Himalayan Nyinmapa Buddhist Monastery, also known as Himalayan Nyingmapa Gompa, is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery located in Manali, a hill station in Himachal Pradesh. The monastery belongs to the Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism, which is the oldest and one of the four major schools of Buddhism. The monastery is situated near the Mall Road of Manali and has a large statue of Lord Buddha as its main attraction in Manali, visit during Manali Local Sightseeing.
The monastery is a peaceful and spiritual place that attracts tourists and devotees who want to visit the monastery of Himalayan Nyinmapa and enjoy the natural beauty of Manali. In this article, we will explore the location, timing, entry fees, significance, things to do, and FAQs of this monastery.
Overview of Himalayan Nyinmapa Buddhist Monastery
Himalayan Nyinmapa Buddhist Monastery is one of the most famous and oldest monasteries in north India. The monastery was established by Lama Wangdor Rinpoche, a renowned Tibetan Buddhist master who came to India in 1960 after the Chinese invasion of Tibet. He settled in Manali and started teaching Buddhism to the local people and the Tibetan refugees. He also built the monastery with the help of donations and volunteers.
The monastery is a beautiful structure that reflects the traditional Tibetan style of architecture. The monastery has a two-storeyed building with a yellow pagoda-shaped roof and a red door. The walls of the monastery are decorated with colorful paintings depicting various scenes from Buddhism. The main shrine of the monastery has a four-and-a-half feet tall statue of Lord Buddha in a sitting posture made of brass. The statue is surrounded by smaller statues of other Buddhist deities and lamas. The monastery also has a library, a meditation hall, and a guest house for visitors.
Location of Himalayan Nyinmapa Buddhist Monastery
Himalayan Nyinmapa Buddhist Monastery is located near Market Square in Old Manali, about 2 km from Manali town and 50 km from Kullu town. It is easily accessible by road from Manali town and other nearby places. The nearest airport is at Bhuntar, which is about 50 km from the monastery. The nearest railway station is at Joginder Nagar, which is about 165 km from the monastery.
Timing / Entry Fees Himalayan Nyinmapa Buddhist Monastery
The monastery is open for visitors from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM every day. There is no entry fee for visiting the monastery. However, donations are accepted by the monastery authorities for the maintenance and upkeep of the monastery.
Significance of Himalayan Nyinmapa Buddhist Monastery
The monastery is a significant place for Tibetan Buddhists as it belongs to the Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism, which is the oldest and one of the four major schools of Buddhism. The Nyingma sect follows the teachings of Guru Padmasambhava, who is considered to be the second Buddha and the founder of Tibetan Buddhism. The Nyingma sect emphasizes on meditation, tantric practices, and Dzogchen (the great perfection) as the means to attain enlightenment. The monastery also preserves and propagates the rich culture and heritage of Tibet through its teachings, rituals, festivals, and art.
The monastery is also a significant place for tourists as it offers a peaceful and spiritual experience of Manali’s culture and nature. The monastery showcases the local architectural style that uses wood as the main material. The monastery also displays the local craftsmanship that depicts various animals, plants, dancers, scenes from Buddhism etc. on the wooden doors and walls. The monastery also offers a serene and scenic atmosphere that blends with the cedar forest and the snow-capped mountains.
Things to Do / Must See of Himalayan Nyinmapa Buddhist Monastery
- Offer prayers and seek blessings from Lord Buddha and other Buddhist deities at their respective shrines inside the monastery complex.
- Admire the architecture and craftsmanship of the monastery that reflects the local culture and heritage.
- Witness the cultural events and festivals that are held at the monastery premises such as Losar (Tibetan New Year) in February or March, Saga Dawa (Buddha’s birth anniversary) in May or June etc.
- Enjoy the view of the cedar forest and listen to its soothing sound as it surrounds the monastery.
- Enjoy the view of the snow-capped mountains and capture some amazing photos of them.
- Explore the nearby attractions such as Hadimba Devi Temple (a Hindu temple dedicated to Hadimba Devi), Manu Temple (a Hindu temple dedicated to Manu, the first human), Vashisht Temple (a Hindu temple with hot springs), Solang Valley (a scenic spot for adventure activities), Rohtang Pass (a high altitude pass with snow) etc.
- Explore the nearby treks such as Hampta Pass Trek (a trek to a picturesque pass), Bhrigu Lake Trek (a trek to a glacial lake), Beas Kund Trek (a trek to the source of Beas River) etc.
FAQs
Q: What is the best time to visit Himalayan Nyinmapa Buddhist Monastery?
A: The best time to visit Himalayan Nyinmapa Buddhist Monastery is during the summer months of April to June or during the winter months of October to February, when the weather is pleasant and the forest and the mountains are in full glory.
Q: Is photography allowed in Himalayan Nyinmapa Buddhist Monastery?
A: Yes, photography is allowed in Himalayan Nyinmapa Buddhist Monastery. However, one should be respectful of the privacy and sentiments of other visitors.
Q: Are there any accommodation options near Himalayan Nyinmapa Buddhist Monastery?
A: Yes, there are many accommodation options near Himalayan Nyinmapa Buddhist Monastery such as homestays, guesthouses, cottages, resorts and hotels. You can choose according to your budget and preference.
Q: Are there any eateries or shops near Himalayan Nyinmapa Buddhist Monastery?
A: Yes, there are many eateries and shops near Himalayan Nyinmapa Buddhist Monastery that offer local and international cuisines and souvenirs.
Conclusion
Himalayan Nyinmapa Buddhist Monastery is a peaceful and spiritual place that one should not miss while visiting Manali. It is a perfect place for Tibetan Buddhists who want to visit the monastery of Himalayan Nyinmapa and enjoy the natural beauty of Manali. It is a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to witness the beauty and diversity of Manali valley.
