Gautama Buddha was a monk, a philosopher and a teacher whose words of peace, kindness, and enlightenment have forever changed the lives of millions. As news of his wisdom spread throughout Ancient India and then the rest of the world, he became the historical religious leader we know him as today. His teachings continue to inspire many, not only in their actions but in their art forms. Buddhist monasteries are spread across the world for those looking to find moments of calmness and serenity and a safe haven. From California to various hills all across southeast Asia, monuments have been built dedicated to honoring this great and virtuous leader of souls. Here are 20 of such monuments from gorgeous locations that are definitely worth a visit if you’re looking for a moment of enlightening beauty!
1. Large Gautama Buddha statue in Buddha Park of Ravangla, Sikkim, India
(By Subhrajyoti07, Wikimedia Commons)
2. Statue of Buddha inside Pullahari Monastery (Gumba), Kathmandu
(By Bijay chaurasia, Wikimedia Commons)
3. Buddha Statue as seen from Tank Bund in Hyderabad, India
(By Nikhilb239, Wikimedia Commons)
4. Lord Buddha Statue at Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, India, where Buddha preached his first sermon
(By Kasyap, Wikimedia Commons)
5. Ancient Buddha Statue with the treasure at Thanthrimale, India
(By Wisha.imagination, Wikimedia Commons)
6. Reclining Buddha Statue at Wat Pho, Bangkok, Thailand, to Commemorate the death of Buddha
(By Michael Gunther, Wikimedia Commons)
7. The sleeping statue of Buddha at Dhauli Shanti Stupa, India
(By Rocky 734, Wikimedia Commons)
8. Buddha Statue at Heidefriedhof Dresden (The Heath Cemetery, Dresden, Germany)
(By Klausronja, Wikimedia Commons)
9. Tian Tan Buddha, also known as the Big Buddha located at Ngong Ping, Lantau Island, in Hong Kong
(By Béria L. Rodríguez, Wikimedia Commons)
10. Phra Buddha Shinnasee (Front) and Phra Suwanakhet (Behind) at the chapel of Wat Bowonniwet, Bangkok, Thailand
(By Supanut Arunoprayote, Wikimedia Commons)
11. Shrine with Buddha and Bodhisattva statues in the Clinton neighborhood, Oakland, California
(By greenkozi, Wikimedia Commons)
12. 100 feet lying statue of Gautama Buddha, Ramu, Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh
(By RockyMasum, Wikimedia Commons)
13. Buddha Statue near Belum Cave, Andhra Pradesh, India
(By Saisumanth532, Wikimedia Commons)
(By Arttantra, Wikimedia Commons)
(By Arttantra, Wikimedia Commons)
15. Buddha statue in Nanzoin, Japan
(By 20041027 tatsu, Wikimedia Commons)
16. Statue of buddha in Pitak island, Thailand
(By Bell2kim, Wikimedia Commons)
17. Buddha Statue at Varanasi, India
(By Tanmoy1980, Wikimedia Commons)
18. Statue of Buddha in the Atadage in Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka
(By Nicolas Chadeville, Wikimedia Commons)
19. The "Great Departure" of Siddhartha Gautama, The Guimet Museum, France
20. The gilded "Emaciated Buddha statue" in an Ubosoth in Bangkok representing the stage of his asceticism
(By Chainwit, Wikimedia Commons)
