Thursday, June 1, 2023

Bylakuppe Tibetan Golden Temple

The Tiny Tibetan colony in Coorg is an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The enclosed calm and the spiritual ambiance of the place welcomes all the visitors. The Namdroling Monastery, popularly referred to as ‘The Golden Temple’ is one of the largest Tibetan settlements in India. Located in Bylakuppe, about 5 kms from Kushalanagara in Kodagu district.This Place is one of the largest Tibetan settlements in India. The Golden Temple complex is home to about 16000 refugees and 600 monks .  This Tibetan settlement at Bail Koppa or Bylakuppe is the second largest Tibetan settlement outside Tibet.

 

Namdroling Nyingmapa Monastery, popularly known as the Golden Temple is a Tibetan Monastery in India. It is the largest teaching centre of Nyingma lineage (One of the four schools of Tibetan Bhuddhism). The actual name of the temple is Padmasambhava Bhuddist Vihara, an exquisite Golden Temple, constructed as per Tibetan tradition and architecture. Namdroling Monastery’s main entrance is an attractive four story tower with a wheel portraying symbols of Buddhism  and One of the must visit places in Mysuru.

 

The Golden Temple’s Architecture in Coorg

Walked through this ground and entered the campus of the Temple. Words cannot simply express what we saw in our front. Just watch what we saw from a distance.

 


A large archway leads to a lovely garden with groomed grass on either side, which approaches the temple’s entrance. The Monastery’s entryway has a giant picture of the founder, Norbu Pema Rinpoche. The entry is a glittering golden and vivid blue construction with an enormous arch and little figurines. These sculptures are said to be Buddha’s messengers. A massive ornate bell with carved lettering is there just before the gate.

 



The road leads to the temple’s entryway and a fountain. Three ornately carved & decorated entrances surround the temple’s entryway. A spacious corridor with columns leads to the altar, which houses three golden sculptures. The walls are entirely decorated with bright traditional Tibetan murals. The Monastery & temple are constructed in traditional Tibetan architecture and are stunning examples of Tibetan craftsmanship.

 

 

The color, the complexity of the design, the symmetry, the beautiful lawns on both sides, the superb pathway leading to the temple and even the fencing was looking beautiful. We walked ahead without talking our eye out of this marvellous work.

The Golden Temple’s Three Statues

The Golden Shrine comes from three gigantic gold-plated sculptures inside the vast temple. The sculpture in the center represents the founder of Buddhism, 

 

In the main prayer hall three golden tinted statues of saints Three sculptures of Lord Buddha, namely, Padma Sambhav, Buddha Sakyamuni & Buddha Amitayus, have been housed at this Monastery; these sculptures are 40 feet tall. The exterior walls surrounding the Golden Temple Coorg’s entryway are covered with massive multicolour paintings. 


The doors are painted crimson and feature enormous gold knockers The Sacrosanctum is adorned with flowers, candles and incense sticks. It is a beautiful sight to see. Although you may not be allowed to enter this area.. The Monastery’s walls are entirely constructed in Tibetan style.

 

Having darshan of these statues, venerating, circumambulations and making offerings to them generates faith, peace, wisdom, loving kindness and compassion in our minds and cleanses unwholesome thoughts and actions.

 

The Three Jewels temple ambiance, silence, and the wonderful music brings inner peace to the mind of the devotees. People are free to practice their religion and worship as per their religion in silence without distraction to others around. As we sit for meditation, an inner silence sets in, uplifting our spirit with bounty of overwhelming joyous moments.

 

The serene atmosphere of the place takes you to another world. There are so many shopping centres in and around the monastery where you will get traditional Tibetan items

Golden Temple visiting time: The Temple is open for visitors from 9 AM till 6 PM

Distance (From Coorg): 34 Kms

Trip Duration (Including Travel): 2-3 Hours

Place Location: Near Kushalnagar

Transportation Options: Bus / Cab

Travel Tips: Cauvery Nisargadhama is about 7 Kms from Golden Temple and can be visited together

 

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