7 most beautiful temples around the world
Temples have historically played a vital part in not only the fabric of many religions but also the livelihoods of communities, dating back to the dawn of civilization. These amazing buildings are safe places for people who want to grow spiritually or learn more about a certain religion. Ancient and revered temples are both reminders of a region's past and towering examples of its traditional architectural styles. Whether it's an all-white, quirky temple in Thailand or a Doric sanctuary above Athens, these stunning temples are worth a visit on your next trip.
Bửu Long Pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
The Bửu Long Pagoda offers a tranquil and spiritual getaway from the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City. At the centre of the complex is the intricately carved Gotama Cetiya Stupa, which holds the famous encased relics of the Buddha as well as small pearl and crystal beads that are thought to have come from the bones of his most enlightened students and teachers. When people first arrive, they see a large turquoise pool and a grand staircase with dragon designs.
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The 24 pillared chambers and 1,444 columns of this magnificent temple in Ranakpur, considered one of the holiest locations in Jainism, are entirely hand-carved from amber stone. According to local legend, a Jain businessman began building the temple in the 15th century after having a supernatural vision. Each pillar tells a different story, with unique creatures and designs etched within the delicate masonry.
The Temple of Heaven in Beijing, China
The Temple of Heaven is a beautiful tower outside the Forbidden City. It was built in the early 1500s, when the Yongle emperor was in charge. The beautiful building was where the rulers of the Ming and Qing dynasties prayed every year for good harvests and forgiveness. Each of the colourful pillars inside the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests has its own story or symbol. Some of them show the four seasons, while others talk about the sun. Together, they show the 28 Mansions of the Moon, which are important in Chinese astrology.
Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon, Myanmar
The Shwedagon Pagoda, which is high above Yangon and shines in the sun, maybe the oldest Buddhist pagoda or temple in the world. According to local mythology, two brothers came across the Buddha one day beneath a tree and brought him food. The Buddha, thrilled by their offer, gave them exactly eight of his tresses, which the brothers then brought to what is now Myanmar in a ruby casket. The King of Yangon then commissioned the building of the gold-plated and gemstone-encrusted shrine where the holy hairs would eventually be entombed. The pagoda has survived a number of natural disasters and military occupations, and its bright look is still a sign of hope and strength.
Wat Benchamabophit Dusitvanaram in Bangkok, Thailand
Every flamboyant high gable, elegant finial, and grandiose hall of Bangkok's most famous temple is entirely made of Italian Carrara marble, earning it the moniker "Marble Temple." Prince Narisara Nuvadtivongs, the half-brother of King Chulalongkorn the Great, began planning the temple in 1899, and the enormous complex, which features more than 52 Buddha statues on pillars and stained-glass windows with pictures of Thai angels, was completed over the next 11 years.
Paro Taktsang in the Paro Valley, Bhutan
The "Tiger's Nest," perched on a rocky cliff in Bhutan's Paro Valley, got its name from an 18th-century story about Buddhist scholar Padmasambhava coming to the meditation place on a flying tiger. After that, he is said to have spent three years meditating in a mountain cave, bringing wonders to the surrounding lands and Buddhism to Bhutan. To get to the edge of the cliff, people have to climb up a very steep trail for two hours.
Seiganto-ji in Nachikatsuura, Japan
Seiganto-ji is a temple that dates back to the 4th century. It is near Japan's largest waterfall and in the beautiful woods of Nachi. Temple records say that Ragy Shnin, an Indian monk, found the waterfall when he was looking for a good place to practice asceticism. Shnin is claimed to have come to Shnin at the waterfall's base and inspired him to construct the shrine. Seiganto-ji is now the first destination on the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage, which takes visitors to 33 Buddhist temples in Japan's Kansai area.
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