Context
The sacred relics of Lord Buddha were recently given a traditional religious reception at Gaden Namgyal Lhatse, popularly known as Tawang Monastery.
About Tawang Monastery
- Location: Situated in the eastern Himalayan mountains of Arunachal Pradesh.
- Other Name: Gaden Namgyal Lhatse, meaning “the divine paradise of complete victory”.
- Foundation: Established in the 17th century by Merak Lama Lodre Gyatso.
- Religious Significance: It is an important centre of Mahayana Buddhism and the largest monastery in India. It serves as a major centre of monastic education, religious practices and cultural preservation.
Structure of Tawang Monastery
- Dukhang (Assembly Hall)
- It is the most prominent building of the monastery. It is a three–storeyed structure located on the northern side of the courtyard.
- It houses the temple and the Labrang, which is the establishment of the Abbot (head monk).
- Its inner walls contain murals depicting various Buddhist divinities and saints.
- The altar occupies the entire northern wall of the hall.
- Religious Images and Relics
- A silver casket wrapped in silk is placed to the left of the altar. It contains the Thangka (traditional Tibetan Buddhist religious painting) of Goddess Sri Devi (Palden Lhamo), the principal deity of the monastery.
- The Thangka was gifted to the Merak Lama by the 5th Dalai Lama.
- A large, richly gilded statue of Lord Buddha is placed at the centre of the northern side. Buddha is shown seated on a lotus throne, accompanied by his two principal disciples – Maudgalyayana (known for spiritual powers) and Sariputra (known for wisdom). Both are depicted holding a staff and a begging bowl.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Where is Tawang Monastery located?
Tawang Monastery is located in the eastern Himalayan mountains of Arunachal Pradesh. It is the largest Buddhist monastery in India and an important centre of Mahayana Buddhism.
Q2. What is the other name of Tawang Monastery and what does it mean?
Tawang Monastery is also known as Gaden Namgyal Lhatse, meaning “the divine paradise of complete victory”. It was established in the 17th century by Merak Lama Lodre Gyatso.
Q3. What is the religious significance of Tawang Monastery?
It is an important centre of Mahayana Buddhism, serving as a major institution for monastic education, religious practices and preservation of Buddhist culture and traditions.
Q4. What is the Dukhang of Tawang Monastery?
Dukhang is the monastery’s main assembly hall. It is a three-storeyed structure containing the temple, the Abbot’s establishment (Labrang) and murals depicting Buddhist divinities and saints.
Q5. Which principal deity is worshipped at Tawang Monastery?
Goddess Sri Devi (Palden Lhamo) is the principal deity of the monastery. Her Thangka, gifted by the 5th Dalai Lama to Merak Lama, is preserved in a silver casket wrapped in silk.
