Nestled in one of the most beautiful parts of India, Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh is home to the second largest monastery in the World. The brave among us who do reach this place are rewarded with a really rich & unique experience. I had an opportunity to visit Tawang with my family, and definitely the experience was “Once in a Lifetime”.
A Historical & Cultural Abode
Established by order of 5th Dalai Lama, Ngawang Lobsang Gyatso who held office from 1642 to 1682, Tawang Monestary was founded around 1680. So, the original structure is around 350 years old, something not very obvious from a distance, but which can be readily inferred once visitors look at the artifacts exhibited in it’s unique museum.
White Fortress on the Hilltop
Tawang is located at an elevation of around 3000 meters. The Alpine climate remains chilly & cloudy throughout much of the year. The monastery itself is located slightly further away from the main town and occupies it’s own hill. From the town, it appears like a glistering white fortress. The view during sunrise/sunset, especially in clear whether can be especially mesmerizing.
Pilgrimage to site of Immense Religious & Cultural Significance
We reached Tawang Monestary in the afternoon after landing in Tawang around 12 Noon. Officially called as Gaden Namgyal Lhatse [Wikipedia Link] Tawang monastery is a site of immense religious and spiritual significance in Mahayana Buddhism.
Once you reach there it is clear that the monastery is in fact built like a fortress surrounded by walls all around. After entering through a large main gate, we were greeted with a large open courtyard bustling with monks in traditional dark maroon garb. These included cute children, probably students at the monastery’s school were running around. Took the opportunity to have photos with few of them.
We were then introduced to a friendly monk who acted as sort of ‘guide’ for us. He told us about the history of monastery while giving us a tour of key structures in it. We were told that in addition to being a cultural center for Mahayana Buddhism, it is also of great significance to Monpa people who are a major tribe in Arunachal Pradesh.
Our guide then escorted us to the magnificent prayer hall (called Dukchang in traditional language) with richly decorated façade depicting Buddhist prayers & demons. The inner sanctum was even more beautiful consisting of seating areas of monks, murals, colorful hanging flags, and gilded figurines. An 18 foot high statue of Buddha clad in saffron robe dominates the Dukchang. It was truly beautiful..
Since no prayers were going on, and we were the only people in attendance I decided to take advantage of the opportunity. So after getting permission from our guide, I opened up my tripod and set my camera. It was rather dark inside and taking quality photos hand-held was not possible. What I ended up are once-in-a lifetime shots. You may check out some of the photos on our Instagram page and Pinterest feed.
Exploring the adjacent complex & museum
The monastery complex also contains quarters of monks, school & other educational area, and something truly unique – a museum. The Museum is a must visit, so tourists must budget enough time to go through the unique artifacts kept there. Some of them are truly historical. These include Tibetian brassware like incense holder & figurines, masks, and Thangka paintings. I had little time and it was very cold inside, so I came out wanting for more.
Richly decorated, ethereal structures
After such a tiring experience, I settled on taking a leisurely walk to appreciate the landscape and small structures outside of the monastery. That is when I chanced upon a richly embellished small enclosure with prayer wheels & small pagodas. After turning the wheels for a while I sat on the bench placed on one side, praying and relieving the amazing experience I just had. Your preference may vary, but my point is to keep enough time to appreciate the adjacent places.
Logistics
This is Part # 1 of our Tawang blog, focusing only on the monastery as we felt this prime tourist spot deserves a post on it’s own.
I will invite you to read Part # 2 of Tawang Blog where we will discuss other amazing tourist places in & around the town, and I will provide you will practical tips on reaching Tawang, staying there, planning your movement, specialities in terms of food & apparels, and other aspects to make your trip truly memorable.
Till then “Bon Voyage..”
