Attractions in Dharamshala
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Tsuglagkhang
Temple - This is the most renowned Buddhist monument in McLeodganj. Here you will find three magnificent images
of Buddha, including a gilded statue of Shakyamuni, statues of Valokitesvara and Padamasambhava, or Guru Rinpoche, the
Indian scholar who is attributed with the introduction of Buddhism and Tantric teachings to Tibet in the 8th century.
Kalachakra Temple - Situated next to the Tsuglagkhang Temple, the Kalachakra
Temple is open to the public as the center for pilgrimage.
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Because of its murals and architecture, it also serves as a representation of Tibet’s rich spiritual
and artistic ethnicity. The Dalai Lama uses this temple as the center for public teaching. The centre of the main Northern mural
is a large painting of the historical Buddha Shakyamuni surrounded by all 722 deities of the Mandala. On either side of this host
of deities are the images of the Fourteenth Dalai Lama and the lineage Gurus. At the centre of the Eastern wall is the portrayal
of the Mind Mandala of Kalachakra.
The Namgyal Monastery - Founded by the Third Dalai Lama, this monastery
serves exclusively the Dalai Lamas. A unique feature of this monastery is its diversity of practice. Namgyal monks perform prayers and
rituals of all the major schools of Tibetan Buddhism.
Dip Tse-Chok Ling Gompa - This beautiful little gompa is situated
at the base of a steep track. The main prayer hall contains an image of Shakyamuni, as well as two enormous drums covered in
goat skin and painted around the rim, which were made by monks at the gompa. Here you will also find some superb butter sculptures,
which are made during Losar. Fine and detailed sand mandalas are also made here.
Museum of Kangra Art - This museum is a treasure chest of Kangra
Valley's arts, crafts and rich past. In addition to the miniature paintings from the famous Kangra School of Art, which flourished
in the 17th century, a representative collection of sculptures, pottery and anthropological items are also on display. Shamiyanas
and local dresses used by local royalty and old carved doors, are also to be found. Coins, jewellery and manuscripts are displayed.
A section houses the works of modern artists, sculptures and photographers.
The Library of Tibetan Works & Archives - Located in the Central Tibetan Administration
complex, this library was built in 1971 as a repository for ancient cultural objects, books and manuscripts from Tibet. This Library
also has a team of Tibetan scholars who are engaged in research, translation, instruction and the publication of books. Since its
beginning, the Library has acquired a repute as an international centre for Tibetan studies. To date, more than five thousand scholars
and research students from over thirty countries have benefited from this unique educational institution. LTWA also offers regular
classes in Buddhist philosophy and the Tibetan language.
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