Where The Monasteries Are

I have always valued the Hindu rituals growing up and there is no denying that. But, that does not hold me back from aspiring to appreciate Buddhism in all its beauty one day. My regard for this religion comes not just from the solace that their monasteries have always granted me right from the first time that I entered one in my troubled times to every single time I go back; but also because of the way the people of this faith just are. I am yet to come across an agitated or envious Buddhist! Qualities, unfortunately, that are so common and everyday otherwise.

By now, everyone reading this blog realizes my eternal love for the Himalayas and I believe there is no better home to Buddhism, which brings me to this blog post, Where The Monasteries Are.

Kaza GOMPA

Kaza is the main town in the Lahaul & Spiti District of Himachal Pradesh and usually acts as the pitstop for most of your explorations in this district. Although the Monastery (Gompa) in Kaza is not counted amongst the “important” monasteries of the region, it does not lack in beauty or tranquility. And, for me, monasteries have always been places of quietude, which immediately fill you with a sense of peace & calm. So, there it is, flagging off this list of Himalayan Monasteries.

KI GOMPA

The little village of Ki is about 12km from Kaza, sitting atop a hill, overlooking this village is the largest Buddhist Gompa & Learning Center of Spiti. It is also one of the most frequented and photographed in this region. Its popularity stems from how this monastery has been built like a fort in the Pasada Style of architecture. Once inside, you realize that it is not just the monastery nestled among the mountains that makes a pretty picture but that the views from it just as scenic.

Tabo GOMPA

Tabo was not on the agenda of the group I was travelling with. But, I was lucky enough to make some friends along the way who were just as keen on visiting Tabo, despite the ‘no photography rule’. So, after some trifling deliberation, we finally managed to convince the driver of one of the SUV's to drive us to Tabo, while the rest headed back to Kaza & I can gladly say it was one of the best decisions on this trip!

Tabo is a small valley 48km southeast of Kaza. The Tabo Gompa founded in 996AD is said to be the oldest continuously functioning monastery in India & it being declared a UNESCO Heritage Site has been in the offing for a while now. Its claim to fame though, ironically, is that it was the setting for a Bollywood movie in 2003!

The mud-brick wall temple complexes of the Tabo Gompa house some of the most exquisite Indo-Tibetan art that I have ever seen. The murals not only hold religious & aesthetic significance but are historically important as well, as a remnant of the early Buddhist culture. Here in and rightly so, comes the no photography rule. But, there is so much to see and discover even around the Gompa in Tabo that I for once am glad it is a non-photographer zone. The main stupa outside the temple complex. The hillside caves up above the village and the monastery is where the monks used to live once. It is now an Archaeological Survey of India protected site.

This post was originally published on Map in My Pocket.