The Famous Gaden Namgyal Lhatse, popularly known as Tawang Monastery was founded by Merak Lama Lodre Gyatso in the year 1680-81. Tawang Monastery or Tawang Gompa is the largest monastery in India and the second largest in Asia. It is perfectly perched on a hilltop and forms a major landmark and an attraction that draws tourists to this far flung town in Arunachal Pradesh. The gompa sits at an altitude of 3300mm is home to more than 700 monks and 450 Lamas
The most imposing building of the monastery is the assembly hall known as Dukhang. It is a three-storied building standing on thenorthern side of the court and houses the template and the Labrang (The establishment of the Abbot.) The inner walls of the Dukhang. are painted with murals of various divinities and saints. The altar occupies the entirenothern wall of th hall. On the left of the alter is the silver casket wrapped in silk containing the Thankas of Goddes Dri Devi (Palden Lhamo) the principle deity of the monastery, which was given to Merak Lama by the Vth Dalai Lama. The said painting came to be known as Ja-Droi-Ma, which means it had warmth of a bird, which symbolized that the Thanka was of a living type.
A colossal richly gilded statue of Lord Buddha occupies the middle of the northern side. It is seated on a platform and its body, rising up, terminates in a huge head above the first floor. It is the largest image of the monastery also has a Center for Buddhist Cultural Studies where young monks are taught Arithmetic, English and Hindi besides traditional monastic education.
In brief, this monastery is simply awe-inspiring and majestic in its appearance and grandeur. A visit of Tawang Monastery is most spiritually refreshing experience.
Best Time to Travel : October to April.
Significance : Tawang Monastery is the Largest In India and 2nd Largest In Asia.
By Air: The nearest airport is at Tezpur (Assam), which is at a distance of 365 kilometers. Tezpur is directly connected to Kolkata (West Bengal) by two flights weekly. Another option is Guwahati (Assam) which is 555 kilometers away from Tawang and is connected to different parts of the country by daily flights.By Train: Guwahati, located at about 555 km from Tawang has the nearest rail station, which is also connected to all the major cities in India.
By Road: State transport and private bus services are available to reach Tawang. Commercial taxi services are also available. The nearest bus services are from Bomdila (185 km), Tezpur (365 km) and Guwahati (555 km). Tawang monastery is one of the most important Buddhist shrine located in a scenic backdrop in the lap of the majestic mountains and is worth visiting at least once in a life-time. It has a rich Buddhist culture and many fairs and festivals are organized at various times of the year. Visiting Twang can indeed be a fulfilling experience.
