Famous Temples in India

Architecture

The modest entrance is flanked by neatly maintained lawns on either side. Pema Norbu Rinpoche, the founder of this monastery, smiles at you from a huge portrait. The bright blue and gleaming golden structure is a fine showcase of Tibetan craftsmanship. There’s is an arch with small statues hanging from it that are considered as messengers of Lord Buddha. As you go past the main structure, an ornate bell with letters engraved on it is seen on the left. The walls inside the sprawling monstery come alive with vibrant Tibetan paintings. The three gold-plated statues of saints Padmasambhava, Sukhayami and Amitayus, are seen in the prayer hall. The prayer hall is lined with small desks, the floor is covered with small mats and a cylindrical drum is placed periodically (maybe to indicate the start and finish of the prayer sessions).

The initial structure was made of bamboo and covered an area of 80 sq feet. Namdroling Monastery holds some excellent examples of Tibetan architecture and artwork, as seen with the elaborately decorated temple tower and ornate outer walls, intricately adorned with beautiful murals. It is spread over an area of 80 acers of land and was built from Bamboo which was donated by the Indian Government to the Tibetans in exile. Today, it houses many auxiliary structures like educational institutions and a hospital, in addition to being home to about 5,000 members of the Sangha community. The temple tower is highly ornate. The outer walls flanking the doorway are decorated with huge colorful murals. The doors are red in color, have huge gold knockers and a thick plaited rope with tassels hanging from it. The walls are adorned with colorful paintings depicting gods and demons from Tibetan Buddhist mythology.