Wat Thai Sarnath Temple - History, Timings & Entry Fee

At a distance of 1.5 km from Sarnath Railway Station, and 9 km from Varanasi Junction, Wat Thai Sarnath Temple is a Buddhist temple in Sarnath. Situated near Archaeological Museum, it is one of the popular Buddhist temples in Sarnath and among the prominent places to visit in Sarnath.

Popularly known as the Thai Temple, Wat Thai Sarnath Temple was built by Thai dignitaries in the year 1933. Adorned with manicured gardens, the Thai Temple is built in the Thai architectural style and is managed by Thai Buddhist Monks. Just before the entrance of the main temple, there are images of laughing Buddha along with an enactment of Lord Buddha delivering a sermon to his disciples. Another statue of Lord Buddha in Bhumisparsha mudra can be seen in the temple.

An important highlight of the Thai Temple in Sarnath is the 80-foot tall image of Buddha in a standing position. The construction of the statue is said to have taken more than a decade. There are running fountains with blooming lotus flowers before approaching the statue. A variety of flowers of various colors grow in the compound. The temple complex also includes an old tree that is muffled up with a striking shawl of gold leaf.

Timings: 6 AM - 6 PM

Entry: Free