Monasteries, also known as viharas or gompas, have played a significant role in the religious and cultural history of India for centuries. They are sacred sites where monks and nuns engage in religious practices, study and meditation. India has a rich history of monasteries, and here are some of the most prominent ones from around the country.
1.Hemis Monastery: Located in Ladakh, Hemis Monastery is the largest and wealthiest Buddhist monastery in India. It was built in the 17th century and is home to more than 200 monks. Hemis Monastery is famous for its annual Hemis Festival, which attracts a large number of tourists from around the world.
2.Tawang Monastery: Tawang Monastery, located in Arunachal Pradesh, is the largest monastery in India and the second largest in the world after the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet. It was built in the 17th century and is home to more than 400 monks. Tawang Monastery is famous for its stunning architecture and beautiful surroundings.
3.Rumtek Monastery: Rumtek Monastery, also known as the Dharma Chakra Centre, is located in Sikkim. It was built in the 16th century and is one of the most important monasteries in India for the Karma Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism. Rumtek Monastery is famous for its stunning architecture and beautiful surroundings.
4.Namdroling Monastery: Namdroling Monastery, located in Karnataka, is one of the largest teaching centers of the Nyingma lineage of Tibetan Buddhism outside of Tibet. It was built in the 1960s and is home to more than 5,000 monks and nuns. Namdroling Monastery is famous for its beautiful Golden Temple and stunning surroundings.
5.Sarnath Monastery: Sarnath Monastery, located in Uttar Pradesh, is one of the most important monasteries in India for the Theravada school of Buddhism. It is famous for its stunning architecture and beautiful surroundings. Sarnath Monastery is also famous as the place where Gautama Buddha first taught the Dharma after his enlightenment.
6.Tabo Monastery: Tabo Monastery, located in Himachal Pradesh, is one of the oldest and most important monasteries in India. It was built in the 10th century and is famous for its stunning murals and ancient artifacts. Tabo Monastery is also known as the “Ajanta of the Himalayas” because of its rich collection of ancient murals and sculptures.
7.Phugtal Monastery: Phugtal Monastery, located in Jammu and Kashmir, is one of the most remote and spectacular monasteries in India. It is built into a cliff face and is only accessible on foot. Phugtal Monastery is famous for its stunning location and beautiful surroundings.
8.Alchi Monastery: Alchi Monastery, located in Ladakh, is one of the oldest and most important monasteries in India. It was built in the 11th century and is famous for its stunning murals and ancient artifacts. Alchi Monastery is also known as the “Alchi Choskor” because of its rich collection of ancient murals and sculptures.
9.Diskit Monastery: Diskit Monastery, located in Ladakh, is one of the most important monasteries in India for the Gelugpa school of Tibetan Buddhism. It was built in the 14th century and is famous for its stunning architecture and beautiful surroundings. Diskit Monastery is also known for its 106-foot-tall Maitreya Buddha statue.
