Gyangong Ani Gompa(Temple) in Tawang hillock Arunachal Pradesh

Here is Some Information about Gyangong Ani Gompa in Tawang hillock Arunachal Pradesh India.


Location: on top of a hillock about 5-km away in the north of Tawang
Built in:8th Century
Built By:Guru Padmasmbhava
Dedicated to: Lord Bauddha
Entry: Free
Photography:Allow
Temple Timing: 7:00 Am to 7:00 Pm
Significance: Buddhist Pilgrimage Centre
Visiting Timing:1 Hour
Best time to Visit: April To Oct
Nearest Railway Station: Harmuty Railway Station
Nearest Airport: Lilabari (North Lakhimpur) Airport

About  Gyangong Ani Gompa 

The Gyangong Ani Gompa temple is located on top of a hillock about 5-km away in the north of Tawang Arunachal Pradesh.The temple was built in 8th Century and built by Guru Padmasmbhava.Gyangong Ani Gompa in Tawang Arunachal Pradesh is a beautiful Nunnery, having about 50 Buddhist Nuns. This Ani Gonpa is under the control of Tawang Monastery and the nuns of this monastery get provision from the Tawang monastery. Location of nunnery and the customs being followed by nuns remind visitors of the period of Maurya Dynasty, when the Buddhism was preached in the distant hilly areas under the shade of green trees.

Gompas and Monasteries follow huge and expansive size of architecture, comparable to Palaces, maintaining uniqueness in any place they are established. If the Gampa is constructed amidst the living places, the Gampa building will be of different colour and size and anyone can clearly mark a Gampa from a far away place. Likewise, the Meditation Caves annexed to Cliffs, will be of distinct architecture that they stand out inviting Buddhist monks and other Buddhism followers to come there and do their Prayers.

The interior design of a Gompa will vary according to the region in which it is constructed. But, there will always a common design, which would have  the meditation hall in the centre and benches or sitting arrangement around for the monks to do their Prayers and Meditation, while Buddha Murti or Thangka will be in the centre. In the Gompa architecture ancient principles of environmental metaphysics are always adopted to keep the Gompa in a serene atmosphere.

With regard to the Eye of Buddha statue, the eyes are painted in such a manner that the followers would not dare to see Buddha’s eyes directly.

History of  Gyangong Ani Gompa  

The GyangongAniGompa Nunnery is situated at the top of a beautiful hillock about 5 km north of Tawang and it was  founded by the Buddhist monkMera Lam LodreGyamtso, who subsequently gave the Nunnery to his elder sister to administer.

Traditionally at least one girl from every family joins the AniGompa and this practice is going on for several years.

Tawang City has a rich history, Monpa tribe living in this place centuries before and Mon Kingdom was holding the reigns ruling Tibet and Bhutan region. Buddhism was brought in during 8th Century, by Guru Padmasmbhava and during 18th Century British power made Tawang an important centre of the North East. When 1914 McMohan line was drawn up, Tawang became an Indian city.

Apart fromGyangongAniGompa, Tawang houses few other monasteries, such as Urgelling Monastery, Righyalling Monastery and Taksang Monastery, apart from Tawang Monastery, which is called GaldenNamgyalLhaste. As for nunneries, Tawang houses three AniGompas, which are Brama Dung ChingAniGompa, GyangongAniGompa and SingsurAniGompa.

How to Reach Gyangong Ani Gompa  

By Road : Public transport provided by Arunachal Pradesh State Transport Corporation provides facility for one to reach Tawang by road, which runs regular bus-services to various places in Arunachal Pradesh. There are long distance bus services to  Itanagar from Guwahati, every day, which is about 429 km travel.

By Rail : The Nearest Railway station is  Harmuty Railway Station(23 Km)

By Air : The Nearest Airport is Lilabari (North Lakhimpur) Airport  .

Piucture Gellery of  Gyangong Ani Gompa 

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Taktsang Monastery(Tiger’s Den) in Tawang Arunachal Pradesh

Here is Some Information about Taktsang Monastery in Tawang Arunachal Pradesh india.

