At the mention of religion in India, Hinduism is the first thing that comes to mind. But Tibetan Buddhism also flourishes here, especially in the mountains in the north of the country, located on the border with Tibet. Many such temples were erected in remote Indian states - Jammu and Kashmir (mainly in the region of Ladakh and the mountains of Zanskar), Himachal Pradesh and Sikkim after refugees from Tibet were officially allowed to live here in 1959. Below are the ten most important Buddhist monasteries in India.
1
Hemis Monastery, Ladakh
This Buddhist monastery is not particularly impressive in its exquisite architecture, but it is the largest and richest temple of Tibetan Buddhists in the vicinity of Ladakh. The holy monastery existed in these places from the 9th to the 11th century, and was subsequently rebuilt in 1652. The walls of the Hemis Monastery contain the famous collection of ancient statues, sacred tanks and many other artifacts. During the tourist season, you can stay in this Buddhist monastery and live in accordance with the rules of the monks. Tourists are provided with simple cells and meals. Some residents of the village closest to the monastery also offer lodging for travelers.
The monastery is located about 50 km southeast of the city of Leh, near the highway Leh-Manali, near the village of Hemis. Next to it is a high mountain national reserve.
Hemis festival is held here annually in June-July, where you can admire fascinating masked dances.
2
Tiksi Monastery, Ladakh
The second largest Buddhist monastery in Ladakh is located on the hillsides. The temple buildings towering one above the other are stepwise arranged in order of increasing importance. Due to this particular arrangement, the monastery, when viewed from the side, gives the impression of an original pyramid. All this gives the temple, whose buildings seem to protrude from the cliff, a truly fabulous look. Many people call it "a monastery growing out of the earth." Tiksi is the most popular Buddhist monastery in this region of India. The most interesting is the Maitreya temple, which houses a huge Buddha statue 15 meters high. This building was built in honor of the visit of the 14th Dalai Lama in 1970, and its creation took 4 years.
On the territory of the Tiksi monastery there is a souvenir shop, a cafe and an inexpensive hotel for tourists.
This Buddhist shrine of India is located about 20 km southeast of the city of Leh, next to the Leh-Manali highway.
3
Phuktal Monastery, Zanskar
Going on a hike to Mount Zanskar, you should definitely visit the Buddhist monastery Phuktal, remote from civilization. It is located right at the entrance to the huge cave (it was due to this that the temple got its name), and its buildings are built down the cliff and seem to soar above the gorge.
A river flows below, so you can get to the monastery only through a suspension bridge. During the monsoon season, water flows from the cave directly to the monastery buildings. The holy Buddhist monastery has a dilapidated appearance, but the unsightly architectural appearance is fully paid off by its incredible location.
The monastery is located in the Zanskar area in the state of Jamma and Kashmir. The closest city to it is Padum. From there, in 2-3 days of walking you can reach the monastery itself.
4
Monasteries in Spiti
In Spiti, there are five main monasteries of adherents of Tibetan Buddhism in India - Ki, Komika, Dhankhar, Kungri (in the Pin Valley) and Thabo. Inside them are dimly lit cells, which store ancient relics and artifacts.
Here you can see well-preserved ancient works of art, sacred texts and statues. Thabo Monastery impresses with its numerous meditation caves of various sizes (from the largest to very tiny), which were dug in the rock manually. You can go to them and sit there in solitude for some time.
5
Tawang Monastery, Arunachal Pradesh
The largest and most visited Buddhist monastery in India is located on the border with Bhutan at an altitude of 3300 m above sea level. It was created as an impregnable fortress, surrounded by abysses on both sides. The Prayer Hall in Tawang impresses with its luxurious decoration. If you get here in the early morning, you can see the monks performing morning prayers.
The monastery is located above the town of Tawang in the Arunachal Pradesh region. You can get here through Guwahati in Assam and Bhalukpong in Arunachal Pradesh. The new cableway allows you to get to the monastery directly from the city of Tawang. Please note that for visiting Arunachal Pradesh, tourists need permission.
