Buddhism is the world’s largest religion, with an estimated 500 million followers. The philosophy was founded in India around BCE and teaches that people can escape from suffering by achieving nirvana–a state without rebirths into this life or any other one after death. There are over 230 Buddhist temples all over the globe which show off its history as well-acknowledged for being so ancient among many cultures today!
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Top 10: Haeinsa Temple
Haeinsa Temple is a historic Buddhist temple that sits on top of Baegundok Rock. The architecture and design date back to 538 AD, making it one with ancient roots in Korea’s culture – which accounts for why so many people come from all over the world to visit this historical site!
Haeinsa is one of the most important Buddhist temples in South Korea and was first built in 807. The temple’s greatest treasure: a complete copy written on 81,258 woodblocks by monks who survived an 1817 fire – this manuscript contains all four Gospels as well as other texts from various religions including Confucianism and Taoism.
Top 9: Wat Arun
Wat Arun is a temple dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. It’s one of Thailand’s most popular religious sites, and you’ll find it on any trip itinerary – especially if the temples are associated with water or have an ocean view!
The Wat Arun Temple is one of the most famous temples in Bangkok, Thailand. It’s an ancient structure that was built to represent Mount Meru -the center point for all universes according to Buddhism beliefs-. The best time you can see this building would be at night with the sunset behind it because then sun rays are shining through its windows illuminating golden Buddhas on each side!
Top 8: Pha That Luang
Pha That Luang is one of the most famous Buddhist temples in Thailand. It was created to honor Buddha after he attained enlightenment under a bodhi tree that resides overhanging Phra Pathork(the Royal Palace). You can find multiple parts within this temple, including an ancient library containing many invaluable books written on palm leaves before 1860 AD!
The Pha That Luang is a Buddhist stupa in Vientiane, Laos. The monument holds significance not only for being one of the most important sites there but also because its design reflects different levels representing how Buddhism can be applied to all aspects of life including physicality and mind states as well as religion itself going back thousands upon generations ago before even this sacred land existed called “Laos”!
Top 7: Jokhang
Jokhang is the best place in Lhasa for travelers to get away from it all. There’s nothing like this quite like anywhere else on earth!
The Jokhang Temple in Lhasa is the most important sacred site of Tibetan Buddhism attracting thousands to its annual pilgrimage. Constructed by King Songtsän Gampo, this temple complex covers an area 25 times larger than that required for other Buddhist temples throughout China and Tibet combined!
Top 6: Todaiji Temple
Todaiji Temple is a traditional Japanese temple that houses an immense Dai-Guoshi Buddha statue. It’s also one of Kyoto’s most popular attractions, attracting over two million visitors annually to take part in various rituals and pilgrimages at this site that predates Buddhism by centuries!
Todaiji is one of the most historically significant and famous Buddhist temples in Japan. Built by Emperor Shomu as a head temple for all provincial Buddhist shrines, it’s no wonder that little remains to show its original appearance. The Great Buddha Hall dates largely from 1709 but still contains many bells dominated back centuries before then when they were used during services at night time!
Top 5: Boudhanath
The stunningly beautiful Boudhanath Buddhist temple is one of the most famous sacred sites in Nepal. Constructed entirely out of sandstone, it stands as an excellent example for Nepalese architects and stone sculptors who want to make their mark on this world by crafting something great with such humble materials!
Having seen the destruction of Buddhism in Tibet, many refugees settled down here. This place is now known as Boudhanath because it houses so much spiritual merit and blessings from all those who came before us-especially for those with the Buddhist faith! The tower can be found at its center containing four windows that project images onto each side wall; these are called “Buddha Eyes.” These structures date back to medieval times but have been renovated recently making them more than just old ruins waiting for tourists’ footsteps (no pun intended).
Top 4: Mahabodhi Temple
The Mahabodhi Temple is one of the most important places in Buddhist history. It’s an ancient site that has withstood time and its majestic architecture still stands today as proof of what man can achieve when he puts his mind to it!
The Mahabodhi Temple is a Buddhist Stupa located in Bodh Gaya, India. The temple contains the original tree from which Buddha gained enlightenment and has been used as his holy site since 250 years after he attained satori here before shooting off into homelessness forever!. Emperor Asoka built another nearby century later which now stands proudly next door to its descendant -the current Tree of Wisdom- where pilgrims come not just for spiritual solace but also because they want to touch something that was once important enough for someone else’s life story to be written into stone!
Top 3: Shwedagon Pagoda
The Shwedagon Pagoda is a religious site for Buddhists in Myanmar. The iconic golden spire reaches up to 72 meters tall, making it one of the largest temples in all Buddhist architecture!
The Shwedagon Pagoda (or Golden Buddha) in Yangon, Myanmar is the holiest Buddhist shrine for Burmese people. Built by the Mon Kingdom sometime between 600 and 1000 AD it stands at 100 meters high with gold-covered domes that glimmer like a golden crown on top of its head!
Top 2: Bagan
Bagan is a popular destination for those who want to experience Myanmar’s rich history. The temples were the first thing that come into the picture when mentioning the country, as they’ve been there since at least 400 A.D., and many still stand tall today!
For many travelers, visiting Bagan is the highlight of their trip. The ruins there are second to none and it’s easy enough that even someone who doesn’t speak a lick of Burmese can enjoy themselves wandering through this old city with lots for kids (and adults) alike!
Top 1: Borobudur
The striking Borobudur temple is more than just a ruin. It’s an active and holy place for Hindus to pray, meditate or offer sacrifices; it also has been used as the setting of many movies about Indonesia!
Located on the Indonesian island of Java, 40 km (25 miles) northwest of Yogyakarta lies what some people refer to as “the world’s largest Buddhist temple.” The Borobudur was built over a period of 75 years in the 8th and 9th centuries by kingdom Sailendra out an estimated 2 million blocks of stone. This ancient site lay abandoned until the 14th century when volcanic ash buried remainder under layers still remains mysteries today!
