This week’s crazy building is Sulamani Temple in Bagan, Myanmar. This remarkable Buddhist temple was built by the Burmese king Narapatisithu in 1183, over 830 years ago. It rises high above the many pagodas surrounding it, making it one of the most-visited attractions in the region. Tourists soar above the landscape in hot air balloons
A monk in a Buddhist Temple in Lhasa, Tibet ©Jim Richardson All rights reserved. You can see more of my work at: www.jimrichardsonphotography.com Follow me on Instagram: @JimRichardsonNG
Shopping and sightseeing can be exhausting. Fortunately for visitors to central Seoul, respite and tranquillity can be found at an important Buddhist temple in the Jongno-gu district of the South Korean capital, on the northern side of the Han River. The…
Are you looking for quality Myanmar tours? Check out the collection of Myanmar tour packages designed by Myanmar tour operator at best prices!
PENTAX K-S2+DA*55mm F1.4
Wat Rong Khun buddhist temple in Chiang Rai, Thailand
Putuo Zongcheng - A Buddhist temple in Chengde, eastern China. It was built in the 18th century and modeled after the Potala Palace in Tibet. It is one of the largest temples in China and an Unesco World Heritage Site.
Are you thinking about doing a temple stay in Korea? With over 25 temples offering temple stay programs in English, the choice is all yours! This guide covers everything you need to know before your temple stay to make the most of your experience. What is a Temple Stay?
National Geographic has released its Best Trips in 2019 list with 28 places selected around the world. Mount Fanjingshan in southwest China's Guizhou Province is the only tourist destination in China to make the list. Before you kick off your trip to this mysterious land, this tour itinerary may help you plan your adventure.
Hana Matsuri is a celebration held across Japan to rejoice in the birth of the Buddha. The actual name for the birthday celebration is Kanbutsue, and different Buddhist nations celebrate the birthday on different dates. However, in Japan, the celebrations are held on April 8th, the peak of Sakura season, and this is why Kanbutsue is also popularly known as Hana Matsuri, or the Festival of Flowers. On this day, people across the country visit their local Buddhist temples to honor the life and teachings of the Buddha. Let’s learn some more about this special day! The Birth Of The Buddha “Siddhartha Gautama,” who later became known as Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, was born to a royal family in the famous gardens of Lumbini, in present-day Nepal. He gave up his royal lineage and normal life to lead a life as a wandering ascetic, and after years of meditation, he attained nirvana or enlightenment. Buddhism reached Japan around the 6th century CE, through China, and soon became one of the leading religious philosophies in the country. This makes Hana Matsuri or the Buddha’s birthday celebrations quite a special day for the Japanese. The Miracle According to legend, immediately after his birth, the Buddha took seven steps forward and pointed his hands to the heavens and the earth, and is believed to have said, “I am alone in the Universe.” At this point, nine dragons came from the heavens and anointed him with pure water. The Kanbutsue is a way to re-create this miracle. During Hana Matsuri, special flower viewing areas, or hanamido, are set up within the temples, which represent the forests and the gardens of Lumbini. The viewing area is decorated with colourful flowers, and a statue of the baby Buddha, simultaneously pointing to the skies and the earth, is placed in the centre of the floral decorations. Special Celebrations One of the highlights of the festival is the way the statue of the Buddha is worshipped. A special sweet tea, am-cha, is made by boiling dried hydrangea leaves. Visitors pour this tea on the head of the statue, to symbolize the water sprinkled on the baby Buddha by the dragons, and offer their respect. Many temples also distribute the tea to the visitors, which is taken home and enjoyed with family and loved ones. Best Places To Catch the Hana Matsuri Celebrations Although the celebrations for Hana Matsuri are on a relatively quieter note than other festivals in Japan, it is still a very special occasion. Many temples sell special amulets and religious mementos on the day, which can make perfect souvenirs for yourself or your friends. There are also special parades in some temples with children wearing old costumes. One of the best places to view the celebrations is at the Sensoji Temple in Asakusa. On this day, the temple altar is all decked out with new tapestry and floral decorations, and there is also a parade of a chariot in the shape of a white elephant. The Tsukiji Hongan ji Temple is also another place where there are slightly more elaborate celebrations and is the perfect place for a day out. Celebrating any festival is always a joyous occasion, and it is even more special when it's a festival to celebrate the Buddha’s birth. So, if you are in Japan on April 8th, do remember to visit a local otera (Buddhist temple) and maybe enjoy the Buddha’s birthday celebrations, with some sweet ama-cha! And for pre- and post-birthday celebrations, do look up Arigato Travel’s local experience tours to learn more about Japanese festivals, traditions and foods! Featured image credit: Anton Cherednichenko on Pexels Make sure to book your spot on a local experience with us to learn more about traditions and seasonal foods! Book your pocket wifi now to stay connected through your entire Japan Journey! Be sure to get the JR Pass to make navigating Japan during your trip that much easier! More from our blog...
© Eric Lafforgue www.ericlafforgue.com
Mahabodhi Temple is located at bodh gaya in Bihar. It is also known as Buddhist temple. Construction of Mahabodhi temple was done by Emperor ashoka in 3rd century.
Lumbini, Nepal A Peace Pagoda is a Buddhist stupa designed to provide a focus for people of all races and creeds, and to help unite them in their search for world peace. The Lumbini Stupa peace pagoda in Nepal was dedicated in November 2001 at the birthplace of the Buddha.
2 of the 12 giant guardians protecting the temple: Maiyarap and Wirunchambang Welcome to Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha in English)–the most sacred Buddhist temple in all of Thai…
