20 Most Beautiful and Worth a Visit Monastries in India!

• 2021-05-27 05:38:18

1. Hemis Monastery, Ladakh- The Hemis monastery is the largest and wealthiest monastery in the Ladakh region. Its origins can be traced back to one of Buddhism's first students, Naropa, who is said to have attained enlightenment in Hemis. Hemis Monastery is a Buddhist monastery in Hemis, Ladakh. It is located 44 kilometres distant from Leh's gorgeous valley. The Hemis Monastery has a long history dating back to the 11th century. In 1672, the king of Ladakh, Sengge Namgyal, rebuilt the monastery. The months of June and July are ideal for visiting this monastery. During this time, travellers can also attend the famed Hemis Festival, which is held in honour of Lord Padmasambhava. The entire Buddhist community of this region dresses up in traditional clothing and participates in the celebration during this time. The residents take the initiative to greet each and every visitor to their community. Thousands of tourists flock to Hemis on this holy day. The festival's primary attraction is the "Mask Dance."
2. Phuktal Monastery, Ladakh- The only way to get to this majestic abbey is to travel across the hazardous mountains. The challenge, on the other hand, is well worth it. When you get to the summit, you'll notice the lonely Phuktal monastery, which was built out of the mouth of a massive cave. The Phuktal Monastery is one of India's most difficult and unusual monasteries. This monastery gives the air of an ancient landmark with plenty of stories to tell and exhibit. It has a rustic beauty to it and appears enchanting as it views out over the Himalayas, which are blanketed with snow. To get to the monastery, you'll have to cross a suspension bridge across a tranquil, crystal blue river. Colorful prayer flags drape the suspension bridge, striking the ambiance.
3. Tabo Monastery, Himachal Pradesh- It's in the Tabo village of the Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh, India. On behalf of the ruler of the western Himalayan Kingdom of Guge, Yeshe-O, it was created in 996 CE in the Tibetan year of the Fire Ape by Tibetan Buddhist lotsawa (translator) Rinchen Zangpo (Mahauru Ramabhadra).
4. Thiksay Monastery, Ladakh- The monastery is a popular tourist attraction, with many visitors considering it to be the best monastery in the area. Thiksay monastery is the second most important monastery in Ladakh, and it has a spectacular setting on one side of a hill. Its multiple structures are listed in escalating importance order. Some compare it to a little white-washed town with a fairy-tale appearance. The Maitreya Temple, which houses a towering 15 metre (49 foot) high statue of Maitreya Buddha, is one of the attractions. It took four years to build and was created to honour the visit of the 14th Dalai Lama in 1970. On the premises, there is a souvenir shop and cafe, as well as a cheap hotel on the main road.
5. Rumtek Monastery, Sikkim- The Rumtek Monastery is one of east Sikkim's most popular tourist destinations. The Rumtek Monastery's design and architecture were so spectacular that it was regarded as a model for other monasteries that were later built across India. The frescoes, murals, paintings, and sculptures that decorate the interiors are stunning. While photography is strictly prohibited inside the monastery, we recommend that you consume the entire scenery for as long as you like. Buddhists flock here to pay their respects to the Golden Stupa, which is a major draw. It houses the pure gold treasures of the Karmapa from the sixteenth century.
6. Diskit Monastery, Ladakh- The Diskit (or Deskit) gompa, which was founded in the 14th century and is located in Ladakh's magnificent Nubra Valley, is the valley's oldest and largest monastery. It belongs to the Tibetan Buddhist order's Gelugpa sect (yellow hat). In the prayer hall, there is a Maitreya figure and a massive drum, as well as other shrines. The 32-meter-tall monument of the Jampa is difficult to overlook.
7. Lamayuru Monastery, Ladakh- The Lamayuru Monastery is located at an elevation of 3,510 metres on the Srinagar-Leh Highway (11,516 feet). While the rest of the compound is in ruins, the prayer hall has been spared. Caves, three stupas, and the main temple are all located here. The Yuru Kabgyat — a two-day cultural celebration held in the second month of the Tibetan lunar calendar that includes a masked dance by the Yuru – is the major attraction.
8. Namdroling Nyingmapa Monastery, Karnataka- His Holiness the Dalai Lama's Namdroling Nyingmapa Monastery is an excellent site to learn Buddhism. Rinpoche himself instructs the students. This monastery also educated the fifth Karma Kuchen Rinpoche, the third Choktrul Rinpoche, and the third Rago Choktrul Rinpoche. This monastery was founded by Pema Norbu Rinpoche in Bylakuppe, a rural location in the Mysore region of Karnataka. Aside from religious and spiritual teachings, the Ngagyur Nyingma University, which is housed within the monastery, offers students the opportunity to study philosophy, logic, and debate. His Holiness Pema Norbu Rinpoche manages this monastery on his own including all the expenses. Later, His Holiness the Dalai Lama blessed the monastery, which now houses over 5000 lamas from all over the world. His Holiness Pema Norbu Rinpoche is the sole caretaker of the monastery. Thousands of people and lamas from all over the world flock to the monastery on the eve of the Tibetan New Year.
9. Tawang Monastery, Arunachal Pradesh- Many pilgrims and visitors go to this awe-inspiring temple, which is also a highly revered Buddhist monastery. The Tawang Monastery in Arunachal Pradesh is India's largest monastery. When viewed from a particular distance, the monastery appears to be dangling from the cliff's edge. The monastery is perched directly on the cliff's edge, giving it a mysterious appearance. Tawang Monastery has the appearance of a fort with rivulets on both sides. The interiors of this monastery are stunning. The main prayer hall is lavishly ornamented, giving it a royal appearance. If you arrive early enough, you may be able to witness the monks doing their morning prayers. As many monks dressed in red and yellow robes flock together, it is definitely a sight to behold. To visit this monastery in Arunachal Pradesh, you'll need a special permit.
10. Tsuglagkhang Complex, Himachal Pradesh- The Tsuglagkhang Complex is most notable for housing the Dalai Lama, Tibet's spiritual leader. The Tibet Museum, Namgyal Gompa, Kalachakra temple, and the famed Tsuglagkhang temple are among the other attractions. The Tsuglagkhang temple houses a three-meter-high gilded statue of Sakyamuni Buddha, while the Kalachakra temple houses captivating artwork. In the Namgyal Gompa, monks can be seen having a spirited conversation in the afternoon. A bookshop and a cafe are also available to guests. If you're feeling spiritual, join Buddhist pilgrims on a traditional trek around the complex (clockwise) through the forest, passing by fluttering prayer flags.
11. Pemayangtse Monastery, Sikkim- The Pemayangtse Monastery is one of Sikkim's oldest monasteries. This 300-year-old monastery is still inhabited by monks from the Bhutia family. It is a fantastic soul-searching site in Pelling, where you may observe Rabdentse traces from the monastery, which is the former kingdom of Sikkim's second capital.
12. Kye Monastery, Himachal Pradesh- The Kye Monastery, pronounced 'kee,' is one of the oldest in the Spiti Valley. In the year 2000, it celebrated its 1,000th birthday. The monastery, which is located 4,166 metres above sea level on the banks of the Spiti River, is unlike most other Buddhist monasteries in the world since its structure resembles that of a fort, with temples constructed on top of one another. But that has a lot to do with the amount of times it was rebuilt following the Mongols' numerous invasions. Keep an eye out for the Chinese influence that can be seen throughout the monastery.
13. Phugtal Monastery, Ladakh- Water gushes down from the cave opening during the monsoon season, making it a sight to behold. Phugtal Monastery means "through cave." Pass via a suspension bridge and go to the huts to get to this monastery in the Zanskar region. There are various prayer rooms and a library with murals depicting Buddhist culture and art on the ceilings.
