TAWANG MONASTERY,HIDDEN PARADISE ON EARTH,BUDDHIST CENTER

Tawang is one of the most famous tourist destinations of Arunachal Pradesh. Situated at the altitude of 10,000 ft above sea level, Tawang  holds you tight with its unparalleled natural beauty. The towering hills, breathtaking landscapes, narrow roads, mesmerizing natural surroundings, waterfalls, monasteries, and surely the simplicity of the Monpa Tribe make Tawang one of the most beautiful places on the earth. Arunachal Pradesh is also the largest state of Northeast with an area of 83,743 sq km. The state is inhabited by 26 major tribes and over 100 sub-tribes. The major tribes are Adi, Galo, Aka, Apatani, Nyishi, Tagins, Bori, Monpa, and Bokar.

If you haven’t ever traveled to this part of INDIA, I must tell you that you are missing out something which is worth visiting at least once in your life. Here are 10 reasons why you must visit Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh.

Tawang cloister. The cloister is that the second biggest and oldest in Asia and is thought because the Tawang Ganden Namgyal Lhatse i.e., the celestial paradise of divine web site chosen by the horse was based by Merag Lodroe Gyamtso within the year 1680-81. The Dalai Lama gave him a painting of deity Palden Lhamo to be unbroken within the cloister. The eight m high glided sculpture of Lord Buddha dominates the sanctum. the good rotating prayer wheels, valuable thangkas, the drone of monks in prayer, sputtering butter lamps ar associate redolent vision. The Tawang cloister encompasses a residential building for the monks, a library, a repository and faculty for the essential education. cut atop a hill dominating everything around and below it's a massive yellow-roofed Tawang cloister that was originally an oversized and fortified advanced strategically sited wherever the caravan routes from Asian country, Asian country and West Kameng met. The place is additionally noted with the legend of seventh Century A.D., King Kalawangpo and Khandro Drowa Zangmo, referred to as rTa nag mandal sgang.

Location of Tawang monastery

• Tawang Monastery, located in Tawang city of Tawang district in  state of Arunachal pradesh, in Indian nation it is the largest monastery in India
• The cloister is located close to the highest of a mountain, at associate elevation of regarding 10,000 feet (3,000 m), with a commanding read of the Tawang Chu vale, that includes covering mountains and cone-bearing forest. it's finite on its southern and western flanks by steep ravines shaped by streams, a slender spur on the north and a gently sloping ground on the east. The cloister is entered from the northern direction on a sloping spur, that has alpine vegetation. close Tawang city, named when the cloister, is well connected by road, rail and air services. Bhalukpong, that is that the nearest rail head, is 280 kilometres (170 mi) away by road. Tezpur airdrome is that the nearest airdrome at a road distance of 350 kilometres (220 mi

Latitude and longitude    

• 27.35.07  North latitude
• 91.51.25  East longitude 

Mean sea level or Elevation

• Elevation(or )mean sea level of TAWANG MONASTERY 3048 meter (or )10000 ft Above sea level.

Climate of Tawang monastery

Tawang in Summer (March - August) 

• Tawang is best enjoyed throughout the summer months of March to June, and one will so witness the wonder of this city and every one its sights. Being a hill station within the north and at a high altitude, Tawang has not solely cold winters however additionally cold summers. The temperature throughout the summer months ranges from a cold five degree Celsius to a most of twenty one degree Celsius. This makes for a nice time to stray the streets and witness the culture also as go looking and taking altogether that Tawang must supply to its guests. Moatsu, a competition celebrated throughout the summer season mustn't be lost if you're keen on attending to understand a bit bit a lot of regarding the culture and traditions of Tawang. The competition is command for 3 days and celebrates the top of the sowing amount for crops.

Tawang in Monsoon (July - September) 

• Monsoon, together with the summer season, in Tawang, is that the ideal time to go to hill station. throughout the monsoon months of Gregorian calendar month to Sep, Tawang?s temperature transforms and ranges from around fifteen to twenty degree Celsius that is so a small amount a lot of endurable than the summer months. The downfall received by hill station is additionally a moderate quantity that adds to the wonder of the place.

