Tawang Monastery The largest Buddhist monastery in India

Tawang Monastery

Tawang Monastery was founded in 1680-81 by Merek Lama Lodre Gyamsto on behalf of the 5th Dalai Lama.

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It is the largest Buddhist monastery in India, located in the Tawang Chu valley, Arunachal Pradesh.

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Situated near the Chinese and Bhutanese border, its full name is Tawang Galdan Namgye Lhatse, and the town of Tawang is named after it.

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The nearest airport to Tawang Monastery is Tezpur Airport.

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The monastery has several legends associated with its location, including one involving the horse of Merag Lama Lodre Gyatso.

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The monastery has a stone slabbed court for religious dances and outdoor ceremonies.

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It has 60 residential quarters for monks, constructed and maintained by local villagers.

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The most significant building is the assembly hall, Dukhang, which houses murals of divinities and saints.

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The largest image inside the monastery is a 25-foot-high statue of Lord Buddha.

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