Tawang Monastery, India

The Tawang Monastery was founded near the small town of the same name in the northwestern part of Arunachal Pradesh, India by Merak Lama Lodre Gyatso in 1680-1681in accordance with the wishes of the 5th Dalai Lama. The monastery belongs to the Gelugpa school and has a religious association with Drepung Monastery in Lhasa, which continued during the period of British rule. It is very close to the Tibetan border, located in the valley of the Tawang-chu which flows down from Tibet.

Located at an elevation of about 3,300 metres (10,000 feet) in the district capital, Tawang town. It has a capacity of about 700 monks and presently is home to more than 450 Lamas. It is said to be one of the biggest Buddhist monasteries in the world outside of Lhasa, Tibet.

It also houses the three-storied Parkhang library: a collection of 400-year-old Kangyur scriptures in addition to many other invaluable manuscripts. Other large collections include the Sutras, Tangym, Sungbhum, old books and other manuscripts, both handwritten and printed, many of them in gold. Dances and ceremonial celebrations are held in the courtyard, the most important of which is held on the night of Buddha Poornima.

 It was renovated in 1997 by the 14th Dalai Lama - with renovation meaning that the traditionally built structure was torn down and then rebuilt with concrete. The name Tawang means 'Chosen Horse'.  As the legend goes, the site of the monastery was chosen by the horse of Merag Lama who had been unable to decide on a site to establish the monastery. One day he was praying in cave, seeking divine guidance. When he came out after the prayers, he found his horse missing. On searching, the horse was located standing quietly on a hilltop. Considering this as a sign of divine blessing, he decided to construct the monastery at the very spot. The monastery was built with the help of volunteers from the neighboring villages. It is also known by another Tibetan name, Galden Namgey Lhatse, which means 'celestial paradise in a clear night'.

Since the illegal force of the Chinese to destroy the country and culture of Tibet, Tawang stands as a strong force. Chinese troops briefly occupied it during the 1962 Sino-Indian War, destroying portions of the monastery.

Tawang Monastery is the second oldest in the world (after that in Lhasa, Tibet). It houses a 29 feet tall Buddha made of gold. The rich collection of ancient Buddhist art & sculpture here is priceless. Tawang also boasts of 100 lakes around the monstery.

Other places to see

1. Urgelling Monastery, 5 km from the town of Tawang where the 6th Dalai Lama was born.

2. A modern day shrine dedicated to the brave Indian soldiers, defending against the violent and invasive army of China, has been erected 21 kilometers ahead of the Tawang Town. Named after rifleman Jaswant Singh, who along with two other soldiers held their post for 72 hours and successfully stalled the Chinese progress, the Jaswantgarh Army Memorial is a symbol of bravery and sacrifice.

3. The Gumpas of  Bomdila and Dirang can be viewed on the way.

4. Nameri National Park and Kaziranga National park.

5.  Tipi Orchidarium, home to the larget variety of orchids.




Directions, Accomodation and Duration

The most convenient but pricey option is the Pawan Hans helicopter service from Tezpur, Assam. The 80 minute ride will cost Rs. 3000 ($80 approx) single way. However, most people opt for the 13 hour bus journey beginning from Bomdila which will take you through scenic mountainous roads and the awe-inspiring Sela pass situated at a height of 14000 feet. One can also consider the shared taxis from Tezpur at Rs. 350 ($9) per head.  Tezpur is the closest place, which offers an airport

One can find a lot of options for lodging in the budget category such as the Tourist Lodge and Htel Gourichan. For a more confortable stay, one can choose the pricey Tawang Inn. Most hotels in the area are good value for money and are conveniently located.



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tawang_Monastery

http://tawangmonastery.org/