Tsuglag Khang (Central Cathedral)
Though
a plain and utilitarian substitute for its far more splendid
name sake in Lhasa, also known as the Jokhang, the Tsuglag
Khang is nevertheless fascinating and peaceful. Situated
opposite the residence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama,
Tsuglag Khang is known to the local Indians as the Main
Temple. It houses three main images: that of the Sakyamuni
Buddha, Padmasambhava and Avalokitesvara, the Buddha of
Compassion, of whom the Dalai Lama is the current emanation.
The principal image is that of Sakyamuni Buddha, measuring
three metres high and made of gilded bronze. To its right
are the images of Padmasambhava and Avalokitesvara which are
both facing Tibet.
Namgyalma Stupa
Surrounded by prayer wheels, this Buddhist stupa, is located
in the centre of McLeod Gunj. Erected as a memorial to those
Tibetans who lost their lives fighting for a free Tibet,
Namgyalma Stupa stands as a monument to the determination of
a suppressed people to preserve their distinctive way of
life against overwhelming odds. With a statue of the
Sakyamuni Buddha enshrined in a small chamber, the stupa is
built in the tradition of the third century Indian Emperor
Ashoka and represents peace and progress. Day and night,
devotees turn prayer wheels as they circumambulate the stupa,
reciting mantras.
Church
Of St. John In TheWilderness
Fifteen minutes' walk from McLeod Gunj, the Anglican church
lies in the forest near Forsyth Gunj. This neo-Gothic stone
church was built in 1852 and has some fine Belgian
stained-glass windows. It miraculously survived the 1905
earthquake - only the spire collapsed. A memorial to Lord
Elgin stands in the churchyard. The British Viceroy died in
Dharamsala and is buried here. Visiting hours for the church
and cemetery are 10 am to 5 pm each day.
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St. John
In TheWilderness
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Dal
Lake |
Dal
Lake
About three kilometers from McLeod Gunj and next to the
Tibetan Children's Village, this small lake is brownish in
colour and not nearly as impressive as the name and
reputation suggest. However, there are many interesting
walks around the lake.
Bhagsunag
This
ancient temple is 2 kms from Mcleodganj.. Close to this
temple is a beautiful waterfall.Near the Dal Lake is the
shrine of Bhagsunath an easy walk from the Mecleod ganj.
Famous for its ancient temple and a pretty waterfall not far
away. The rock temple dedicated to local Goddess is just 3
km from Kotwali Bazaar.
Dharamkot
This
village, twenty minutes' walk further up the hill from
McLeod Gunj, is a favourite picnic spot with a panoramic
view of the Kangra Valley. It is possible to rent houses
from local Indians if you are planning a longish stay.
Triund
Mcleodganj to Triund is a 9 km gradual trek which passes
through the Dharmkot and Rakkar villages. The tracks from
Rawa, Dallake, Dharamkot and Bhagsu meet at a ridge known as
Galu Devi (2130m) which has a small temple and a water
point. From Galu Oevi onward the track is smooth and clear
and ascends through a mixed forest of oaks and
rhododendrons. The track then gradually gains height and
winds round the ridges looking towards Dharamsala and the
Kangra valley. The last climb after a snow nullah rises
abruptly with steep ascents and the track weaves through
twenty two curves making the ascent tiring and difficult. On
this track one can spot many types of birds. Monals are in
plenty. The black bear, leopards, pigs and wild goats are
also found in this region. There is a small forest bungalow
at Triund located on a big and green subsidiary ridge of the
Dhauladhar range. The forest bungalow was built some years
ago.
Norbulingka
The
Norbulingka Institute The Norbulingka Institute of Tibetan
Culture was founded by the Department of Religion and
Culture to preserve and promote Tibetan art and culture in
exile. It derives its name from the His Holiness the Dalai
Lama's beautiful summer residence, the Norbulingka (Jewel
Garden), set in parkland two kilometers from Lhasa. Fearing
for the future of Tibet's cultural heritage, the Seventh
Dalai Lama, Kelsang Gyatso, established institutes of arts
and science there in 1754.Today, with occupied-Tibet
undergoing the bleakest period in its history, the
Norbulingka Institute in Dharamsala has taken the initiative
to preserve the roots of Tibetan culture in exile. The
institute is situated in a scenic valley below Dharamsala at
Sidhbari.
Chinmaya Tapovan:-
An
ashram complex has been established by late Swami
Chinmayananda, a noted exponent of the Gita, at a distance
of approximately 10 km from Dharamsala . The complex includes a 9 meter high image
of Lord Hanuman, a magnificent Rama temple, a meditation
hall, a school, and a health and recreation centre.
