Bylakuppe, a small town about 2-3 hours drive from Mysore city is the 2nd biggest Tibetan settlement in India after Dharamsala. As we enter this area it just gives us a feeling we have landed in another country. This settlement houses the beautiful Namdroling Monastery also known as Golden temple, it is the largest teaching centre of Nyingmapaa, a lineage of Tibetan Buddhism.
The place is so inviting, it mesmerises you as you set your foot inside. The greenery with its well maintained gardens, the brilliantly painted main temple in myriad colours , the vibrant and brightly lit interiors of the temple gives you a break from external world and one can definitely soak in the peaceful atmosphere. The prayer hall with beautiful Tibetan paintings houses finely carved golden idols of Buddha’s disciples.
A prayer session was in progress when we visited. Hundreds of uniformly clad monks sat on the floor behind small desks and were reading or chanting collectively . The rhythmic chanting ,the sound of gongs, the discipline with which the rituals are followed are a visual treat .
One will be astonished to see even very young disciples in the age group of 4-5 years in the monastery performing all the religious ceremonies with same gusto like their seniors. The saffron robes,the nearly close shaven heads, Japamala or rosary in hand with the peaceful countenance is hallmark of a each monk you come across here.
Definitely a good place to be included in the itinerary when one visits Mysore.
As there are many images I will be publishing this in 3 parts .
See you soon!