Situated at a distance of 60 kilometres from the Kaveri Nisargadhama, the Namdroling Monastery or the Golden Buddhist Monastery is the largest teaching centre of Nyingmapa – a lineage of Tibetan Buddhism – in the world. The monastery is home to a sangha community of over five thousand lamas (both monks and nuns), a religious college (or shedra) and hospital. The monastery was established in 1963 by throne-holder Kyabje Penor Rinpoche of Tibet.
The initial structure was constructed with bamboo which was fortified later on. Namdroling Monastery hosts several ceremonies yearly. Among these, one of particular interest is Tibetan New Year (Losar), based on the Lunar Calendar; dates aren’t static but usually occurring in the months of February or March.
The monastery hosts traditional Lama Dances, oversize Thankga hanging from the sides of its buildings, as well as solemn processions throughout the monastery grounds spanning approximately two weeks. The gold coated Buddhist statues in the monastery are impressive and unique, explains the rich cultural heritage of Tibetans. The statues found here are Guru Padmasambhava, the Shakyamuni Buddha and Amitayus.
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