METTA BUDDHARAM TEMPLE

In Bodhgaya there is such a variety of Buddhist Temple. Some extremely elaborate, others simple. None rival the sheer size and impressive towering structure of the Mahadobhi Temple though one stands out as being a tribute to post modern materials and thinking.

The Thai Metta Buddharam Temple occupies a small parcel of land in comparison to other temples in Bodhgaya but it makes a visual statement standing it apart. What strikes you first is that it gleams in the light. A closer inspection reveals this temple, still under construction, has an outer shell of stainless steel and decorative mosaic using mirrors. It incorporates a stylised Thai Temple style. The simplicity and lack of colour makes you look closely at the structure and the detail. Roof tiles are pressed stainless steel, the interior is sheeted stainless steel. The main temple floor though is wood to maintain warmth in the winter and in itself is a feature. The stairs and walkway around this level have inlaid repeated patterns made with various sized semi precious stones forming a flower shape.

Below the temple is the marble floored meditation room offering coolness in the summer heat. This lower level is elaborately decorated with relief sculptures, hand made, from a mixture of white cement, clay and epoxy. The craftsman is from Thailand as this style is quite different in technique. The completed alcoves are protected behind acrylic sheet as the work is very delicate depicting scenes of Buddha, with peacocks, flowers and patterns flowing around the frame. The remaining space is utilitarian and future accommodation.

The path leading to the temple has been elaborately sculpted, in ribbed lines, to represent the flow and eddies of water (large and small concentric circles), surrounding islands of tufted grass. Underfoot you receive a gentle massage and then rest on the closely cropped soft green grass. Walking up the stairs the concrete flow is bordered either side by undulating white dragons with mirror inlay. Further structures are covered in small mirror tiles, reflecting light and colour, the forms faceted and changed from the original. 

This temple makes a statement in aesthetic simplicity that still boasts elaborate decorative features that do not overpower the architectural form.