Hidden Gem Buddhist Monasteries in Kolkata Bet you Didn't Know About!

Kolkata, the City of Joy, is often associated with its grand colonial architecture, literary legends, and bustling street food culture. But did you know that hidden within its chaos are tranquil Buddhist monasteries that transport you to a world of peace and spiritual enlightenment? If you’re a culture enthusiast or a travel buff looking for offbeat gems, these monasteries should be on your must-visit list. Let’s dive into two of Kolkata’s best-kept Buddhist sanctuaries that exude serenity and history.

Mahabodhi Society of India

Tucked away in College Square, the Mahabodhi Society of India is an unassuming treasure trove of history. You might have walked past this place a hundred times without realising the rich legacy it holds. Established in 1892 by the Sri Lankan Buddhist leader Anagarika Dharmapala and British poet Sir Edwin Arnold, this society played a crucial role in reviving Buddhism in India. Their mission? To restore the lost Buddhist heritage of Bodh Gaya, Sarnath, and Kushinagar. As you step inside the Sri Dharmarajika Chetiya Vihara, the peaceful ambience immediately washes over you. Towering statues of Buddha from Burma, Japan, and Taiwan adorn the space, each narrating tales of different Buddhist traditions. The ceiling, painted in the Ajanta style, beautifully depicts the life of the Buddha—his journey from prince to enlightened master. Among the relics here, you’ll also find an ancient Japanese statue gifted by the High Priest Ven. S. Asahi, a Burmese Buddha in Bhumisparsha Mudra, and a prayer wheel from Tibet. Each artefact resonates with the global footprints of Buddhism.

The monastery comes alive during Buddha Purnima. Held in the morning (9-10 AM) and again in the evening (4-5 PM), the celebrations are open to all. The chants, prayers, and spiritual discussions create an aura of divine energy that you won’t want to miss. According to Bandh Bodhiratna, a monk from the society, “Many don’t realise that Kolkata has a deep Buddhist heritage. This monastery is not just a place of worship but a bridge connecting people with the forgotten Buddhist past of India.” Picture-taking might be restricted, but the memories you create here will stay with you forever.

Where: 4A, Bankim Chatterjee Street, College Square, Kolkata

Time: 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Calcutta Karma Gon Buddhist Monastery

Hidden in the Ballygunge area, Calcutta Karma Gon Buddhist Monastery history will shock you! Established in the late 1930s by monk Akka Dorjee and later handed over to Sikkim’s Rumtek Monastery, this place breathes an entirely different cultural air. The original Karma Gon was founded in 1147 by Dusum Khyenpa, the First Karmapa, in northeastern Kham (Tibetan Buddhism). The Calcutta Karma Gon Buddhist monastery was made in honour of the 16th reincarnation of Karmapa. This monastery has a different concept of Buddhism. They believe that anyone apart from Buddha who followed the path of Buddhism or enlightened themselves is also known as Buddha. And if anyone wants to become a monk, "They have to study just like we did in classes 1 to 10 and pass out exams to be a monk. In Tibetan Buddhist culture, there are two different monks. One is Kagyu, who concentrates on the meditation part, and the other is Seda, who teaches in schools and universities", shares Pema, a student residing in the monastery.

From the outside, it may look like just another old building, but step inside, and you’ll find yourself surrounded by vibrant Tibetan culture. The monastery houses four distinct deities: Green Tara, the female compassionate goddess who represents enlightenment, wisdom, and protection from suffering. She is also associated with fertility, plant growth, and nourishment. Avalokitesvara is a bodhisattva, or divine being, who embodies compassion in Buddhism. He is also known as Lokeśvara ("Lord of the World") and Chenrezig in Tibetan. Buddha, and Padmasambhava an Indian Buddhist mystic who brought Tantric Buddhism to Tibet. He is also known as Guru Rinpoche, the Precious Guru, or the Second Buddha. Every detail within the monastery holds meaning, from the intricate wall paintings to the Dharma Chakra at the entrance, symbolising the eternal cycle of life and enlightenment. They also celebrate the Tibetan New Year, Losar, which is coming on 28 Feb. You should pay a visit for a profound experience. What makes this monastery even more fascinating is its homestay facility for Buddhist people for a minimal fee. The monastery also offers a unique tradition of Buddhist fortune-telling. Yes, you heard that right! Curious about what your future holds? You can consult the monks for a spiritual prediction, a practice deeply rooted in Tibetan beliefs. Shared by Sonam, a student residing in the monastery.

