Introduction

The Guru Ghantal Monastery is at a distance of eight kilometres from Keylong and is located in the village of Tupchiling – Gandhola; this is at an altitude of 3,020 meters above sea level. This lies high over the confluence of the rivers Chandra and Bhaga and is regarded as the oldest monastery in Lahaul. This is approached by a steep and somewhat daunting ascent. Two great figures of Trans Himalayan Buddhism were associated with it - Padmasambhava (who is considered to have set the foundations of Vajrayana Buddhism by combining Buddhism, Tantric Hinduism and Tibet’s indigenous Bon religion) and Rinchensang-po (who was also known as the Great Translator). The monastery enshrines an image of the goddess Vajreshwari Devi (Do-je Lha-mo ), a wooden image of the Buddha and a marble head of Avalokitesvara – legend has that this head was seen emerging out of the sandbank where the rivers Chandra and Bhaga meet and without waiting for the rest of the body to appear, someone lopped this off. The faithful also believe that in the Guru Ghantal monastery, and sealed in a dark airless room, is the visage of the demon Tsedak who once ravaged the area till he was captured. This monastery was considered as the largest and most important one in Lahaul and was connected to the important monastery of the Drug-pa sect, the Pangtang Dechinling that lies in Bhutan; this was with the help of monastic connections with Ladakh.

The basic structure of the original monastery as it remains is a double storied building that has the ‘du-khang’, main temple and hall on the ground floor. Above this is the ‘zugs-dan’ and the cells for the monks. The walls of the monastery are bare, but the roof has a magnificent ‘mandala’ which must be very old. Unusual geometrical carvings are also there in the monastery.

Special Attributes

Believed to be the oldest monastery in Lahaul

Nuisance

The site is very peaceful and free of irritants.

Dressing restrictions

Conservative but comfortable

Connectivity

By taxi and on foot

Enjoyed by

Religious and cultural enthusiasts

Exposure

Yes. UV is high. Sunscreen lotion and other appropriate precautions are suggested.

Avoidable Season

November, December, January and February

Facilities

Basic, paln accordingly

Things Not Allowed

No shoes inside

Tip

Vehicles go up to a point, but the view is best enjoyed on foot.

Type of site

Buddhist monastery