Mulagandha Kuti Vihar

Day: Monday  To Sunday
Morning Timing: 08:00 AM To 11:30 AM
Evening Timing: 01:30 PM To 05:30PM
About
Mulagandha Kuti Vihar is a modern Buddhist temple built by the Mahabodhi Society in 1931. It stands in the ruins of the ancient Mulagandha Kuti Vihara, where Buddha is believed to have spent his first rainy season after attaining enlightenment. The temple is renowned for its exquisite frescoes by the Japanese artist Kosetsu Nosu, depicting scenes from Buddha’s life. The tranquil surroundings and beautifully maintained gardens enhance its spiritual ambiance.

Shri Angarika Dharmpal, a Sri Lankan Buddhist saint revived almost all Buddhist sites at Sarnath and established the Maha Bodhi Society of India. The society built the new Mulgandha Kuti Vihat temple in 1931 to commemorate the original golden statue in the pose of preaching the first sermon. Also the relics of Lord Buddha are kept in the temple and taken out every year on the occasion of Buddha Purnima. The inner walls of the temple are adorned with beautiful frescoes created by the Japanese artist kosetsu Nosu and said to have been completed in 1936. The frescoes display the life of Lord Buddha from birth to the attainment of Maha-Parinirvana. One can also behold a Bodhi Tree here, planted by a branch of the Bodhi Tree of Anuradhapuram. It is open from sunrise to sunset and the entry is free.