Where: 6B, Paddapukur Ln, Chakraberia, Ballygunge, Kolkata

Time: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Nipponzan Myohoji Buddhist Temple 

Nestled by Dhakuria Lake, with more than 700 years of history, the Nipponzan Myohoji Buddhist Temple is a stunning piece of Japanese architecture that offers a rare glimpse into Japan’s version of Buddhism in the heart of Kolkata. Built-in 1935 by the Japanese monk Nichidatsu Fujii, the temple stands as a testament to Nichiren Buddhism. This form of Buddhism centres on the Lotus Sutra, the belief that chanting this scripture can lead to enlightenment. The temple’s white and gold stupa-like structure is both beautiful and serene, drawing in visitors with its meticulously manicured gardens and marble Buddha statue. The history of the temple is equally fascinating. Fujii came to Kolkata in 1931 to fulfil Nichiren’s dream of spreading Buddhism in India, and the temple was constructed on land donated by the industrialist Jugal Kishore Birla.

All the monks do prayers every evening, chanting mantras and using Taiko, which not only helps you to cleanse all your emotions and negativity but also takes you to another level of experience away from all the chaos.  The temple has a Sanchi-like stupa, a library and a kindergarten school that teaches children from different faiths and castes. The temple is more than just a place of worship; it’s a symbol of the Japanese commitment to Buddhism’s roots in India. You shouldn't miss the spot in Kolkata if you want to witness Japanese Buddhist culture in Kolkata.

Where: Near Dhakuria Lake, Kolkata

Time: 5:00 AM - 8:00 AM, 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple 

Nestled quietly in the heart of Kolkata’s bustling Chinatown, Tangra, the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple is a shining beacon of Mahāyāna Buddhism, offering an intriguing slice of Taiwanese Buddhist culture. Established in 1998 by the Buddha's Light International Association (a Taiwanese NGO), this temple is not only a place of worship but also a community hub offering spiritual outreach, classes, and a deep dive into Chinese Buddhist practices. The temple’s towering golden statue of Amitābha Buddha immediately captures attention as it sits proudly in the ground-floor prayer hall. At the same time, the first floor houses an impressive library brimming with religious texts. The temple's head, the inspiring nun Miao Ru, leads a variety of outreach programmes, including free Chinese calligraphy lessons, making it an engaging spot for both the spiritually curious and those looking to explore Chinese culture. What makes this temple a hidden gem is its slightly off-the-beaten-path location in Tangra, surrounded by the vibrant but chaotic energy of Chinatown; it can be easy to miss. But those who find it are treated to a unique fusion of Buddhist philosophy and Chinese traditions, highlighting the community-driven aspect of Buddhism as it spreads through Taiwan, mainland China, and beyond.

Where: 8, New Tangra Rd, Tangra, Kolkata, West Bengal 700046

Time: 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM

Bauddha Dharmankur Sabha 

Tucked away on Buddhist Temple Street in the central Bow Barracks neighbourhood, the Bauddha Dharmankur Sabha is a peaceful haven amidst Kolkata's urban hustle. Founded in 1892 by the visionary Kṛpāśaraṇa Mahāsthabira, this Buddhist organisation and its temple have long been at the forefront of reviving Buddhism in India. The Dharmankur Buddhist Temple, established in 1903, is home to a serene shrine that houses a golden statue of the Buddha within a glass chamber. The complex also includes a library and a guest house, which welcomes not only Buddhist pilgrims but also people of all faiths. What's truly fascinating about the Bauddha Dharmankur Sabha is its rich history of promoting Buddhist studies in Bengal and the modernism that was infused into its practices, influenced by Western Oriental scholarship and the Theosophical movement. The temple is more than just a place of worship; it is a cultural hub that houses rare Buddhist literature and offers a school for local children, providing a bridge between education, spirituality, and community. Its quiet charm and role in the revival of Buddhism in Kolkata make it a cultural gem for those willing to venture off the typical tourist trail.

Where: 1, Buddhist, Temple St, Sealdah, Bowbazar, Kolkata, West Bengal 700012

Time: 24 Hours

Myanmar Buddhist Temple 

The Myanmar Buddhist Temple, located near Central Metro Station, may seem like an ordinary building from the outside, but stepping inside reveals a hidden spiritual treasure. Established in 1928 by U San Min, a Burmese national, this temple is one of Kolkata’s best-kept secrets, with its unique mix of local and Burmese influences. What stands out is the temple’s unusual structure; housed on the top floor of a three-story building, it was built with the intention of being easily concealed during invasions, a nod to the temple's complex history. Visitors are transported to another world the moment they step inside, with signs in Burmese and a distinctly serene atmosphere that contrasts with the bustling neighbourhood below. The temple's golden Buddha idol, made from five separate parts, is particularly fascinating and symbolic of the region's troubled past. Despite the relatively obscure location, the temple continues to be a hub for Myanmar's expat community, attracting pilgrims and tourists alike, particularly in the winter months. Though hidden behind a maze of crumbling buildings and narrow lanes, it remains a spiritual sanctuary, offering a rare insight into Myanmar’s Buddhist practices in the heart of Kolkata. 
So, when are you planning your monastery trail?

Where: 10, Sun Yat Sen St, Terita Bazar, Poddar Court, Tiretti, Kolkata

Time: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM