Monastery Gate
At the entrance to the monastery, there is colourful gate which is hut like structure, known as Kakaling with side walls built of stone masonary.
Tawang monastery is the largest monastery in India and 2nd largest in the world ( largest in the world is Potala Palace, Lhasa, Tibet) is located in Tawang city of Arunachal Pradesh, It is also called Golden Namgey Lhatse, founded by Merak Lama Lodre Gyatso in 1680-1681. The monastery is built like a mansion is 3 storey with a large assemble hall with 10 other functional structures and 65 residential quarters for monks, lama and students. It also has a praying hall, along with the school for buddhist culture studies, market and a museum (which displays many historical artifacts).
A large statue of Golden Buddha is of 8.3 meter height, placed in a lotus position. The main temple fell into a dilapidated condition and was renovated in 2002 in traditional Buddhist architectural. The monastery also has a printing press to print religious books and wooden blocks are used for printing. The building also has a library of valuable old books and manuscripts, both handwritten and printed. This monastery is all time greatest attraction for tourists in Tawang.
The monastery stands on the spur of a hill, about 10,000 feet which is above sea level and has ravines in the south and west, narrow ridge on the north and gradual slope on the east. This monastery is in the shape of fountain head of the spiritual life of the people of this region and is surrounded by lofty peaks of over 4000 meters in elevation.
Best time to visit Tawang monastery is during Choksar, Torgya and Losar festival time. Losar festival marks the beginning of Tibetian New Year in which people visit the monastery and offer prayers which continues fir 15 days. Torgya is an annual festival also known as Tawang-Torgya is held in the monastery.
No comments:
Post a Comment