Buddhist Monasteries

Introduction:
India is a colorful bouquet of multiple communities, religions and languages. It is one of the best country of world which truly believes in secularism and give each and every individual an opportunity to follow your own religion without any hindrance.

This is evident through endless array of spiritual places that are dotted in each and every nook and corner of India. Apart from large number of Hindu temples, India has a myriad of pious places that belongs to other religions also. For instance, Mosques or Masjids, the sacred place of Muslim, Churches, the worship place of Christians, Gurudwara, the spiritual place of Sikh community and last but not the least Monasteries that belongs to Buddhist people.

What is a Monastery
Monastery is a religious place of Buddhist people. It is also served as a staying option as well as a place of getting spiritual teachings for the Buddhist monks of various ages.

Most of the Buddhist monasteries of India are built in a serene and calm environment and enable you to immerse yourself in this ambiance. Buddhist monasteries are finest place to perform meditation.

Popular Monasteries of North India:
Hemis Gompa: The biggest Buddhist monastery of Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir, is the Hemis Gompa. Built 45km away to the south of Leh, this monastery was constructed in 1630 A.D. This monastery houses the monks of Brokpa or Red Hat Sect. This gompa is famous for its annual Tse Chu festival that held in June-July to commemorates the anniversary of Padmasambhava, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism and also for the largest Thangka painting in Ladakh. Walls of this monastery are decorated with frescoes(paintings).

Thiksey Monastery: Situated 17km south of Leh, Thiksey monastery was constructed by Sherab Zangpo at Stakmo. This beautiful monastery of Ladakh region belongs to the Gelukpa order and spreads over 12 storeys. This Gompa has the largest Buddha statue in the entire Ladakh region. This statue is 15m tall. The annual festival of Thiksey monastery is celebrated in the 9th month of the Tibetan Buddhist calendar. The festival is marked by the famous as well as sacred mask dance or Chham.

Namgyl Tsemo Gompa: One of the most important monastery of India is Namgyal Monastery. It was founded in 1575 by Sonam Gyatso, the third Dalai Lama. Built amidst the green and serene beauty of Dharamshala in Uttaranchal, this monastery has always assisted Dalai Lamas in their public religious activities, from the time of its inception. Namgyal monastery has always played an important role as a center of learning, contemplation and meditation on the vast and profound Buddhist treaties. It still provides teachings of Buddhism to large number of Buddhist monks.

Guru Ghantal Gompa: Built 4km above the meeting point of Chandra and Bhaga river in Tupchiling village in Lahaul region of Himachal Pradesh, this Buddhist monastery is known as Guru Ghantal Gompa. Built entirely of wood, this monastery has an idol dedicated to Brajeshwari Devi. The Avalokiteshwara - a marble head sculpture that belongs to 8th century AD, is also available in this monastery. Another main attraction of this Gompa is the annual Ghantal festival that held in the month of June.

Beside them there are some more beautiful monasteries that are available in the northern part of our country such as Tabo Monastery, Kye Monastery, Dhankar monastery, Kardang monastery etc.