Buddhism in
Himachal Pradesh was introduced by the great Mauryan Emperor Ashoka. It was
under his reign that numerous stupas were constructed in the state of Himachal
Pradesh. Though the state has majority of Hindu population, yet the Buddhist
influence is prominent in the state. One of the prominent reasons is the
residence of His Highness Tenzing Gyatso, the 14th Holy Dalai Lama. During the
Chinese invasion in 1960, in Tibet, the exiled Dalai Lama and his Tibetan
followers took shelter in Mc Leodganj, the then British cantonment. It is all
because of his keen efforts that the Tibetan culture progressively flourished
in Himachal Pradesh and became a prime centre for Tibet Buddhism. The cultures
of Tibet and Himachal Pradesh have perfectly merged into each other.
Lahaul
Spiti: The
valleys of Lahaul & Spiti houses prominent & famous Buddhist monasteries
and Gompas that are highly revered among Buddhist tourers & followers. Some
of the famous monasteries in the region are Key Gompa, Saskyagongmig Gompa, Dhankar
Gompa, Tabo Monastery, Gungri Monastery etc. A vital centre for India Buddhist pilgrimage tour, Lahaul
& Spiti attracts numerous Buddhist pilgrims and devotees from various parts
of the world.
Home to
numerous gompas & monasteries, and great Buddhist art & culture, the
state draws in numerous Buddhist followers and learners from all across the
world. Himachal Tourism Packages have
also played a vital role in promoting Buddhist tours in Himachal Pradesh. Some
of the famous Buddhist pilgrimage destinations in Himachal Pradesh are accounted below:
McLeod Ganj: Snuggled in the region of
Dharamshala, McLeod Ganj, is a booming centre for Tibetan Buddhist followers. The
region has been the residence of the Dalai Lama of Tibet for about four decades.
Moreover, the headquarters of the Tibetan government-in-exile are also located
in McLeod Ganj. It is also a famous centre for Buddhist teachings and the Kalchakra
ceremony.
Rewalsar: Rewalsar in the district of Mandi
is held sacred among the Buddhist devotees as it is believed to be the place from
where Guru Padmasambhava started his journey to propagate dharma. Also known as
Guru Rimpoche, the Precious master, it was owing to his efforts that Mahayana
Buddhism spread in Tibet. The Rewalsar Lake with two Tibetan monasteries on its
opposite side is believed to inhabit the spirit of Guru Padmasambhava.
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