The Mindrolling Monastery is highly considered as one of the most prestigious monasteries in Asia. This is situated in the Buddha Temple Complex in the Clement Town of Dehradun. Centered in the foothills of the Himalayas, it is one of the largest Buddhist centers in India, which attracts lakhs of tourists around the world. This monastery was established by Khochhen Rinpoche in 1965 and many people do come here to attain spirituality. Abundance of ornate paintings and a phantasmagorical art on the wall with golden color make the surroundings of the monastery truly breathtaking.
History of the Mindrolling Monastery
The Mindrolling Monastery was constructed by Rigzing Tendak Lingpa in 1676. This monastery was re-established by Kochhen Rinpiche in 1965, with the help of fellow monks. It is one of the six major monasteries of the Tibetan Nyingma School. One can find the Ngagyur Nyungma College still on the premises of the monastery. Offering the advances in Buddhist studies to monks who learn and also pass the knowledge to the coming generation. In today’s time, there are about 300 monks present who are attaining their education and spirituality in this monastery.
The architecture of the Mindrolling Monastery is a masterpiece with many small sections. It has its own garden, a university complex and the tallest stupa in Asia. It has its various shrine rooms, Tibetan art forms and murals. The place is green with colorful flowers and catchy butterflies. The main centers of attraction are the statue of Guru Padmasambhava, the tallest stupa, and the giant prayer bells. This attracts the tourist with its first glimpse and is a must-visit place in Dehradun.
It took around three years with the involvement of 50 artists to complete the construction and design of the monastery. This has the life painting of Lord Buddha showcasing his life and thought in the wall paintings. It was built in the Japanese style of architecture with the stupa, which is known as the Great Stupa and inaugurated in 2002. The statues are gold-colored and the music around the place matched the ambience.
Best Time To Visit Mindrolling Monastery
The best time to visit the monastery is throughout the year but the peak season is from April to June. The climate is pleasant with a lovely and calm ambience, which is what everyone looks for. The evening time is best for the people, as the evening breeze and the lighting of the place make it more lively.
How to reach?
The place is situated on the Delhi-Saharanpur Road in Dehradun. It takes around 5 kms from ISBT Dehradun, 10 kms from Dehradun Railway Station and 35 kms from Jolly Grant Airport. One can take a shared taxi or a cab directly to reach Clement Town. This place is most crowded on the weekend but once you reach the place, it reminds you of mini Bhutan.
My Experience
Now comes the Mindrolling Monastery, though this place is just 10 steps ahead of the Buddha Temple. Entering the monastery with the flowers on both sides and an inscription on black marble about the stupas. This place was quiet, and a gentle sound of music, with its rhythm, matched the place. There was a huge statue of Guru Padmasambhava, which made it feel like we landed up in Bhutan or Nepal. The soothing peace and chirping of birds, children playing around, a bunch of Gen Z clicking snaps, and yes, the Buddhist monks in their holy attire.
There were many things to see around the prayer hall: the giant prayer bells, the stupas, the wall art around the whole premise, and yes, the peace around. I really enjoyed the monastery and was now excited for the Tibetan food waiting for me outside. Had dumplings and thukpa with the red hot chutney and then visited some shops with the aesthetic Tibetan vibes. I also met two cute dogs who were greeting everyone who visited their shop. At last, I drove my scooty, grabbed some soju from a store, and returned home.
Tips for Visiting
- Carry a camera to capture, there is no entry fee or camera charge.
- Avoid the morning hot sun, evenings are pleasant. (So, try to go by the evening after 4 pm.)
- Do carry two things : a water bottle and a light jacket, because if you wish to spend some more time, you’re going to need both.
- The garden and the shops are open on all days so there’s no need to worry.
- There are no such rules and regulations but if you want to enter the main hall, remove your shoes and follow the discipline.
Also read the other blog: Places to Visit in Dehradun
Gallery
Leave a Reply