Name: Mcleodganj
Rating: 3.7

Dalai Lama Temple, Mcleodganj Overview

Just above the town of Dharamshala, in Mcleodganj, is Tsuglagkhang, the place where the Dalai Lama resides. It is one of the most significant places of worship which attracts devotees from all over the world and serves tourists as well. This complex houses Dalai Lama's residence, Tsuglagkhang Temple, Namgyal Monastery and Tibet Museum. Except for Dalai Lama's residence, every other part of the complex is open for tourists. If lucky, one can even get to meet His Holiness. The Tsuglagkhang Complex houses a beautiful statue of Lord Buddha as well as statues of Chenrezig and Guru Rinpoche.

The museum inside Tsuglagkhang tends to be a popular choice amongst the tourists and houses many imprints of Tibetan art and culture. These include historical documents, pottery, handicrafts, paintings, etc. The museum gives tourists an insight into Tibetan culture and at the same time, the various struggles faced by them lately. The structure of the Tibet Museum is influenced by Tibetan architecture which is unique and innovative.

Exploring Tsuglagkhang Complex

Tibet Museum: The Tibet Museum is the first building that a person notices inside Tsuglagkhang Monastery. This museum is very popular and shows the major cause behind the inflow of Tibetans in India which is shown through videos, photographs and various exhibitions.

Tsuglagkhang Temple: The quaint temple located inside the complex of the monastery is famous for comprising beautiful murals and statues that are very beautiful, but the atmosphere is that it naturally brings the minds of people at ease.

Namgyal Gompa: This part of the complex is reserved for Tibetan monks to get indulged in a religious debate. There is also a famous Kora ritual which includes walking in a clockwise direction along with a specific direction.

Things to Do at Tsuglagkhang

1. Observe the learning culture of the monastery and pray to Lord Buddha
2. Learn about the lives of the monks who are present in the monastery when they are free from their duties.
3. Learn from the compassionate Dalai Lama when he spreads his enriching and educational teachings. In case one wants to be an audience when His Holiness, the Dalai Lama preaches, he/she has to book a hearing at least 2 days in advance prior to the visit to the monastery.

How to Reach Tsuglagkhang Complex

One can take a bus from his/her respective place to McLeodganj Bus Stand. From there, the monastery is only 2 km and the person can choose to walk to the monastery to enjoy the scenic beauty or take a cab along the way.

In case there is no bus at the previous bus stand, there is another bus stand in Dharamshala which is 4 km from the monastery. One can opt for a bus from his/her place till there and after reaching the bus stand, one can take a taxi which is available in plenty.

Tips

1. Wear comfortable shoes as one will be required to walk uphill and downhill while walking to and from the monastery.
2. Maintain silence in the premises of the monastery and do not try to enter the restricted zones.
3. Photography is not allowed inside the monastery when the monks are practising their lessons. In order to take photographs inside the monastery, one has to be updated with the timings of the activities of the monastery and according to that take photographs.
4. Mobile phones and cameras are allowed inside only when the teaching is not in progress.
5. Since this is a place of worship and learning, everybody is expected to wear decent clothes.
6. There is a cafe inside the complex which serves vegetarian food. There is also a small souvenir shop where you can buy Buddhist trinkets.
7. Tsuglagkhang Complex houses a bookshop where you can buy books of the Dalai Lama.