Urgelling Monastery, Buddhist monastery in Tawang district, India
Urgelling Monastery is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Tawang district, situated near the borders of China and Bhutan at an elevation of around 10,000 feet. The complex combines traditional Tibetan architectural style with residential buildings that house the monastic community.
The monastery was founded in the early 17th century by Merak Lama Lodre Gyatso, making it older than the nearby Tawang Monastery. This early establishment made it an important center of Tibetan Buddhism in the Himalayan region.
The main temple holds detailed wall paintings of Buddhist deities, while eight stupas and a dedicated space for butter lamp offerings keep religious traditions alive.
The monastery sits about 5 kilometers from Tawang town and is reachable by local transport. Visitors should bring appropriate clothing for the high altitude and show respect for the religious activities and daily life of the monks.
This is the birthplace of the 6th Dalai Lama, Tsangyang Gyatso, whose preserved footprints and forehead marks remain visible in the prayer hall. These sacred traces make the place a special pilgrimage site for devoted Buddhists.
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