Rewalsar
Famous for its floating islands of reed on sacred lake,
Rewalsar
District has strong Buddhist connections apart from its relations with
Hinduism and Sikhism. Three famous Buddhist monasteries including Debung
Kagyud Gompa, Tso-Pema Ogyen Heru-kai Nyingmapa Gompa and Zigar Gompa dot
the serene landscape.
According to Buddhist beliefs, Indian monk Padmasambhava, departed from
Rewalsar to spread Buddhism to Tibet. Also, the Buddha Cave on the ridge
area is believed to be the meditation spot for Padmasambhava Monk.
Tabo Monastery
The oldest and the largest monastic complex at
Tabo in Spiti Valley
form an important backdrop of Buddhism in the state. Prevalently known as
Chos Khor Monastery, Tabo has significantly contributed to the Indo-Tibetan
collaboration in propagating the religion to the Himachal region.
The oldest and the largest monastic complex at Tabo in Spiti Valley form an
important backdrop of Buddhism in the state. Prevalently known as Chos Khor
Monastery, Tabo has significantly contributed to the Indo-Tibetan
collaboration in propagating the religion to the Himachal region.
Dharamshala
While visiting Dharamshala, it feels like one has visited to a country
dwelled by Tibetans. But the soul and the soil are truly welcoming. Located
in Western Himachal region, Dharamshala is a prominent name in Buddhist tour
to the state, as the home of Dalai Lama and all the Tibetans in exile. It is
a well-known centre for studying Buddhism, its sutras, tantras, and major
texts related to this. And now it has emerged as one of the major visited
sites in Himachal Pradesh attracting scholars, pilgrims and tourists alike.
In the upper Dharamshala, Mcleodganj is the actual residence of His
Holiness the Dalai Lama. The famous monastery known as Namgyal Gompa has
larger than life images of the Buddha, Padmasambhava and Avalokiteshwara
along with the golden prayer wheels. In order to understand the culture of
residents at Dharamshala, a visit to Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts is
a must do activity in the region.
Nako Gompa
The monastic compound in
Nako enshrines the legendary footprints of
the Guru Padamsambhava at the Lotsabaage Monastery. This 3660 metre high
altitude village in Kinnaur is located near a clear lake also known as Nako.
The temples in Nako Complex are considered the oldest and preserve the
original clay sculptures, murals and ceiling panels. The oldest monument
devoted to the Great Translator Guru Padmasambhava serves as the main temple
in the valley. Other structures in complex consist of a Small White Temple
important for portraying the important scenes from the Life of the Buddha on
the wooden door frame.
Guru Ghantaal Monastery
Famously known as
Guru Ghantal Monastery, Gandhola Gompa was also
founded by Guru Padmasambhava 800 years ago. One of the renowned Buddhist
structures in the state, Guru Ghantaal Monastery still preserves the wooden
structure with pyramidal roofs, wood carving and the idols of Padmasambhava
& Brajeshwari Devi. During a full moon night in mid June, the monastery
comes back to its full fervour with Ghantaal Festival, celebrated by Lamas
and Thakurs together.
Lhalung monastery
Termed as the land of the gods,
Lhalung Monastery was one of the
earliest gompas of Spiti region. Also known as Golden Temple, Lhalung was
modeled on the lines of Tabo monastery as a place for learning and still
continues to be the one among them.
Kardang Monastery
Built in 12th century, Kardang Gompa is the most important monastery in
Lahaul region of the state. Once the capital of Lahaul, Kardang now has a
huge monastery painted in white and bedecked with prayer flags. The library
in Kardang also preserves volumes of Buddhist scriptures in Bhoti.
Dhankar
Just as its name suggests,
Dhankar Gompa stands tall on a cliff in
the Central Spiti region. Converted as a monastery from an ancient prison,
Dhankar Monastery is a dwelling place for 100 Lamas and preserves Buddhist
scriptures in Bhoti language. The worshipped deity includes the statue of
Vairochana – Buddha in meditation form as four complete figures seated
back to back.
Shashur
Monastery
Shashur Gompa is located amidst the patches of blue-pines in Lahaul
and Spiti region. The monastery was built in 17th century by Lama Deva
Gyatsho of Zanskar, a missionary of the king of Bhutan. The Buddhist
heritage in the monastery includes large Thangka paintings and wall
paintings representing the history of 84 Buddhas.
Key Monastery
The biggest and the oldest monastery of the Spiti Valley,
Key Gompa
also serves as a religious training center for the Lamas. The monastery was
in news in year 2000, as the site of Kalchakra ceremony under the aegis of
His Highness Dalai Lama. The complex features beautiful scriptures and
paintings of Buddha. Lamas practice dance, sing and play on pipes and horns
in this exquisite monastery.
Kullu
The tourist spot of Kullu has its links with Buddhism. The travel accounts
of the Chinese pilgrim monk Hiuen Tsang state that the region is completely
surrounded by mountains, containing a Stupa built by Emperor Ashoka where
Buddha preached.
Kangra
Recent archaeological evidences of institutional Buddhism are found in
Kangra District including Tikka Tambarhar in Pathiyar, Uparali Dari at
Kanhiara, Lakhamandal and Chetru in the upper Kangra region.
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