Location: 50 km from Tawang town,near the Sangetsar Lake
Built in:1860-61
Built By: Guru Padmasambhava
Dedicated to: Lord Bauddha
Entry: Free
Photography:Allow
Temple Timing: 6:00Am to 8:00Pm
Significance: One of the Bauddha temple
Visiting Timing: 1 Hour
Best time to Visit: April to October
Nearest Railway Station: Tezpur
Nearest Airport: Tezpur

About Taktsang Monastery

The Taktsang Monastery is located at 50 km from Tawang town,near the Sangetsar Lake Arunachal Pradesh.The temple was built in 8th century and built by Guru Padmasambhava. Surrounded by forests with coniferous trees and mountains, the Taktsang Monastery is perched on a hill, making it a perfect location for meditation. Established as a part of Buddhist culture in India, the monastery is well known to have been present since the 8th century CE, when anecdotes of Guru Padmasambhava are well accounted for. Another name for this monastery is Taktsang Palphug Monastery, which also means Tiger’s Nest or Tiger’s Den. 

Building of the monastery has been done in such a way that the rocks and terrain have been used to provide support and strength. The monastery is said to be perched quite precariously on these rocks. Rock cave, where the guru is said to have performed his meditation is considered to be the largest in the region and has plenty of Buddha pictures and sculptures. Also, here a scripture can be found, which has importance for the followers of the monastery’s principles. All the buildings constructed in the area have interconnecting stairways and steps. A large Buddha idol is found in the temple, which is situated at the highest point. Balconies are a common feature in all the buildings, which are perched towards the valleys, providing a picturesque view of the mountains and valleys. There are other important structures present within the Taktsang monastery such as Taktsang Zandgo Pari, the building which was occupied by the wife of Guru Rinpoche, Urgyan Tsemo or the Peak of Urgyan, the prayer wheel and the holy cave temple, which is the primary shrine of the monastery. A lot of paintings showing the historical anecdotes of Guru Rinpoche are found, along with various structures representing Buddhism.

History of  Taktsang Monastery

Background history of the Taktsang monastery is related to its establishment by Guru Padmasambhava or Rinpoche, who is supposed to have arrived at this location from Tibet. There was a demon at this place, after whose killing, the guru performed meditation of the cave for about 3 years, and some months. He emerged after the meditation of 8 forms and since then, the place has become holy and is known as Tiger's Nest. The monastery complex was built around the cave by Tenzin Rabgye, who according to some people was the reincarnation of Guru Rinpoche. He was instrumental of establishing Buddhism of the region of Bhutan and the Nyingmapa school. Due to the historical anecdotes, many Buddhist saints have come to the cave site for meditation and gradually, it became established as a well known place for meditation and worship by Buddhist followers. The traditional dance form of Tsechu had a strong following during these historical days also.

 Festival of Taktsang Monastery

Tsechu festival is held in the month of March – April, in honour of Guru Padmasambhava and is believed to have been started during the 17th century. During the rule of Bhutan by Shabdrung, Terton Pema Lingpa of Bhumthang, various religious dance forms and religious festivals started to be organised at the site of Taktsang Monastery in Paro hills. When Bhutan was attacked by Tibetan ruler in 17th century, Pema Lingpa conducted various rituals and dances to invoke the guru Rinpoche and seek his blessings in the fight with Tibet and also went on to win the fight, but failed to establish a monastery as promised. But, his successor, Tenzin Rabgye constructed the monastery in the latter part of 17th century and regularly conducted the Tsechu festival every year, with maintaining of the traditional Black hat dance forms.

How To Reach  Taktsang Monastery

By Road : There are public and private vehedcals available to reach Taktsang Monastery Arunachal Pradesh.

By Rail : The Nearest Railway station is Tezpur station.

By Air : the Nearest Airport is tezpur Airport.

Picture Gellery of  Taktsang Monastery

 

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Urgelling Monastery in Zemithang Arunachal Pradesh

Here is Some Information about Urgelling Monastery in Zemithang  Arunachal Pradesh.

Location: Zemithang, 90 kilometre from Tawang town
Built in: 12th century
Built By:Lama Pradhar
Dedicated to: Lord Bauddha
Entry: Free
Photography:Allow
Temple Timing: 7:00 Am To 7:00 Pm
Significance: One of the Bauddhest temple
Visiting Timing: 1 Hour
Best time to Visit: April to Oct

Pincode : 792110

Phone : +91-3794-222221
Nearest Railway Station: Tezpur (Assam)
Nearest Airport: (Assam)

About  Urgelling Monastery

The Urgelling Monastery is located in Zemithang, 90 kilometre from Tawang town Arunachal Pradesh.The temple was built in 12th century and built by Lama Pradhar .The hemispherical dome rests upon a three-terraced plinth. Four miniature stupas are set on the four corners of the lower most terrace of the plinth. The base is square with each side about 170 feet in length, with a niche running all along its whole length and 120 Manis are set in frames of wood in the niche of each of the base. A paved path goes all around for the pilgrims for circumambulation. 

