Tabo Monastery, Himachal Pradesh, Buddhist monastery in Tabo, Himachal Pradesh, India
Tabo Monastery is a Buddhist temple complex in the Spiti highlands consisting of several prayer halls, shrine structures, and monks' quarters. The complex spreads across a large area in this remote mountain region.
The foundation dates to 996, when a Buddhist scholar established this monastery under royal protection. It stands as one of the oldest continuously active Buddhist centers on the Indian subcontinent.
The interior walls feature painted religious artwork and ancient Buddhist texts that tell stories from the Mahayana tradition. These creations show how monks have expressed their spiritual practice across many centuries.
The site sits at high elevation and access can be challenging depending on the season. Visitors should arrive early in the morning when monks conduct their daily prayers to experience the full rhythm of monastic life.
Meditation caves are carved into the surrounding rock where monks deepen their practice in complete solitude. These hidden spaces reveal the historical bond between this place and the wild mountain landscape around it.
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