Tabo is a small town living peacefully in the lap of lovely spiti valley. In this post, we shall lay down the history and importance of the ancient monasteries of spiti. Buy tabo gods of light the indotibetan masterpiece book. About tabo monastery ajanta of the himalayas, as the tabo choskhor monastery is popularly known, was founded more than a millennium back in 996 a. The area is cold and rocky with an altitude of 3500 m. The monastery of tabo lies in northern india in the secluded spiti valley, which was at. Tabo monastery would like to thank all those kind and generous people who have, over the years, given their time, money, skilled work and efforts into helping tabo monastery preserve its cultural heritage and develop the opportunities for the spiritual and secular education of the community. It was founded in 996 ad and is considered to be the oldest functioning buddhist monastery in the country. Tabo monastery, lahaul and spiti district tripadvisor.
Unlike other monasteries for example key, dhanakar etc tabo monastery is not situated on heights and lies within the main village. Tabo monastery, spiti, himachal pradesh oldest monastery. The indotibetan masterpiece, my twelfth international book publication, is, without a doubt, my personal masterpiece. The secrets of tabo monastery, spiti himachal pradesh. Reliable information about the coronavirus covid19 is available from the world health organization current situation, international travel. Often it is referred to as ajanta of the himalayas. Do you need to book in advance to visit tabo monastery. Tabo was built as a daughter monastery of the tholing monastery in ngari, western tibet. Monasteries in spiti to plan your entire trip around. Oxford university press buddhism in the western himalaya.
Handa author of tabo monastery and buddhism in the trans. According to the tibetan calendar, it was the year of the first ape. The dalai lama has expressed his desire to retire to tabo, since he maintains that the tabo monastery is one of the holiest. History of tabo monastery temple tabo monastery will take you a millennium back in 996 a. Tabo monastery tour,tabo monastery tour in himachal. It is considered to be an important monastery and is often referred to as the ajanta of the himalayas. Tabo monastery was founded by the buddhist king and royal lama yeshe od in 996 a. Tabo monastery, information about tabo monastery, tabo. Nestled in the spiti valley, the tabo monastery is a buddhist monastery that was first designed to keep alive the buddhist legacy through learning centres. Founded by richen zangpo, this monastery consists of a complex of nine temples. It is also a storehouse of buddhist history and culture, which includes paintings, religious texts and volumes of manuscripts. The monastery itself has priceless thankas, statues, frescoes and murals. Tabo monastery is one of the oldest and most divine buddhist religious structures built in the indotibetan region. Tabo monastery is an ancient monastery that was established in 996 ce.
Tabo monastery holds great significance in indian history because of its central role in introducing of what we now know as the indotibetan form of buddhism to tibet in. Tabo is a small town in the lahaul and spiti district on the banks of the spiti river in himachal pradesh, india. This book is a privileged look at an esoteric and inaccessible outpost of a religious practice steadily disappearing. Tabo monastery is the oldest buddhist enclave in india. Tabo monastery and the village is situated on the bank of spiti river. Tabo holiday packages, book tabo tour packages, places to. Thakur traces the evolution of buddhism against the backdrop of the economy and culture of the region. This book is a donation to tabo monastery from the austrian science fund. At the top of the mountain are two christian monasteries, one greek orthodox on the northeast side and one roman catholic on the southeast side.
Laxman s thakur in this multidisciplinary study covering a period of a thousand years, laxman s. Ajanta of the himalayas, as the tabo choskhor monastery is popularly known, was founded more than a millennium back in 996 a. Now book tabo monastery lahaul spiti tickets online instantly on yatra. The town surrounds a buddhist monastery which, according to legend, is said to be over a thousand years old. Brewing in the breeze of the himalayas are the fluttering prayer flags leading to a destination thats a millennium old. Tabo was a daughter monastery of tholing monastery in ngari west tibet.
Tabo monastery or tabo choskhor monastery was founded in 996 ce in the spiti valley, himachel pradesh, india by the great tibetan buddhist lotsawa translator, rinchen zangpo, the king of western himalayan kingdom of guge. Because of the historical and cultural importance of tabo, it is one of the focal. The original monastery was first built in the year 996 ce and has been restored several times since then. This religious centre was founded with the intention of establishing an institute of advanced learning. In 1996, the dalai lama conducted the kalachakra initia. D when it was built by the buddhist king yeshoo, which was later renovated by the royal priest, jangchub od, the 2 nd generation of yeshoo. Tabo monastery spiti valley a complete travel guide.
