Tsuglagkhang Complex Dalai Lama Temple — Attraction in Himachal Pradesh

At a distance of 2 km from McLeod Ganj Bus Stand and 4 km from Dharamshala, Tsuglagkhang Monastery is a Buddhist Monastery situated in McLeod Ganj suburb of Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh. It is one of the must-include places in Mcleodganj holiday packages.

Tsuglag Khang, also known as Dalai Lama's Temple complex, is the home for His Holiness Dalai Lama. It is among the world-renowned religious centers and is thronged by Buddhist pilgrims throughout the year. Tsuglagkhang Monastery is a beautifully built structure. This is more like a temple along with being a residential complex for His Holiness and his followers.

The complex houses the Photang (Dalai Lama's residence), Tibet Museum, Tsuglagkhang Temple, and Namgyal Gompa. The monastery deals with the training of monks for rituals associated with holy shrine, whereas the temple is a chief place of worship. A beautifully decorated statue of Lord Buddha along with beautiful statues of Padmasambhava and Avalokiteshvara are housed in the temple. It is open from sunrise to sunset each day and is visited by thousands of tourists and devotees.

The first building inside the Tsuglagkhang Monastery is Tibet Museum, among the famous places of sightseeing in McLeodganj. The ground floor of the monastery comprises of Chinese incursion of Tibet along with several other pictures. The museum shows tourists the major cause behind the inflow of Tibetans to India. This monastery is the biggest Tibetan Temple outside Tibet. It has got a big meditation hall that comprise of some beautiful thangkas, and statues along with Kalachakra temple that has beautiful murals.

The monastery also has a place called Namgyal Gompa which is reserved for Tibetan monks to get indulged in a religious debate. There is also the famous Kora ritual which includes walking in a clockwise direction along with a specific path. This monastery has a garden, cafeteria, book shop, museum, and library.

Kalachakra Temple is located adjoining the Tsuglagkhang. The temple has fresco decorations of 722 deities of the mandala, Shakyamuni Buddha, and the central Kalachakra image. Dalai Lama personally directed the painting of the frescos done by three master painters over three years. The walls and columns have many traditional Tibetan Thangka paintings.

Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM in winter (Nov - Mar) & 5 AM to 7 PM in...

While most of the tourists usually, and mostly incidentally, come across the temple in their first ever visit to Macleod Ganj, one tends to somehow not realise the fact that H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama actually resides at this holy place! I mean, you are at the residence of the world's most renowned spiritual guru and Noble peace price winner!

What more can a spiritual seeker ask more than being able to make it to a place as holy and auspicious as this. The temple is just adjacent to his residence and is the venue where the Dalai Lama often provides teachings to the public.

The temple has the precious statues of various forms of Buddha and one can circumbulate the shrine from the outer balcony where one can't but simply admire the majestic Dhouladhar range with snow peaks sitting amidst the lush green forest of the lower Himalayas.

The large courtyard with Himalayan stones on its floor with patches of grass next to the tall pine trees are simply worthy of spending a few minutes or more to calm, pacify , relax, and detox your busy mind. The metal benches are the perfect spot for a morning sun shower if you happen to be on the location in winters of spring time.

In sum, it is a place that one can't just brush away like any other tourist spot. It is a pilgrimage of the...

Dalai Lama Temple is a place where people come with loads of emotional baggages, but depart in a renewed and blissful state. Being the permanant residence of Dalai Lama, this monastery in Mcleodganj attracts people from all across the globe. The main temple, situated on the upper floor is probably the most beautiful Buddhist temple that you will ever come across. Apart from the main Buddha statue, there are several other idols of renowned Budhhist figures. The primary temple also serves as a meditation hall, offering a tranquil sanctuary for deep self-reflection and solace. The balcony area of the temple offers a breathtaking view of the Himalayas, the Dharmashala Skyway (Ropeway) and lush green valleys. Lamas of all ages can be seen reciting Buddhist scriptures, clapping at one another (a tradition) in the open area. You can also interact with any lama and learn about Buddhism and their spiritual lifestyle in the monastery. For those who want to meet the Dalai Lama, you must take an appointment and a date will be given to you. The person at the gate of Dalai Lama's residence (inside the monastery complex), will guide you regarding the application process. Highly recommended to...