Karnataka Namdroling Nyingmapa Monastery
Namdroling Nyingmappa Monastery is supposed to be one of the most beautiful and largest Tibetan monasteries built in India for the spread of Buddhism. For the Nyingmapa sect of Buddhism, this is the largest centre in the world. Situated in a secluded place called Bylakuppe, which belongs to the mysore district of Karnataka, the monastery is about 170 kms from Bangalore. Home to thousands of monks from Tibetan origin as well as Indian origin, it is tucked away amidst the Coorg Mountains and provides plenty of picturesque sceneries for the visitors. Over the years, Namdroling Nyingmapa Monastery has converted into a major tourist place for the common people, who wish to see a monastery. It also doubles up as a college for Buddhist teaching with a Shedra inside the complex for monks.
History
It was in 1963 that the Namdroling Nyingmapa Monastery was established by Kyabje Penor Rinpoche, who was holding the throne. But in 1959, he had to leave Tibet and came to india and set up the Monastery as a second Palyul monastery, which is considered as one of the 6 monasteries of Nyingmapa sect before the annexing of Tibet. Initially, the monastery was constructed with the help of Bamboo and had spanned about 80 sq feet. Gradually, more architectural designs and building structures were added to the monastery complex. His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama consecrated the monastery and gave the present name of the monastery.
Architecture
Bylakkuppe is a settlement which owes its origin to the monastery and consists of two parts, one which was established by Lugsum Samdupling in 1961 and the other one was set up in 1969 by Dickyi Larsoe. But the Namdroling Nyingmappa Monastery is the main structure in this beautiful surrounding, having picturesque setting all around. Architectural beauty of this monastery is evident from the moment one enters through the two large red doors, which have carvings in gold and plenty of mural works. These paintings are works of Tantric Buddhism. Statues present inside the temple are quite attractive as well as huge and these three statues are placed on a platform and have gold plaiting. In the centre is the statue of Buddha, which is about 60 ft tall, while the statues of Amitayush and Padmasambhava are in the flanks with 58 ft height. There are two thrones, one of which has a framed photograph of Dalai Lama, decorated with incense and candles and flowers. Tibetan prayer flags are seen adorning the trees inside and outside the monasteries.
As part of the architectural brilliance, there are mural paintings on the walls and ceilings. There paintings represent the demons and mythological characters with some showing dragons.
Inside the monastery settlement, there are living blocks for the monks and nuns and a religious college known as Shedra, as well as a hospital. The temple is known as Padmasambhava Buddhist Vihara or Golden Temple by the locals. The tip of the monastery buildings and stupas are having gold plating, which shine due to the reflections from the sun. Nunneries were established in 1993. About 150 rooms are present for the monks and nuns to stay and complete their education.
Festivals
A number of festivals and ceremonies are held every year in the monastery. The one which is visited by lots of tourists and monks is the Tibetan New Year or Losar, which is according to the Tibetan Lunar Calendar. These usually fall in the months of February and March. There are Lama dances in the traditional forms and the monastery is decorated with Thangka hanging from the sides of the buildings. Processions are also an integral part of these celebrations, which are usually held in the monastery grounds, continuing for about 2 weeks.
Prayers are held every day in the mornings and evenings and these are the things to watch and perceive, as they give a soothing effect to the mind and soul.
Reaching There
Namdroling Nyingmapa Monastery is situated at about 170 kms distance from Bangalore, along the Mysore Bangalore highway. It is about 6 kms from the small town of Kushalnagar, which is 85 kms from Mysore. From Kushalnagar, it is a short ride on autorickshaw. There are accommodations inside the monastery for the tourists, but they have to obtain a Protected Area Permit or PAP. Tourists who wish to visit Namdroling Nyingmapa Monastery can arrive at Bangalore by flight and take the public bus or hire a private taxi towars mysore, and stop at Kushalnagar to go into Namdroling, which is a journey of about 5 hours. People can also take a train that is going from Bangalore to Mysore and then arrive at the monastery by bus from Mysore.
Photo Gallery
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