Buddhism in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh is traced back to the religion"s spread in the early 8th century. Over the centuries, Tibetan Buddhism has become deep rooted, particularly in the Lahaul, Spiti and Kinnaur valleys of the state. The monasteries are enchanting holy places where tourists can spend a day in salvation or can light a butter lamp for inner peace. Their spectacular and vibrant architecture are further a visual delight.
Monasteries in Lahaul and Spiti, Himachal Pradesh
Monasteries in Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh form an innumerable plethora. The most prominent tranquil sites include Dhankar Monastery, Tabo Monastery and Kye Monastery. Other monasteries spread across Lahaul and Spiti include Kardang Gompa, Kungri Monastery, Gozzangwa Monastery, Tayul Gompa, Shashur Monastery, Tangyud Monastery, Guru Ghantal Gompa, Tashigang Gompa and Thang Yug Gompa.
Namgyal Monastery, Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh
Namgyal Monastery, also often referred to as "Dalai Lama"s Temple", is located in Mcleod Ganj in Dharamsala town of Himachal Pradesh. It is the personal monastery of the current 14th Dalai Lama. A distinguishing aspect of Namgyal Monastery is diversity of rituals and tantric practices pertaining to Nyingma, Kagyu, Sakya, Gelug, Jonang, Rime and Kadam schools of Tibetan Buddhism. It is also an important centre of learning for Buddhist monks. Another monastery located close to Mcleod Ganj square is Dip Tse-Chok Ling Gompa.
Monasteries in Rewalsar, Himachal Pradesh
Rewalsar is a tranquil village in the Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh, stunningly beautiful with its small lake and surrounding woods. It is home to some of the most significant monasteries from the Nyingmapa order of Buddhism. Nyingma Gompa, Drikung Kagyu Gompa and Zigar Drukpa Kagyud Gompa are the prominent monasteries of this order. A unique feature of these monasteries is the amalgamation of Indo-Chinese style of architecture, having beautiful interiors adorned with stucco images and paintings. Rewalsar is an important site of Buddhist pilgrimage in India, owing to its legends of Guru Padmasambhava. It is believed that he proceeded to Tibet from Rewalsar.
Palyul Choekhorling Monastery, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh
Palyul Choekhorling Monastery, established in 1980 by Venerable Rigo Tulku Rinpoche, is home to about 170 monks. It is situated at Bir village in Kangra district of the state. Also known as Nyingmapa Buddhist Monastery, it offers free education, lodging, clothing, medical care and food to all the monks studying there. The monastery has a carpet centre. It has a chanting area and the interiors are embellished with wall frescoes and musical artifacts like trumpets and cymbals.
Monasteries of Kinnaur District, Himachal Pradesh
Monasteries located in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh are Rarang Monastery at Rarang village and Brelengi Gompa at Brelengi village near Reckong Peo, the headquarters of the district.
