Mulagandha Kuti Vihar (Sarnath) FAQs In 2024

What is Mulagandha Kuti Vihar?

Mulagandha Kuti Vihar is a Buddhist temple located at Sarnath, near Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, India. It is a modern temple built by the Maha Bodhi Society in 1931 and is famous for its murals and frescos that depict the life of Lord Buddha. The temple represents a fusion of traditional Buddhist architectural elements with modern ones.

Mulagandha Kuti Vihar holds religious significance as it is situated at Sarnath, where Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. The sermon is known as 'Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta,' meaning 'The Setting in Motion of the Wheel of Dharma.' This location is therefore one of the four key sites for Buddhist pilgrimages.

Visitors to Mulagandha Kuti Vihar can admire the beautiful frescos and murals painted by Japanese artist Kosetsu Nosu, which illustrate scenes from the life of the Buddha. The temple also houses a sacred relic of the Buddha, a Bodhi tree planted from a sapling of the original tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment, and well-manicured gardens.

The best time to visit Mulagandha Kuti Vihar is between October and March when the weather is cool and pleasant, making it easier for tourists to explore the site. Additionally, visiting on Buddha Purnima, the day celebrating Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and death, can be particularly rewarding due to the special celebrations and rituals conducted.

Yes, there is a small entrance fee charged to all visitors at Mulagandha Kuti Vihar. This fee helps in the maintenance and conservation of the site. The fee structure may change, so it is advisable to check the most current fees before planning your visit.

Mulagandha Kuti Vihar offers basic facilities for tourists, including clean restrooms, drinking water, and a space for shoe-keeping as visitors are required to remove shoes before entering the sacred areas. Additionally, there are guides available who can provide detailed information about the temple and its significance.

Tourists should allocate at least 1 to 2 hours to fully experience Mulagandha Kuti Vihar. This allows ample time for appreciating the artwork within the temple, meditating, and enjoying the peaceful ambiance of the gardens.

Photography might be restricted inside the main temple to preserve the sanctity of the religious site and its artworks. However, tourists are generally allowed to take photos of the exterior and the gardens. It's recommended to check the photography rules posted at the entrance or ask a member of the temple staff for guidance.

While there isn't an official dress code, it is advisable for visitors to dress respectfully when visiting Mulagandha Kuti Vihar, as it is a place of religious significance. Covered shoulders and knees are considered appropriate.

Yes, tourists can visit several other significant sites in Sarnath such as the Dhamek Stupa, the Archaeological Museum, the Chaukhandi Stupa, and the Deer Park. These sites are within close proximity to Mulagandha Kuti Vihar and offer further insight into the life of the Buddha and the history of Buddhism.

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