Peaceful Journey at Tsuglagkhang - Dalai Lama's Buddhist Temple at Mcleodganj, Upper Dharmshala, Himachal Pradesh, India
Mcledoganj is popular destination for folks who believe in Budhism or want to explore religious environments of different styles. A good percentage of Tourists come to Mcleodganj for learning Tibetan Buddhism, culture, crafts. Let's have a quick Photo Journey of Tsuglagkhang Budha Temple and know more about the daya-to-day activities of this place...
Photograph showing a Monk looking at Budha Statute which is inside the temple and he has completing some rounds around this temple. These temples are located on second storey of the Temple complex. One can walk up with shoes and there are some places to put your shoes before you enter into the temples.
Some of the folks were taking rounds of these temples and doing some prayers after completing each round. Prayer wheels are also installed around one of the temples and folks can be seen doing it religiously. Folks are not allowed to enter into the temple from front gate. There are two gate on both sides of the temples fro where people can enter and exit. In above photograph you see front gate of temple which is closed with a colorful cloth.
Just in front of these temples, there is a huge open space with some wooden boards, cushions and something to wear in hands. Many folks were using these things to pray in some different way. We don't have much details about this particular process and will try to share more details soon. Hope that above photograph will be helpful in understanding the way each of them was doing it.
The Dalai Lama Temple complex is just a
short walk from the McleodGanj bus stand in upper Dharamsala. The road which connects bus stand with Temple is called as temple-Road and one of the main road with lot of shops, Hotels & cafes around it. The
temple complex is open daily, from sunrise to sunset, and visitors are
welcome to explore the peaceful ambiance of the surroundings...
A Sculpture installed inside the Museum in this campus of Dalai Lama Temple. This Museum shared lot of old stories through some photographs, videos and text news. We shall be sharing a separate photo Journey from this museum.
Next to the Tsulagkhang is a temple devoted to the Kalachakra. This temple is decorated with frescos depicting 722 deities of the mandala, Shakamuni Buddha, and the central Kalachakra image. The frescos were completed by a team of painters over a period of three years under the direction of the Dalai Lama and three master painters. Along the walls and columns of the temple are many traditional Tibetan Thangka paintings.
There are many Dharamsala attractions to choose from, but
among the top things to do in Dharamshala is a visit to the residence,
monastery, and temple of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. Dalami Lama's
residence is just in front of this temple, although he keeps moving
between various countries to share knowledge and thoughts. A Broader
schedule of His Holiness Dalai Lama can be seen at the notice-board
installed outside his residence.
In the early morning, folks are welcome to participate as the monks chant
and meditate. People can join local residents for a meditative walk around
the temple/monastery complex. Along the way one will see many prayer
flags and 'mani' stones.
A View of Mcleodganj Market from Dalai Lama Temple with beautiful background of Dhauladhar hills in Himachal Pradesh, India.
There are some benches places in front of main temple, where people can sit and bid their prayers... Most of the folks around the place can be seen with nice smile on face and peaceful environment all around.
Public services and prayers held at Tsulagkhang each day. In the evening, butter lamps are lit to dispel the darkness. There is a room on one of the corners of this temple where lot of butter lamps can be seen. This room is usually closed but lamps can be seen through glassed windows.
Within the Dharamsala Tsuglagkhang temple are three principal images. The central image, seen from the entrance, is that of Shakamuni Buddha. Nearby is Padmasambhava, the Indian yogi who introduced Buddhism to Tibet in the 8th century. Also nearby is Avalokitesvara or Chenresig, of whom the Dalai Lama is considered to be the current emanation. Both Padmasambhava and Avalokitesvara sit facing Tibet. The image of Avalokitesvara, sculpted in silver with eleven faces, one thousand arms, and one thousand eyes, has an interesting story.
A collection of sacred texts, the Khagyur, direct
teachings of Buddha, and Tengyur, commentaries on the Khagyur by Indian
& Tibetan scholars can be seen here.
Across the Dalai Lama Temple courtyard is Namgyal Monastery. Every afternoon and evening, you can see young monks debate in traditional Tibetan style embellished with hand clapping and emphatic gestures.