Tibetan Monasteries of Himachal Pradesh Reflecting the Rich Culture and Heritage of the State

       The existence of the Buddhist religion in the northern state of Himachal Pradesh can be traced back to early 8^th century. Over the years the state has experienced a wide spread of Buddhism, especially in the Lahaul,

Sipti and Kinnauar valleys of the region. 

 

You will find some of the best monasteries of India in the state of Himachal Pradesh. The influence of the Buddhist religion in this state can be witnessed in the temples, buildings and monuments. You can also sense the deep influence of the Tibetan culture at this place with diverse kinds of Tibetan cuisines served at the restaurants of Himachal Pradesh. The state is dotted with some of the finest Buddhist monasteries that are structured along the slopes of the mountains. These monasteries depict the rich Buddhist art and culture of the state. The rich cultural history of Himachal Pradesh includes both Hindu and Buddhist religions, which has been harmoniously co-existed since ages. The fairs and festivals of Buddhist’s along with the ones of the Hindu’s are celebrated with great joy and vigor in Himachal Pradesh. There are many monasteries found in the state, among which, some of the major ones are mentioned below.

Tabo Monastery

The Tabo Monastery of Himachal Pradesh is often referred as Ajanta of Himalayas. The monastery is one of the oldest monasteries to be structured in India, dating back to around 996 AD. The Tabo monastery is beautifully placed at an altitude of about 10,007 ft above sea level, in Lahaul and Spiti district of the state. The monastery is regarded highly by the Tibetan Buddhist and is placed in the second position in terms of importance, Tholing Gompa in Tibet being the first. The monastery is mainly known for its striking paintings and inspiring sculptures carved on its walls, which are similar to the ones found in Ajanta Caves of Maharashtra. The paintings found in this monastery reveal us the fact about it being the meeting point of Tibetan and Indian cultures. 

Kye Monastery

The Kye Monastery is dated back to over 1000 years old and is also the biggest center of Buddhist learning in the region of Sipti valley. This flamboyant monastery is located at a height of about 13,668 above sea level in the Lahaul Sipti district of Himachal Pradesh. The Key Monastery was built in the 11^th century under the guidance of Dromton, who was a renowned disciple of Atisha. In the early times the monastery used to hold around 350 lamas at one time, who used to come from different parts of the world to learn the teachings of Buddhism. The main attractions of this monastery are the rare paintings, fascinating sculptures of Gods and Goddesses and its unique style of Pasada architecture.

Dhankar Monastery

Dhankar Monastery is placed at a height of about 12,774 ft above sea level, at a distance of about 24 km from Kaza and was considered as the capital of Sipti during the 17^th century. It is one of the top tourist attractions and Buddhist centers found in the region of Sipti. In the early ages it was strategically built at the highest point by the Nonos, in order to have better control and safety from the enemy attacks. One can also enjoy the breath-taking view of the entire Sipti valley. The main attraction of the monastery in terms of religion is the statue of Vairochana or Meditating Buddha.

Namgyal Monastery

The name Namgyal refers to any Tibetan Buddhist institute that follows the teachings of Dalai Lama and his activities. The Namgyal Monastery was initially founded by the third Dalai Lama, Sonam Gyatso, in the year 1575, in Tibet. It was from here that he used to preach the religious teachings of Buddhism. However, after the Chinese invasion in Tibet, the monastery was shifted at the present location in Dharamshala town of Himachal Pradesh. The complex of the monastery includes an institute, monastery and small temples. The institute provides education to the Lamas in the sphere of Buddhist Tantra and Sutra. The Namgyal Monastery is the private monastery of Dalai Lama and no visitors are allowed inside it. Only Dalai Lama himself and his students are allowed inside the monastery.