Darjeeling is known for its breathtaking views and charming vibes, and exploring its monasteries and temples is an incredible way to soak in its culture. When you are a history buff, a spiritual traveler, or simply a nature lover, you are sure to find something unique in Darjeeling’s monasteries and temples. You must visit this beautiful destination for a fulfilling experience.
Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, Darjeeling is a beautiful city rich in history and culture. From ancient Buddhist and Hindu temples and monasteries to more modern sites, there’s plenty to explore in this corner of India. In this guide, we’ll take you through all these spiritual sights, what you can expect to find at each one, and the best way to get there. So, let’s get started by discovering some of the most beautiful monasteries and temples of Darjeeling.
Ghoom Monastery
Ghoom Monastery, located in the hill town of Darjeeling in the north-eastern Indian state of West Bengal is a popular Buddhist monastery in the region. It is also known by the name of Yiga-Choling monastery. The monastery is located 15 km away from the town and stands at an altitude of 8,000 ft. The original monastery was built in 1850 by the celestial Maharishi Nagarjuna, the founder of Mahayana Buddhism in Tibet, and is the oldest monastery in the region.
It is famously known for its giant statues of the Maitreya Buddha and the Mahakala. The Maitreya statue is the world-famous statue of Ghoom Monastery and it stands at a height of 15 feet. The Mahakala statue is an impressive figure of the deity seated on a rock of gold. For centuries, devotees from far and wide have visited the Ghoom Monastery to offer their prayers and worship Buddhism.
The monastery also houses a collection of rare Tibetan scriptures, paintings, and artifacts. The walls of the monastery are covered with numerous ancient frescos, sculptures, and carvings. The monastery provides a relaxing atmosphere to explore the spiritual and historical aspects of Buddhism, beneath the peacefulness and the magnificent structure of the monastery.
Ghoom Monastery is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Darjeeling, situated amidst the breathtaking Himalayan scenery and providing delightful sights for tourists. Tourists can also have a glimpse of the several festivals happening in the monastery throughout the year. Tourists can also visit the Ghoom Monastery Museum, which has a small collection of sculptures and artifacts from various periods of ancient Buddhism and Tibet.
Dali Monastery
The Tharpa Choling Monastery, or the Dali Monastery as it is locally known, is a Tibetan Buddhist temple situated in the hills of Darjeeling in the Indian state of West Bengal. Founded in the 1890s by the 8th incarnation of the Dharma King, His Holiness Khamtrul Rinpoche Jigme Palbar, the monastery is the center of rare teachings on Buddhism, especially teachings of the Nyingma and Kagyu schools.
The monastery has been home to several renowned lamas and tulkus who have contributed to spreading Buddhist teachings throughout the region. It is also a place of pilgrimage for Buddhist devotees from all over the world. The monastery has numerous shrines and temple dedications, including sacred statues of Shakyamuni Buddha, Guru Padmasambhava, and Chenrezig. It also contains ancient artwork, sculptures, and thangka paintings. The annual Dalai Lama festival held in June is one of the main attractions of the monastery, with devotees flocking from far and near to witness the grand celebrations of Guru Rinpoche’s birthday. Tharpa Choling monastery also organizes meditation retreats and Buddhist study classes for monks and lay people alike.
A stay at Treebo Darjeeling will provide all the necessary amenities and comfort you need, while you explore and take delight in the local culture and spirituality. Here is a guide to all the famous monasteries and temples of Darjeeling.
Bhutia Busty Monastery
The Bhutia Busty Monastery (also known as Bhutia Busty Gompa) is located in the picturesque hill station of Darjeeling, India. It is the oldest and most important Tibetan Buddhist monastery in India. Located at the top of a hill overlooking the hills of Darjeeling and the surrounding region, the Bhutia Busty Monastery is a sight to behold.
The Bhutia Busty Monastery is home to around 200 monks, who live, study and practice their religion here. The monastery is home to four major Buddhist rituals, including the annual festival Lhabab Duchen, which is celebrated with great enthusiasm on the 8th day of the 10th Tibetan month.
The main attraction of the monastery is its breathtaking architecture, which is a mix of traditional Tibetan and Hindu influences. Monks here wear traditional garments and carry different types of drums and bells. The monastery also contains many statues and art pieces, as well as a library filled with precious manuscripts and books.
Visitors can experience the unique and serene atmosphere of the monastery by attending meditation classes, which are organized here. The view of the undulating hills from the monastery complex is simply a sight to behold.
The Bhutia Busty Monastery is a living example of the strong ties between Tibet and India and provides visitors with an eye-opening insight into the lives of Tibetan Buddhists. It is also an important destination for Buddhist pilgrims and travelers alike, as it is a place where one can reconnect with nature and ancient Buddhist traditions.
Mahakal Temple
Situated at the summit of Observatory Hill, this temple is regarded as one of the main tourist attractions of Darjeeling. Dedicated to Shiva, the temple boasts some of the most breathtaking views of the valley. People flock to the temple on special occasions, to witness a large number of devotees doing pujas and aartis.
Located atop a hill at a height of 7820 feet, the Mahakal Temple in Darjeeling is a must-visit tourist destination in the beautiful hill town of Darjeeling. It is one of the most revered Shiva temples located in the eastern region of the country and has tourists from far and wide coming to pay their respects and pray for the deity. A major attraction for Hindu devotees, this temple of Lord Shiva, iconic for its snow-clad surroundings and breathtaking views, is said to have been built by the legendary King Jagat Singh Bhonsle.
For those visiting Darjeeling, the Treebo Darjeeling provides comfortable accommodations and easy access to the Mahakal Temple. Situated in the Lap of Nature, with enchanting views of the Himalayas from each window, Treebo Darjeeling offers a truly enchanting and luxurious stay experience. With eclectic seating arrangements and warm tones, Treebo Darjeeling hotels are the perfect place to relax and unwind after a day of visiting cultural and spiritual sites like the Mahakal Temple, a visit that is sure to bring peace and tranquility to the soul.
These are some of the most popular monasteries and temples in Darjeeling. With its lush forests and mystic atmosphere, a stay at Treebo Darjeeling will provide you with an unforgettable experience.
In conclusion, Darjeeling offers a spiritual and deeply meaningful immersion into the culture and customs of India. The vast array of monasteries and temples provides a unique opportunity to explore the ancient heritage of this region, while also allowing visitors to pause and embrace the serenity of the land. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced traveler, the historical, religious, and cultural significance of these sites will offer something special to everyone who visits Darjeeling
