Tabo Monastery in Himachal Pradesh

Dating back to more then 1000 years, Tabo Monastery is regarded as the historic treasure of India. It was built around 996 A.D and is situated in the trans-Himalayan valley of Spitti, Himachal Pradesh. Thousand of pilgrims, both from the nation and abroad visit the revered place and offer prayer to the Almighty.

The marvelous monument is under the control of Archeological Survey of India. Its architecture exhibits both the structural and cave type construction. The main complex is located on a level ground, with the Spiti river on the south and a cliff on the north. The large monastery encloses an area of 6300 square meters and consist of 9 temples, 23 chortens, a monk's chamber. An exhibition hall in the monastery is beautified with wall paintings, scriptures, stucco sculptures etc.

Known as the Ajanta of Himalayas. Tabo Buddhist Monastery has temples, namely:

Serkhang (Golden Temple):
Built of sparkling murals, the temple was once layered with gold. But, with number of renovation, some work is damaged.

Kyilkhor Khang (The mystic Mandala Temple)
Encircled by eight Bodhisattvas, the temple is adorned with paintings of Vairocana.

Lha-Khang (large temple of Dromton)
Situated on the northern tip of the Monastery, the temple was built by Dromton, a strong followers of Atisha.

Gtsug Lha-Khang(the temple of enlightened gods)
Also known as the Assembly Hall, it is one of the major attractions in the monastery. The four fold Vairocana, the stucco images of Vajradhatu Mandala and lot more offers a worthy watch to the visitors.

Zalma (The Chamber of Picture Treasures)
Built in Tibetan style of architecture, the temple is the holy abode of Lord Buddha.

Brom-ston Lhakhang( The temple of Dromton)
Covering an area of about 70 sq.km it is one of the second largest temple. Eight Medicine Buddhas, Guardian Kinga and figures of Sakymuni with Sariputra and Maha Maugdalayana is the main attraction of the temple.

Gon-Khang (The Mahakala Vajra-bhairava Temple)
Dkar-Abyum Lha-khang (The White Temple)
Monks, often visit the temple and lean against it. It four corner is decorated with antique works that a single visit is not enough for it.

Byams-Pa Chen-po Lha-Khang (The Boddhisattava Maitreya Temple)
The temple is known for its 6m tall image of Bodhisattva Maitreya. Murals in the temple clearly highlights the monastery of Tashi-Chunpo and Lhasa'a Potala palace.

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