Tabo Monastery, One of the Top Pilgrimage Centers for Buddhists in India

Tabo monastery is one of the top historic monuments of India, perched at a height of about 10,007 ft in the Lahaul and Sipti district of Himachal Pradesh. This monastery is located at a close distance of Tholing Gompa of Tibet.

Tabo monastery is considered to be one of the most ancient pilgrimage sites in the Himalayan region of India. An inscription on this flamboyant site relates that it was established during 996 AD, by one of the renowned Tibetan Buddhist translator, Rinchen Zangpo. Tabo is highly regarded by the Tibetan Buddhists and is held second in importance to the Tholing Gompa in Tibet.

The Monastery

There are about 9 temples, 23 chortens and a monk’s chamber within the complex of this Monastery. Among the temples present in this monastery, The Golden Temple, The Initiation Temple, The Temple of Dromton, The Bodhisattva Maitreya Temple and The Temple of the Enlightened Gods are referred to the first group of temples, which were built earlier. The second group of temples, which were built in the later period, includes The Large Temple of Dromton, The Chamber of Picture Treasure, The White Temple and The Mahakala Vajra Bhairava Temple.

The Temple of the Enlightened Gods:

The special features of the temple are a huge assembly hall and a four-fold idol of Vaicrocana. This figure of Vairocana has been constructed in a sitting posture, on a platform 2 m above the floor. The temple also holds 33 life size stucco images, placed on the brackets along the wall and is referred as the Vajradhatu Mandala. The walls of the temple are also decorated with fascinating paintings that resemble the life of Buddha.

The Golden Temple:

The shrine was named as the Golden Temple, as it was layered with gold during its initial period. But as the time passed by, the temple went under several renovations under Sengye Namgyal, a Ladaki ruler. At present is one of the prime attractions within the complex of the monastery, due to its fascinating murals.

The Mystic Mandala Temple or the Initiation Temple:

The chief highlight of the temple is a stunning painting of Vairocana, which is surrounded by eight Bodhisattvas. The temple is mainly occupied by Mystic Mandala and the reason of importance of this shrine, is that it is where monkhood is initiated.

The Bodhisattva Maitreya Temple:

The shrine is divided into a hall, vestibule and a sanctum. The main attraction of this place is the 6 m towering image of the Bodhisattva Maitreya. Other attractions of the place are the murals, especially the ones depicting the monastery of Tashi-Chunpo and Lhasa's Potala palace.

The Temple of Dromton:

The shrine lies on the northern part of the complex and it is believed to have been structured by Dromton, a devoted follower of Atisha. The doors of this temple are splendidly carved and its interiors are decorated with beautiful murals.

 The Large Temple of Dromton:

The shrine covers an area of about 70 sq km and is regarded to be the second largest within the complex. A figure of Sakymuni with Sariputra and Maha Maugdalayana on his side is found inside this temple and its outer walls are decorated with the images of Eight Medicine Buddhas and Guardian Kings.

The Mahakala Vajra Bhairava Temple:

The ferocious guarding deities of Gelukpa sect are found inside this temple. Due to this reason, the temple is also known as the ‘Temple of Horror’.

The White Temple:

The walls of this temple are adorned with stunning murals and there is a low dado, where the monks and the nuns can lean at.

Best Time to Visit

The most appropriate time to visit this religious site is during the summer season, in between the months of May to October. From the end of October, the region starts experiencing heavy snow fall and thus the Rohtang Pass remains closed.

Accommodation

Staying facilities are quite limited at this place. Where few budget hotels are found around this area, the monastery also facilitates dormitories at very low rates for the visitors. AS for luxury accommodation, visitors should get to Kaza, which is dotted with several luxury hotels along with some budget hotels.

How to Reach

By Road: The Tabo monastery is easily accessible by road from Kaza, located at a distance of about 46 km. Regular bus and taxi services are available from Kaza to Tabo. The monastery can also be reached through bus transportation from Shimla via Kaza. Tabo is located at a distance of about 412 km from Shimla. Another major destination from where the monastery can be reached by bus is Manali, which is located at a distance of about 115 km.  

By Air: One of the nearest airports to the place is Bhuntar airport, located at a distance of about 49 km from Manali. Frequent taxi and bus services are available from the airport to Manali, form you will get regular bus services to Tabo. Another closest airport to the place is Shimla airport, which is located at a distance of about 393 km. Frequent public transportations are available from outside the airport to get to the monastery. Both these airports are well connected with several major cities in the country.

By Rail: The nearest railway station to Tabo is Joginder Nagar, located at a distance of about 147 km from Manali. The major rail heads close to this place are Shimla and Chandigarh. Bus and taxi services are available from these stations to Kaza.