Mooreed high up in the mountain ranges of the Himalayas, at 3500 meters above sea level is Tawang-the beautiful land of Monpas. The world-renowned Buddhist Monastery is in tawang , one of the biggest in India.
The Monastery was founded by the monk Mera Lama, a contemporary of the fifth Dalai Lama. The sixth Dalai Lama was born here. The Tawang Monastery has an interesting collection of Thangkas (Tibetan painting on cloth) and a large gilded statue of Sakyamuni (the historical Buddha) in the prayer hall. The Tawang Monastery, also known as the `Galden Namgyal Lhatse`, is beautifully situated on a spur about 2 km from the heart of the town.The Tawang Gompa is definitely the high point of the town, perched on a 2760 m high ridge with a commanding view of the splendid valleys beyond. Before the establishment of the Monastery, Tawang was a centre of Tantric religion.
Center Of Buddhism
Tawang is an important centre of Buddhist learning and is particularly famous for its 400 year old gompa, one of the best known in India. The Tawang Gompa houses a beautifully gilded 8 metre high statue of the Buddha and a number of equally remarkable idols, thangkas and murals.
Excursion in Tawang , Arunachal Pradesh
There are mountains, deep valleys, waterfalls and almost a hundred lakes. To the south of the town, the Tawanchu river carves a deep gorge as it rages by, while jagged cliffs rise steeply towards the north and snow capped peaks frame the east. To the west of town, the Tawang monastery looms across the horizon, its enormous yellow roof and white walls standing out like a beacon for miles on end.The gompa, is a famous Mahayana monastery established in 1643-47 by Lodre Gyaltso, who was
popularly called Meera Lama. The name of Tawang means "horse chosen," a reference to the way in which Meera Lama`s horse wandered off on its own and discovered the perfect spot on which the monastery now stands.
The 3 storey, fortified monastery is over 140 square metres and has 65 residential buildings, chortens, lanes and by-lanes. The Duknang or main assembly hall has Buddha statues in various poses, while the Parkhang hall lodges the library, with a wealth of Thangka-manuscripts and sacred books. Some of the precious manuscripts have been penned in gold and are quite a treasure to behold!
Five hundred monks live in the gompa, chanting, praying, meditating and advancing Buddhist thought. The monastery attracts scholars and pilgrims from all over the world. In spite of being a peaceful and solitary retreat, the Tawang gompa buzzes with activity and its craft centre produces intricately woven carpets. The Dalai Lama renovated the entire monastery in 1997.
The town of Tawang itself is modern, with a bustling bazaar and fluttering prayer flags. The best way to enjoy Tawang is to walk around the town. And once you have had your fill, make a trip to Zimithang to see the impressive Gorsam Stupa, the Tatsang gompa, the Khinme monastery and the Singshur nunnery. The Sangeshar Lake, en route, is one of myriad lakes that make Tawang the splendid haven.
The ‘Parkhang’ hall of the monastery houses the library which boasts rare hand written and block-printed Thankas or manuscripts of revered books like ‘Tangym`, ‘Kangyur` and ‘Sungbhum`. There is also a craft centre, which produces exquisite woollen carpets. Tawang is also suitable for trekking and hiking.
There are beautiful lakes around Tawang. One is Pankang Teng Tso (P.T. Tso ) lake. It is a fetching heaven for tourist only 17 KM away from maddening crowd of township. It is a beautiful natural site and provide tourist a lucky chance for deep communion with nature. Other eye catching lakes are Sangetser lake , Banggachang lake.
The sinuous road to Tawang passes through the dragon gates on the awesome heights of the great Sela Pass situated at 13,714 ft. Jaswantgarh located here is a memorial to the brave soldier who confronted the Chinese single-handed during the Indo-Chinese war in 1962.
Fairs & Festival in Tawang , Arunachal Pradesh
Losar the Tibetan Buddhist festival celebrated in the month of February–March every year
There are two major religious festivals of the Monpas viz "LOSAR" and "TORGYA". Both festivals are celebrated once annually. The LOSAR s celebrated to the commencement of New year. Every third year of Torgya, the festival of Dungyur is celebrated. Both "Dungyur and Torgya" festivals are celebrated at the premises of the Tawang Monastery with traditional gaiety and enthusiasm.
General Information
When to visit Tawang , Arunachal Pradesh : During the period, April to October.
How to reach Tawang , Arunachal Pradesh: By bus from Tezpur (Assam) or Bomdila
Where to stay in Tawang , Arunachal Pradesh: Circuit House, Inspection Bungalow, Hotel Nichu, Hotel Shangrila.
Nearest Airport to reach Tawang , Arunachal Pradesh: Tezpur (Assam).
Nearest Bus stand: Bomdila.
Nearest Railway Stn to reach Tawang , Arunachal Pradesh : Rangapara (Assam).
