facts about tawang monastery

In February 1951, Major Ralengnao 'Bob' Khathing led an Assam Rifles column to Tawang town and took control of the remainder of the Tawang tract from the Tibetans, removing the Tibetan administration. The MLA (August 2016) of Tawang constituency is Tsering Tashi. Tawang is a town in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh, situated 448km north-west of state capital Itanagar at an elevation of approximately 3,048 metres (10,000 ft). The full name of the monastery is Tawang Galdan Namgye Lhatse. [28] Torgya, also known as Tawang-Torgya, is an annual festival that is exclusively held in the monastery. [16], Tawang Air Force Station has an already functional heliport and fixed-wing "Advanced Landing Ground" (AGL) capable of handling Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft. [15] The Dalai Lama visited Tawang on 8 November 2009. However, under the Simla Agreement of 1913-14, the area came under the control of the British Raj. Tawang Monastery was founded by the Mera Lama Lodre Gyasto in accordance with the wishes of the 5th Dalai Lama, Nagwang Lobsang Gyatso. Arunachal Pradesh has a number of religious monuments but the Tawang Monastery is the most famous. [26] Construction will start in Jan/Feb 2019 and end by Jan/Feb 2022. An important seat of Mahayana Buddhism, the famous Buddhist monastery in Indiaof the Gelukpa was founded during the 17th century by Mera Lama Lodre Gyaltso. 14. In November, the British government demanded that Tibet implement the 1914 Simla Accord; this met with rejection from the Tibetan government, which rejected the validity of the McMahon Line. [17] China claimed that Tawang belonged to Tibet. They occupied Tawang, including the monastery, for six months, but did not desecrate it. Its name (ta = horse, and wang = chosen) is the subject of an interesting legend. Home to more than 700 monks and 450 Lamas, it is also the biggest Buddhist Monastery in India. It contains the scriptures of Gyetengpa, Doduipa, Mamtha, Kangyur, Tengyur and Zungdui, which have been affected due to insect attacks. [25], The main temple in the monastery, to the west of the entry gate, is known as the Dukhang ('Du' means "assembly" and 'Khang' means "building"[11]). The Tawang monastery grew in wealth and in fact by the 19th century CE it owned a number of villages even levying taxes on them. [13] According to Pandit Nain Singh of the Trignometrical Survey of India, who visited the monastery in 1874-75, the monastery had a parliamentary form of administration, known as the Kato, with the Chief Lamas of the monastery as its members. [2], The ground floor of the monastery is where ritual dances are performed. As she was not supportive of this practice she fled from the kingdom. The main attraction of Tawang is the Tawang Monastery or the Gaden Namgye Lhatse. India proposes to build road in Bhutan’s ‘Yeti territory’ which China claimed recently, "Tourists overjoyed as Tawang receives Seasons's 1st Snowfall", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Tawang&oldid=993751223, All Wikipedia articles written in Indian English, Articles containing Standard Tibetan-language text, Wikipedia articles with WorldCat-VIAF identifiers, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 12 December 2020, at 08:09. Important Tribes: Adis, Buguns, Wanchos, Monpas, Singphos etc are main tribes in Arunachal Pradesh. Bhalukpong, which is the nearest rail head, is 280 kilometres (170 mi) away by road. It has the precious treasure of lovely flowers. The Dalai Lama gave him a painting of goddess Palden Lhamo to be kept in the monastery. [27] The tunnel which is being constructed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) will cut the travel time from the Indian Army's IV Corps headquarter at Tezpur to Tawang by at least 10 km or 1 hour, and it will also help make the NH13 an all-weather road to access Tawang which usually gets disconnected during winter. The Tawang monastery provide for the everyday wants of the nuns and their monastery. Source: atzassam.com. The name Tawang (Tibetan: རྟ་དབང་, Wylie: Rta-dbang) means Horse Chosen. It is one of the must-visit places in Tawang and is easily reachable by road. 12. They are trying to keep Mechuka Valley's traditions and culture alive. [28] There is also a ski lift in town. [27] When young boys join the monastery to train, it is on the condition that it is a lifetime commitment. The Monastery in the Tibetan language is known as Gaden Namgyal Lhatse, which means ‘Celestial paradise in a clear night’ Tawang is the one of the most popular tourist destination of not only Arunachal Pradesh but whole North East India. Monasteries in Tawang: Travel Guide - Get information on famous & tourism Monasteries in Tawang. The town once served as the district headquarters of West Kameng district and became the district headquarters of Tawang district when it was formed from West Kameng. Category: States of India On October 15, 2013 By Team Work. The Monastery is the second biggest and oldest in Asia and is known as the Tawang Ganden Namgyal Lhatse i.e., the celestial paradise of divine site chosen by the horse was founded by Merag Lodroe Gyamtso in the year 1680-81. A large image of Buddha of 18 feet (5.5 m) height is deified; it is gilded and decorated, and is in a lotus position. Apart from the statue, one can find numerous carvings, paintings and other objects and artefacts pertaining to Buddhism. The closest air terminal is