Namdroling Nyingmapa Monastery, which is also known as Thekchog Namdrol Shedrub Dargye Ling is the largest teaching centre of the Nyingma lineage of Tibetan Buddhism in the world. This monastery is one of the modern monasteries in Southern part of India. Namdroling Nyingmapa Monastery is located amidst the sandal groves, a few hours from Bangalore and Mysore.
Location of Namdroling Nyingmapa Monastery
Namdroling Nyingmapa Monastery is located in Bylakuppe, part of the Mysore district of Karnataka.
Erection of Namdroling Nyingmapa Monastery
Namdroling Nyingmapa Monastery was established by Pema Norbu Rinpoche shortly after he came to India from Tibet. With only 300 rupees in his hand and with just a handful of monks, Pema Norbu Rinpoche laid the foundation stone of the three-storied main temple that then covered an area of 80 square feet. Dalai Lama consecrated the spot and bequeathed the name Namdroling Monastery. Today, Namdroling Monastery is home to nearly 5000 monks and nuns, renowned as a centre for the pure upholding of the teachings of Gautama Buddha.
Organisation of Namdroling Nyingmapa Monastery
Namdroling Nyingmapa Monastery is home to a sangha community of over five thousand lamas (both monks and nuns), a religious college (or shedra) and hospital.
Establishment of Namdroling Nyingmapa Monastery
Namdroling Nyingmapa Monastery was established by throne-holder Kyabje Penor Rinpoche in 1963, following his 1959 exit from Tibet as the second seat of the Palyul Monastery, one of the six great Nyingmapa Mother monasteries of Tibet prior to annexation.
Architecture of Namdroling Nyingmapa Monastery
The full name of Namdroling Nyingmapa Monastery is Thegchog Namdrol Shedrub Dargyeling. In shorter version, it is called "Namdroling". The initial structure of Namdroling Nyingmapa Monastery was a temple constructed from bamboo, covering an area of approximately 80 square feet. Namdroling Nyingmapa Monastery is carved from the jungle that the Government of India generously granted Tibetan exiles, initial challenges included rampaging elephants and other tropical dangers.
