Buddhism, one of the world's oldest spiritual paths, has left an indelible imprint on the cultural and spiritual landscape of Tamil Nadu. With its origins rooted deeply in the teachings of Gautama Buddha, this peaceful philosophy made its way to the southern realms of India, intertwining with local traditions and practices. Today, Tamil Nadu stands as a testament to the confluence of time-honored Buddhist teachings and Dravidian heritage, making it an unmissable destination for those seeking a blend of history, spirituality, and culture.
Situated within the sprawling Adyar estate near Besant Nagar, the Theosophical Society is a sanctuary dedicated to Theosophy—a philosophy that unveils universal wisdom at the core of all religions, free from embellishments.
Here, a grey sandstone statue of Lord Buddha, gifted by Annie Besant, rises in reverence. This statue symbolizes the Teacher of Dharma turning the Wheel of the Law, framed by Tibetan characters. Nearby thrives India's second-largest Banyan tree, grown from a branch of the sacred tree beneath which Buddha attained enlightenment.
Adding to its historical significance, a Zen Memorial Stone, donated by the Institute of South Indian Buddhist Studies, honours Bodhidharma, the 6th-century monk who introduced Zen Buddhism to China.
How to reach:
By Road: Frequent buses are available for reaching Theosophical Society.
By Train: The nearest railway station is Chennai Central, approximately 11 kilometres away.
Located in Pulichapallam within Vanur Taluk, Villupuram District, the Mangala Buddha Vihar offers a serene sanctuary. Its architectural elegance is exemplified by a magnificent 30-foot standing Buddha statue at the entrance. The meditation hall inside exudes tranquillity, with a beautiful Buddha statue at its centre while the garden features serene settings ideal for reflection and contemplation. The Vihar also holds significant value as a repository of Buddhist knowledge, boasting a library with writings by esteemed Buddhist scholars and monks from around the world.
How to reach:
By Road:
In the Thanjavur Art Gallery, several remarkable Buddha statues find their home. Among them, an 11th-century CE Buddha statue from Madagaram village stands at 4 feet in height, while another standing Buddha statue graces the Durbar Hall Museum, possibly dating from the 12th to the 14th century, featuring intricate drapery work. An ancient 5-foot Buddha statue from Patteswaram near Kumbakonam, estimated to be from the 15th century, resides alongside. Additionally, the gallery houses a modest 8-inch bronze standing Buddha statue whose exact origin remains unmarked. However, its stylistic resemblance to Nagapattinam statues suggests a connection to Nagapattinam or its environs.
How to reach:
By Train: Thanjavur Junction railway station is the nearest railway station to Thanjavur art gallery.
Kanchipuram rose to fame as a Buddhist center right from the 2nd Century BCE, when Poompuhar, the earlier center in Tamil Nadu, submerged in the sea.
Buddhist presence in Kanchi finds mentioned in many Tamil Sangam.
According to Vajrayana Buddhism, Kanchi is one of the twenty-four sacred power places.
Kanchi is the heart of the Dakini (the spontaneous play of the basic space) and a sacred place of Dakinis (where the vibrancy of wisdom activities naturally plays out).
In 526 AD, after the passing of his Guru Prajnatara, Bodhi Dharma embarked on a journey to China, leaving an indelible mark on the spiritual landscape. Before that, he served as a devoted Buddhist monk within the Tamil Society. Within the temple's sacred precincts stands a revered statue of Bodhidharma, a unique honour for this hallowed place. The temple also features a statue dedicated to Manimegalai, further enhancing its spiritual significance.
Notable celebrations include Buddha Jayanthi (Buddha Poornima) in May, Dhamma Chakka Pravartan Day (commemorating Lord Buddha's First Teaching) on October 14th, and a monthly observance on Pournami Day.
How to reach:
By Air: The temple is situated 81 kilometres from Chennai Airport.
By Train: It is conveniently accessible, with a distance of only 3 kilometres from Kanchipuram Railway Station.
By RoadFor those travelling by bus, the temple is a mere 4 kilometres away from the Collector Office (Gandhi Nagar) Bus Stand.
Tiruvannamalai, the ancient remnants of Buddism.
Headless Buddha statues belived that these two statues protect their farming against drought.
There is also a dilapidated temple with gajaprishta style architecture (old Buddhist chaitya-halls) near the Jawadhu hills.
