“A monastery is a community
of men or women (monks or nuns), who have chosen to withdraw from
society, forming a new community devoted to religious practice”. The word monk
comes from the Greek word ‘monos’, which means alone. The monastery is one of the
best places to visit if you are looking to indulge in meditation, or want to
find inner peace.
In Tibetan Buddhism, monasteries are often called ‘gompa’. There are 25
plus Buddhist monasteries in India, where one can learn the art of Buddhist
culture and traditions. Here is the list of the top 9 must-visit Buddhist
monasteries of India, located at different corners of the country:
1. Rumtek Monastry:
Rumtek Monastery, around 20
kms from Gangtok, Sikkim, is one of the largest and most important monasteries in
Asia. Perched on a hillock, this gompa is also called the ‘Dharma Chakra Centre’.
It also serves as the seat of His
Holiness Gyalma Karmapa the XVI, the head of the Karma Kagyu order of
Tibetan Buddhism. This monastery is the best example of Tibetan architecture in
India.
When to visit: Best season to visit Rumtek Monastry is from October to June. It is
pleasant in summer and autumn months. Winters are harsh and the landscape is
covered with snow. The place witnesses heavy rainfall, making sightseeing
difficult.
2. Pemayangtse
Monastery :
Pemayangtse Monastery located on a hilltop near Pelling, around 110 km west of Gangtok, is one of the premier, amongst the most ancient and serene places in Sikkim, and probably in India. Built in 1705 the monastery is situated at an elevation of 2085m above sea level and offers a magnificent panoramic view of the Himalayan snow-capped mountains. Pemayangtse Monastery in Sikkim is certainly a place that should be visited for inner peace and visual treat.
When to visit: The best time to visit the monastery is March to June as during this time cold subsides and the weather becomes very pleasant.
3. Ralong
Monastery:
Ralang Monastery, located near
the famous tourist destination of Ravangla, in the southern portion of Sikkim, is
acclaimed to be the biggest and most significant monastery of Sikkim. The
monastery is beyond comparison to any other monasteries in Sikkim. It has an
extensive collection of paintings and thangkas that reflect Buddhist art.
The legend behind its construction is that the Monastery was built to commemorate the successful pilgrimage of the fourth Chogyal to Tibet. Following the rituals, he tossed some grains from the Tsurpu Monastery in Tibet. The monastery was built where the grains fell. The way to this monastery is quite difficult and trekking is the only way to reach the monastery.
When to visit: April to June is the best time to visit the place. However, if you wish to enjoy the unique annual festival of Pang Lhabsol, you may plan a visit in August too.
4. Hemis
Monastery
Hemis
Festival ( Masked Dances)
Hemis Monastery, one of the most charming Buddhist monasteries in Leh Ladakh is situated 40 km from Leh. Hemis monastery, known for its Hemis Festival( Masked Dance), is one of the largest and most popular monasteries in Ladakh. Hemis Festival ( Mask Dances) celebrated on the 23rd of June is dedicated to Lord Padmasambhava. One of the wealthiest Buddhist monasteries in Leh and Tibet, it is also known for its 12m long Thangka- which is the largest in Ladakh. Hemis monastery in Ladakh boasts of a spectacular copper statue of Buddha and beautiful paintings, Stupas, articles, and amazing Thangkas depicting various aspects of Buddhist culture.
When
to visit: The best time to visit Hemis Monastery would be around the
dates of Hemis Festival; which can be either in June or July.
5. Thiksey
Monastery:
Thiksey Monastery, one of the largest and most beautiful Buddhist
monasteries in Ladakh, is situated approximately 19 km from Leh. Built at an
altitude of 11,800 feet, it comprises of a 12 storey complex and houses more
than 500 monks.
Thiksey monastery has a large and precious collection of
Buddhist books, journals, statues, scripts, stupas, swords, and Thangka
paintings. It also boasts of a 49 ft statue of Maitreya Buddha- the largest in the entire Ladakh. Stay in the Thiksey monastery gives one, peace and tranquility.
When to
visit: The best time to
visit Thiksey Monastery is during the
Gustor Festival in the month of October/November. During the festival, one
can witness the traditional Cham Dance.
6. Diskit
Monastery:
Diskit Monastery founded in the 14th century, is one
of the most beautiful and the oldest Buddhist monasteries in Ladakh. Famous for
its Mask Dance during the Dosmoch festival in the winter season, the monastery
is located in the beautiful Nubra Valley, around 150 kms north of Leh. It has a
32-meter statue of Maitreya Buddha, and also has various Buddha
statues, images of other guardian Gods, and a huge drum. Diskit monastery, famous
for its breathtaking location offers
inner peace. Morning Prayer ceremony is an experience of its kind.
When
to visit: The best time to visit Diskit Monastery is the months of May to
September, as the weather is most favourable for travelling.
7. Mindrolling
Monastery:
The Great Stupa & The Buddha Statue
Mindrolling Monastery, located 10 kms from Clement Town, Dehradun, was built in 1965 by Khochhen Rinpoche. The monastery boasts of the world’s tallest stupa, 80 feet tall and 100 square feet wide, which is surrounded by large wheels. An impressive 35 m high gold Sakyamuni Buddha Statue, that presides over the monastery, is dedicated to Dalai Lama. It is the largest Buddhist center in the world where one can see some of the most magnificent examples of Buddhist art in the interiors and exteriors.
When to visit: The best time to Visit the monastery is from 15th November to 15th June.
8. Tawang
Monastery:
Located in Tawang city in Tawang district, Arunachal Pradesh, Tawang Monastery is the largest Buddhist monastery in India and second-largest in the world after the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet. The monastery is an important pilgrim center for the followers of Buddhism. Surrounded by snow-covered mountains and situated at 35000 m above sea level, Tawang is famous for its beauty. Tawang is also the birthplace of the sixth Dalai Lama. It has a hut-like structure and is built like a large mansion having sacred texts in the library, an image of Buddha, and a giant statue of Lord Buddha.
When to visit: The best season to visit Tawang is the summers season and onset of monsoon season. The temperature remains comfortable and is apt for sightseeing. The best months to visit are March to June, September and October.
9. Tashiding
Monastery:
Famous Bhumchu Festival Tashiding Monastery, located
on top of the hill rising between the Rathong chu and the Rangeet River, is the
most beautiful Monastery of North East India. The Monastery is part of the Buddhist
religious pilgrimage circuit in Sikkim. Due to its importance of religious
sacredness, it is described as the "Heart of Sikkim/Denzong".
Tashiding Monastery binds the visitor with its serene ambiance, attractive architecture, and snowy background of snowy mountain peaks. Visitors also throng to enjoy the monastery for its must visit attraction, the Bhumchhu festival, which is a sacred water ceremony celebrated joyously during the 14th and 15th day of February or March, which happens to be the 1st month of the Tibetan calendar.
When to visit: Best time to visit Tashiding Monastery is during the months of March to June. The weather is pleasant then, but if you want to enjoy the Bhumchu festival, it is best visited during February or March.
Inputs & pics courtesy Google, Wikipedia, Unsplash,tourmyindia, timesof india
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