Namgyal is any Tibetan Buddhist institute that is associated with the Dalai Lama and his activities. The monastery was first founded in the 16th century by the 3rd Dalai Lama, Sonam Gyatso with an intention of effectively carrying out the ritual duties of the Dalai Lama in his religious role. At that point of time, the monastery was located in the Potala Palace of Tibet and had around 175 Namgyal monks to perform the religious duties.
However, the Chinese invasion of the1959 forced the 14th Dalai Lama to flee to India along with thousands Tibetans (among them 55 monks of the Namgyal Monastery). Here, he was granted asylum by the government of India in Mc Leodganj, upper Dharamshala in the north Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. Mc Leodganj now became the new centre for the Namgyal Monastery which stood close to the Dalai Lama's private residence.
A unique aspect of this monastery is its diversity of practice. It carries out prayers and rituals of all the major schools of Tibetan Buddhism. It is also an important centre of learning for Buddhist monks. Any monk gains an admission in this monastery only after clearing series of challenging entrance examinations. Thereafter, they need to undergo the traditional training. Also, since the monks frequently accompany the Dalai Lama to foreign locales, they are also taught the essentials of sutra and tantra.
In the year 1992, the !4th Dalai Lama chose six monks who travelled with him all the way to Ithaca, New York to set up a branch of the monastery there. This monastery has helped them to propogate their beliefs and teachings in the North America more conveniently.
Mc Leodganj
Mc Leodganj is located in the upper Dharamshla in the state of Himachal Pradesh. The town, established in the latter half of the 19th century and is named after the erstwhile British governor of the place, Sir Ian Mc Leod.
Mc Leodganj's attraction lies mainly in being home to the Holy Dalai Lama. From being a town dominated by the Britishers, it has now transformed into a little Lhasa. For those of you who wish to stay for some day in this pretty town, plenty of hotels are available, and that too of varying budgets. Eating out options are also quiet abundant.
Other Attractions
- Tsuglakhang: Tsuglakhang, the private residence, office and temple of the Dalai Lama, is a two storeyed structure built without causing any damage to the natural vegetation of the area. The presiding image in here is the 9 feet tall gilded image of Buddha rising from a lotus seat. Also seen here are 12 feet tall gilded image of Padmasambhava and Avalokiteshvara. Most of the images, barring the one Avalokiteshvara image, were sculpted by the exiled craftsmen. The Avalokiteshvara image dates back to the 7th century when King Songtsen Gompa installed it in the temple of Lhasa. A pulpit from where the Dalai Lama delivers his sermon is also there.
- Namgyaima Stupa : This stupa stands in the market place and is dedicated to the Tibetan soldiers who laid down their lives defending their motherland from the aggressive Chinese. It is built in the hybrid Indo-Tibetan style and has rows of prayer wheels.
- Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts : The farsightedness of the Dalai Lama, after he fled from Tibet with thousands of his fellow countrymen, ensured that the unique Tibetan performing art did not die out. Back then, there was just one old carpenter among the refugees who knew how to make the instrument for the opera, however, within a decade TIPA became the centre of attraction for not just Tibetans but also other tourists.
- Norbulingka : Around 14 km from Mc Leodganj, Norbulingka has been named after the the Dalai Lama's summer residence in Lhasa. The institute preserves the rich art and culture of Tibet that are loosing out their identity in Tibet itself. The Thangka painting department not only imparts training on this marvellous art form but also has thangkas on sale in its showroom. Other than this, there is the crafts department and the Losel Doll Museum which are worth a visit.
How to Reach
By Air - Approximately 21 km away from Mc Leodganj is the nearest airport, Gaggal which is connected to Delhi thrice a week (Monday, Wednesday and Friday) by Jagson Airlines.
By Rail - Nearest railhead from Mc Leodganj lies at Chakki Bank, around 76 km away. Trains from here connect to Delhi and Kolkata.
By Road - Mc Leodganj is connected to Delhi by NH1 and NH21. The route traverse through Chandigarh, Kiratpur, Una, Nehran Pukhar to ultimately reach Kangra. Mc Leodganj is at a distance of 31 km from Kangra.
From Shimla, Mc Leodganj is reached via Bilaspur, Mandi, Jogindernagar and Palampur. From Delhi, buses are also available to reach Dharamshala. Buses are also available from Gaggal Airport and Chakki Bank.