The last citadel of Buddhism in South India
By 1930s, around 350 bronze statues of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas were discovered from various parts of Nagapattinam. (Only 80 is given to Chennai Museum)
Chudamani Vihara, constructed in 1006 CE by the Srivijayan king Sri Mara Vijayattungavarman of the Sailendra dynasty with the help of Rajaraja Chola I.
Sangamangalam, Buddhamangalam, Putthakkudy, etc around Nagapattinam, are reminiscence of its Buddhist past.
Sri Vijayan King Sri Mara Vijayattunga Varman, with the support of Great King Raja Raja Cholan, built this Vihara in 1006 CE.
From 1856 to 1857, over 350 Buddha Bronze idols from the 11th to 16th centuries were discovered in this location.
According to the data recorded in King Kulothunga Chola I's Animangalam Copper Plate, Kasiba Thera (a Buddhist monk) restored the vihara in the 6th century AD also with help of Naganadu (Nagapattinam) monks.
This humble town of today was once the glorious capital and port city of the early Chola empire of the Sangam period, rich in its cultural diversity, legends, festivals and international trade.
It has the in dept history of Buddhism in Tamil Nadu.
In the height of its glory, around 300 BCE, the ancient royal city of Puhar was swallowed by the ocean.
Representation of Buddha’s footprint, discovered from the excavation of the remains of a monastery in Pallavaneswaram, Poompuhar.
The Tamil Nadu coast was devastated by another tsunami, signs of an old city under the ocean surfaced.
Later, marine archeologists discovered structures of a city as well as a standing Buddha statue from under the ocean that records to be the earliest of the Buddha statues of the Dravida land. 2
This statue is dated by the archeologists to be from the 1st – 2nd Century CE (AD).
Buddhism in Perambalur is evident through two ancient Buddha statues, one at Ogalur village and another at Paravai village.
‘Dubai Buddha’, at Ogalur
A Buddha at the crossroads, at Paravai
Assumed to be a Buddha statue in a bus stop at a nearby village named Perumathur (Jain Tirthankara)
The cities of Kumbakonam and Thanjavur, the erstwhile capitals of the Medieval Chola Kingdom hold rich memories of their glorious past.
These cities have long forgotten the Buddhist past, many magnificent statues of the Buddha and Bodhisattvas are found there, revealing the rich heritage of Buddhism in Thanjavur and Kumbakonam from its ancient period.
Tiruchirappalli is the heartland of erstwhile Chola kingdom.
It is home to some of the most interesting ancient Buddha statues in Tamil Nadu.
These statues indicate that Buddhism, and particularly Mahayana Buddhism survived in the Chola heartland all through the Chola reign
Buddha statue with a mustache and beard at Mangalam in Musiri Taluk of Tiruchirappalli. (resemblance to Guru Padmasambhava). The statue is in the Aravayee Amman Kovil.
There is a Temple built for Buddha recently, next to the Aravayee Amman Kovil, Mangalam, for keeping the ancient Buddha statue there.
An uncommon Buddha statue, also from Musiri taluk, is now kept in the Tiruchirappalli Museum.
Ariyalur is a Land of Ancient Viharas
It is an interesting fact that Gangaikonda Cholapuram in Jayankondam, Ariyalur district was developed as the capital of the Cholas by 1025CE.
Buddhism also became active in Ariyalur around the same time. This indicates that even Rajendra Chola I who was staunch Saivite continued to support Buddhism.
Ancient Buddha statue in Jayankondam, Ariyalur district. It is known as Pazhuppar among the locals.
Another statue below the pedestal of the Buddha statue with only the head visible outside. (Bodhisattva statue).
Ancient Buddha statue from Suthamalli, Ariyalur district (Kept at Chennai Museum)
Ancient Buddha statues (two) at Vikkiramangalam, Ariyalur district.
Salem and Dharmapuri are rich in Buddhist heritage.
Thiyaganur, a remote village in Salem district, is home to two ancient Buddha statues.
Small Vaishnavite style temple
A majestic Buddha statue at Thiyaganur
An ancient Buddha statue on the premises of Veerattaneswarar Temple in Thiruvathigai near the town of Panruti.
An ancient Buddha statue is in the town of Pennadam., Buddhar street.
The Smiling Buddha of Ulagiyanallur
Dilapidated Vihara (monastery) in Ulagiyanallur
