There is also a library (Par-Khang) of the 16th century, which has a valuable collection of old scriptures in around 850 bundles. Legend also states that in the past she had lived in Sri Lanka as the consort of a demon king who practiced human sacrifice. [9], The monastery was founded by Merek Lama Lodre Gyamsto in 168081 at the behest of the 5th Dalai Lama, who was his contemporary. Image Source: Wikimedia Commons. He first took an interest in religious sites in his early twenties when traveling through Italy after college. After you submit the form, one of our travel experts will get back to you with customised holiday package based on your requirement, within 24 hours. And while the entry is free, ensure that you dont make noise or litter by any means. According to Pandit Nain Singh, who visited the monastery in 1874-75, the monastery had a parliamentary form of administration, known as the Kato, with the Chief Lamas of the monastery as its members. Of his seven sons, the second and seventh sons went on to become monks in Tibet. At the end of the procession, an effigy or Torma symbolising evil is carried and then burnt amidst music and dance. In the first legend it is said that location of the present Monastery was selected by a horse which belonged to Merag Lama Lodre Gyatso who was on a mission assigned to him by the 5th Dalai Lama to establish a Monastery. If you are falling short of time, you can also apply for it from the official ILP website of Arunachal Pradesh. It is one of the few monasteries of Tibetan Buddhism that have remained protected from Mao's Cultural Revolution without any damage. The religious text, Gyentongpa, has letters washed in gold in all its pages. [7], According to the third legend, a white horse of the Prince of Lhasa had wandered into Monpa region. It teaches us to be wary of even the most minute consequences that our actions may have. Tawang Monastery becomes the venue of two major religious festivals of the Monpas every year Losar and Torgya. Here are different ways to reach Tawang Monastery -, Tawang Monastery stay allows you to know more about their culture and customs. This site, created by Howard Kramer, is a combination travel blog and online guide to the world's greatest sites of religious interest (with some historic and recreational places thrown in for good measure). Today, more than 700 monks are . Tawang monastery built somewhere in the late 1600's is one of the largest and oldest monastery in in Asia. Tawang is home to one of the biggest Buddhist monasteries, Tawang Monastery. You can also enjoy the sunrise from the monastery while sipping some butter tea. Guests can visit Tirth yatra and locations nearby where Guru Padmasambhava is said to have meditated. Tawang monastery built somewhere in the late 1600's is one of the largest and oldest monastery in in Asia. [28] When young boys join the monastery to train, it is on the condition that it is a lifetime commitment. Tawang Monastery, Tawang: Book Your Tickets & Tours of Tawang Monastery at Best Price Only on Thrillophilia. The most imposing building of the monastery is the assembly hall known as Dukhang. Its snow-capped peaks, pleasant lakes, congenial climate, friendly and hospitable people continue to entice the people who visit. Almost every French monarch is buried here, and almost nobody goes here. Bhalukpong, which is the nearest rail head, is 280 kilometres (170mi) away by road. The Famous Gaden Namgyal Lhatse roughly translated as The peak of the heavenly abode of joyfulness and complete victory and, popularly known as the Tawang Monastery was founded by Merak Lama Lodre Gyatso in the year 1680-81. This monastery is the most popular monastery in Arunachal Pradesh. This is the learning center for the resident young monks where they gain traditional monastic education, Arithmetic, Hindi, English, etc. Established in 1860-61, Tawang Monastery in Arunachal was founded by Merak Lama Lodre Gyamtso as per the wishes of Ngawang Lobsang Gyatso, the 5th Dalai Lama. Tawang Monastery holds the rank of the largest monastery in India and the second largest one in Asia. The books are used usually by the literate Monpa Lamas who refer to it for conducting religious rituals. In the Losar festival, which marks the beginning of the Tibetan New Year, people visit the monastery and offer prayers. The Gelug sect that the monastery belongs to, was introduced in the region by Lama Thangston Gyalpo of Tibet, a disciple of the 1 st Dalai Lama. Every third year, the festival is celebrated on a grander scale and is called the Dungyur Torgya. Their language belongs to the Tibeto-Burman family, and they use the Brahmi Script. Known for its lakes, hikes, monasteries, and scenic views, Arunachal has something for everyone. Amongst them all, one monastery that steals the limelight isthe Tawang Monastery. Undoubtedly, the monastery appears to look like a fort from afar, shimmering with royalty similar to a mini kingdom. Sansad Marg, [26][27], The main entrance to the monastery, to the south of the open gate, has massive doors fitted on the northern wall. Dungyur means 10 crore as during the festival the mantra of Avalokiteshwara is chanted 10 crore times. It was not dependent on the Dzonpan (head of Tsona Monastery) and Government of Lhasa, and this aspect was supported by G.A. Image Source: Wikimedia Commons. Recipe: Heres How You Can Make Sweet And Soft Malpuas At Home! This kingdom has several edifices within the premises but the most prominent one is the 'Dukhang' or the assembly hall. [14], Until 1914, this region of India was under the control of Tibet. Image Source: Wikimedia Commons. In the long term, erosion at the