Buddhism and Buddhist Temples in Himachal Pradesh

Buddhism and Buddhist Temples in Himachal Pradesh:

 It is believed that ‘Padam Sambhava’ came from Nalanda University to Tibet, he introduced Buddhism in Tibet and from Tibet to Northern Himalayas including Ladakh,Lahaul-Spiti. In the Nako Monastery there are footprints preserved of ‘Padam Sambhava’

  In the district Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur there are Buddhist Temples. These districts share boundaries with Tibet so there is also a great impact of Buddhism in these districts. So here in these districts you can see many types of Buddhist temples known as “Monasteries” and  “Gompa”.  The structure and design of these are different with flat roofs.  There are three types of monasteries – ‘La-Khang’, Gompa  and Tak-Phu.

  Also in Dharamshala after 1959 there is influence of Buddhism and many Monasteries are formed here in Dharamshala and McLeodGanj. After the 14th Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso, escaped from Tibet with his followers in 1959 and took refuge in India, the focus on Tibetan Buddhism spread further and attracted immense international sympathy and support. The Dalai Lama found Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh as an ideal place to establish his "capital in exile" at McleodGanj in close vicinity to Dharamshala, and is called the Little Lhasa or Mini Lahasa.

Here you can see list of some important Monasteries below : 

Tabo Monastery :

 Tabo Monastery is In Spiti and it is known as “Ajanta Of

By Arup1981 - Own work,
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Himalaya” Because there are many caves where Buddhist monks meditate. This monastery was built by ‘Ye-Sashoad’ a ruler of Tibet in 996 A.D. This is the oldest monastery. There are ancient manuscripts, thankas, statues, murals, books etc. are well preserved. And this monastery is under prtection of Archaeological Survey Of India.

Key Monastery:

   Key, Ki also spelled Kee monastery is in Spiti in Lahaul-Spiti district, was built by Domonton in 11th century. This monastery was attacked by Mongols in 17th century during the reign of the Fifth Dalai Lama. 

 There are ancient murals, books and Buddhist books.

Gemur Monastery:

 This monastery is in Lahaul in Lahaul Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh. This monastery is of ‘Marichi Vajravarahi’ . This is a beautiful monastery was built in between 11^th and 12^th centuries. A.D. This Monastery is situated in the Bhaga Valley and is 18 km from the district headquarter Keylong.

Tayul Gompa:

 This Monastery was built by ‘Lama Sarjan RInchain’ In 17^th century. There is statue of ‘Padam Sambhava’ , ‘Singhmuha’ and ‘Vajravarashi’. Here mani wheel turns by itself during on some special occasions. Last time this wheel was turned by self in 1986. Walls of this Gompa are designed with images related to Buddhism.

Guru Ghantal Gompa:

  Name of this Gompa is Guru Ghantal is so called Guru Ghantal because in this Gompa 84 Sidhas of Buddhists had been performing meditation (tapasya). This monastery is situated in village ‘Tupchiling’. Every year in the month of June a festival held here popularly known as ‘Ghantal Festival’.

Kadrang Gompa:

  This is in Lahaul In Kadrang village. Constructed in 900 A.D. and again Lama Norbu renovated it in 1912. There is a library that contains a large number of Buddhist books and literatures.

Sashur Gompa:

 This monastery is in Lahaul. This Buddhist monastery or Gompa was built by ‘Deva Gyatso’ 17^th century. There is a 15 feet wall painting oaf all 84 sidhas of Buddhism. Devil dance is performed here on occasions.

Mrikula Devi:

  This temple is in Lahaul at Udaipur. This was built by Raja Ajay Varman of Kashmir. The old name of Udaipur was Moorgul or Mrikul.

Trilokinath Temple:

  This is situated in Tunde village in Lahaul-Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh. This temple is mixture of Kashmiri-Kannnauj art. This temple is important to both Buddhists and Hindus. It is sacred for both Buddhists and Hindus. There is Abalokiteshwara.There is Stone image of  Nandi in the centre of the temple. And there is also a silver idol of Goddess kali. It is believed that this temple was built by Raja Bahadur Singh of Kullu who also built the Hidimba Devi temple in Manali because there are many similarities between the design. Every year in August Pauri Festival is celebrated here in this temple.