Here’s a trivia for you: Do you know where India’s only Japanese temple is located? Not many knew that the quaint hill station of Darjeeling houses a Japanese Temple & Peace Pagoda.
- The Japanese Temple & Peace Pagoda is a 10-minute drive from the heart of the Darjeeling town.
- A two-storied construction that was built in 1972, this temple sports a traditional Japanese style architectural design.
- There is a peace pagoda just adjacent to this temple which displays the four avatars of the founder of Buddhism, the Lord Buddha.
- The town of Darjeeling helps unify people irrespective of faith, creed, and race to attain peace and solace. Nichidatsu Fujii, a Buddhist Monk from Japan, espoused the ideals of Buddhism and helped construct the temple here.
- Temple visitors while leaving will be provided a small sweet ball as ‘prasad’
- Though photography is allowed inside the temple premises, it is prohibited while the prayer is chanted inside the main prayer hall.
- There’s a peace pagoda separated by 100 yards away from the temple that exhibits the four different avatars of Lord Buddha.
- The tallest structure in Darjeeling, the Japanese temple is 28.5m high.
- You can find two concrete models of lions as you ascend upstairs. There are large wall sculptures in polished gold (color finish) depicting the various avatars of Lord Buddha.
- It took three years for Dr M Okha of Japan to construct the temple.
- Take a stroll around the pagoda to witness a fabulous artwork engraved on sandstone that depicts Buddha’s life and some of his relics.
- When the weather is bright and sunny, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the snow-capped peaks and tall mountain ranges.
- A popular destination in Darjeeling, the temple is open to public view from 4:30 AM to 7 PM; there is no entry fee.
If you looking for a cheap tour package to Darjeeling contact Emperor Traveline.