The search of tranquillity, serenity and peace has brought me to beautiful city of Tawang and to the doorstep of holy Tawang Monastery. Before spending hours submerged in the divine aura of monastery, only a mere visit of few minutes has made me enchanted and enticed by the beauty of Tawang Monastery. Once in monastery one can almost feels if time has came to a halt and with every footstep toward monastery brings closer to peace and tranquility.
Being the second biggest and oldest monastery in world, which is largely known as Tawang Monastery is also known by its Tibetan name of Tawang Ganden Namgyal Lhatse Gompa which in Tibetan symbolism means – The celestial paradise of divine site. The establishment of Tawang Monastery goes back to years of 1680-81 CE, and was founded by Merak Lama Lodre Gyatso. Monastery and surrounding valleys are indeed magical and so mesmerising the founding tale of this holy Buddhist site.
In late 17th century Lama Lodre Gyatso was seeking a place across Tibetan and Himalayan region to establish new Monastery. The search has brought him into the valley which we now know as Tawang Valley. Over many days he was meditating, praying to Lord Buddha and Dalai Lama for guiding him to find suitable place to build monastery. One day Lama Lodre Gyatso was praying in his cave and noticed his horse was no longer outside the cave, he went searching for his horse around the valley. At last Lama Lodre Gyatso found his horse grazing on grass calmly and peacefully at small grassland; he was pleased and believed that the divine power is guiding him and giving him sign to build a monastery in that chosen place which is the current site of Tawang Monastery.
The monastery was founded in 1680-81 CE as per wishes and blessing of 5th Dalai Lama Ngawang Lobsang Gyatso. And years later the 6th Dalai Lama Tsangyang Gyatso was born in Tawang and making it major holy place for Tibetan Buddhists.
Monastery is located away from main business center of Tawang where all hotels and markets resides, and private vehicle or local taxis can be taken to reach the Tawang Monastery.
On main side of entrance of monastery, a tall gate could be seen along with praying wheels larger than human size. The mantra that is scribed on these praying wheels and to recite while turning the Buddhist praying wheels is “OM MANI PADME HUM” or “OM MANI PEME HUNG”.
Prayer wheels are also known as Mani wheels in Tibetan language. It is believed that each turn of a prayer wheel represents a recitation of the prayer inside and transports it to heaven. These praying wheels can be seen many in numbers some small and some big, some are simple and some are having magnificent engraving in them.
Prayer wheels can be made of wood, copper, bronze, silver or gold. All the way from outer entrance gate and along the stoned path leading to monastery prayer wheels of all sizes are lined and well decorated.
The location of Tawang Monastery is perfect and can be seen almost everywhere from Tawang town. And also does the beautiful town of Tawang can be seen from alleys and rooftop of the monastery.
Seeing the monastery once in one season is not enough because the valley and surroundings changes its colours and moods in every season. Each time the aura and beauty of valley and monastery is different than others.
After crossing the outer entrance gate lay the small shops and which is mainly used by Monks of the monastery. Among those shops saviour, journals and books can also be purchased. Beyond these small shops is the main entry gate to the compound of monastery and start of narrow stone and grey marble path that leads to the main monastery.
Inside the compound of monastery building and houses with yellow coloured rooftops can be seen at upon entering to main entrance gate, among those houses many are residential houses for Monks and many are warehouses and Kitchens.
After the Buddhist New Year Festival Losar the monastery declares few months long holiday which allows young student Monks to visit home and others to travel other monastery and places for monastery related work. Hence during month of mid February to April and May, Monastery has less numbers of routine rituals, celebrations and prayers.
The main Praying Hall of monastery is marvellous creation of art and beauty. The painting on outer wall of main praying hall beside main door are eye catching. The painting tells all the mystical tales Buddha’s, Lama’s and various Deities. Adjacent to monastery is the main library of Monastery. Old journals, books and references can be read from collections.
As integral part of respect and integrity it is advised not to wear cap or hat while entering the main praying hall of monastery and maintain silence as much as possible as these are sacred Buddhist place and not a tourist spot.
The statue of Lord Buddha in Tawang Monastery is one of the most beautiful and elegant statues of Lord Buddha I have seen myself. Ambiance inside the Monastery is tranquil and peaceful, a perfect to place to offer prayer and meditate.
A separate building is located near to main praying hall where lamps or candles can be offered as part of prayer, butter or ghee are used for the burning of lamps. Lighting the lamps dispels darkness in a literal sense, but the process also symbolizes enlightenment by taking something without light i.e. the butter or ghee and turning it into light.
Inside of monastery is decorated with colourful Thangka and Khata, some Thangka are over 100 years olds and are preserved inside the monastery. Wall painting of Lord Buddha, holy Lamas and Buddhist Deities are decorated beautifully across all walls of main monastery building.
Recommendation & Travel Guide
Monks in monastery offer morning prayer at 4 AM in the morning. It is one of enchanting and mesmerising experience to get in Tawang Monastery. If time allows morning first prayer definitely recommended and an event not be missed if getting a chance.
The best time visit Tawang Monastery is February and March during the festival of Losar, which is Buddhist New Year. Good snow falls during December and January blankets most of the mountains and valley with snow, and during February and March very less snowfall makes the routes beautiful and roads safer for travel.
During month of October annual Tawang Festival is celebrated which showcase the extravaganza rich Monpa culture and dances and also, it offers to taste the delicacy of Monpa tribe food.
The Hotels are mostly nested around the main Tawang Market area. Homestays could be found in main Market area and also across many different area of Tawang, though they might be not be well listed on Internet. It is advised to do booking of Hotels or Homestay in advance for hassle free stay as most of better accommodations are pre booked.
As always I request everyone to be a responsible traveller, respect the diverse culture and beliefs, respect people and monuments and you will be blessed with the love and care of people of Tawang Valley for sure.
The Humble Explorer 