toe will need to be prevented if the site is to be preserved. The monastery is perched on the ridge of a hillock surrounded by a dense coniferous forest and lofty mountains. We pinky promise to make it awesome! Tawang Monastery The Famous Gaden Namgyal Lhatse roughly translated as "The peak of the heavenly abode of joyfulness and complete victory" and, popularly known as the Tawang Monastery was founded by Merak Lama Lodre Gyatso in the year 1680-81. The reasons for this are clear the river, which flows towards the south, is eroding the toe of the slope due to the site being on the outside of the bend. Tawang Monastery. India has a myriad of landscapes, great heritage and culture, varied flora and fauna. It was founded near the small town of the same Name in the northwestern part of Arunachal Pradesh state of India by Merak Lama Lodre Gyatso in 1680-1681 in accordance with the wishes of the 5th Dalai Lama. The monastery is also home to a museum. Data has been provided by organisations of the Ministry of Culture. Tawang is believed to have derived its name from the Grandiose Tawang Monastery perched on the edge of the ridge running along the western part of Tawang Township. It is situated in the valley of the Tawang Chu, near the small town of the same name in the northwestern part of Arunachal Pradesh, in close proximity to the Chinese and Bhutanese border. It stands like a fortress guarding the valley of Tawang Chu, a suitable choice of location given that its founders faced constant threats from other sects. Entry to the Monastery is free- however, if you want to donate something, you can always do that. During Dungyur Torgya the idol of Maitreya Buddha is carried around the monastery. Nearer to the gate, there are two small openings in the wall which provide the complete view of the exterior part of the eastern wall that connects to the Kakaling. In today's world where there is a constant push to be homogeneous, the Tawang Monastery stands unique and self-sufficient. UAEs Top Performing Students Will Get Golden Visa. The monastery is perched on the ridge of a hillock surrounded by a dense coniferous forest and lofty mountains. The residential quarter of the monks in the monastery complex is called Sha. Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. A horse chose the location of the monastery. Wittenberg, Germany
[8][30] During the three-day festival, dances performed by artists in colorful costumes and masks are held in the courtyard, including the Pha Chan and the Losjker Chungiye, the latter of which is performed by the monks of the monastery. The pillars of the Dukhang are covered in prayer flags, with thangkas and banners hanging in colourful abundance. [15], The Dalai Lama also visited Tawang Monastery in 2017. The Monpa chief were subordinate to the ruler of Tawang who inturn were subordinate to the Government of Tibet or Ganden Phodrang in Lhasa. Eventually, to honour the sacred site, the Tawang Monastery was built at the site. As the legend goes the site of the present Monastery is believed to have been chosen by a horse owned by Merag Lama Lodre Gyatso who was on a search for an appropriate place to establish a Monastery but was unable to locate any appropriate site. The district is entirely located amongst the mighty Himalayas and has a rugged terrain with deep valleys and altitude ranging between 3,500 to 22,500 feet. Web: http://tawangmonastery.org (official website). Tezpur Airport is the nearest airport at a road distance of 350 kilometres (220mi). [6], As of 2006 the monastery had 400 monks,[19] and the number was reported to be 450 in 2010. 7 Countries With Job Seeker Visas; Unlock Your, Need Dubai Citizenship? The entire eastern half of the monastery is covered with sixty residential quarters called (Sha/Hut) for housing the resident monks. THE PLACE OF ULTIMATE WORSHIP AND RELIGIOUS PRACTICES. Tawang, the beautiful land of the people of Monpa Tribe, is located in the Western mostpart of the state Arunachal Pradesh bordering China and Bhutan. All the festivals celebrated at the Tawang Monastery are marked by great enthusiasm. . Learn how your comment data is processed. Of more historic interest perhaps is the library. The monastery is entered from the northern direction along a sloping spur, which has alpine vegetation. Thus, the full meaning of the 'Tawang Galdan Namgye Lhatse' is the "site chosen by the horse is the divine paradise of complete victory". To fix the perimeter of the Dzong, the Dalai Lama had also given a ball of yarn, the length of which was to form the limit of the monastery. Image Source: Tenzin Phantok, Young monks in Tawang Monastery. On the left of the alter is the silver casket wrapped in silk containing the Thangkas of Goddess Sri Devi (Palden Lhamo) the principle deity of the monastery, which was given to Merak Lama by the Vth Dalai Lama. 2. Being Indias Largest Monastery and offering a picturesque view of the Tawang Chu valley, you cannot miss out on this place in Tawang. Publicly Available Data About The Domain. Tawang Monastery is not a religious center for the residents of Tawang but is also home to over 300 monks. 2023 - All rights reserved. Many Monpa boys join the monastery and become monks. A twostoried building stands on the western side of the court. Thank you for subscribing! The following important building is Rhum Khyang, a room for cooking food on special occasions and food for the monks on days of the festival. It forms the single and highly crucial connecting line between the Tawang and West Kameng districts. All written content has been originally researched and produced and is provided free for public research and enjoyment.