It is best to visit this place in January, when the Torgya Buddhist festival takes place here.
6
Rumtek Monastery, Sikkim
On the territory of Sikkim, there are about 200 monasteries. Among them, Rumtek is the largest and one of the most visited. This beautiful old monastery was built in the 9th century in Tibet, and subsequently restored in the early 1960s in India. He often became a stumbling block and was attacked by monks who are opponents of Tibetan Buddhism. Therefore, they pay special attention to the safety of the holy monastery and its inhabitants.
Rumtek hosts many ritual events, including mantras and prayers in the mornings and evenings. Also in the walls of this Buddhist monastery in India in May-June and two days before the Tibetan New Year, an annual group meditation with ritual dances is held. To get the most vivid impressions of your trip to Rumtek, it is recommended to stay for a few days in the guest house, as well as visit the neighboring Old Rumtek Gompa and Lingdam Gompa.
The village of Rumtek is located on a hill about 25 km (but it is almost 2 hours on a difficult road) from Gangtok. To get to the monastery itself, you have to carry out a 15-minute walk up a steep path, so it is not recommended that older people visit this place. Foreigners must obtain permission to stay in Sikkim.
7
Zuglaghang Complex, Himachal Pradesh
The Zuglaghang complex in Dharamsala is interesting in that it houses the official residence of the Tibetan Dalai Lama. Other attractions of this Buddhist complex in India include the Tibetan Museum, Namgyal Gompa, Kalachakra Temple, and in particular the revered Zuglaghang Temple, which houses a three-meter golden statue of Shakyamuni Buddha.
You can see impressive frescoes in the Kalachakra Temple. You can meet the monks in the afternoon in Namgyal Gompa. There is also a bookstore and cafe serving tourists. You can follow the Buddhist pilgrims and carry out a ritual walk around the complex (clockwise), surrounded by prayer flags developing in the wind.
8
Palpung Sherabling Monastery, Himachal Pradesh
This Buddhist monastery in India is surrounded by a picturesque pine forest that spans an area of 30 acres and is framed by snow-capped mountain peaks. Hiking trails pass through the forest, making the walk to Palpunga particularly impressive. Majestic stupas can be seen at the entrance to the monastery, and a golden Buddha statue rises above the prayer hall. Palpun Sherabling has a comfortable leisure center for visitors, and Hay House hosts daily spiritual meditation.
This Buddhist monastery is located in the Kangra Valley in Himachal Pradesh, between Bir and Bainnath, about 2.5 hours from Dharamsala. On the way, you can stop at the beautiful Four Tables cafe in Birka. There are also available rooms for relaxation in a small hotel.
9
Mindrolling Monastery, Uttarakhand
This is one of the most important monasteries of the Nyingma Tibetan tradition located in the foothills of the Himalayas, in Dehradun. It was created in India in 1976 and has since been considered one of the largest Buddhist learning centers in India.
The 56-meter large Stupa, opened in 2002, is of most interest to visitors. She is the largest stupa in the world. Inside the monastery there are many prayer rooms with exquisite frescoes and holy relics. Visitors can relax in the beautiful landscaped gardens surrounding this holy monastery.
10
Namdrolling Monastery (Golden Temple), Karnataka
When hiking in the mountains of India in the state of Karnataka, you can visit an interesting monastery adherent of Tibetan Buddhism - Namdrolling, better known as the Golden Temple. It is the second largest Tibetan temple in India. The amount of gold in the prayer hall is simply amazing, as are the many golden Buddha statues.
The monastery is located near Kushalnagar, about an hour's journey east of Madikeri. Please note that for visiting this region, tourists need permission to enter and overnight (if necessary) at the monastery. Alternatively, you can book rooms at the Kushalnagar hotel.
Article Author: skywriter13