Princeton, New Jersey: 30-Foot-Tall Backyard Buddha
A 30-foot-tall, white, carved stone Buddha sits in what once was someone's backyard, but is now an official Buddhist meditation center. It's been here since 2009. Visitors are welcome.
New Jersey Buddhist Vihara and Meditation Center
- Address:
- 4299 Route 27, Princeton, NJ
- Directions:
- New Jersey Buddhist Vihara and Meditation Center. On the west side of Hwy 27, either two miles north of Kingston or a mile south of Georgetown Franklin Tpke. Set back from the road, so may be hard to see. Look for the American flag out front.
- Hours:
- Seems to be open all the time. (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
- Phone:
- 732-821-9346
- Admission:
- Donations accepted
- RA Rates:
- Worth a Detour
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This white 30-foot-tall Buddha statue was built as a part of the New Jersey Buddhist monastery. Currently it sits behind the existing building (an old house) which is used as the residence for the monks. They have plans to build a big monastery building behind the big white Buddha -- a $2.5 million project. The statue was built ground-up as one piece by a sculptor who is also a Buddhist monk from Sri Lanka. Only the pedestal is concrete; the entire statue is built with brick and mortar. Anyone can visit this monastery and the statue. There is no charge, but donations towards the new building are appreciated.
[Stone T., 04/17/2014]Big White Buddha
We were told, "Wait 'til you see the big, white Buddha!" We couldn't imagine what the fuss was, but there it was, a huge, carved stone Buddha in what appears to be someone's backyard!
It is really the New Jersey Buddhist Vihara. You can park right there in the yard and walk right in. There is no charge but there is a donation box. The statue is very white and very big. At night it's lit up and looks even brighter. We took our shoes off because it seemed to be what others were doing, and stuck a dollar in the box to help with upkeep.
[RSDavis, 09/21/2012]Nearby Offbeat Places
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