Tibetan Monasteries in Manali
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Manali has huge numbers of Tibetan people. Though Tibetans came here to seek safe shelter due to the political and social turmoil happening throughout Tibet, over the years these people have settled down in Manlai. Apart from being the centers of religious training and shelter for the Tibetans and the monks, these monasteries have slowly become listed as the tourist places for the visitors. Tourists keep coming to these monasteries to understand and feel the teachings and values of Buddhism and also to shop for the exclusive Tibetan items that are sold here in these monasteries.
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Manali houses three important monasteries and these places have become must-to-visit places for the visitors. These Tibetan or Buddhist monasteries in Manali have become the important seat for preserving the age-old traditions and culture of Tibet and various rituals to be practiced in Buddhism.
Gadhan Thekchhokling Gompa
This Gompa or monastery was constructed in 1969. The maintenance of the monastery is done by the donations offered by the local people. The monastery also has income coming from selling the various hand-woven Tibetan items especially the carpets. Tourists buy different types of handicraft items from the temple workshop. This monastery is located at the lower area of the Mall that is dominated by the refugees from Tibet. Bright colored frescos covering the Gompa make it look vibrant and colorful.farm1.staticflickr.com/37/102154250_2877785b20.jpg
The Gompa has a list of people who became martyred during the clashes in Tibet from 1987-1989. A moderate sized statue of Lord Buddha adorns this Gompa.
Himalayan Nyingamapa Gompa
Located in the close proximity of Manali Market, this small yet modern monastery is seen amidst of yellow stretches of sunflowers. Once the visitors enter the Gompa they get mesmerized and dazzled with the sweet fragrance of the Tibetan incense sticks, gleaming lights provided by powerful electric bulbs and a statue of Lord Buddha whose gold-face gleams when light falls on it. Visitors can also see the paintings depicting different events from the life of Lord Buddha.farm3.staticflickr.com/2608/4103434377_92842bae96_n.jpg
The circle of life or “Kaalchakra” can be seen painted on the monastery wall. Visitors can rotate “mane” and seek salvation.