Tawang
Tawang , an 'East Himalayan
Paradise' is perched majestically at & height of about H,000 feets, amidst
towering snow capped peaks. It was founded in 17th century by Mera Lama, a
contemporary of the fifth Dalai Lama and the region came under Buddhist
mfluence with the arrival of Padmasambham in the mid - 8th century. The town is
now studded with all modern amenities and is fastly emerging as a dream destination
for Mature lovers and sightseers. It has always been a Buddhist pilgrim site
and is a life time destination for the Buddhist living in India. The fortified
complex of Tawang Monastery of the ' Gelugpa' (Yellow hat) sect was founded by
Mera Lama and is the major attraction of Tawang. It stands on a spur
overlooking the Tawang valley and in size is second only to the Potala Palace
in Lhasa. The main hall of the monastery is the prayer room and venue for
various religious functions and traditional folk dances are performed here by
the monks as a part of religious rituals. The 'Parkhang' hall houses the
library which contains rare hand written and block printed Buddhist manuscripts
of immense religious value. The monastery complex is also a great repository of
exquisite Buddhist artefacts, paintings and sculptures. The gold plated, eight
metre high bronze statue of Lord Buddha seated on a platform is one of the
finest sculptures in the shrine.
The Urgelling Monastery here is said
to be the birth place of the 6th Dalai Lama. It enshrines his footprints and
fingerprints. Beautiful masks, hand-woven carpets, and ingerprins. and
silver jewellery etc. can be purchased at the craft centre in Tawang.
REACHING THERE
Airport: Tezpur (365
kms.).
Railhead: Rangpara
Road : Bomdila ( 180 kms.)
