Tabo Monastery
About Tabo Monastery
Far From City: 37 kms from city center
Cost:
About Tabo Monastery
Weather:
Time Required:2-3 hrs
Open Time:6:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Cost:No entry fee
History of Tabo Monastery
According to the Tibetan calendar, the Tabo Monastery was established by a great teacher, Lotsawa Rinchen Tsang Po- the king of the western Himalayan kingdom of Guge, in the year of the Fire Ape. It was renovated by his grandnephew Jangchub O'd. The grand monastery was built as a daughter monastery to the Tholing Monastery of Tibet. Documented on the monastery walls, it is written that the royal dynasty of these Buddhist kings was of prime importance in spreading of Indian Mahayana Buddhism in Tibet in the 11th century.
Tabo Monastery was also a destination of choice for Indian pundits wishing to learn the Tibetan language. The period between 17th and 19th centuries witnessed some political and religious unrest, and the damage can be reflected on the walls. The regal monastery was rebuilt after an earthquake struck the area in 1975. In 1983, a new Du-Kang or Assembly Hall was added to the structure in response to the growing interests of many Buddhist followers.
Architecture of Tabo Monastery
The walls of the monastery are 3 feet wide and encompass 9 temples, 4 stupas, 23 chortens, a monk's chamber and an extension which contains the nun's chamber. The temples house a priceless collection of manuscripts, thangkas (Buddhist scroll paintings), stuccos and frescoes. The walls of the monastery are decorated with murals that depict the ancient tales of the Mahayana Buddhist Pantheon. Many artefacts recite tales of the life of Buddha and the relations between India and Tibet.
A four-fold figure of Vairocana, one of the five spiritual sons of Abibuddha rests in the Initiation Temple. Life-sized statues of gods and demons and many holy scriptures are found here too. The most important part of the compound is the main temple because of the Du-Khang or the assembly hall which has the statue of Vairocana, one of the five spiritual sons of Adibuddha. Clay images, life-size statues of gods and demons and holy scriptures are found here. Paintings are always shrouded in the dark, and one might require a torch to see them.
The Temples in Tabo Monastery
It is believed that particular group of temples were built before the others. The temples included in this category are The Temple of the Enlightened Gods, The Golden Temple, The Mystic Mandala or the Initiation Temple, The Bodhisattva Maitreya Temple and the Temple of Dromton. The Golden Temple has been named so because it is said to have been covered in gold! However, it was then renovated to its current state in the 16th century by then reigning king o Ladakh, Sengge Namgyal.
The wooden frame in the doors of the Bodhisattva Temple testifies that this temple was made within the first 100 years of the construction of the monastery. The murals on the walls of the temple show that the Bodhisattva Temple was originally a two-storied one and this can be confirmed by the damage sustained by the entrance wall. A magnanimous 20 ft tall image of the Bodhisattva Maitreya lies in this temple.
The temples that were built in the latter stage were The Chamber of Picture Treasures, the Large Temple of Dromton, the Mahakala Vajra Bhairava Temple and the White Temple. The Large Temple of Dromton has inscribed in its walls, murals of all the eight Medicine Buddhas dating back to the 17th century and the life of Shakyamuni Buddha is carved at the base of the temple is a narrative form.
Serkong School
The Tabo monastery was established to preserve and protect the Buddhist legacy and hence is now an advanced centre for Buddhist learning. The school was established on 29 May 1999 and is currently successfully moulding the futures of 274 children! The school has a staff of 15 teachers that together educate the students in the subjects of English, Hindi, Bhoti (Tibetan), Maths, Science and General Knowledge. Half of the costs of running this school are borne by the government, and the other half comes from donations and fees.
Festival of Chakar
The festival of Chakar is joyously celebrated at the Tabo Monastery. A celebration of peace and love, Chakar is celebrated every three years between September and October. It is observed by performing masked dances and traditional folk dances, singing religious songs and enjoying time with your loved ones. To be a part of this merriment is a wonderful experience.
Activities at Tabo Monastery
Worship is the primary activity at the monastery. One must not miss the 6:00 AM morning prayer when the chants of the Buddhist monks reverberate through the walls of the assembly hall and soothe senses. The cliff above the monastery also houses some peaceful caves where monks and lamas sit in deep meditation. Tantric rites are also performed within the compound.
Tabo Monastery Timings
The monastery stays open from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM every day, including weekends and public holidays. Morning prayers start at 6:00 AM and must be experienced once. Classes are held from 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM for monks which you can attend with prior permission.
How to Reach Tabo Monastery
There is no direct way to get to Tabo Monastery. The most convenient way of reaching it is through Reckong Peo which is at a distance of around 150 km. The famous Kaza Bus runs between Tabo and Reckong Peo and is the only bus you'll find on this route. It starts from Reckong Peo Bus Stand at 6:30 AM and reaches Tabo around 4:00 PM.
Alternatively, you can reach Tabo monastery through Kulu, which is 295 km away and then continue along the path of Rohtang Pass, Gramphoo, Batal, Kunzam Pass and Kaza. However, Rohtang Pass remains closed after October.
You can also opt to arrive at Tabo Monastery via Shimla, which is around 337 km away. The path from Shimla to the monastery will go through Narkanda, Rampur, Jeori Wantu, Karcham, Powari, Jangi, Puh, Khab, Chango and Hurling. You can find motels en route for overnight stops.
The monastery is just a 5-minute walk from the highway which can easily be covered on foot. The trail is suited for old and aged people as well as there are no ups and downs on the path.
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Tips
1. A one-night stay at the monastery guest house is recommended for tourists wanting some peace of mind or for those who want to experience the monastic culture.2. Temperatures remain low throughout the year, so heavy woollens must be carried.3. Local Tabo dishes are a must try. The monks offer butter tea with Tibetan bread, which is a speciality there and is a must try.4. Carry a torch when you visit the monastery because the premises don't use electricity throughout. It is always best to ask a monk to accompany you when you explore the monastery because the monks are very well versed in the history of the region.5. There are gift shops here where you can buy souvenirs, thangka paintings or picture postcards. All the proceeds are used for preserving the monastery.6. It is best to visit the Tabo Monastery between April and October when the cold is tolerable.7. Photography in the temples is prohibited.
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