Mulagandha Kuti Vihar Sarnath

Brimming in history and soaked in spirituality, Mulagandha Kuti Vihar is one of the major Buddhist sites in Sarnath. Built in the year 1931, Mulagandha Kuti Vihar is basically a monastery and temple which commemorate the original Mulagandha Kuti Vihar. Known for its striking frescoes and murals, the Buddhist temple in Sarnath stands out because of its unique architectural design, which is the most recent of its kinds in Sarnath. The architecture of Mulagandha Kuti Vihar boasts some intricate designs and patterns that are altogether a delight for every art and history lover. Inside the temple, there is a Bodhi tree that has been brought from a sapling from Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. It is said that the tree in Sri Lanka originates from that particular tree under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment in Bodh Gaya. Inside the complex, tourists can also behold the sights of exotic gardens that surround the temple. Besides, the Buddhist prayer flags can also be seen as aligned on the precincts of the structure. There is a golden effigy of Lord Buddha erected in the pose of preaching his first sermon. Along with that, the temple also has the relic of Lord Buddha. On the pious occasion of Buddha Purnima, the relic is taken out every year.

History

The construction of Mulagandha Kuti Vihar dates back to early 20th century. The monastery was erected by the founder of Mahabodhi society - Anagarika Dharmapala. However, the frescoes on the walls are done by one of the well-known painters of Japan of that time - Kosetsu Nosu.

Architecture

Mulagandha Kuti Vihar is the most recently built Buddhist monastery in Sarnath. It has a distinctive architecture because of the exotic detailing and patterns both in its interior and exterior. The interior of this renowned tourist site in Sarnath is adorned with intricate frescoes. Created by Kosetsu Nosu - a Japanese artist, these frescoes depict the story of the life of Lord Buddha from the period of birth to his death. Whereas, the exterior includes beautiful murals. Not just this, the place also includes a huge bronze bell right at the entrance of the monastery that was gifted by a royal family of Japan. Along with that, the golden statue of Buddha can also be beheld at Mulagandha Kuti Vihar. The spires on the top of the structure are another key features in the monastery.