In Bodh Gaya, Bihar, near the Mahabodhi Temple and the Falgu River, the Thai Monastery is a sacred place where people come to worship and pay homage to Lord Buddha. Called Wat Thai Buddhagaya, it is the only Thai temple in India and is known for its golden-tiled roof and quiet, peaceful atmosphere. Built to share the teachings of Buddha, it is a calm spot for meditation and prayers.
History of Thai Monastery
People say the Thai Monastery was established in 1956 by the Thai government, with help from Indian Buddhist monks, following a request from India’s Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. It was built to strengthen friendship between India and Thailand and to share Buddhist teachings. The monastery is located about 700 meters from the Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where Buddha attained enlightenment. Records from 2017 mention its role in promoting Thai culture. Since then, it has become an important place for pilgrims, attracting people from Thailand, India, and other countries.
Over the years, the monastery has been renovated keeping its authentic beauty. British travelers in the 1800s didn’t write about it because it wasn’t built yet, but today it is often recommended as a must-visit for its peaceful and serene atmosphere. After India gained independence in 1947, a local trust along with Thai monks took care of it. Recently, it is said to remain clean and calm, with a guest house added for visitors. It continues to be an important part of Bodh Gaya’s sacred area, connected to the city’s ancient Buddhist heritage.
Legends of Thai Monastery
One tale regarding the place says the land near the Mahabodhi Temple, where the monastery stands, holds a special power from Buddha’s enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree. Locals believe the bronze Buddha statue in the garden, which is about 25 meters tall, carries his blessings. Some say sitting for meditation here feels like being near Buddha himself, giving peace to troubled minds.
Another story is about the Thai monks who came in the 1950s. They said they felt Buddha’s spirit guiding them to build the monastery here. People believe the golden roof tiles, shining brightly in the sun, resemble Thai temples in Bangkok, connecting Bodh Gaya to Thailand’s Buddhist faith.
Architecture of Thai Monastery
The Thai Monastery’s got a sloping roof with golden tiles, a mark of Thai style, looking like temples in Bangkok. Built in 1956, it’s got a curved, pointed roof with Naga finials, snake-like guardians, at the edges. Inside, a big bronze Buddha statue, carved with care, sits in the main hall, surrounded by paintings of Buddha’s life. The garden has a 25-meter-tall bronze Buddha statue, put up in recent years, with Buddhist scriptures carved nearby.
The monastery’s got two Yaksha statues, colorful glass guardians, at the entrance. The meditation hall is simple but holy, with a golden Buddha statue inside. The complex covers a small area, with a guest house, a Thai restaurant, and a coffee shop. Folks say the carvings and symbols, like lotus flowers, show Thai culture.
Rituals and Festivals
Buddha Purnima, in April or May, is the biggest festival here marking Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and death. Visitors at the Thai Monastery chant sutras, offer flowers, and light lamps, with around 5,000–10,000 people coming every day. In January, a silent retreat brings over 100 people for meditation and yoga, all held in complete quiet. Monks lead morning and evening meditation sessions, which are free for everyone, accompanied by chants and the sound of bells. During the Thai New Year, Songkran, in April, there are water-pouring rituals and special prayers. Every day, monks perform aarti with incense and lamps, chanting in Pali.
Information for Travelers
Hours and Entry: Open every day, 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, free to enter. No photos inside the main hall. Devotees are required to visit the monastery in modest clothes, covering shoulders and knees, are welcome. Meditation classes are at 6:00 AM and 6:00 PM, free but donations help. The guest house has rooms for ₹500–1,000 per night, booked through local agents.
How to Get There:
Air: Gaya Airport is 12 km off, with flights to Delhi (1.5 hours) and Kolkata (1 hour). Taxis take 20 minutes to the monastery.
Train: Gaya Junction is 16 km off, with trains to Patna (2 hours) and Varanasi (5 hours). Autos take 30 minutes to the monastery.
Road: Bodh Gaya is 115 km from Patna, 3.5 hours by taxi on NH-22. Buses run from Patna and Varanasi.
Best Time to Visit: November to March is cool, 10–25°C. Early mornings are quiet. Buddha Purnima and January retreats are busy, with 5,000–10,000 devotees, so visit early. Summers hit 45°C, so better to avoid April to June.
Nearby Attractions:
Mahabodhi Temple: 700 meters off, where Buddha got enlightenment.
Great Buddha Statue: 2 km off, an 80-foot tall statue from 1989.
Bodhi Tree: 700 meters off, a sacred tree tied to Buddha.
Royal Bhutan Monastery: 1 km off, with colorful Bhutanese art.
Final Words
The Thai Monastery in Bodh Gaya is quiet retreat for anyone wanting to feel close to Buddha’s teachings. Whether you are a pilgrim, a traveler, or just curious about Thai architecture and Buddhist traditions, visiting this monastery gives a special sense of calm and reflection. As a sign of peace and faith, it stays one of the most cherished spots in Bihar, and it is definitely a must-see for pilgrims and people looking for some quiet and serenity.
