Monasteries in Himachal

Tibetan Buddhism took root in Himachal Pradesh more than 2700 years ago, and archeologists have excavated a number of ancient Buddhist sites in the Kangra Valley. The Dasas are believed to be the earliest tribes having Buddhist leanings who were later absorbed into the Aryan mainstream.

In 1960, Jawaharlal Nehru granted refuge to Tibetan exiles in Dharamsala and His Holiness the Dalai Lama made the sleepy town the administrative quarters of his Tibetan Government- in-exile. Mcleodganj, or Upper Dharamsala is the home of 8000 Tibetan refugees. The Namgyal Monastery is the focus of Buddhist cultural life in Dharamsala, and was founded in the 16th century. It serves the Dalai Lama in executing his religious duties and conducts prayers and rituals of all schools of Tibetan Buddhists.

The Tsuglag Khang located opposite the residence of the Dalai Lama houses the bronze images of the Sakyamuni Buddha, Padmasambhava and Avalokiteswara. The Namgyalma Stupa is a memorial for Tibetans who lost their lives fighting for an independent Tibet and also enshrines an image of the Buddha.

Dharamsala’s other monasteries include the Dip-Tse Chokling Monastery, Nechung Monastery and the Gadong Monastery.

Other than Dharamsala, Buddhism is deeply entrenched in the Lahaul-Spiti valley. Some of the notable ‘gompas’ here are Tayul, Khardong, Shahsur, Gemur and Guru Ghantal. In Spiti, Ki and Dhankar are renowned centres of Buddhist faith, and known for murals, scriptures respectively. Tabo is Spiti’s largest monastery and one of the most famous of Buddhist monuments, dating back to the 10th century.

At Nako Monastery in Kinnaur, the footprints of Guru Padmasambhava have been enshrined, while the Rewalsar monastery on the lakeside marks the spot from where the great saint left for Tibet.

Other monasteries that deserve mention are the Tilasangh Monastery near Yangthang, the Kungri Gompa in the Pin Valley and the Tashigang Gompa between Khab and Namgya.