Namgyal Monastery Travel Guide and Tourism in Mcleod Ganj, Himachal Pradesh

Namgyal Monastery, also known as Namgyal Tantric College, is an important Buddhist temple in McLeod Ganj, Himachal Pradesh. Founded in 1564 or 1565 by the second Dalai Lama, Gendun Gyatso, it was originally located in Tibet but was rebuilt in Dharamshala after the Dalai Lama moved to India. The monastery is known for its special role in performing rituals involving the Dalai Lama. It practices various tantric rituals, including Kalachakra and Vajrakilaya, which are central to Tibetan Buddhism.

The monastery is home to nearly 200 monks who study both traditional Buddhist texts and modern subjects like Tibetan and English. They engage in activities such as making butter sculptures and sand mandalas, performing ritual chants, and playing traditional instruments. Namgyal Monastery is unique because it follows teachings from all four main Tibetan Buddhist traditions and is dedicated to the Dalai Lama's personal spiritual practices. It holds a special place in maintaining the spiritual and cultural heritage of Tibet and promotes peace through its annual rituals and ceremonies. Read more on Namgyal Monastery in Mcleod Ganj.