Namgyal Monastery, McLeodganj, Himachal Pradesh India

Sonam Gyatso, the third Dalai Lama, founded Namgyal Monastery in the year 1575. During that time, it was situated at the Potala Palace in Tibet. Its purpose was to assist the Dalai Lama in his spiritual duties and public religious activities. It was from here that he used to perform religious and ritual prayer ceremonies for the Tibetan Government and for the welfare of Tibet. However, it was later shifted and presently, it is situated in the Dharamsala town in Himachal Pradesh.

It is also known as 'Namgyal Dratsang', which means 'Victorious Monastery'. The monastery is unique in itself, as Namgyal monks practice all types of prayers and rituals, including the diverse forms practiced by the major schools of Tibetan Buddhism. Namgyal monastery is situated next to the Central Cathedral and houses more than 180 monks at present. Young monks come here to study and master the major texts of Buddhist Sutra and Tantra.

Namgyal is a renowned center of learning and meditation on Buddhist treatises and teachings. It is a nonsectarian monastery and the rituals and teachings of four major sects of Tibetan Buddhism are followed as well as taught here. One can see young monks playing badminton on the way to the monastery and practicing debates in the courtyard of His Holiness's residence. You can also visit its cafe, bookshop and guesthouse, situated next to the Tsuglag Khang.

Namgyal Monastery The Buddhist Pilgrimage: Namgyal Monastery is situated in Dharamshala district of Himachal Pradesh. It is also called Namgyal Dratsang in local language and was founded by Sonam Gyasto, the third Dalai Lama in 1575. The aim behind the monastery was to assist Dalai Lama in his public religious activities and perform prayers for welfare of Tibet. The monastery had also been teaching the young Buddhist monks and Lamas. After Chinese invasion on Tibet, many Tibetan monks fled to India and Nepal. Those coming to India preferred staying at Dharamshala and adjoining areas. The residence of Dalai Lama was shifted to Mcleodganj, and it was the time when the site of original monastery was shifted outside the residence of Dalai Lama. The monastery complex consists of an institute, monastery and small temples.

Namgyal Institute: The Namgyal monastery aims at teaching the Lamas. The institute is one of its kinds in providing education which specializes in Tantra and Sutra. Getting admission in the institute is very tough. Men have to prove there mettle, by qualifying the difficult training. After the successful completion of training, young lamas are taken in. The process of study becomes tougher from this point onwards. The students have to spend for 13 years, following rigorous routine, and attaining knowledge. These 13 years lead to a Master of Sutra and Tantra degree, which is unique to Namgyal. The faculty here includes the leading spiritual leaders of Tibet, along with Dalai Lama. Another peculiar thing about the institute is that Dalai Lama himself teaches the students, thus providing them with the most blessed knowledge. This is passed only to the students studying in this institute.

 Situated towards the southern end of the town is the holy abode of the Tibetan leader, Dalai Lama, the Tsuglagkhang Complex. Namgyal Monastery is a part of this sanctum and thousands of pilgrims’ travel here seeking the blessings of the leader. Reachable by taxi, all the parts of the monastery except the monk’s residences are open for public visit. The famous Namgyal Monastery is a part of this complex. Besides meeting the Dalai Lama (which is not an easy thing to do) tourists can enjoy viewing the paintings that depict the sculptural stories and various Tibetan leaders. There are various stupas, temples, monastery for the tourists to explore. Also there are bookshops, café and a museum that too serve the tourists.