Monasteries of Tawang District include the Buddhist monasteries like Tawang Monastery, Regyaling Monastery, Urgelling Monastery and many other monasteries. These monasteries are located on the top of the Eastern Himalayan Range or in the foothills of the Shivalik Hills.
The experience of Buddhism developed within the Buddhist tradition over thousands of years has shaped an unrivalled resource for all those who wish to follow a path which ultimately culminates in Enlightenment. An enlightened one sees the nature of reality absolutely clear, and lives fully and naturally in accordance with that the inward vision. This is the goal of the Buddhist spiritual life, representing the end of suffering for anyone who attains it. And these doctrines are developing in these monasteries.
Tawang Monastery
Tawang Monastery in Tawang District of Arunachal Pradesh is one of the largest monasteries of Mahayana sects and the second oldest monastery in the world after Lhasa Monastery. Tawang Monastery, which is also known as Galden Namgey Lhatse, is housed with more than 500 monks. It has also a centre of Buddhist Cultural Studies where the Buddhist monks and the young Buddhist students are provided the basic philosophical education besides the traditional monastic education. This monastery was founded by a Mahayana Buddhist monk named Mera Lama Lodre Gyatso a contemporary of His Holiness Fifth Dalai Lama in 17th century AD. The complex of the Tawang monastery is comprised of more than 65 residential buildings meant for monks. The Monastery also houses the establishment of the Head Priest, living chambers of the Lamas, an ancient library and antique museum.
Regyaling Gonpa
Regyaling Gompa was constructed by the former Rigya Rinpoche. This monastery is located at a distance of one kilometre from Tawang Town, located ion the midst of Tawang District. However, after the death of Regyaling Gonpa, the charge of the Gompa was taken over by his secretary, Chang-sey. The monastery of Regyaling is surrounded by a lush green pine forests. The monastery of Regyaling Gompa is surrounded by a lush green pine groove enhancing the beauty of the Monastery.
Urgelling Gonpa
Urgelling Gonpa is one of the main attractions of the tourists; which is believed to have been in existence since medieval times. It was one of the first three monasteries built by Urgen Sangpo, the youngest brother of Terton Pempalingpa, the famous Treasure-Revealer. It was here in 1683 Tsangyang Tashi, His Holiness the sixth Dalai Lama was born. He was the son of Lama Tashi Tenzin of Urgelling village a descendent of Terton Pempalingpa. The Urgelling Gonpa is about 3 kilometers away from Tawang.
Taktsang Gonpa
Taktsang Gonpa whgich is better known as Tiger`s Den, is located at the distance of 45 kilometers from Tawang. The Tawang Township is located in Tawang District. It is believed to have consecrated by the visit of Guru Padmasambhava in the 8th century AD. The Monastery of Taktsang is perched on the ridge of the hillock surrounded by a dense coniferous forest and lofty mountains of eastern Himalayas. The visitors can also conduct a pilgrimage visit round about the places nearby Taktsang Gonpa where Guru Padmasambhava had meditated. It is place where one can really feel the ecstasy of solitariness and tranquillity.
Gorsam Chorten Stupa
The Gorsam Chorten Stupa is situated ninety kilometres from Tawang town. This Stupa is the largest Stupa of Tawang Township. The Gorsam Chorten Stupa is believed that Lama Pradhar, a Buddhist monk of Monpa Tribe constructed in this Stupa in the early phase of 12th century. The semi-circular dome of this Stupa touched the sky and rests upon a three-terraced plinth. There are four miniature Stupas are also set on the four corners of the lower most terraced of the plinth. The base of the stupa is squared with each side about 170 feets in length with a niche running along its whole length and 120 Manis are set in wooden frames. A well-paved footpath goes around the Stupa for pilgrims to go round about praying, which in Pali Language says Kora.