The exterior architecture of the chorten comprises of a semi circular dome on the top resting on a three terraced plinth. Four miniature stupas are erected on the lower most terraces in each of the four corners. The base of the stupa is square in shape having each side of 170 feet in length. A circular path encircles the stupa for the pilgrims to go for praying and is called as Kora. 

Festival  Urgelling Monastery Tawang 

The 3rd edition of Tawang Festival will be celebrated in the month of May. Tawang Festival was introduced in 2012 as a tourism festival after celebration of Buddha Mahotsova since 2004. Apart from showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the state, the festival also promote adventure tourism, all together the festival is all about showcasing the vast tourism potential  of the region. It’s the festival, were you will not only witness the rich culture of Monpas but also of all other tribes of the state Arunachal Pradesh.

How to Reach  Urgelling Monastery  

By Road : There are many public and private vehecals available to reach Urgelling Monastery near Tawang.

By Rail : The Nearest Railway station is Tezpur station Assam.

By Air : The Nearest Airport is tezpur Airport Assam.

Picture Gellery of  Urgelling Monastery

Video  of  Urgelling Monastery


 

 

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GRL Gompa Monastery(Temple)in Bomdila Arunachal Pradesh

Here is Some Information about GRL Gompa Monastery(Temple)in Bomdila Arunachal Pradesh India.

Location:  Bomdila in the west Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh
Built in: 1965-66
Built By: 12th reincarnate of Tsona Gontse Rinpoche
Dedicated to: Lord Buddha
Entry:Free
Photography:Allow
Significance:One of the most Bauddha Temple
Visiting Timing: 1 Hour
Best time to Visit: October to April
Nearest Railway Station: Tezpur station(Assam)
Nearest Air Port: Tezpur Airport(Assam)

About  GRL Gompa Monastery

The GRL (Gentse Gaden Rabgyel Ling)Gompa Monastery is located in Bomdila, the headquarters of the west Kameng district in Arunachal Pradesh, It is about 160 km from Guwahati, the capital city of Assam.It is Built in 1965-66 and built by 12th reincarnate of Tsona Gontse Rinpoche .The Gompa is a replica of Tsona Gontse Monastery at Tsona in South Tibet, established during 15th century.The Bomdila Gompa or monastery is one of the most prominent centres of the Lamaistic faith of Mahayana Buddhism. A replica of the Tsona Gontse monastery at Tsona in the southern Tibet, the Bomdila monastery(also known as the Gentse Gaden Rabgyel Lling monastery) was set up by the twelfth reincarnate of the Tsona Gontse Rinpoche. The reincarnate who was born in Morshing, west Kameng, had established this monastery in the year 1965 before his death in 1966. 

The Gompa comprises a prayer hall, used by the Lamas and the monks for peace prayers, a temple of the Buddha and residential quarters for the monks. Besides the prayers and tantrayana practices, the young monks are also taught about the monastic life and tradition and different subjects by the senior Lamas or the monks of the monastery.

The main Gompa is divided into - Lower Gompa, Middle Gompa and Upper Gompa, of which the Upper Gompa is the main monastery. 

The Lower Gompa is located at the end of the main market. It reflects the beautiful Tibetan architecture. The huge prayer hall is located inside this Gompa. 

The Middle Gompa is located about 2 km from the main market. It houses the Blue Medicine Buddha whom the locals believe heals all diseases and is the Lord of Medication. Healing happens in the form of meditation and prayers. 

The Upper Gompa is the main monastery. It has a school for the children of the monks, a prayer hall and a temple of Lord Buddha. This main Gompa attracts a number of tourists every year and gives an insight into the peaceful and divine principles of Buddhism. 

Festivals celebration 

The Bomdila monastery, a follower of the Mahayana school of Buddhism, celebrates numerous festivals important in a Buddhist's life. Losar, being the major one, is celebrated to mark the beginning of the New Year according to the Monapa calendar. This festival goes on for 15 days, in which prayers are offered along with hoisting of the prayer flags. Another festival, Saka Dawa, held on the fourth month of the lunar calendar, marks the day of the Buddha's enlightenment. Torgya is another major occasion celebrated for three days in the eleventh month of the lunar calendar to rejoice the victory of good over the evil. Dukpa Tse-Shi, observed in the 6th month according to the lunar calendar honours the fist sermon delivered by the Buddha while the Lhabab Duechen festival marks the reincarnation of the Buddha in His Shakyamuni form, celebrated on the ninth month of the calendar.
 