Tawang in Winter (October - February) 

• The winters in Tawang last from Gregorian calendar October month to Feb and square measure far and away the coldest months of the year. The temperatures throughout these months square measure close to frigid and vary from -11 degree Celsius to twelve degree Celsius. The winters also are in the midst of downfall that covers each in. of hill station. most people might also avoid this era for Tawang because the climate could appear intolerable for several. serious downfall additionally disrupts occupation and out of the city in winters. Tourists will relish sport during this season. If you are doing find yourself visiting Tawang throughout winter, confirm to catch the coraciiform bird competition. This competition is command in Gregorian calendar month and is a wonderful manner of learning regarding the culture of Tawang and simply what it encases in each facet of life. throughout the competition, locals take pleasure in many activities that embody dance, sports, food, art forms and lots of a lot of.

Best visiting Time

•   March  to november is best visiting time

Local language

• Takpa
• Dapka

Mobile Network availability in Tawang monastery

• Bsnl
• Airtel
• Jio
• Idea
• Vodafone

Tawang monastery is famous for

 It is famous for its 400-year-old monastery. This monastery is one of the biggest Buddhist monasteries to be found in India and is an important pilgrim center for the followers of Buddhism. Apart from its religious importance, Tawang is famous for its natural beauty, which attracts and enchants the traveler.

TIMING OF TAWANG MONASTERY

• Every day tawang monastery open to visitor to 9.00 am to 6.00 pm
• No holiday day throughout the week
• No entry fee

ABOUT TAWANG MONASTERY

Entrance and outer walls

• At the doorway to the religious residence there's vibrant gate structure, called the Kakaling, that is constructed within the form of a "hut-like structure", with facet walls engineered of stone masonry. The roof of the Kakaling options mandalas, whereas the inside walls have murals of divinities and saints painted on them. a particular mural, the ninth mural from the southwest west corner of the southern wall, is of Ningmecahn, the guardian supernatural being of the Bon faith, UN agency is taken into account the guardian supernatural being of the Tawang region. sooner than the most gate of the Kakaling, to its south, is another entry, Associate in Nursing open gate.
• The main entrance to the religious residence, to the south of the open gate, has huge doors fitted on the northern wall. This outer wall is 925 feet (282 m) long, with heights variable from concerning 10–20 feet (3.0–6.1 m). except for the most gate, the southern facet of the religious residence has another entry gate, that additionally incorporates a huge door. Nearer to the gate, there area unit 2 tiny openings within the wall which give the whole read of the outside a part of the japanese wall that connects to the Kakaling. in step with a legend, the fifth Grand Lama had given a roll of thread to be certain round the walls of the religious residence to denote the extent to that the religious residence ought to be engineered.

Main buildings

• The religious residence, engineered sort of a massive mansion, is triple storied with an oversized auditorium, 10 alternative useful structures and with sixty five residential quarters for college students, Lamas and monks. The religious residence incorporates a college and its own water facility, and a centre for Buddhist cultural studies.
• The ground floor of the religious residence is wherever ritual dances area unit performed. The walls of the religious residence even have a teemingness of thangkas of Buddhist deities and saints. Curtains area unit suspended over the balcony and these area unit painted with Buddhist symbols. among the precincts of the religious residence there area unit residential buildings to accommodate concerning 700 monks, that currently homes 450 monks. The superior of the religious residence resides in an exceedingly house settled close to the gate at the southeastern corner of the religious residence

First read of Tawang religious residence

• A notable feature on the wall of the porch on the bottom floor could be a footprint on a stone block. it's aforesaid that this footprint belonged to a resident of the religious residence, UN agency was a water carrier, called Chitenpa. He served within the religious residence for a protracted time and on one fine day he declared that he had completed his service to the religious residence then sealed his left foot on the stone block that created a damaged formation of his step. This step is honored as a miracle seeable of a belief among the folks of the region that such Associate in Nursing imprint on a stone block might solely be created by a divine one who was a real lover of the religious residence.

Main temple (Dukhang)

• The main temple within the religious residence, to the west of the entry gate, is thought because the Dukhang ('Du' suggests that "assembly" and 'Khang' suggests that "building"). it had been inbuilt 1860-61. an oversized image of Buddha of eighteen feet (5.5 m) height is deified; it's gilded and adorned, and is in an exceedingly posture. This image is on the northern face of the auditorium and is put in over a platform and its head extends up to the primary floor. Next to Gautama Siddhartha image there's a silver casket that holds a special thangka of the divinity Sro Hindu deity (Palden Lhamo), that is that the guardian supernatural being of the religious residence. it's aforesaid that it had been painted with the blood drawn from the nose of the fifth Grand Lama, that renders Associate in Nursing ethereal "living quality" to the thanka. This thangka image, additionally called Dri Hindu deity, was given to the religious residence by the fifth Grand Lama. the most temple fell into a damaged condition and was restored in 2002 within the ancient Buddhist art form. it's been fine adorned with paintings, murals, carvings, sculptures then forth.

