Dharamshala: A Tibetan Buddhist Enclave In India
Dharamshala is the seat of the Tibetan government in exile and the winter capital of Himachal Pradesh located in Kangra district. It is also home to the spiritual head of Tibetan Buddhism Dalai Lama. The city houses Thekchen Chöling Temple Complex which is a spiritual center for Tibetan Buddhism.
Famous monasteries in Dharamshala:
1. Gyuto Monastery : -
It is one of the famous monasteries in Tibet well known for its research on Tantric meditation, performing Tantric ritual arts and Buddhist philosophy. It was established during the year 1474 by one of the disciples of the first Dalai Lama Jetsun Kunga Dhondup and later the monastery was re-established followed by the Communist Chinese invasion in 1959.
The main chamber of the monastery houses a majestic statue of Lord Buddha with the backdrop of snow-clad mountains. You will witness a large number of monks practicing major Tantric texts including Guhyasamaja, Chakrasamvara and Yamantaka during afternoon. This is beyond doubt an extremely serene and peaceful place to spend an afternoon.
2. Namgyal Monastery : -
Namgyal Monastery also referred to as " Dalai Lama's Temple" is located at McLeod Ganj, Dharamsala, India. It is the personal monastery of his holiness Dalai Lama. The monastery is ornated with colorful prayer flags and Thangkas making it an ideal place to relax and meditate.
This monastery conducts various rituals including Kalachakra, Yamantaka, Chakrasamvara, Guhyasamaja and Vajrkilya. They also house a separate classroom where visitors and lamas can interact with each other.
3. Tsuglag Khang Monastery : -
It is one of the biggest meditation temples of the Buddhist people which is located outside Tibet fronting the incredible valley of Kangra. The monastery is opened to the tourists during day time but they are restricted to visit the home residence of the His Holiness and followers.
The exterior part of the monastery is constructed by homemade brick and mortar whereas the interior part is beautifully carved with murals, paintings and pictures that portrays a charming appearance of a Buddhist temple.
Hotels In Dharamshala
4. Jwalamukhi Devi Temple : -
Jwalamukhi Devi Temple is a famous temple dedicated to goddess Jwalamukhi. Jwalamukhi is a town and a nagar parishad located at Kangra district in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh.
Visitors are advised to hire an auto or a private car from the local bus stand since the temple is located on the hilltop. It is definitely worth a visit for the pilgrims.
Hotel Moon Walk Residency: Nestled in the hills of Dharamshala
If you are in Dharamshala and searching for a comfortable stay with your family on a summer vacation, head to Hotel Moon Walk Residency which is one of the deluxe category hotels in Dharamshala. The hotel offers some of the best rooms with stylish interiors and modern amenities.
Mcleodganj market which is just stone's throw from the hotel is the ultimate place for a diehard shopaholic. The market is well known for Tibetan handicrafts, thangkas, Tibetan carpets, garments and other souvenirs. In the Mcleodganj street, there are many shops lined dealing with stuffs for meditation, yoga, trendy cloths and stone studded jewellery etc..
For visitors who wish to experience the positive vibes, peace, harmony can observe the monks chanting, traverse through some of the top monasteries and nunneries in and around Dharamshala.