Bomdila Monastery was built in 1965 by 12th incarnation of TsonaGontse Rinpoche. Inside the gompa, there’s huge prayer hall which is used by lamas for praying. The monastery belongs to Mahayana Buddhism, and also known as Gentse Gaden Rabgyel Lling monastery.
Bomdila monastery is a replica of the Tsona gontse monastery of Tsona Gontse Rinpoche. The monastery houses a Buddha temple which is extremely beautiful. Lying on a hill, Upper Gompa attracts tourists in great number as it is a symbol of the buddhism traditions. It is also called as Gentse Gaden Rabgyel Ling(GRL) Monastery. Upper Gompa also has a school to educate monk kids.
There is a even a guest house in the Monastery, but it is usually booked months before. So always make bookings 2 to 3 months before your arrival date. Apart from its religious significance the monastery is also known for its natural beauty.
Architecture
The Bomdila Monastery consists of a prayer hall which is the main building of the monastery and is used for the purpose of meditation and peace prayers. There is even a temple where the deity of Buddha is placed and there are other residential quarters for the monks. Inside these halls, young monks are taught about Buddhism and various practices by senior lamas.
Things to see in and around
Craft Centre, Tipi and Bhalukpong are some of the places that you can plan.
Best time to visit
During Losar festival, you can plan your visit to the monastery, which is celebrated to mark the new year. We visited Bomdila in the month of March, the weather was pleasant and a light jacket can be carried during day time.
Saka Dew which is held in the fourth month of Lunar calendar marks the day of Buddha’s enlightenment is also a good time to visit.
Don’t listen to what they, go and see it**
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