Tawang Monastery, Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Tawang district, India
Tawang Monastery is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery located on a mountain ridge at about 3,000 meters (10,000 feet) elevation. The complex contains 65 residential buildings enclosed within a perimeter wall, with multiple gates providing access to the different parts of the site.
The monastery was founded in 1680 by Merak Lama Lodre Gyatso with strong backing from the 5th Dalai Lama. It became an important center of the Gelug school of Buddhism and shaped the region's spiritual life for centuries to come.
The main temple houses a gilded Buddha statue and religious texts central to the spiritual life of the monastery. Pilgrims and visitors come here to experience the Buddhist traditions that have been maintained within these walls for centuries.
Access to the site is through several gates, with visitors typically entering at the kakaling gate first. From there, pathways and staircases lead through various sections, so wear appropriate footwear for navigating the uneven terrain.
The name Tawang comes from Tibetan meaning 'location selected by horse,' based on an old legend about the monastery's founding. According to the story, a white horse discovered the ideal spot on this mountainside, leading to the establishment of the monastery at this specific location.
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