The Dragon Palace Temple, also known as the Lotus Temple of Nagpur, is a serene Buddhist temple located in Kamptee, near Nagpur, Maharashtra, India. Renowned for its striking architecture, peaceful ambiance, and spiritual significance, this temple is a must-visit for those interested in Buddhist culture, Indo-Japanese friendship, and architectural beauty. Explores the temple’s ticket prices, address, history, and more to help you plan your visit.
The history of the Dragon Palace Temple dates back to the 3rd century BC, when Emperor Ashoka built many stupas across India to spread the teachings of Buddha. One of these stupas was located in Nagpur, but it was destroyed over time. In 1999, Madam Noriko Ogawa of the Ogawa Society Japan contributed financially to the creation of this beautiful piece of architecture.
Architecture of Dragon Palace Temple
The architecture of Dragon Palace Temple is inspired by the Sanchi Stupa in Madhya Pradesh. The temple has a circular base with a diameter of 120 feet and a height of 60 feet. It has four entrances with gates that depict the four noble truths of Buddhism. The dome of the temple has a diameter of 140 feet and a height of 140 feet. It has a hollow space inside that can accommodate 5,000 people.
History of Dragon Palace Temple
The Dragon Palace Temple was inaugurated in 1999, a result of a collaborative effort between Sulekha Kumbhare, the then-mayor of Kamptee, and Madam Noriko Ogawa of the Japan-based Ogawa Society, a charitable trust. The temple was envisioned as a center for Buddhist education, meditation, and a symbol of Indo-Japanese friendship. The Ogawa Foundation provided significant financial support to bring this architectural marvel to life.
The site holds historical significance, as Nagpur was home to a stupa built by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BC to spread Buddhist teachings. Though the original stupa was destroyed over time, the Dragon Palace Temple revitalizes the region’s deep-rooted Buddhist heritage. It stands as a living legacy of Madam Noriko Ogawa and her followers, promoting peace, social integration, and the teachings of Lord Buddha and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
In 2024, the temple celebrated its 25th anniversary with a grand Dhammotsav program on November 15-16, attended by dignitaries like Kansen Mochida, president of the International Buddhist Fellowship Association, and Union ministers Kiren Rijiju and Gajendra Singh Shekhawat. The event highlighted the temple’s role in fostering global Buddhist unity and cultural exchange.
Dragon Palace Temple Location
Dragon Palace Temple is located in Kamptee, Nagpur, on the Nagpur-Jabalpur road. You can reach the temple by road, either by hiring a taxi or driving your own vehicle.
How to Reach Dragon Palace Temple?
Located approximately 20 km from Nagpur city along the Nagpur-Jabalpur road, the temple is easily accessible by various modes of transportation:
- By Road: Hire a taxi, auto-rickshaw, or drive your own vehicle from Nagpur city. The journey takes about 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic.
- By Public Transport: Buses and metro services are available. The nearest bus stop is Teka Naka (5-minute walk), and the nearest metro station is Automotive Chowk (11-minute walk). The Moovit app can help navigate public transit routes.
- By Train: Kamptee Railway Station is the closest, and from there, you can take a short auto or taxi ride to the temple.
- By Air: The nearest airport is Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport in Nagpur, approximately 39 km away, a 1-hour drive by cab or auto.
Dragon Palace Temple Location
Dragon Palace Temple is located in Kamptee, Nagpur, on the Nagpur-Jabalpur road. You can reach the temple by road, either by hiring a taxi or driving your own vehicle.
Best Time to Visit Dragon Palace Temple
The ideal time to visit is between October and March, when Nagpur’s weather is pleasant, making sightseeing and outdoor activities comfortable. Visiting during Buddha Purnima is particularly special, as the temple is beautifully decorated, and meditation sessions are vibrant.
Tips for Visitors
- Dress Modestly: As a place of worship, wear respectful clothing to honor local customs.
- Maintain Silence: Keep noise to a minimum to preserve the temple’s sanctity.
- Stay Hydrated: Carry a water bottle, especially if visiting during warmer months.
- Plan for Meditation: Check meditation session schedules in advance if you wish to participate.
- Explore Nearby: Combine your visit with other attractions like Raman Science Centre, Pench National Park, or Futala Lake, all within a short distance from Kamptee.
Dragon Palace Temple Ticket Prices and Timings
There is no ticket price for visiting the Dragon Palace Temple.
Timings: The temple is open daily from 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Evening visits are particularly enchanting due to the temple’s beautiful lighting and serene atmosphere.
Dragon Palace Temple is one of the things to visit in Nagpur that will make your trip memorable and enjoyable. It is a place where you can experience the spirit of social transformation and empowerment that Dr. B.R. Ambedkar envisioned for India. Dragon Palace Temple is not just a monument, but a living legacy of Madam Noriko Ogawa and her followers who changed the course of Indian history and society.