Library and texts

• Sacred texts within the library hall of the religious residence
• The religious residence incorporates a press for printing spiritual books victimization paper created domestically. wood blocks area unit used for printing. The books area unit used typically by the literate Monpa Lamas UN agency ask it for conducting spiritual rituals.The entire second floor homes the library. It contains the scriptures of Gyetengpa, Doduipa, Mamtha, Kangyur, Tengyur and Zungdui, that are affected thanks to insect attacks. the gathering within the library consists of 2 written books of Tengyur (in twenty five volumes), that area unit commentaries on Buddhist teachings; 3 sets of Kangyur, the translated version of the canons of Buddhist teachings; and Chanjia Sangbhums in 5 volumes. Of the 3 sets of Kangyur, 2 area unit written and one is written. The written sets area unit in a hundred and one volumes. One written set has 131 volumes and therefore the alternative one hundred twenty five volumes; the letters of those one hundred twenty five books area unit washed in gold. The writing, Gyentongpa, has letters washed in gold altogether its pages. At some stage, a number of the sacred scriptures were lost and therefore the reason was attributed to the monks of the Tsona religious residence UN agency wont to visit Tawang throughout winter time. within the past, these monks had demanded that the gilded image of Gautama Siddhartha be precocious to them. This wasn't accepted by the Lamas of the Tawang religious residence and as result the Tsona Lamas refused to spare a number of the sacred texts and records of the Tawang religious residence that were with them. They a lot of} took away more books in 1951.

HISTORY OF TAWANG

• The religious residence was supported by Merek Lama Lodre Gyamsto in 1680-81 at the dictation of the fifth lama, WHO was his modern. once Merek Lama was experiencing difficulties in building the religious residence at the chosen location of Tsosum, the traditional name for Tawang, the fifth lama issued directives to the folks of the world to supply him all facilitate. to mend the perimeter of the Dzong, the lama had conjointly given a ball of yarn, the length of that was to make the limit of the religious residence.
• Prior to the dominance of the Gelug sect of Buddhism in Tawang, the Nyingmapa or the Black Hat sect of Buddhism was dominant and this resulted in their form of government and even hostile approach towards the founder, Merek Lama. This downside was combined by the Drukpas of Bhutan, WHO conjointly belonged to the Nyingmapa sect, WHO even tried to invade and lead of Tawang. Hence, once the Tawang religious residence was designed sort of a fort structure, a strategic location was chosen from the defense purpose of read.
• The sixth lama
• In 1844, Tawang religious residence had entered into 2 agreements with the Malay Archipelago Company. One agreement, signed on twenty four February, pertained to surrender by the Monpas of their right to the Karlapara Duar reciprocally for Associate in Nursing annual fee (posa) of Rs five,000, and another, dated twenty eight could, associated with the Shardukpens to abide by Associate in Nursingy order of country administration in Republic of India reciprocally for an annual fee of Rs two,526 and 7 annas. Tawang officers accustomed travel nearly to the plains of Assam to gather monastic contributions. in keeping with Pandit Nain Singh of the Trignometrical Survey of Republic of India, WHO visited the religious residence in 1874-75, the religious residence had a parliamentary type of administration, referred to as the Kato, with the Chief Lamas of the religious residence as its members. it absolutely was not keen about the Dzonpan (head of Tsona Monastery) and Government of Lhasa, and this facet was supported by G.A. Nevill WHO had visited the religious residence in 1924
• "Gaden Namgyal Lhatse" (Tibetan), consecrated by Tenzin Gyatso, the ordinal lama of Xizang on fifteen Gregorian calendar month 1997
• Until 1914, this region of Republic of India was below the management of Xizang. However, below the Simla Agreement of 1913-14, the world came below the management of country rule. Xizang gave up many hundred sq. miles of its territory, as well as the complete of the Tawang region and therefore the religious residence, to country.This controversial territory was the bone of rivalry for the 1962 Republic of India China war, once China invaded Republic of India on twenty Gregorian calendar month 1962 from the northeastern border, forcing the Indian army to retreat. They occupied Tawang, as well as the religious residence, for 6 months, however didn't desecrate it. China claimed that Tawang belonged to Xizang. it's one in every of the few monasteries of Buddhism that have remained shielded from Mao's revolution with none injury. Before this war, in 1959, the ordinal lama had fled from Xizang, Associate in Nursingd when an arduous journey, crossed into Republic of India on thirty March 1959, and had reached Tawang and brought shelter within the religious residence for a number of days before moving to Tezpur. fifty years later, in spite of robust protests by China, the Dalai Lama's visit on eight Gregorian calendar month 2009 to Tawang religious residence was a monumental event to the folks of the region, and therefore the archimandrite of the religious residence greeted him with a lot of fanfare and flattery.
• As of 2006 the religious residence had four hundred monks, and therefore the range was reportable to be 450 in 2010. Tawang Manuscript Conservation Centre was established within the religious residence in August 2006, that has curated two hundred manuscripts, and thirty one manuscripts are treated for preservation. In Gregorian calendar month 2010, it absolutely was reportable that the religious residence was vulnerable by a risk of landslide, with the days of Republic of India coverage "massive landslides around it" prof Dave Petley of Durham University within the uk (UK), Associate in Nursing acknowledged landslide skilled, wrote: "the northern flank of the location seems to encompass a landslide scarp ... the explanations for this ar clear – the stream, that flows towards the south, is geologic process the toe of the slope because of the location being on the skin of the bend. within the long run, erosion at the toe can ought to be prevented if the location is to be preserved."
• The religious residence presently has management over seventeen gompas in West Kameng district. The religious residence has body management over 2 dzongs, every headed by a monk; the Darana Dzong in-built 1831 and therefore the Sanglem Dzong, conjointly referred to as Talung Gompa, within the south-west a part of Kameng district. These dzongs not solely collect taxes however conjointly preach Buddhism to the Monpas and Sherdukpens of Kameng. The religious residence owns tillable lands within the villages of Soma and Nerguit and a number of patches in another villages that ar plowed  and cultivated by farmers, WHO share the manufacture with the religious residence. this resident head of the religious residence is that the in

