Mindrolling Monastery — Attraction in Uttarakhand

🌸 Mindrolling Monastery – The Buddhist Jewel of Dehradun

Welcome to the serene and spiritual heart of Dehradun’s Buddhist culture — the Mindrolling Monastery, often called the “Buddha Temple Complex”. Nestled in the peaceful foothills of the Himalayas, this majestic monastery is one of the largest and most significant Tibetan Buddhist centres in India, drawing pilgrims, tourists, and spiritual seekers from around the world.

🏔️ Overview & Significance

📍 Location: Clement Town, Dehradun, Uttarakhand

🏯 Founded: 1965 by Khochhen Rinpoche (re-established); originally founded in Tibet in 1676 by Rigzin Tendak Lingpa

🕉️ School: Nyingma — one of the four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism

✊ Meaning: “Mindrolling” means “Place of Perfect Emancipation” — a center for spiritual liberation and enlightenment.

📚 Highlights: Home to the Ngagyur Nyingma College — one of the largest Buddhist educational institutes in the world, training hundreds of monks in philosophy, Tantra, scripture, and meditation.

🏯 Architecture & Spiritual Highlights

The monastery is renowned for its awe-inspiring architecture that beautifully blends Tibetan, Nepalese, and Japanese styles. Every element — from ornate murals to wooden carvings — is imbued with deep Buddhist symbolism.

Great Stupa: The crown jewel — standing at around 220 ft high, it is one of the largest stupas in Asia. It houses rare Buddhist relics and boasts 5 floors filled with shrine rooms adorned with intricate murals.

Jangchub Chorten: The fourth floor offers 360° views of the Doon Valley — a quiet space for meditation and contemplation.

Buddha Statue: A colossal 130-ft tall statue of Siddhartha Gautama inside the temple represents peace and serenity.

Gardens & Courtyards: Beautiful landscaped courts and prayer flags fluttering in the breeze create a calming, spiritual ambiance.

Tibetan Art School: Showcases traditional thangka paintings and sculptures, offering a glimpse into centuries-old craftsmanship.

🕒 Timings & Entry

⏰ Open: Daily from 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM (approx.)

🪔 Sunday: Visitors can access upper floors and inner sanctum

💸 Entry: Free for all visitors

🌼 Best Time to Visit

April – June: Pleasant climate, clear mountain views & vibrant grounds.

Nov – Feb: Crisp winter mornings + occasional snowfall, but cold.

🚗 How to Reach

✈️ Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport (~30 km)

🚆 Nearest Railway Station: Dehradun Railway Station (~9 km)

🚐 Easily accessible from Clement Town and connected by bus, taxi, or self-drive.

🧘‍♂️ Visitor Experience

Whether you’re seeking meditation, architectural marvels, cultural enrichment, or simply a calming retreat, Mindrolling offers a multi-layered experience:

Participate in monk chants and pujas (ceremonies)

Witness vibrant festivals like Losar (Tibetan New Year)

Explore Tibetan markets & cuisine nearby

Learn about Buddhist philosophy and practices in the institute

🪷 Nearby Attractions to Combine

Sakya Center & College: Another prominent Buddhist learning hub

Forest Research Institute (FRI): Botanic gardens & museums

Robber’s Cave & Tapkeshwar Temple: Famous picnic and spiritual spots nearby

✨ In short: Mindrolling Monastery is not just a temple — it’s a living tribute to Tibetan Buddhist heritage, a spiritual sanctuary where each prayer wheel, statue, and mural tells centuries of devotion and wisdom. Whether your journey is spiritual or simply exploring, it’s an unmissable destination...

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Mindrolling Monastery

Dehradun  Uttarakhand

#4 Among Things To Do in Dehradun

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Weather :

Label : Top Attraction

Tags : Buddhist Temple

Timings : Summers: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM - 7:00 PM Winters: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 1:30 PM - 6:00 PM

Time Required : 1-2 hours

Entry Fee : No entry fee

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Also Refered As:

Buddha Temple Complex

Mindrolling Monastery, Dehradun Overview

The Mindrolling Monastery, also known as the Buddha Temple Complex, was established in Clement Town, Dehradun, Uttarakhand by Khochhen Rinpoche in 1965. Situated in the middle of the serene foothills of the Himalayas, the Mindrolling Monastery is one of the largest Buddhist centres in India which attracts thousands of visitors from all over the country as well as abroad.  Hundreds of individuals attain spirituality here on a daily basis.

Being an architectural masterpiece with several sections, the monastery is a visual wonder. The monastery exudes beauty owing to its gardens, university complex and the tallest Stupa in Asia. While surrounded by greenery, it also has numerous shrine rooms, Tibetan art forms, and murals. What catches the attention of every tourist is the presence of the tall statue of Lord Buddha. This beautiful place should definitely be visited if you are planning a trip to Dehradun.

One of the six major monasteries of the Tibetan Nyingma School, this monastery was first established in 1676. The Ngagyur Nyingma College is also present within the premises offering advanced Buddhist studies to monks who can pass on the knowledge to the upcoming generations. At present, over 300 monks are given education in the monastery.

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History of Mindrolling Monastery

The Mindrolling Monastery was constructed by Rigzin Tendak Lingpa in 1676. In 1965, it was re-established by Khochhen Rinpoche with the help of fellow monks. The Buddha Temple Complex was built with the aim to protect the religious and cultural understanding of the Nyigma school of Buddhism, being one of the four schools of Tibetan Buddhism. The other schools are known as Sakya, Kagyu, and Gelak.

Around 50 artists were involved in the design and construction of the monastery which took almost three...

My visit to the Mind Rolling Monastery in Dehradun was a truly transformative experience. As soon as I entered the monastery premises, I was greeted by a sense of tranquility and serenity that instantly put me at ease. The grandeur and architectural beauty of the monastery left me in awe.

The monastery complex is sprawling, with beautiful gardens and well-maintained pathways. The intricate details and vibrant colors of the buildings added to the overall charm of the place. It was evident that great care and attention had been given to every aspect of the monastery's design.

Inside the monastery, I was immersed in a world of spirituality and peace. The main shrine hall was adorned with magnificent Buddha statues and intricate murals that depicted various Buddhist teachings and stories. The chanting and prayers that resonated within the hall created a deeply meditative atmosphere.

I had the privilege of attending a teaching session by one of the revered monks at the monastery. His profound wisdom and gentle demeanor left a lasting impression on me. The opportunity to learn about Buddhist philosophy and practices from such knowledgeable individuals was truly enlightening.

The monastery also houses a library, which is a treasure trove of Buddhist literature and scriptures. The collection is extensive and offers a valuable resource for those seeking to deepen their understanding of Buddhism.

One aspect worth mentioning is the monastery's commitment to social welfare. They run numerous charitable initiatives, including schools, medical facilities, and orphanages, providing support to the local community. This emphasis on service and compassion truly reflects the core principles of Buddhism.

Overall, my visit to the Mind Rolling Monastery was a deeply enriching and soulful experience. It is a place where one can find solace, learn about Buddhist teachings, and reconnect with oneself. Whether you are a follower of Buddhism or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, this monastery is a must-visit destination in Dehradun.

PS: WEAR SOCKS IF YOU ARE GOING IN SUMMER. Do not forget to rotate the...