Tawang Monastery in Arunachal Pradesh (Timings, Aarti, History, Built by, Images & Location)

Tawang Monastery is a place that revolves around magic happenings of the high mountains, which are found in Arunachal Pradesh, India.

It’s not a mere religious place; it is rather a conjoint of culture, history, and landscapes. And here are ten interesting facts about Tawang Monastery that will make you want to visit!

Aarti Timing & Visiting Timings:

• Aarti Timings:
  • The Tawang Monastery follows Buddhist prayer rituals, which are somewhat different from traditional Hindu aartis. There are morning and evening prayer sessions that are a major part of the spiritual practice at the monastery:
    • Morning Prayers: 5:00 AM to 6:00 AM
    • Evening Prayers: 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
  • Prayer Ceremonies typically involve chanting mantras, and the monastery is open to visitors during these times. However, the Tawang Monastery doesn’t specifically have a Hindu-style “aarti” but the Buddhist chanting and rituals are considered a form of offering and devotion.
• Visiting Timings:
  • The Tawang Monastery is open for visitors from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day.
  • Visitors can observe monks in their daily spiritual practices, and photography is allowed in some areas but should be done respectfully.

1. A Glimpse into History

Over 300 years ago, in about 1680, Tawang Gompa or Tawang Monastery was established. It was founded by a monk who was inspired by the Fifth Dalai Lama, known as Merak Lama Lodre Gyatso.

From time to time, this monastery has contributed much to spreading Buddhism in that place, becoming an important part of history.

2. The Largest Monastery in India

Do you know Tawang Monastery is India’s largest one and second only in the world? It covers an area of about 135,000 square feet and is situated at an elevation of 10,000 feet.

How wonderful would it be to be there, surrounded by towering mountains and awesome scenery, and after all that, then to be called both a pilgrimage center and tourist destination!

3. A Hub of Tibetan Buddhism

Tawang Monastery is one of the most important seats for Tibetan Buddhism. More than 300 monks reside here to learn as well as practice their religion. The monks keep busy in meditation and prayer and make for a happening, spiritual community.

4. Breathtaking Architecture

Tawang Monastery is a design masterpiece truly! Colorful murals, intricate carvings, and large worship wheels are its adornments. Its main prayer hall, known as Dukhang, is really majestic with a massive 28-foot Buddha statue.

The bright colors and intricate designs tell stories from the Buddhist teachings, which makes this monastery an aesthetically pleasing wonderland to discover.

5. Festivals that Celebrate Culture

When to go: Visit during one of its festivals. Probably the most popular one is Losar, which is the Tibetan New Year. In Losar, the monastery looks beautiful with the sounds of music, colors, and all such festive celebrations.

The monks and the locals perform traditional dances and rituals that provided a vibrant example of rich culture in this region.

6. A Refuge for Peace

Tawang Monastery isn’t only a place to be worshipped at but is also a rather quiet place to give some rest to the people in search of serenity.

Quiet surroundings with some natural sounds make it ideal for meditation and reflection. People come here to forget all the chaos outside the world and relax in this calm atmosphere.

7. Scenic Views and Nature

Tawang Monastery has an equally beautiful journey as the destination itself. The road that takes you through mountains, beautiful valleys, and charming villages unveils its beauty.

By the time you reach there, the spectacular view from the monastery itself is breathtaking, with panoramic views of the snow-capped Himalayas and town of Tawang below. So, don’t forget the camera-including shots of the vista! 8. A Rich Collection of Artifacts

It houses a museum that holds an incredible variety of relics like old manuscripts, musical instruments, and religious objects. These then form part of the history of Buddhism in the region and the life of the monks. You will get vivid information on the rich cultural heritage of Tawang through this museum.

9. Unique Monastic Life

Life inside Tawang Monastery is rather exciting! They wake up to dawn with morning prayers and meditation.

They also serve the community by teaching other young monks about Buddhism and general knowledge. Their dedication to their faith and lifestyle is inspiring and shows a simple yet meaningful way of living.

10. A Gateway to Adventure

From there, it is just a stepping stone for further adventure in the terrain around Tawang Monastery. This place is best suitable for a trek and viewing. There are trails that lead to some of the lakes, waterfalls, and other monasteries.

One such popular site is the Sela Pass, with heavenly scopes and silent lakes. Adventure lovers will enjoy discovering the natural beauty of Arunachal Pradesh!

How to Reach Tawang Monastery

• By Road:
  • The Tawang Monastery is located in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh, and can be reached by road from nearby cities and towns.
    • From Guwahati (Assam): The distance from Guwahati to Tawang is approximately 600 km (about 14-16 hours by road). You can either hire a private taxi or take a bus to reach Tawang.
    • From Tezpur (Assam): Tezpur is around 350 km from Tawang, and it takes about 12-14 hours by road to reach Tawang from Tezpur. Taxis and shared jeeps are available.
    • The journey involves a scenic drive through Sela Pass and the beautiful Tawang Valley.
• By Train:
  • The nearest railway station to Tawang is Tezpur Railway Station, which is around 350-400 km from Tawang. The station is connected to major cities like Guwahati. From Tezpur, you can take a taxi or shared jeep to reach Tawang.
• By Air:
  • The nearest airport to Tawang is Tezpur Airport (Madhabdev Airport), around 250 km away. It connects to major cities like Guwahati, and you can travel from Tezpur Airport to Tawang by road (taxi or shared jeep).
  • Alternatively, you can fly into Guwahati and take a flight or bus to Tezpur and then continue by road to Tawang.

Websites for General Information:

• For general information about Tawang and the monastery, you can visit Arunachal Pradesh’s official tourism website: Arunachal Pradesh Tourism

Conclusion

Tawang Monastery stands as a place of peaceful solitude, rich culture, and amazing history. It is, therefore, the destination for both the zealot of Buddhism and the lover of art. After all, when one is looking for a quiet retreat, finding peace at Tawang Monastery is a promise.

Boasting incredible architecture, a rich history, and surreal scenery, it’s definitely not a must-see destination for anyone to explore India.

Get ready with your baggage and camera to click some of the most spectacular moments and enjoy an unbeatable journey to Tawang Monastery, where every nook hides a story to be unfolded!