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The state of West Bengal lies in the eastern region of India, sprawling from the Himalayas in the north to the Bay of Bengal in the south. Once the center of British colonial activities in India, it still has the traces of the British era reflecting in its colonial buildings and architecture. West Bengal tourism has shown growth in the past few years with a mix of ethnic and modern culture that attracts a wide number of tourists.
One of the attractions that travellers should visit when coming to West Bengal are its Buddhist monasteries. These temples will make you wonder as to how such mega structures were built and how long it would have taken to construct them. The intricate carvings on the life of Buddha is common on most of the architecture. Some also contain the pictures of the rulers under whose reign the temples were built. Still serving as a religious place for Buddhists, these monasteries are visited by many monks and devotees around the year. So let's set out to explore these ancient monasteries built by our ancestors that still live on with us here.
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Bhutia Busty Monastery
The Bhutia Busty Monastery was originally a branch of the Nyingma sect of Buddhism that was popular in Sikkim. Built in the year 1879, it was the hub of Buddhism in the region. However, the monastery was destroyed by the Nepali troops who took over the region. The British then later drove out the Nepali king and handed over the place to the monks who again rebuilt the monastery. The monastery has a collection of old Buddhist scripts. One of the original editions of the 'Book of Dead' is its prized possession. Travellers coming here can visit the monastery and also enjoy the scenic view of the region from here.
Scenic view of the monastery.
Photo Courtesy: Adam Jones
Ghum Monastery
The Ghum Monastery or Ghoom Monastery is a popular name given to the 'Yiga Choeling Monastery' that is located in the Ghum region of West Bengal. Located at a height of 2,438 mt above the sea level, the monastery boasts of a 15 ft high statue of 'Maitreya Buddha'. The walls of the monastery are covered in paintings of which the most prominent ones are those of Chenrezi and Chongapa, who were the disciples of the lord. There are many ancient texts of Buddhism stored in this monastery and travellers coming here can read through them. It is also a perfect place to meditate as the region is completely calm and peaceful.
The idol of Lord Buddha at Ghum Monastery
Photo Courtesy: Adam Jones
Mag-Dhog Yolmowa Monastery
The Mag-Dhog Yolmowa Monastery in West Bengal is also known as 'Aloobari' monastery after the locality it is located in. The monastery was built under the supervision of Sri Sangay Lama, a highly revered religious head of the Yolmowa sect that hailed from northeast Nepal. The construction of the monastery started in the year 1914, the same year that the World War I started. Keeping the war in mind, the monastery was named 'Mag-Dhog', meaning 'to do away with war' and the monastery was dedicated as a symbol for world peace. The monastery contains several idols of Lord Buddha and Padmasambhava. The monastery also preserves several ancient Buddhist manuscripts.
Tharpa Choling Monastery
The Tharpa Choling Monastery is a Gelugpa sect monastery situated at a hilltop in Kalimpong. The monastery was founded by Domo Geshe Rinpoche Ngawang Kalsang in 1912. As per the locals, Geshe Rinpoche lived in Kalimpong in the year 1906 when he came to India for pilgrimage and to collect medicinal plants from the region. At the request of the Tibetan merchants living in Kalimpong, Rinpoche instituted this monastery. Travellers coming here can pay their respects at the monastery, and also interact with the monks who will entertain them with stories of the many adventures of Rinpoche.
The majestic Tharpa Choling Monastery
Photo Courtesy: rajkumar1220
Zang Dhok Palri Phodang
The Zang Dhok Palri Phodang monastery is located atop the Durpin Hill in Kalimpong and was consecrated in 1976 by the Dalai Lama. The monastery is known to house many rare scriptures that were brought to India after the invasion of Tibet in 1959. It also houses the 108 volumes of the Kangyur. It is also popularly known as the Lava Monastery. Travellers coming here can read the manuscripts to know more about the teachings of Lord Buddha. Also, the view from the hill-top is breathtaking, and it is a hub for nature lovers and photographers.
