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Buddhist Temples Facts & Worksheets

Buddhist temples are built as sacred places of worship for followers of the Buddhist religion, who are called Buddhists. Depending on the location, Buddhist temples include the wat, pagoda, vihara, chaitya, and bot.

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Buddhist temples are built as sacred places of worship for followers of the Buddhist religion, who are called Buddhists. Depending on the location, Buddhist temples include the wat, pagoda, vihara, chaitya, and bot. Each temple’s architecture and interior design also vary from country to country. Inner and outer peace are the main inspirations for temple designs. The surrounding area is also part of the temple design. Buddhist temples may be built on monastery sites comprising meditation cells and living quarters for monks.

See the fact file below for more information about Buddhist Temples, or you can download our 25-page Buddhist Temples worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

BUDDHIST STRUCTURES AND BUILDINGS

  • Buddhism is the first Indian religion which huge communal and monastic spaces were built for. 
  • There are three kinds of Buddhist structures that are of the utmost importance to the religious architecture of early Buddhism: stupas, temples, and monasteries.
  • Stupas are bell-shaped or mound-like stone structures that house sacred relics or scriptures.
  • Usually, stupas are not open to the public as their interiors are sealed.
  • Temples, on the other hand, have open interiors.
  • Temples are allowed to be entered as they are primarily built as places of worship.
  • A Buddhist temple is also referred to as chaitya.
  • There are Buddha images, shrines, and altars inside temples which are focal points of worship.
  • People may also meditate, chant, and learn the Dharma (which is the teaching of Buddhism) in a temple.
  • A Buddhist monastery, also called vihara, is where monks commune, meditate, and cohabitate as they devote themselves to the practice and principles of Buddhism.
  • The term pagoda is used mostly for Chinese and Japanese structures and collectively describes stupas and temples.

HISTORY OF BUDDHIST TEMPLES

  • Early Buddhist temples mostly looked like artificial caves as they were constructed to replicate the ambiance and spirit of Buddhist caves found in northern India.
  • The architecture of temples takes primary inspiration from the traditions and architecture of significance and in the country wherein the temple is located.
  • Ancient temples were made of wood, which made them susceptible to destruction by fire.
  • Contemporary Buddhist temples have since been built mainly with brick and stone with brass and iron decorative structures. 
  • As for location, Buddhist temples are often built remotely in forests or up in the mountains because these locations are associated with spiritual purity. Buddhist monks faced persecution in the past, so they retreated to these safe spaces.
  • Temples can also be located in bustling cities and towns, like in Thailand, China, and Japan.

PURPOSE

  • A temple is meant to be a place of worship with Buddha statues and images inside.
  • Buddhists may do activities devoted to their religious practice inside the temples, including quiet meditation.
  • Many visitors flock to temples during festivals or if those temples are popular tourist sites.
  • Otherwise, temple crowds are generally quiet. 

ARCHITECTURE

  • Generally, Buddhist temples comprise several structures that are built in an enclosed space.
  • The number of halls inside the temple depends on the size of the area.
  • Some bigger ones have several halls where monks live, and visitors can worship.
  • Some even house cemeteries.
  • Some can have multiple stories or floors.
  • The slopes of temple roofs are often steep and bolstered by intricately detailed eaves and brackets.
  • The design of Buddhist temples represents the five elements: fire, water, air, earth, and wisdom.
  • The square base often symbolizes earth, while wisdom is represented by the apex at the top of the temple.

FEAUTURES

  • The main shrine in temples has at least one Buddha statue, scriptures kept in boxes, altars with candles, and incense.
  • Aside from statues, Buddha images are also found there.
  • Visitors also make their offerings of fruit and flowers in the shrines.
  • The Buddhist images and altars are commonly situated in the main hall.
  • The main hall is typically located at the center of the temple grounds and can be connected to a lecture hall that serves as monks’ study and chanting space.
  • There are also designated areas for monks to live, sleep, and eat in.
  • Buddhist scriptures are kept in a library called sutra depositor, which is kept in a building part of the temple complex.
  • Other treasures are housed in special halls.
  • Plenty of Buddhist temples are facing south; some point to the east.
  • North and west are considered directions carrying bad luck in Chinese feng shui, so temples do not face such directions.
  • The left door serves as the entrance, while the right door is where people exit the temple. 
  • If there is a huge bell in a Buddhist temple, it is likely rung during the New Year and other special occasions.
  • There are also cemeteries in some temples.
  • Stone or paper lanterns and prayer flags can be found along the pathway to the temple; these are gift donations by worshipers who visit the temples.
  • In line with special occasions, people can buy religious items and gifts in the shops found in or around temples.
  • In some temples, there are shrines filled with funerary plaques where people can offer prayers to those who passed.
  • The plaques have photographs of deceased relatives.
  • Their funeral ceremonies were held at the temple.
  • Other temples have wooden plaques featuring the names of deceased people living in the afterlife.
  • Some plaques show the names of people who have made large contributions to the temple.
  • Afterlife names used to be exclusively assigned to Buddhist priests, but contributors can now have their own as well.
  • In some way, the afterlife naming can be viewed as a ranking system according to how much a person has contributed.

