Sacred Buildings – Buddhist temples

Explore Buddhist holy places and what they signify

Buddhism began in India around 2500 years ago and now has over 300 million followers worldwide. Buddhists do not worship in the traditional sense, as they do not pray to a god. Instead, they meditate and read holy teachings, which guide them towards achieving Enlightenment (a state of being beyond suffering).

Buddhist sacred places include temples and monasteries (viharas), in which followers may chant, meditate, pray and listen to the teachings of monks. Buddhists also worship at home.