The Monastery of Tawang, the second largest monastery of Asia situated in Arunachal Pradesh, India.

Arunachal Pradesh

Tawang Monastery

1360334633
The Monastery of Tawang, the second largest monastery of Asia situated in Arunachal Pradesh, India.
1360334633
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Major Airports :

Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU), Guwahati

Tezpur Airport (Salonibari Air Force Station) (TEZ), Tezpur

Nearest Railway Station :

Rangapara Railway Station (RPAN)

Major Airports :

Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU), Guwahati

Tezpur Airport (Salonibari Air Force Station) (TEZ), Tezpur

The divine paradise of victory

Tawang Monastery is a magnificent example of Mahayana Buddhism and is the largest monastery in India. Nestled in the misty mountains of the eastern Himalayan range in Arunachal Pradesh, it was founded in the 17th century by Merak Lama Lodre Gyatso in accordance with the wishes of the 5th Dalai Lama. Also known as Gaden Namgyal Lhatse, which means "the divine paradise of complete victory," the monastery is situated at an elevation of over 10,000 feet and overlooks the picturesque Tawang Valley. The three-story high monastery is enclosed by a 925-foot (282 m) long compound wall and consists of 65 residential buildings. Its library houses valuable old scriptures, mainly Kangyur and Tengyur.

Stories of the monastery’s origin

The most prominent of the three origin stories states that the present Monastery's location was chosen by a horse belonging to Merag Lama Lodre Gyatso. He was on a mission assigned to him by the 5th Dalai Lama to establish a Monastery. After an intense search for a suitable place, he retired to a cave to offer prayers, seeking divine intervention to choose the site. When he came out of the cave, he found his horse missing.

He then went in search of the horse and finally found it grazing at the top of a mountain called Tana Mandekhang, which in the past was the palace of King Kala Wangpo. He took this as divine and auspicious guidance and decided to establish the monastery at that location. With the help of the local people, Mera Lama established the monastery at that location in the latter part of 1681.

Into the colourful gate

The monastery entrance features a colourful gate structure known as the Kakaling, which is shaped like a hut and has side walls made of stone masonry. The roof of the Kakaling is decorated with mandalas, and the interior walls are adorned with murals of divinities and saints. The monastery has a printing press for producing religious books using locally made paper and wooden blocks for printing.

These books are primarily used by the literate Monpa Lamas for conducting religious rituals. The library, located on the entire second floor, houses scriptures such as Gyetengpa, Doduipa, Mamtha, Kangyur, Tengyur, and Zungdui, which have been affected by insect attacks.


Tawang-Monastery
Timings

Opening time - 07:00 AM

Closing time - 07:00 PM

What more to explore

Tawang's allure extends beyond its monastic walls. A short distance away is the Tawang War Memorial. Pay your respects to the brave Indian soldiers who valiantly guarded the nation's borders. For a taste of local life, head to the bustling Tawang market. Here you can buy local hand woven tapestries, yak cheese, and exquisite souvenirs. Nature lovers can embark on a scenic trek to the breathtaking Sela Pass for a view of the winter wonderland.

Tawang Monastery is a place where time seems to slow down, allowing you to reconnect with your inner peace amidst the stunning Himalayan backdrop. Come and visit here to find yours.