One of Hyderabad’s best-kept secrets, The Mahabodhi Buddha Vihara is a Buddhist temple and monastery where you can go to meditate for hours together. It also has a library, a cultural space, and a mesmerising view. This is located in Mahendra Hills in East Marredpally. Although the temple is at a height, at the entrance is the wheel of dhamma or dharmachakra and plenty of open space, if you don’t go all the way up. A staircase leads you to a garden area and a flight of stairs, which you can get to the temple. The architecture is simple, but spectacular for it has the Buddha seated under the Bodhi tree with deer and dharmachakras carved. The temple hall is massive with a beautiful Buddha statue in the centre. You will find flowers adorning the holy seating and you can also light a prayer candle before you meditate.
Once you are done meditating, don’t forget to stop and take a look at the breath-taking city view from what is the highest point of Mahendra Hills. As you walk into the garden, you can find a statue of the Buddha seated under a tree depicting the scene of attaining Nirvana. A bunch of monks, young and old, can be seen watering the plants or feeding the dogs at the temple. The sound of birds chirping and the rustling leaves will make you feel like you are teleported to Dharamshala. We know we're sounding a bit dramatic, but the silence is astonishing. The temple is not crowded unless there is a festival in celebration, during which it is grandly decorated with flags and people come here to chant prayers too.
So go here for much-needed peace and for a healthy break from our otherwise hectic lives.