Mount tabor is shaped almost like half a sphere, suddenly rising from rather flat surroundings and reaching a height of 575 metres 1,886 feet, thus dominating by a good 450 metres the town in the plain below, kfar tavor. Anybody going to visit tabo monastery should read it before starting the trip the book is large and heavy, so it may not be considered the best travel companion a digital version could be useful, but also those in love with himalayan art should not miss it. Tabo monastery is also called ajanta of the himalayas. Tabo monastery or tabo choskhor monastery is located in the tabo village of spiti valley, himachal pradesh, northern india. The beauty of tabo monastery doesnt lie in its exterior, but the treasures inside the monastery. This royal dynasty was instrumental in reintroducing the indian mahayana buddhism in tibet, the second major spreading of buddhism in tibetan history. The oldest working monastery in india, tabo monastery lies 40 kms from the indotibet border and provides a beautiful lesson in a millenialold history. All structured data from the file and property namespaces is available under the creative commons cc0 license. The name of the rose by umberto eco, the beautiful mystery by louise penny, dissolution by c. Tabo monastery is located in the tago village of spiti valley, himachal pradesh, northern india. It was founded in 996 ce in the tibetan year of the fire ape by the tibetan buddhist lotsawa translator rinchen zangpo mahauru ramabhadra, on behalf of the king of western himalayan kingdom of guge, yesheo.
Tabo monastery, also known as the ajanta of the himalayas, is one of the most popular monasteries in the lahaul and spiti valley and was founded more than a millennium back in 996 a. The monastery 1820 is not one of scotts better known novels, but i found it one of his most engaging to date. Tabo monastery, spiti, himachal pradesh oldest monastery in. One of the oldest buddhist monasteries of the western himalaya can be found. There are meditation caves adjacent to the premises, which mark the border of the town. Tabo monastery tabo, india location, facts, history and all. Situated on the banks of spiti river, the town is surrounded by the leo pargul peak in the east and manirang in the west. Its a rich geographical setting between the lahaul and spiti district, it has gained momentum lying in the midst of the spiti river that is surrounded by hills all over.
The town lies on the road between rekong peo and kaza alternative spelling. Jan 06, 2020 the tabo monastery is believed to be a thousand years old that is spread across an area of 6300 sq. This book is also an ideal companion for visitors to tabo and nearby regions. Ajanta is famous worldwide for its cave paintings, but paintings at ajanta are degrading with the time until the recent preservation work started there. As you enter the monastery, you will witness dimly lit rooms and ancient treasures will unfold in front of you. Tabo monastery is very popular and regarded for its rich history and a protector of the tibetan culture and traditions. Tabo, situated at an altitude of 3050 m, proudly spreads it charms in the spiti valley, in the lahauyl and spiti valleys of himachal pradesh. Tabo monastery an ultimate travel guide for beginners. Stupa at tabo monastery tabo monastery is the oldest. This alluring monastery is renowned as the ajanta of the himalayas.
This alluring monastery is renowned as the ajanta of the. As you enter the monastery, you will witness dimly. According to some texts i purchased at the monasterys book shop, the tabo. Book tabo monastery entry tickets online, buy online tickets now.
The foundation of tabo monastery was laid back in 996 ad by a buddhist king of purangeguge dynasty. Files are available under licenses specified on their description page. Tabo gods of light and its sequel guge ages of gold are a twopart book project along with an exhibition by peter van ham for hirmer. In fact, the mud plastered old monastery is a gem with lots of exquisite paintings. The oldest working monastery in india, tabo monastery lies 40 kms from the indo tibet border and provides a beautiful lesson in a millenialold history. Supplemented with breathtaking colour and blackandwhite photographs, detailed maps, and ground plans, this book is essential for all those who are interested in himalayan archaeology, art and architecture, and prebuddhist and buddhist religious traditions. Tabo monastery in himachal pradesh is known as the ajanta of the himalayas. Tabo tourism, tabo monastery himachal pradesh swan tours. Tabo monastery is situated in the spiti valley of himachal pradesh.
The tabo monastery is located in tabo village in the spiti valley. Dec 22, 2017 in this post, we shall lay down the history and importance of the ancient monasteries of spiti. New tabo monastery it is located just beside the tabo old monastery which is the oldest monastery in india. Book your tickets online for tabo monastery, lahaul and spiti district. Located at an altitude of 3050 m, it offers magnificent views of the valley below.
The town lies on the road between rekong peo and kaza, the subdivisional headquarters of spiti. Welcome to the tabo monastery in spiti himachal pradesh, the supposed ajanta of the north india trip. Tabo monastery tabo, india location, facts, history and. Chogskhor monastery tabo 2020 all you need to know. This books shows the historical development of a tiny buddhist kingdom. Numerous and frequentlyupdated resource results are available from this search. Standing tall and strong at a dizzying height of 10,000 feet, the tabo monastery is one of the oldest monasteries located in the tabo village of spiti valley. I have read quite a few over the past decade, drawn in by a memorable lucia di lammermoor at the eno in 2010in order, the bride of lammermoor, waverley, ivanhoe, guy mannering, and redgauntlet.