Customs and festivals

Monpas, WHO belong to the Gelug sect, ar the dominant sect of the Kameng region. several Monpa boys be a part of the religious residence and become monks. once young boys be a part of the religious residence to coach, it's on the condition that it's a time period commitment. If a monk needs to go away the religious residence, an important penalty is levied. in line with a past custom, in a very family of 3 sons, the center son was conscripted to the religious residence and in a very family of 2 sons the youngest son was inducted into the religious residence.

The main Monpa festivals command within the religious residence ar the Choksar, Losar, Ajilamu, and Torgya. Choksar is that the competition once the Lamas recite non secular scriptures within the monasteries. Following the non secular recitations, the villagers carry the scriptures on their back and circle their agricultural land seeking blessings for the nice yield of crops with none infestations by pests and to guard against attack by wild animals. within the Losar competition, that marks the start of the Tibetan New Year, individuals visit the religious residence and provide prayers. Torgya, conjointly called Tawang-Torgya, is associate annual competition that's completely command within the religious residence. it's command in line with the Buddhist calendar days of twenty eighth to thirtieth of Dawachukchipa, that corresponds to ten to twelve Gregorian calendar month of the New Style calendar, and could be a Monpa celebration. the target of the competition is to push back evil spirits and ushering all spherical prosperity and happiness to the individuals within the succeeding year. throughout the three-day competition, dances performed by artists in colourful costumes and masks ar command within the yard, together with the Pha Chan and therefore the Locker Chungiye, the latter of that is performed by the monks of the religious residence. every dance represents a story and costumes and masks represent animal forms like cows, tigers, sheep, monkeys then forth.

VISITING PLACES AT TAWANG

 Tawang religious residence

Tawang religious residence is Asia’s second largest religious residence and India’s largest that controls seventeen Gompas within the region. Tawang religious residence is a very important seat of Mahayana. This world notable religious residence of the Gelukpa was supported throughout the seventeenth century by Mera Lama Lodro Gyaltso World Health Organization is taken into account as a up to date of the fifth lama. The highlights of this religious residence area unit the imposing three-storied auditorium and also the twenty eight foot high golden sculpture of Lord Buddha. there's additionally an enormous library that has a formidable assortment of ancient books and manuscripts. The notable Buddhist gold inscribed scriptures Kangyur and Tangyur area unit preserved here.

Sela Pass

Sela Pass is that the one amongst the best motor in a position pass at associate altitude of thirteen,700 ft. The serene crystal blue water of Sela Lake encircled by prayer flags is just exciting.

Nuranang Waterfalls

Almost 2KM faraway from the city of Jang towards Tawang, Nuranang Waterfalls is one amongst the spectacular waterfalls during this a part of the Northeast. This falls is known for cold water and rainbow trout fish place wherever one will go fishing within the chilly waters. this is often twelve metric linear unit faraway from Sela Pass.This is additionally called Jang fall.