How To Reach  GRL Gompa Monastery

By Road : There are public and private vehecels available to  reach GRL Gompa Monastery Bomdila Arunachal Pradesh.

By Rail : The Nearest railway station is at Tezpur(Assam ) Station.

By Air : The Nearest airport is at Tezpur (Assam ) Airport.

 Picture Gellery of  GRL Gompa Monastery 

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Tawang Monastery(Temple)in Tawang Arunachal Pradesh

Here is Some Information about Tawang Monastery(Temple)in Tawang Arunachal Pradesh India.

Location:  180-km From Bomdila, Tawang District, Arunachal Prdesh
Built in: 17th century A.D
Built By: Merak Lama Lodre Gyatso
Dedicated to: Lord Buddha
Entry:Free
Photography:Allow
Significance:Tawang Monastery is the Largest In India and 2nd Largest In Asia.
Visiting Timing: 1 Hour
Best time to Visit: October to April
Nearest Railway Station: Rangapara(Assam).
Nearest Air Port: Tezpur(Assam).

About Tawang Monastery 

The Tawang Monastery is located at 180-km From Bomdila, Tawang District, Arunachal Prdesh.It was built in 17th century A.D and built by Merak Lama Lodre Gyatso.The Tawang Monastery also known as "Galden Namgyal Lhatse" is famous Buddhist monastery which was founded by Merak Lama Lodre Gyamtso in the year 1860-61 AD. The Tawang Monastery stands on the start of a hill, about 10,000 ft above sea level and has ravines in the south and west, narrow ridge on the north and a gradual slope on the east.
This Buddhist monastery tour offers an imposing and picturesque view of the Tawang -Chu valley. The major attractions here lies in the appreance of the monastery. monastery appears like a fort from a distance, as if guarding the admirers in the wide valley below. Tawang monastery in Arunachal Pradesh is the largest of its kind in the country and 2nd largest in Asia. The Tawang Moanstery has the capacity for housing about 700 monks, but, the actual number of resident Lamas (Monks) at present is a little more than 300. This monastery of Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh is the source of the spiritual life of the people of this region.

The Architecture Tawang Monastery 

The majestic monastery can be entered from its northern side along the ridge by the gate 'Kakaling', which is a hut-like structure with its walls made of stone. The ceiling or the interior roof of the Kakaling are painted with Mandalas or the Kying-Khores, while the inside walls have been painted with pictures of the saints and divinities. After Kakaling, comes the main gate of the monastery in its northern side. Its eastern wall is about 925 feet long while the height differs in between 10 to 20 feet.

The Tawang monastery houses several structures within its premises, the most prominent being the 'Dukhang'. The Dukhang or the assembly hall, which is the main building of the monastery, stands on the northern side of the main court. This three storied complex houses a temple and a 'Labrang', which is the establishment of an Abbot. The interiors of the Dukhang are equally well marked with a magnificent work of art. Its inner walls have been painted with the sketches of several saints and Bodhisattvas, whereas the northern wall of the hall is covered with an altar, used for religious ceremonies; and again, towards its(altar) left lies a silver silk casket holding the Thangkas. The Thangkas have been dedicated to the chief deity of monastery, Goddess Shri Devi, also known as Palden Lhamo. This Thangka, which was painted(Painting known as Ja-Droi Ma) with blood drawn from the fifth Dalai Lama's nose, was given to Merak Lama by His Holy Highness the fifth Dalai Lama himself. Besides, the northern side of the building nests the largest image of the monastery, a huge statue(26 feet high) of the Lord Buddha, standing in the middle of the hall.
Another prominent structure of the monastery is the 'Court', situated at the back of the Gompa(monastery). The stone slab court hosts religious dances and other ceremonies, held according to the lunar calendar of Monpa. On the western side of the court lies a three storied building, known as 'Par-Khang', the library. The Par Khang houses numerous sacred scriptures and Buddhist texts. A two storied structure is located on the southern side of the court, with its one part storing the monks' provisions, while the another one being occupied by Dra-Tsang Buk and his associates. Lastly, on the eastern side of the court is located Rhum-Khang, a two-storied structure. The Rhum-Khang is used for cooking sacred food on the rituals and refreshment for the monks on festive days.

