New Delhi: India is where Buddhism flourished in the world for the first time. Hence, the country is a land of several Buddhist monasteries which hold immense significance in the culture and tradition of the religion. One of them is the Tawang Monastery in Arunachal Pradesh. It is the country’s largest monastery and is located in the valley of the Tawang Chu, close to the Chinese and Bhutanese border.
Tawang Monastery: The largest of its kind in India
Its full name is Tawang Galdan Namgye Lhatse and it is situated at a height of about 10,000 feet and is bounded on its southern and western flanks by steep ravines. The town of Tawang has been named after the monastery and its nearest airport is the Tezpur Airport.
According to one legend, the horse of Merag Lama Lodre Gyatso was grazing in a place and the monastery was founded in that spot. Notably, the 5th Dalai Lama entrusted Gyatso with the mission of establishing a monastery and his journey took him to that place. As per another legend, the monastery is linked with Terton Pemalingpa, a diviner of treasures. There is a third legend which states that a white horse of the Prince of Lhasa was grazing at the present location of the monastery. The spot was venerated over the years by the local people and later, the monastery was built.
But, who founded the monastery then?
Merek Lama Lodre Gyamsto founded the Tawang Monastery in 1680-81 on behalf of the 5th Dalai Lama. It is an important socio-cultural institute which exerts tremendous influence heritage and tradition of the region of Tawang Chu.
The monastery, like others of its kind, has a stone slabbed court where religious dances and outdoor ceremonies are held. The monastery’s eastern half has 60 residential quarters for housing the resident monks and they have been constructed by villagers voluntarily. They also carry out the repairs and are responsible for its maintenance.
The monastery’s most glorious building is the assembly hall called Dukhang. The three-storied building houses the template and the Labrang and its inner walls are painted with murals of various divinities and saints. The hall has a huge altar and on its left side, there is the silver casket wrapped in silk containing the Thangkas of Goddess Sri Devi, the principal deity of the monastery. The largest image inside the monastery is that of Lord Buddha and it is about 25 feet high.
The Tawang Monastery was founded in 1680-81 by Merek Lama Lodre Gyamsto on behalf of the 5th Dalai Lama. It is an important socio-cultural institute which exerts tremendous influence heritage and tradition of the region of Tawang Chu. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