Meet Monpa Tribe

Monpa tribe is one amongst the foremost standard tribes of Arunachal Pradesh. principally populated in Tawang, Monpas area unit known  for his or her spiritual beliefs and humbleness. They apply Mahayana. They one amongst the foremost friendly tribe you'd realize during this region.

 Jaswant Garh

Located at a distance of four kms from Nuranang, Jaswant Garh could be a memorial erected within the memory of Veer Jaswant Singh of the fourth Garhwal Rifles World Health Organization alone stopped the Chinese Army for seventy two hours throughout the 1962 aggression. He won the Omaha Vir Chakra posthumously at the Battle of Nuranang.

Any Army personnel on the thanks to the border makes it a degree to prevent and pay deference at the superbly maintained memorial. The Indian army Jawans  at the outpost treat everyone passing through with tea.

Jaswant Singh was shot by the Chinese once he tried to prevent their intrusion with simply 3 hand grenades in his pocket. curiously, his personal stuffs area unit still unbroken in an exceedingly little area with a slim, showing neatness created bed. associate HMT watch , contemporary towel ,  mirror, a combine of shoes, associate recent woolen cap and bullet holes area unit still unbroken there that apparently Jaswant Singh left behind. Its appears he's still alive. His uniform goes for a wash daily , his towel is modified frequently . The troopers World Health Organization polish his shoes everyday claim that they're usually found the shoes lined with mud and believe that Jaswant Singh takes a stroll within the encompassing. Eight promotions have return to him once death and Jaswant is currently a Captain.     

 Shonga-tser Lake

Shonga-tser Lake is splendidly referred to as Madhuri Lake. associate earthquake  in 1971 , resulted within the formation of Shonga-tser Lake, that till then was parcel. The lake is picturesque and encircled by covering mountains.

 Urgelling religious residence

Urgelling religious residence is taken into account sacred because it is that the birth place of   Tsayang Gyastso, the sixth lama.

Taktsang Gompa – Meditate Here

One of the simplest things to try to to in Tawang that is that the land of Dalai Lama is to meditate within the celebrated cloister of Taktsang Gompa. settled atop a hammock at associate degree altitude of concerning twelve,500 to 13,000 feet and encircled by dense cone-bearing forest and lofty mountains, this cloister helps you discover your inner peace. Taktsang Gompa  is one in every of the foremost celebrated places to go to in Tawang. With its tranquil surroundings, the sole sound you hear is of your beating heart and also the processing wind. the atmosphere of this place is therefore calm and soothing that wouldn’t need to go away this place in the slightest degree.

 Gorichen Peak – Go Hiking

One of the favored activities in Tawang that's most popular by tourists is hiking at Gorichen Peak. perked up at associate degree altitude of twenty-two,500 feet, Gorichen Peak is that the highest peak in Arunachal Pradesh and third highest within the Northeast. This trekking track is endued with a perfect atmosphere and a landscape to challenge the adventurer in you. acknowledged to be a troublesome trekking destination, the height offers stunning 360-degree views of the environment. On this trek, you're sure enough planning to love the brilliant fantastic thing about this splendid peak. Do add this trekking expedition on your list of things to try to to in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh

How to Reach Tawang

Tawang by Air

• The nearest Domestic Airport is Salonibari Airport, Tezpur, roughly six hour drive from Tawang. It is well connected to Kolkata and Guwahati through Air India flight. 
• The nearest International Airport from Tawang is Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Guwahati, roughly 480 Kms from Tawang. 
• It is connected with the major cities like Delhi, Imphal, Kolkata, Agartala, Aizawl, Dibrugarh, Lilabari, Silchar, Dimapur, Jorhat and Mumbai.

Tawang by Rail

• The nearest Railway Station is Tezpur Railway Station which is connected to the all major cities of Arunachal Pradesh via Guwahati Express, Porvotr S Krnti, Ghy Rajdhani and Sc Ghy Express etc.

Tawang by Road

• Tawang is 262 Kms from Bhalukpong, 
• 319 Kms from Tezpur, 
• 320 Kms from Missamari, 
• 383 Kms from Nagaon, 
• 381 Kms from East Kameng, 
• 390 Kms from Udalguri, 
• 402 Kms from Dhula, 
• 408 Kms from Paneri, 
• 440 Kms from Itanagar and 
• 502 Kms from Sagali and is very well connected via Arunachal Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) and some private travel services.