Buddhist Monasteries in India

Monasteries in Sikkim :

With more than 200 gompas or monasteries, Sikkim is the best place to trek through in search of ancient rituals still in practice. There are numerous centers for the study of Buddhist philosophy and religion in Sikkim. Robed, in rich maroon, the lamas or the Buddhist monks can be seen every where. Sikkim is best known for the Mount Kanchenjunga peak, that is worshiped as the guardian deity of Sikkim. Some of the famous monasteries in Sikkim include Pemayangtse monastery, Enchey monastery, Rumtek monastery, Phensang monastery, Phodang monastery and Tashiding monastery. Out of the these the most famous is beautiful Rumtek monastery, which is the seat of the XVIth Gyawla Karmapa, the head of the Karma Kagyu Order of Tibetan Buddhism.

Pemayangtse is a simple abode of the cheerful monks. Near to that is the Sanga Chelling Gompa, sais to be the oldest monnastery in Sikkim. The chanting of Buddhist hymns and rhythms of drums are the regular feature of these gompas. The Guru Padmasambhava is worshiped in the monasteries and beautiful decorative lamps and lights are placed before his statues. Prayer wheels are the common sight and the gompas are decorated with frescos from Buddhists legends as well as local folklore and decorated with thangkas or Buddhist paintings on silk.

Monasteries in Himachal Pradesh :

Apart from adventure activities, Buddhist monasteries are one of the major attractions to the tourists visiting the beautiful state of Himachal Pradesh. The entire state of Himachal Pradesh is dotted with monasteries of all kinds, belonging to various orders of schools of Buddhism. All the major monasteries are sited at scenic location with the beautiful background. It has always remained major center of Buddhism, the spiritual leader of the Tibetans, the Dalai Lama, made Dharamsala in Himachal Pradesh as his residence.

Here you will find monasteries beyond imagination. The very aura of Dhankar Gompa , located in Spiti valley can spell bind you for a moment. It stands at the height of 12,774 feet and lies between the towns of Kaza and Tabo. Dhankar was the previous capital of Spiti Valley Kingdom during the 17th century. Another one is the Tabo monastery that too lies in the Spiti valley of Himachal Pradesh. Other famous monasteries in the region are Guru Ghantal monastery, Namgyal monastery, Rewalsar, Kanum Monastery, Kardang monastery, Shashur monastery, Tayul monatery, and many more. Tse-Chok-Ling monastery is nestled in a quiet spot and one can visit and take part in the prayer services. The beautiful monastery of Norbulingka, is where Tibetan culture is kept alive in the form of art, paintings, handicrafts and tangkhas.


Monasteries in Ladakh :

Monasteries in Ladakh belonging to either Mahayana or the Hinayana sect of Buddhism have been playing the great role in influencing the cultural heritage and lifestyle of the people. There are major 13 Gompas in Ladakh. Hemis is the largest of all Gompas in Sikkim. Built in 1630, it is the most unique and most impressive monastery in Sikkim. It consists of an library of ancient manuscripts and houses the largest tangkha in India. Another famous monastery in Ladakh is Likir monastery, founded in the 11th century by a sect known as Klu-Kkhjil. The original Gompa was destroyed and the present one was rebuilt in the 18th century. Than there is Lamayuru monastery, that is famous for its fascinating caves and Yundrung Kabgyad festival. One can also visit the Cave Monastery and Phuktal Gompa. Other renowned monasteries are Stok, Shey, Thiksey and Spituk.


There are many more places like in Orissa, Arunachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, etc., where one can feel the sublimity, which pervades in the monasteries. The list is endless and there is much to see and experience.