The 'Sha' or hut(60 in number) is another important structure of the monastery, used as residential quarters by the monks. The Centre for Buddhist Cultural Studies is an integral part of the monastery, and act as a learning centre for the young monks, who are taught traditional monastic education along with several subjects like English, Hindi, Arithmetic and others.

Festivals celebrate 

The main festivals celebrated by the Tawang monastery are Losar and Torgya, which not only mark important days for the Buddhists, but at the same time let the people of the area to assemble and celebrate their culture and tradition.
The Losar festival, which is celebrated in the month of January, marks the beginning of the New Year according to the Monpa or lunar calendar. This 15 days festival is celebrated by lightening lamps, offering prayers and hoisting prayer flags. Another festival, Torgya is celebrated by the Lamas of the monastery for three days starting from the 28th day of the eleventh month of the lunar calendar. On this occasion, the Lamas make a Torgya, which is a pyramidical structure made of barley flour, offer prayers, lighten every corner of the monastery, and perform dance to signify the victory of good over the evil spirits.
Other main festivals celebrated in the monastery are Saka Dawa - celebrated on the fourth month of lunar calendar to mark the Buddha's enlightenment day, Dukpa Tse-Shi - on the 6th month of the lunar calendar to mark the fist sermon of the Buddha, Lhabab Duechen - to mark the reincarnation of the Buddha in His Shakyamuni form, celebrated on the ninth month of the calendar and Ganden Ngamchoe - to commemorate the death anniversary of Tsongkha-Pa, the founder of Gelugpa sect.

How To Reach Tawang Monastery 

By Road : Tawang can be reached by a state transport or private bus, or a jeep taken from either Bomdila(185 km), Tezpur(365 km) or Guwahati(555 km) via Sila Pass.

By Rail: The nearest convenient railhead is at Guwahati(555km), which is connected to the cities like Delhi and Mumbai by Rajdhani Express and other trains.

By Air : The nearest airport is at Tezpur(Assam), 365 kilometers away, which is directly connected to Kolkata(West Bengal) by two flights weekly. One can also take a flight to Guwahati(Assam), 555 kilometers away and connected by daily flights to different parts of the country.

Picture Gellery of  Tawang Monastery 

 

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Malinithan Temple in Siang hills Arunachal Pradesh

Here is Some Information about Malinithan Temple in Siang hills Arunachal Pradesh India.

Location: 1-km From Likabali, Arunachal Pradesh
Built in: 8th century
Dedicated to: Lord Shiva
Entry: Free
Photography:Allow
Temple Timing: 6:00 Am to 9:00 Pm
Significance: One of the most temple
Visiting Timing: 1 Hour
Best time to Visit: April to October
Nearest Railway Station: Silapathar , Assam
Nearest Air Port: Helipad at Along, Mohanbari(Assam)

Malinithan is a temple site in ruins. Malinithan is situated at the foot of the Siang hills under the Likabali Sub-Division of West Siang District of Arunachal Pradesh. It is only 1 Km east of Likabali, the nearest administrative centre.Likabali (Arunachal Pradesh) is about 1 km from Malinithan. It is the nearest administrative centre from Malinithan. Silapathar (Assam) is the closest railhead just about 10 km from here. Akashiganga, another pilgrimage site of Arunachal is about 12 km from here. Leelabari (Assam) is 110 km from Malinithan. North Lakhimpur(Assam) is at a distance of 109 km and Itanagar, the capital of Arunachal Pradesh is at a distance of 189 km. Itanagar is directly connected to Guwahati (Assam Capital) by road. One can easily reach Guwahati from any part of India.
The legend says, on the way to Dwarka from Bhismaknagar, Sri Krishna with his newly married wife Rukmini Devi begged blessings of Goddess Parvati. Devi Parvati greeted the newly married couple with wreath. The stringing of the garland was so unique, that overwhelmed Krishna called Devi Parvati as "Sucharu Malini", or a lady who strings garlands beautifully - hence from Malini to Malinithan being the name.

How to Reach Malinithan Temple 

By Road: Malinithan is just 12-km away from Akashiganga which is easily accessible by bus or a car. One can also reach Malinithan by bus or car from Guwahati (Assam), as well as by bus from Itanagar.

By Rail:  The Nearest Rai;way station is Silapathar , Assam.

By Air: The Nearest Air port is Helipad at Along, Mohanbari.

Picture Gellery of Malinithan Temple 

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