![]() Importance of Tabo Monastery The Tabo Monastery is also known as Tabo-Chos-khor, meaning 'doctrinal circle'. The gompa houses 9 temples, 23 chortens, a monk's chamber and an annex that houses a nun's bedchamber. The nine temples namely, the 'Temple of the Enlightened Gods', the 'Golden Temple', the 'Initiation Temple', and the 'Temple of Dromton', are a few. The Temple of the Enlightened Gods, commonly known as the Assembly Hall, is the main highlight of the Tabo Monastery. The temple in its assembly hall houses the statue of 'Vairocana', one of the five spiritual sons of Buddha. The Initiation Temple has a large painting of Vairocana, surrounded by the eight Bodhisattvas. In this temple the monks receive their initiations to monkhood. At present, around 45 monks reside and study at the Tabo Monastery. Above the monastery, there are caves and cliff like structures which are used by the monks for meditation. Architecture of Tabo Monastery Tabo monastery houses delicate sculptures, stucco images and wall paintings, resembling the Ajanta paintings in Maharashtra. The iconography of this period in the temples also supports the bond that existed between the two cultures of India and Tibet. There are many priceless collections of thankas (scroll paintings), manuscripts, well-preserved statues, frescos and extensive murals which cover almost every wall. The paintings basically depict the culture and history of Himalayan region. ![]() Festivals at Tabo Monastery Many festivals are held in the Tabo Monastery. The monks perform traditional Buddhist and regional songs and masked dances. The most popular religious festival held here is the Chakhar Festival, which is dedicated to the peace and happiness of all. This is held every three years, usually during September or October. Another thing which sets Tabo apart from other monasteries is the fact that it allows visitors to stay within its walls and get a personal experience of the life in the monastery. (Last Updated on : 09-12-2014) |
More Articles in Indian Monasteries (80) | |
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||