Mulagandha
Kuti Vihar is a welcome break from architectural monotony in Sarnath.
Situated amidst brick ruins of ancient Sarnath, this Buddhist Temple is
as distinct from any Buddhist Architectural pattern as chalk and cheese.
This modern temple that looks truly magnificent with detailed designed
patterns in its interiors has been erected by the Maha Bodhi society in
the year 1931. The temple is famous for its Murals and Frescoes.Mulagandha Kuti Vihar boasts off some of the most magnificent and colorful Frescoes that have been made by the magical hands of Kosetsu Nosu. Kosetsu Nosu happens to be Japan's foremost painter. These Frescoes and Murals have rich repositories of Buddhist literature. While Frescoes dominate the interiors of Mulagandha, Murals are largely confined to the exteriors. They can be presently seen on walls and pillars along with the outer columns.
A huge bell dominates the entrance of the Vihar. The royal scions of Japan have gifted this mammoth bronze bell. The most striking aspect of this temple is the beautiful life-size golden image of the Buddha that greets you as you enter the sanctum. You can also see the Bodhi tree whose sapling was brought from a tree in Sri Lanka. This Bodhi tree in turn originated from the original tree under which Buddha sat in Bodh Gaya and gained enlightenment 2,500 years ago. Mahendra and Sanghmitra, son and daughter of Ashoka The Great respectively, took the sapling from this original tree to Sri Lanka during their mission.
