Wat Thai Sarnath Temple

4.6

Location: 92HC+8PC, Sarnath, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221007, India.

Estimated Visiting Time: 1 Hour

Thai Temple is one of the most recent additions, among those popular Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Sarnath. In the year 1993, this magnificent temple was erected by Thai dignitaries who visited Sarnath. Adorned with fragrant gardens, the temple is regarded as one of the must-see places in Sarnath. Also known as Wat Thai, the temple complex features an ancient tree covered in an attractive shawl of gold leaf. Adorned with manicured gardens, the Thai temple is built in the Thai architectural style and is run by Thai Buddhist monks. Just before the main temple, there is a statue of the Laughing Buddha and a statue of Lord Buddha delivering a sermon to his disciples. Another idol of Lord Buddha is seen in the Bhumiparsha mudra in the temple. An important highlight of the Thai temple in Sarnath is the 80-foot-tall statue of the Buddha in a standing position.

Attraction

It is famous as the place where Gautama Buddha first taught the Dharma, or where Buddha preached his first sermon. This is the place where the original Sangha was formed.

History

Three buddhist monks _go to work_ to the Wat Thai Sarnath Temple.

It is one of the popular Buddhist temples in Sarnath, situated near the Archaeological Museum and among the prominent places to visit in Sarnath. It is called the Wat Thai Temple, by the Thais. Many devotees dressed in orange color roam around the temple premises and pay their respects. The statue is said to have taken more than a decade to build. Before approaching the statue, there are running fountains with blooming lotus flowers. A variety of flowers of different colors grow in the compound. The temple complex has an old tree covered with an attractive shawl of gold leaves. To the left of the temple are a huge Buddha statue and an over 80m tower, which is said to have taken more than a decade to build. Apart from this interesting idol, the temple has three other idols of Lord Buddha placed under a tree. Just before the main temple entrance, there is a statue of Lord Buddha preaching to his apostles along with the image of Laughing Buddha. Another image of Lord Buddha in the Bhumiparsha mudra where he is touching the earth to invoke the mortal souls is seen in the temple. A fountain of gorgeous lotus flowers provides an alluring touch to the entire complex of this popular Buddhist temple in Sarnath. Thai songs and chants can also be heard in the temple.

Inside/Outside Views

Outside full view of wat Thai Sarnath Temple.

It is adorned with manicured gardens. Just before the main temple, there is a statue of the Laughing Buddha and a statue of Lord Buddha delivering a sermon to his disciples. Another idol of Lord Buddha is seen in the Bhumiparsha mudra in the temple. The temple complex has an old tree covered with an attractive shawl of gold leaves.

Opening Hours

Saturday to Sunday 10 am to 5 pm the temple is open.

Entry & Others Fees

It costs nothing to visit this temple.

Near Restaurants

Near Hotels

How to Reach

By Air: The nearest airport to Sarnath is The Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport. It is around 15mins away from the airport to the destination. One can take taxis to reach his wanted area.

By Train: The nearest railway station from Sarnath is the Varanasi Junction railhead. The Varanasi junction is located at a distance of about 10kms.

By Road: In Uttar Pradesh, the roads of Sarnath connect all the places. The deluxe and state buses are frequently available at the nearest distance from Sarnath for tourists.