Having researched this ancientmost tibetan monastery that has been preserved unaltered from the 11th century for 25 years now i feel very much privileged and lucky having been able to document each and every inch of the site for years. Tabo monastery which is now under the archaeological survey of india is protected and maintained by the same body. The magnificent monastery complex has beautifully constructed nine temples, 23 chortens and a monks chamber. Tabo, the village of cavemen and lamas himachal pradesh, india. Often referred as ajanta of the himalayas, tabo monastery is situated at the height of 10,007 feet in lahaul and spiti district of himachal pradesh in. Chogskhor monastery tabo 2020 what to know before you go. Find complete information related to tabo monastery entry ticket price, visiting. This ancient structure stands on the barren, cold, and rocky desert of the tabo valley at a dizzying height of 3050 meters above sea level. I would recommend all the visitors please request the monastery person to give you a view of the monastery history. Register of dues, tabo monastery book i, view of exterior cover. Aug 17, 2015 tabo is a small town living peacefully in the lap of lovely spiti valley. Inscriptions show that it was renovated 46 years after that, but thats just about it. A narrative chapter of himalayan history covers the last 0 years, and evocative blackandwhite photographs chart the european expeditions of the early 20th century that first described tabo.
The monastery is accessible by road and a winding path lead you to the doorsteps of the monastery. Buy tabo gods of light the indotibetan masterpiece book online at best prices in india on. It was heartening to see that the paintings were in good health. Tabo monastery, also known as the ajanta of the himalayas, is one of the most popular monasteries in the lahaul and spiti valley and was founded more than. Tabo is a small buddhist village of a few hundred, located 3050 m 10,006 feet above sea level in the cold desert region of the lahaulspiti valley in himachal pradesh. Chogskhor monastery tabo 2020 all you need to know before. Tabo monastery is located in the tabo village of spiti valley, himachal pradesh, northern india.
Oclcs webjunction has pulled together information and resources to assist library staff as they consider how to handle coronavirus. Tabo monastery is the oldest buddhist enclave in india tabo monastery is the oldest buddhist enclave in india. Make sure to visit all of them when you plan a trip to this hidden gem of india. Tabo monastery is the oldest monastery in the world estd. Chogskhor monastery tabo 2020 what to know before you.
A renovation inscription says it was renovated 46 years later by. As rudyard kippling said spiti is a world in a world i totally agree. Handa is the author of tabo monastery and buddhism in the trans himalayas. Established in 996 ad, by a great teacher and translator lotsawa rinchen tsang po, tabo monastery is a prime center for advance learning. Tabo, the village of cavemen and lamas himachal pradesh.
The contribution of this dynasty to the reestablishment of indian mahayana buddhism in tibet was so great it is known as the chidar, the second spreading of buddhism and the principal personalities are well recognized in tibetan history. Tabo monastery best religious places to visit in spiti. The current structure was built after the monastery was severely damaged in the spiti earthquake of 1975. Trip to tabo monastery in spiti valley solo backpacker. The tabo choskhor monastery was established more than a millennium back, in 996 a. In fact, it is the oldest monastery in india and the himalayas that has been functioning continuously since its inception. A renovation inscription says it was renovated 46 years later by yeshe ods grandnephew, learn more. Among which, the tabo monastery is said to be the most popular and frequently visited monastery. Tabo monastery must see attractions in lahual and spiti valley. The village is home to a beautiful monastery which is a major tourist attraction. Tabo monastery tabo tabo monastery photos, sightseeing. Nestled amidst a landscape in india that is second to none, this monastery is an indubitable asset to the country and indian buddhism.
Tabo monastery, established by a great scholar known as richen zangpo during 996 ad in the spiti valley, is popular among tourists as well as buddhists. This page was last edited on 28 january 2019, at 10. Tabo is best known for its monastery which is the oldest continuously operating monastery in all of india. It is located in the very arid, cold and rocky area at an altitude of 3,050 metres 10,007 ft. Tabo monastery tabo gompa, locally known as tabo choskhor monastery, is a buddhist monastery complex consisting of nine subtemples. The monastery by walter scott goodreads share book. But, the paintings in tabo monastery are in astonishingly preserved condition and there are amazing series of galleries. Tabo monastery lies on the barren, snow covered, cold desert of. Attractions the monastery has preserved some of the most antique paintings, especially the murals, which date back to 11th century, food for thought for both archaeologists and the religious monks. It was founded in 996 ce in the tibetan year of the fire ape by the tibetan buddhist lotswa, rinchen zangpo, the king of western himalayan kingdom of guge.
1048 793 167 743 660 1406 773 404 1545 762 683 1199 255 433 661 1304 1591 257 1003 1635 1502 600 416 592 741 1551 389 747 1377 152 914 1061 409 996 93 558 1287 250 787 1016 1405 421 1431