Salonibari Airport in Tezpur, Assam. This drew the attention of the British, who re-examined the Indo-Tibetan border and rediscovered that Tibet had ceded Tawang to British India, and attempted to revive the McMahon Line. People, who went in search of the horse, found the horse grazing at the present location of the monastery. In 1938 the British made a move to assert sovereignty over Tawang by sending a small military column under Capt. The books are used usually by the literate Monpa Lamas who refer to it for conducting religious rituals. Of the three sets of Kangyur, two are handwritten and one is printed. Tawang Monastery, also known as the Golden Namgyal Lhatse, is one of the largest lamaseries of Mahayana sects. [15], At the entrance to the monastery there is colourful gate structure, known as the Kakaling, which is built in the shape of a "hut-like structure", with side walls built of stone masonry. Sela Tunnel through Sela Pass is an under-construction road tunnel project to ensure all-weather connectivity between Guwahati in Assam and Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh state of India. Tawang Monastery, located in Arunchal Pradesh, is India’s largest, and the world’s second largest, monastery. Thingbu is a natural Hot Spring in a small village called Thingbu, which is a three-hour drive from Tawang and is present on the Tawang – Jang road. Tawang tourism isn’t huge although it is one of the most popular places to visit in the state of Arunachal Pradesh and Tawang Monastery is one of the most historical places in India to visit, making the journey up to the far NE India well worth your time. That makes Tawang Monastery the largest active monastery in the world. The average annual rainfall is 915 millimetres (36.0 in). This problem was compounded by the Drukpas of Bhutan, who also belonged to the Nyingmapa sect, who even tried to invade and take control of Tawang. It is enclosed by a 925 feet (282 m) long compound wall. Visiting Twang can indeed be a fulfilling experience. The climate is warm and temperate in Tawang. The famous Tawang Monastery is a popular tourist attraction and it was founded by Merak Lama Lodre Gyamtso in the year 1860-61 AD and it offers an impressive and picturesque view of the Tawang - Chu valley. The Government of India announced the funding for construction of all weather transport tunnel in 2018-19 budget. [27] She is also associated with Goddess Saraswati and Ma Tara. This largest monastery in Asia stands erect at the base of a hill at a height of 3,000 metre above sea level. Nevill who had visited the monastery in 1924. The hot water spring is rich in sulphur and is believed to cure multiple skin ailments. The collection in the library consists of two printed books of Tengyur (in 25 volumes), which are commentaries on Buddhist teachings; three sets of Kangyur, the translated version of the canons of Buddhist teachings; and Chanjia Sangbhums in five volumes. The place is … The State symbols of Arunachal are It is one of the best travel destinations. Tawang is a town situated at an elevation of approximately 3,048 metres to the east of Bhutan. Since the British were unable to get China's acceptance, the Tibetans regarded the MacMahon line "invalid". A moon disc adorns her hair, similar to the one seen on Shiva. ; Tawang also boasts of India’s largest Buddhist Monastery – Tawang Monastery.In Tibetan language this is known as Galden Namgey Lhatse.This monastery is largest in India and second largest in world just after Potala Palace of Lhasa, Tibet. FACTS ABOUT TAWANG: Tawang is encompassed by wonderful icy lakes in and around the valley with completely clear blue waters. It was founded by Merak Lama Lodre Gyatso in 1680-1681 in accordance with the wishes of the 5th Dalai Lama, Ngawang Lobsang Gyatso. The proposed 166 km long Bhalukpong-Tawang railway link from the existing Bhalukpong railway station to Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh being undertaken as the national project will boost tourism and enhance the national security with faster movement of troops, it will pass through elevations of over 10,000 feet, the 80% of the tracks will be through tunnels and the longest tunnel will be 29.48 km long. Tawang Monastery is the largest Buddhist monastery in India and second-largest in the world after the Potala Palace in Lhasa, China Occupied Tibet. It belongs to the Gelug school of Vajrayana Buddhism and had a religious association with Drepung Monastery of Lhasa, which continued during the period of British rule. Nearer to the gate, there are two small openings in the wall which provide the complete view of the exterior part of the eastern wall that connects to the Kakaling. If a monk wishes to leave the monastery, a heavy penalty is levied. The monastery is entered from the northern direction along a sloping spur, which has alpine vegetation. It belongs to the Gelugpa sect and is the largest Buddhist monastery in India. A distinctive mural, the ninth mural from the southwest west corner of the southern wall, is of Ningmecahn, the protector deity of the Bon religion, who is considered the guardian deity of the Tawang region. Tibetan protests were brushed aside. ... 