Namgyal Monastery, Himachal Pradesh

Namgyal Monastery, Himachal Pradesh

Namgyal Monastery is situated in McLeodganj near Dharamshala in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. McLeodgamj is also known as “Little Lhasa”. The monastery is believed to be founded by the third Dalai Lama, although it was the idea given by the second Dalai Lama. Currently, this is the personal monastery of the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso. The other name given to this monastery is Namgyal Tantric College. Now the college has opened its branches in different cities all over the country naming Bodhgaya, Delhi, Kushinagar, and Shimla. In earlier days, the place was used for conducting daily Tibetan rituals, and customs and was moved to Dharamshala immediately from Tibet after the Tibetan revolt. Buddhist pilgrims and devotees visit this beautiful temple at least once in their lifetime to learn the art of meditation along with Buddhist teachings. The monastery can accommodate around 200 monks who are involved in presenting rare skills, techniques, rituals, tantric practices, Buddhist scriptures and culture. Buddhism Tourism in Himachal has come to a surge because of the beautiful monastery of the Dalai Lama.

The history of Namgyal Monastery dates back to the year 1564, the monastery was previously known as Phende Lekshe Ling in Tibet. The monastery got its name from the Vijaya ritual prayer that was held in honor of Mongol King Altai Khan by praying to Goddess Namgyal Maa in the year 1576. After the Chinese invasion of Tibet, the 14th Dalai Lama came to India for refuge and set up the Namgyal Monastery in 1959. Around 55 monks came together to build the original monastery of Lhasa to worship.

The appearance of the monastery from the bottom to top looks like a snow covered mountain. The broad courtyard of the monastery is also pleasing along with a zig-zag staircase that takes one to the main place of worship. Dukhang is the name of the assembly hall in the monastery. The wooden flooring and the bronze statues of this monastery create a blissful and spiritual essence among its pilgrims and visitors. The monastery contains blissful images of Lord Gautam Buddha, Avalokiteshvara, and Padmasambhava. The Thangka paintings are most eye-catching for tourists and pilgrims that are exhibited within these monastery walls. Charming Gompas and shiny prayer wheels are scattered all across the monastery which provide a pleasant soothing sound in the environment. Local tourists and travelers are also drawn to this monastery because of its soothing ambience and praiseful beauty. The Namgyal monastery in Dharamshala also includes a guest house along with a cafe and a library.

Serving as a private place for the Dalai Lama and Buddhist monks, the monastery's rich culture and heritage have produced a mesmerizing effect on its travelers who visit this popular Buddhist pilgrimage center in Himachal from all over the world. After being restored in India, Namgyal Monastery gained popularity in Lhasa and also has expanded its importance around the world. Namgyal Monastery Institute of Buddhist Studies was established in Ithaca, New York in 1992 after getting influenced by the Namgyal Monastery of Dalai Lama.

For tourists, Namgyal Monastery is a must visit monastery in Himachal Pradesh because of its religious and cultural significance of Buddhist religion in the world. Reaching the Namgyal Monastery is easy as one can land at Dharamshala Airport or Pathankot Railway Station. From there, hire pre-paid cabs or taxis to reach this historical monastery. One can even opt for hiking, or hire a local transport to reach the Buddhist religious site. Local buses are also available from Dharamshala to reach McLeodganj. February to March is marked as the ideal time to visit Namgyal Monastery as the weather is perfect for hiking across the Himalayas. Also, during the summer and spring season, the Himalayan town comes to life which cheers up the region for its visitors.