Himalaya Nyingmapa Buddhist Temple, Manali Overview

Himalayan Nyingmapa Gompa is a Buddhist monastery located in Manali and one of the most famous monasteries situated in north India. Its religious significance is highly important for devotees, but tourists are also drawn for its architectural beauty and tranquillity in the environment. The most prominent feature of Himalaya Nyingmapa Buddhist Temple is the enormous statue or idol of Sakyamuni in a sitting or meditative posture. Right from the entrance, the divine and tranquil vibe of the monastery can be felt. The icon, statues and the colourful paintings on the walls add to the beauty of the monastery. A few minutes of meditation is highly advisable to get a glimpse into the peaceful lives of the Buddhist monks.

Located very close to the Mall road in Manali, the contrast in the hustle and bustle of the Mall road and the serenity of Himalaya Nyingmapa Buddhist Temple is often spoken about. Anyone who wants to calm their minds is welcome into the monastery. In fact, the management has even taken efforts and put signs to direct tourists in the right direction around the Stupas without being confused or clueless about it. It is one of the best attractions in Manali to observe Buddhist Monks go about their prayer services and daily activities. Himalaya Nyingmapa Buddhist Temple is a perfect place to get a glimpse into the spiritual importance of Buddhism and must be visited while exploring Manali.

Architecture of Himalaya Nyingmapa Buddhist Temple

The enchanting Buddhist temple is built in the traditional Tibetan Style of architecture. In front of the temple is a narrow pathway lined by shrubs and spacious lawns on either side. The structure has a solid base, and the building is made out of wood. It is a two-storey structure and has a pagoda. Like many other Tibetan Buddhist temples/ monasteries, the pagoda of the Himalayan Nyingmapa Buddhist Temple is also painted a bright shade of yellow. The main shrine is encircled by a passage where the prayer wheels are installed.

The main door is a solid red colour thick wooden door which has intricate and traditional colourful designs on it. The walls and the ceiling are also decorated with vivid mural painting. The idol of Sakyamuni is about 4.5 feet tall and is seen in the sitting posture. It is coloured in traditional and symbolic gold and saffron colours. A section of the shrine has low desks with floor seating for the monks. There are also paintings depicting the life and principles of Gautam Buddha. Several more statues of Buddha in various sizes and shapes are also installed inside the monastery.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit the monastery is between October and May which is also the tourist season in Manali. October to February the town is covered in snow while, March to May, the days are clear and pleasant. Also, Himalaya Nyingmapa Buddhist Temple is best explored in the evenings after a day-long tour across the town.

Tips

1. Footwear is not allowed inside the monastery.
2. Devotees can leave fruit offerings for the monks.
3. Utmost silence needs to be maintained in and around the temple.

How To Reach Himalaya Nyingmapa Buddhist Temple

The monastery is located near Mall road in Manali. Tourists can take a local bus ride or rent an auto rickshaw or a taxi to reach the monastery. It is precisely located near the Market Square in Manali. Those opting for rented motorbikes can conveniently reach here from any part of Manali.