Zang Dhok Palri Phodang, Tibetan Buddhist monastery on Durpin Hill, Kalimpong, India.
Zang Dhok Palri Phodang is a monastery built in Tibetan style perched on a hilltop in Kalimpong, featuring traditional architectural elements such as stone walls and sloping roofs. The complex includes prayer halls, monks' quarters, and spaces decorated with painted scenes from Buddhist teachings.
The monastery was founded in 1957 when a Tibetan teacher established it as a refuge after leaving his homeland. The Dalai Lama visited and blessed the site years later, which strengthened its importance to the Buddhist community.
The monastery takes its name from a sacred mountain in Tibetan mythology, and devotees regard it as a place of spiritual significance. Daily prayers and rituals performed here reflect the religious practices that shape the community's connection to Buddhism.
The site is most easily reached by local taxis or buses from Kalimpong town, as it sits on a hillside. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and allow time for a short climb to reach the buildings.
Inside are ancient hand-written religious texts and manuscripts that reveal the spiritual depth of the place. These collections offer a rare glimpse into Buddhist scholarly traditions that are difficult to find elsewhere.
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