11. [4] According to Jia Liang, the British did not take possession of Tawang, which continued to be administered by Tibet. As she was running away, the king shot her with an arrow, which struck the backside of the mule that she was riding. The printed sets are in 101 volumes. [23] Once completed, further extionsion plans include a 100 km long western spur to Yongphulla Airport (upgraded by India and jointly used by the Indian Army and Bhutan Army)[24] in eastern Bhutan via Yabab in India and Trashigang in Bhutan. Curtains are suspended over the balcony and these are painted with Buddhist symbols. [20], The nearest existing railway station is at Naharlagun, which is connected to major cities. This outer wall is 925 feet (282 m) in length, with heights varying from about 10–20 feet (3.0–6.1 m). This female deity is compared to the Hindu Goddess Kali. It was built in 1860-61. Tawang Monastery in Arunachal Pradesh is ranked as the second largest … This 400 year old monastery is the largest monastery in India and second largest in the world. Within the complex there are 65 residential buildings. It is a collection of 65 residential buildings for the monks, as well as other structures for different uses. [27] The tenders for construction were floated in 2018, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone in Feb 2019 to commence the construction. 'Ta' means "horse", 'wang' means "chosen", which together forms the word 'Tawang', meaning "the location selected by horse". [9], As of the 2011 census, Tawang had a population of 11,202. 2. An important seat of Mahayana Buddhism, the famous Buddhist monastery in India of the Gelukpa was founded during the 17th century by Mera Lama Lodre Gyaltso. Local Languages: Tibetan, English and Hindi. Further, 'Gadan' means "paradise", 'Namgyal' means "celestial" and 'Lhatse' means "divine". [19], The main Monpa festivals held in the monastery are the Choksar, Losar, Ajilamu, and Torgya. These dzongs not only collect taxes but also preach Buddhism to the Monpas and Sherdukpens of Kameng. It is also the largest monastery in India. ‘Ta’ means “horse”, ‘wang’ means “chosen”, which together forms the … By this treaty, Tibet relinquished several hundred square miles of its territory, including Tawang, to the British, but it was not recognized by China. [6], As of 2006 the monastery had 400 monks,[19] and the number was reported to be 450 in 2010. In the first legend it is said that location of the present Monastery was selected by a horse which belonged to Merag Lama Lodre Gyatso who was on a mission assigned to him by the 5th Dalai Lama to establish a Monastery. The state of Arunachal Pradesh is located in the North-eastern region of India. The entire second floor houses the library. Tawang receives snowfall every year during December–January. Interesting Facts About Tawang Valley. Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, India and jointly used by the Indian Army and Bhutan Army, "Behind Tawang row, two nations enslaved by history", "China's New Passport Sparks Controversy", "Ugyenling Monastery: Birth Place of the 6th Dalai Lama", "Young Buddhist monks lead insular lives in India", Thousands flock to see Dalai Lama in Indian state, "IAF to have 7 operational Advanced Landing Grounds in Arunachal Pradesh in a month]", "Arunachal's Vijaynagar Advanced Landing Ground dedicated to nation", "Defence Ministry allots 4 more strategic rail lines to NE", "New Indian Railways line close to China: This railway link to Tawang is coming up at a height of 10,000 feet!". Other notable and worth visiting places include: This article is about the municipality in India. It is close to the borders of Bhutan and Tibet. [9], The monastery was founded by Merek Lama Lodre Gyamsto in 1680-81 at the behest of the 5th Dalai Lama, who was his contemporary. 15. Undoubtedly, the monastery appears to look like a fort from afar, shimmering with royalty similar to a mini kingdom. According to Köppen and Geiger, this climate is classified as Cwb. It is the birthplace of the sixth Dalai Lama. Tawang Monastery is a big monastery with living quarters, a museum, institutions and libraries. G.S. Tawang is a disputed territory since both India and China claim it to be a … [6]:50–51, The situation continued after India's independence but underwent a decisive change in 1950 when Tibet lost its autonomy and was incorporated into the newly established People's Republic of China. The monastery was three stories high. A monastery that Tawang is famous for stands just as a symbol. After an intense search, when he failed to locate a suitable place, he retired into a cave to offer prayers seeking divine intervention to choose the site. The Monastery represents the Gelugpa sect of Buddism and is the Buddist centre for Cultural studies. A broad-gauge railway line connecting Missamari in Assam with Tawang has been proposed and a survey for the line was sanctioned in 2011.[21]. The reasons for this are clear – the river, which flows towards the south, is eroding the toe of the slope due to the site being on the outside of the bend. A Visit to Tawang Monastery The pride of the pictorial hill town, Tawang Monasteryis Asia’s second largest monastery and India’s largest which controls 17 Gompas in the region. The area is part of the wider dispute between India and China concerning Arunachal Pradesh and is claimed by China as a part of the Tibet Autonomous Region[1][2]. The Location of nunnery and the traditions being follow here by the nuns remind one of a bygone era, when Buddhism was preach in a calm and serene atmosphere under the shades of a tree. 65 residential buildings to accommodate about 700 monks, as of the monastery to train, it is major! 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