Dhakpo Shedrupling Monastery, nestled in the lush green hills of Kullu, is a place of serenity and spiritual awakening. The vibrant red and gold walls stand in stark contrast to the verdant surroundings, drawing the eye and inviting the soul to enter and explore. As one steps through the threshold, the first thing that strikes is the silence that permeates the air. The hustle and bustle of the outside world falls away, replacing it with a peaceful stillness that is both calming and revitalising. The only sounds that can be heard are the gentle whispers of prayers and the soft clack of prayer beads.
The monastery was formally opened by the Dalai Lama in 2005. It is the jewel of Kais village and is also referred to as the Kais monastery. One of Kullu’s most well-liked tourist attractions is the magnificently designed building, located against a background of towering mountains. There are around 50 stairs to ascend in order to reach the monastery, where visitors leave their shoes at the threshold and enter a tranquil and spiritual new world.
The main prayer hall is adorned with colourful thangkas and traditional Tibetan religious paintings depicting various deities and enlightened beings. The walls lined with shelves are filled with sacred texts, and the air is thick with the scent of burning incense. The room holds a soft glow of butter lamps, casting a warm light on the faces of the monks as they chant and meditate.
Visitors are welcome to unwind at the monastery after a prayer in the hall. The anxieties will instantly become calm due to the incredibly tranquil surroundings it holds. This location embodies the picturesque beauty of the mountains. Here, you can enjoy Mother Nature’s exquisite flavour and because of how quiet it is inside the monastery, visitors can hear the wind howling and the birds chirping. One of the nicest things to look for is the architecture of this monastery. It is a flawless fusion of ancient Indo-Tibetan design that spans many millennia.
One of the most striking features of the monastery is the statue of Lord Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelugpa school of Tibetan Buddhism, which sits at the front of the prayer hall. The statue is intricately carved, and the gilded face seems to radiate with a pearl of serene wisdom that is both humbling and inspiring. The Monastery is home to a community of monks, who are the custodians of the spiritual heritage of the Gelugpa tradition. These monks, some as young as six, have dedicated their lives to the study and practice of Buddhism. They spend their days in study, meditation, and service, striving to purify their minds and attain enlightenment.
The Monastery also serves as a centre of learning, with a rich tradition of scholarship and teachings. It is home to many great teachers who have devoted their lives to the preservation and transmission of Buddhist teachings. They offer teachings, initiations, and guidance to thousands of students from all over the world.
The Monastery has a beautiful garden, which serves as a place of seclusion and meditation for the monks. It is filled with a variety of beautiful flowers and trees, and the peaceful sound of running water. It is a perfect place to reflect on the teachings and cultivate a sense of inner peace. Take a trip to Himachal and stay at a cozy Resort in Naggar, which is a few kilometres away from the monastery, so the drive and the destination, all together make the journey worthwhile.
Dhakpo Shedrupling Monastery is a place where the past, present, and future come together. It is a living embodiment of the unbroken transmission of the teachings of Buddhism and a testament to the timeless wisdom of Buddhist traditions. It is a place where one can leave behind the distractions of the world and rediscover the beauty and simplicity of the human spirit. It is a destination where one can find inspiration and guidance on the path to enlightenment.
