetan architecture. The construction of the temple was also under the scientific guidance of a specially created committee of oriental scientists.

The construction of the datsan was fraught with many difficulties and was completed only in 1915. Despite this, the first services were held there already in 1913.

In 1915, the temple was consecrated, and Avgan Dorzhiev became the rector. However, he did not operate for religious purposes for long. The Soviet period became a difficult time for Buddhists in Russia. Already in 1916 they began to leave St. Petersburg. In 1919, Datsan Gunzechoinei was plundered, but in the 1920s-1930s it again began to function for religious purposes. In 1935, the temple was finally closed, and all Buddhist monks were repressed.

During the Patriotic War, there was a military radio station in the temple, and only in 1968 the datsan building was declared an architectural monument, and in 1990 the temple was handed over to Buddhists, and it again began to work for religious purposes.

Datsan Gunzechoiney today

If you want to visit Buddhist temples in St. Petersburg, then you should definitely pay attention to Datsan Gunzechoinei. It is the largest Buddhist attraction in the city. Teachers of Buddhist philosophy from Tibet come there to give lectures. The monks of the temple pray daily for the health of the living and for the safe rebirth of the dead. Here you can also make an appointment with an astrologer or a doctor - a specialist in traditional Tibetan medicine.

Today anyone can visit this establishment. The Buddhist temple Datsan Gunzechoinei is open every day from 10.00 to 19.00 (closed on Wednesday). The temple has an official website on the Internet, where you can find out the schedule of all prayer services and khurals taking place there. You can visit this Buddhist temple completely free of charge. Photo and video shooting inside the datsan is prohibited.

Of course, the temple will amaze you with its beauty and oriental flavor. On the territory you can see an interesting attraction - Buddhist drums filled with sacred grass and paper on which the mantra “Om Name Padme Hum” is written 10,800 times. To attract happiness, you need to spin each reel at least once.

In addition, you can visit not only Buddhist temples in St. Petersburg, but also communities of adherents of this religion.

Buddhist temples in Moscow

Today, about 20 thousand people professing Buddhism live in Moscow. However, they do not have their own temple, but only religious centers. By 2015, it is planned to build two Buddhist temples in the capital. The first will be located on Poklonnaya Hill, and the second - in Otradnoye.

Both churches will be built using donations. They will complement the religious complexes already existing in those places, which currently consist of Orthodox churches, Jewish synagogues and Islamic mosques.

The first temple, which will be located on Poklonnaya Hill, will be dedicated to the Buddhists who died in the Great Patriotic War. On the ground floor it is planned to build a chapel for monks, and on the second floor - to organize an exhibition, dedicated to heroes Patriotic War.

Ivolginsky datsan in Buryatia

One of the most famous Buddhist temples in Russia is the Ivolginsky Datsan. It is located in Buryatia, a few hours drive from Ulan-Ude. This place has great value for pilgrims not only from Russia, but also from all over the world.

It was erected in 1945 and became the first Buddhist temple opened in Soviet times. Today anyone can visit it. Excursions are held here specifically for tourists. The Ivolginsky Buddhist temple, the photo of which is given below, can leave few people indifferent. On the territory of the datsan you can take photos, spin special prayer wheels and buy souvenirs.

Other Buddhist temples in Russia

Another famous Buddhist temple in Russia is Khambyn Khure, located in the city of Ulan-Ude. It is a large Buddhist complex consisting of several temples and service buildings. One of them has a university where students can learn the art of Mandala drawing. The main temple of the Tsogchegan-dugan complex was consecrated in 2003 and today it regularly holds traditional religious services.

Also attracting the attention of pilgrims is the Buddhist temple Rimpoche-bagsha, the Aginsky datsan, located in the Chita region, the Atsagatsky datsan near Ulan-Ude and the Datsan of the Barguzin Valley.

In Kalmykia there are: the Temple of the Great Victory, the Golden Monastery of Gedden Shcheddup Choikorling. They are all unique in their own way.

Despite the small percentage of Russians who profess the ancient Eastern religion, you can still find a Buddhist temple in our country. St. Petersburg, Ulan-Ude and other cities have their own datsans, some of which were founded many years ago.

In Soviet times, ancient Indian teachings were subjected to numerous repressions, many temples were destroyed, so today the Buddhist tradition in the full sense of the word does not exist in Russia, and there are a small number of datsans. Therefore, Buddhists who are unable to go to the temple visit the corresponding centers, houses of worship and retreat centers.