14. Ghoom Monastery, West Bengal- This is one of the region's oldest monasteries, having been built in 1850 by Lama Sharap Gyatso and standing at a height of 7,470 feet above sea level. The Ghoom Monastery, also known as the Ghum Monastery, is only 6 kilometres from Darjeeling's main town. The monastery is easily accessible from the Ghoom Railway Station and is one of Darjeeling's most popular tourist attractions. This monastery's library houses some of the oldest Buddhist scriptures and books. This is one of the few Buddhist monasteries that houses a significant scripture learning centre. The monastery's major attraction is a 15-foot-tall statue of Lord Buddha. Pure gold and valuable stones are used to embellish this figure. Two massive oil lamps are kept right in front of this statue which burn all throughout the year. The Ghoom Monastery, which belongs to the Buddhist Yellow Hat sect, is maintained and cared for by around 60 monks who live there. The Tibetan culture is evident in this monastery.
15. Mindrolling Monastery, Uttarakhand- This monastery is one of the most important monasteries of the Nyingma school in Tibet. It is not just a holy site, but it also houses a large Buddhist institute that educates a large number of Buddhist children. The Great Stupa, which is so wonderfully and elaborately built, is undoubtedly the monastery's showpiece. It stands at a height of 56.4 metres and a width of 9.1 square metres. The Stupa's designs represent the imbalances of elements and energies. There's so much depth here that you'll think the Stupa is trying to tell you a narrative. It is also the world's largest stupa. As you begin to enjoy your time here, you will notice that your mind begins to calm down. It's a very invigorating and revitalising experience.
16. Palpung Sherabling Monastic Seat, Himachal Pradesh- Palpung Sherabling Monastic Seat is situated on 30 acres of calm pine woodland with snow-capped mountain peaks in the background. The woodland is crisscrossed by footpaths and walking trails, making it even more bucolic and refreshing. The monastery's entrance is flanked by a row of enormous stupas, and the prayer hall is dominated by a towering golden Buddha statue. Hay House organises yearly spiritual retreats at this monastery, which has a nice Visitors' Retreat Center. If you enjoy the sound of monks chanting, the Palpung Sherabling monks have earned a Grammy award for their chanting CD.
17. Phodang Monastery, Sikkim- The Phodang Monastery was founded in 1740. The monastery is located at a height of 4500 feet and is easily accessible from Magan in Sikkim through automobiles, jeeps, taxis, and other modes of transportation. The Phodong Monastery, which houses roughly 260 monks, is currently a popular tourist attraction in Sikkim. The monastery's walls are covered with stunning murals, paintings, and frescos that captivate all visitors.
18. Gondola Monastery, Himachal Pradesh- This monastery was founded in the eighth century. This monastery was founded by Guru Rinpoche or Padmasambhava. Evidence of Buddhist culture has been discovered in this location long before the monastery was constructed. Himachal Pradesh is home to the Gondola Monastery. It is 18 kilometres away from Keylong. It is perched atop a hill overlooking Tupchiling village. Since the Chandra and Bhaga Rivers converge there, the area where the monastery is located is considered a holy spot. The wooden figures in the monasteries are the main attraction and stand out from the crowd. The reproductions of Guru Padmasambhava, Brajeshwari Devi, and other lamas make up these statues.
19. Alchi Gompa Monastery, Ladakh- It is located in Alchi village, Leh District, Jammu and Kashmir, India, and is administered by the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council. The Likir Monastery is in charge of it. According to historians, Guru Rinchen Zangpo built it between 958 and 1055 AD.
20. Gonjang Monastery, Sikkim- The Gonjang Monastery, perched at a height of 6066 feet in Gangtok city, is one of Sikkim's most renowned tourist sites. Tinkye Gonjang Rinpoche, a respected Buddhist guru, founded the monastery in 1981. It now houses some of the Nyingma Order of Buddhism's most valuable holy items. This monastery, blessed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, is a must-see for everyone interested in learning about Buddhism's peaceful methods. The 8th-century founding fathers of Tibetan Buddhism, Khen-lop-Choe-Sum, carved statues of Padmasambhava's twenty-five followers, known collectively as Jebang Nyernga.