TAWANG MONASTERY(INDIA'S LARGEST MONASTERY)
Tawang Monastery: A Comprehensive Overview
Introduction
Tawang Monastery, located in the picturesque town of Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh, India, is the largest monastery in India and the second largest in the world, after the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet. It stands at an elevation of approximately 10,000 feet in the Eastern Himalayas, offering stunning views of the Tawang River Valley. This iconic monastery is not just a center of spiritual learning but also a symbol of the cultural and historical significance of Tibetan Buddhism.
Historical Background
1. Foundation and Establishment:
• Tawang Monastery was founded in 1680-81 by Merak Lama Lodre Gyatso, a monk of the Gelug (Yellow Hat) sect of Mahayana Buddhism.
• The establishment was blessed by the 5th Dalai Lama, Ngawang Lobsang Gyatso, who named it “Tawang Galdan Namgyal Lhatse,” meaning “celestial paradise in a clear night.”
2. Historical Significance:
• The monastery served as a crucial center for spreading Buddhist teachings in the region.
• It played a pivotal role in integrating Tibetan Buddhism into the local Monpa culture.
• It is believed to have been constructed following a divine vision experienced by Merak Lama, who was instructed to build the monastery where his horse stopped.
3. Role in Modern History:
• In 1959, the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, took refuge in Tawang Monastery during his escape from Tibet to India.
• The monastery has been a site of political and cultural importance due to its strategic location near the Indo-China border. It became a focal point during the Sino-Indian War of 1962.
Architecture
• The monastery complex is spread over 140 square meters and can house over 700 monks.
• Main Components:
• Dukhang (Assembly Hall): The central prayer hall, featuring a massive 8-meter-high gilded statue of Lord Buddha Shakyamuni.
• Residential Quarters: These house monks and visiting devotees.
• Library: Contains ancient scriptures, including the Kangyur (Buddha’s teachings) and Tengyur (commentaries).
• Golden Roofed Stupa: A key attraction that showcases Tibetan architectural brilliance.
• The walls and interiors of the monastery are adorned with vibrant murals and thangka paintings depicting Buddhist deities and teachings.
Present-Day Importance
1. Spiritual Significance:
• The monastery continues to be a center for Buddhist education, rituals, and meditation.
• It follows the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism and is spiritually associated with the Dalai Lama.
2. Cultural Hub:
• It plays a central role in preserving the Monpa culture and heritage.
• The monastery hosts the Torgya Festival, an annual three-day event to ward off evil spirits and ensure prosperity.
3. Tourism:
• Tawang Monastery is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Arunachal Pradesh.
• It attracts travelers, photographers, and spiritual seekers for its serene beauty and cultural richness.
4. Challenges:
• The monastery faces geopolitical challenges due to its proximity to the disputed Indo-China border.
• Efforts are ongoing to preserve its architectural and cultural heritage.
Interesting Facts
• The name “Tawang” is derived from two words: “Ta” (horse) and “Wang” (chosen), referring to the divine guidance Merak Lama received.
• The monastery’s library is considered a treasure trove of ancient knowledge, with rare manuscripts and scrolls.
• It serves as a crucial educational institution for monks, teaching Buddhist philosophy, arts, and traditional medicines.
Present-Day Administration
• The monastery is managed by a head lama, supported by senior monks and scholars.
• It collaborates with the central Tibetan administration and Buddhist organizations worldwide for cultural preservation.
How to Visit
• Accessibility: Tawang can be reached via road from Tezpur or Guwahati, Assam, or via helicopter services.
• Best Time to Visit: October to March, when the weather is pleasant and the monastery celebrates its annual festivals.
Tawang Monastery stands as a testament to the spiritual and cultural confluence of Buddhism and the Himalayas. Its rich history, stunning architecture, and serene environment make it a treasure trove for scholars, travelers, and devotees alike.