TEMPLE GATES

  • The inner and outer gates of Buddhist temples are typically protected by statues or paintings of beasts, warriors, or guardian gods that are meant to fend off bad spirits and demons. 
  • Chinese lions and Korean dogs are common beasts found in these images.
  • The gates are mostly made of wood, stone, concrete, or bronze material.

TEMPLE ETIQUETTE

  • Certain etiquette must be adhered to when visiting Buddhist temples.
  • Visitors must leave their shoes at the door and wear clothing that covers the shoulders and knees.
  • Visitors must prioritize silence and keep noise to a minimum.
  • Anything disruptive, even photography, must be avoided especially when monks are meditating.

FAMOUS TEMPLES AROUND THE WORLD

  • Spanning 162.6 hectares, Angkor Wat in Cambodia is the largest religious structure in the world, according to the Guinness World Records.
  • Meanwhile, Borobudur in Indonesia is the largest Buddhist temple in the world.
  • The Mahabodhi Temple in India is one of the four holy sites related to the path of Enlightenment of the Lord Buddha.
  • Wat Arun (“Temple of Dawn”) in Thailand is popular for architecturally representing Mount Meru, a five-peaked golden mountain in Hindu mythology.
  • Thousands of pilgrims visit the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa, as it is the most significant sacred site in Tibetan Buddhism.
  • The Shwedagon Pagoda, also known as the Golden Pagoda, is the most sacred Buddhist shrine in Burma, Myanmar.
  • The Senso-ji Temple is the oldest Buddhist temple in Tokyo, Japan.
  • The ancient city of Bagan in Myanmar is home to many Buddhist temples, monasteries, and stupas.

Buddhist Temples Worksheets

This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about Buddhist Temples across 25 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching kids about Buddhist Temples. Buddhist temples include the wat, pagoda, vihara, chaitya, and bot. Each temple’s architecture and interior design also vary from country to country. Inner and outer peace are the main inspirations for temple designs.

Complete List of Included Worksheets

Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.

  1. Buddhist Temples Facts
  2. Vocab-uddhism
  3. Detailed Observation
  4. Asian Treasures
  5. Temple Truths
  6. Etiquette Review
  7. Virtual Tour
  8. Temple Catalog
  9. Quotes To Take With You
  10. Prime Design
  11. Special Brochure

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of a Buddhist temple?

Buddhist temples serve as places of worship, meditation, and spiritual practice for Buddhists. They are also centers for community gatherings, religious ceremonies, and the preservation of Buddhist teachings and traditions.

What are the essential features of a Buddhist temple?

Buddhist temples often feature distinctive architectural elements, such as a main hall (called a “Butsuden” or “Dharma Hall”) that houses the main Buddha image, along with various subsidiary halls, stupas, and meditation areas. They typically have altars, statues, and sacred relics as focal points for devotion. The design of a temple may vary depending on the Buddhist tradition and the region.

What are some common rituals or practices that take place in a Buddhist temple?

Buddhist temples host various rituals and practices, including meditation sessions, chanting of sutras (sacred texts), offerings of incense, candles, and food, and ceremonies to mark important Buddhist holidays. Monastic communities often reside in or around the temple, engaging in a disciplined and contemplative way of life.

How does a Buddhist temple differ from a Buddhist monastery?

While both temples and monasteries are places of Buddhist practice, there are key differences. Temples are typically open to the public and serve as places of worship for lay Buddhists, while monasteries are more secluded and primarily house monks and nuns dedicated to a monastic life of study and meditation. Monasteries may have a temple within their compound for the monks’ religious activities.

Can non-Buddhists visit and explore Buddhist temples?

Yes, many Buddhist temples around the world welcome visitors, including non-Buddhists. Tourists and curious individuals are often allowed to explore the temple grounds, admire the architecture, and even participate in meditation sessions or ceremonies. It’s important to be respectful of the temple’s rules and customs when visiting, such as removing your shoes and dressing modestly, and to follow proper etiquette while inside.

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