Introduction

The primary complex at Tabo has the following temples – 1. The Temple of Enlightened Gods (gTsug Lha-khang). This is also known as the Assembly Hall (du-khang) and is the core of the complex. This has a vestibule, an assembly hall and a sanctum. The central figure in the assembly hall is the four-fold Vairocana. In Vajrayana Buddhism, he is regarded as one of the five spiritual sons of the Adhibuddha – who was the self creative primordial Buddha. 2. The Golden Temple (gSer-Khang). Once said to have been layered with gold, this temple was exhaustively renovated in the sixteenth century by Senge Namgyal, ruler of Ladakh. 3. The Mystic Mandala Temple or Temple of Initiation (dKhil-hKhor-khang). This is where the initiation of monks takes place. The wall facing the door has a huge painting of Vairocana who is surrounded by the eight Bodhisattvas. 4. The Bodhisattva Maitreya Temple (Byams-Pa Chen-po Lha-khang). This has an image of the Bodhisattva Maitreya that is over six meters high. The temple has a hall, vestibule and sanctum. The array of murals within depicts the monastery of Tashi-Chunpo and Lhasa’s Potala Palace. 5. The Temple of Dromton (Brom-ston Lha-khang). A small portico and a long passage lead to its hall. The doorway is intricately carved and the inner walls are covered with murals. This lies on the northern edge of the complex and is regarded to have been founded by Dromton (1008-1064 CE) an important disciple of Atisha.

These five temples are accepted as the oldest ones at Tabo and the following are later additions. 6. The Chamber of Picture Treasures (Z’al-ma). This is attached to the Temple of Enlightened Gods (gTsug Lha-khang). 7. The Large Temple of Dromton (Brom-ston Lha-khang). This is the second largest temple in the complex and has a floor area of over seventy square meters, while the portico and niche add another forty-two square meters. The front wall has the figure of the Sakyamuni flanked by Sariputra and Maha Maugdalayana. 8. The Mahakala Vajra-bhairava Temple (Gon-khang). This enshrines the protective deity of the Gelug-pa sect. Fierce deities fill the room and it is entered only after protective meditation. 9. The White Temple (dKar-abyum Lha-khang). The walls of this temple are also richly adorned. A place where the art-schools of India and the Trans-Himalaya have met and merged, Tabo is also called the 'Ajanta of the Himalaya'.

Special Attributes

One of the oldest Buddhist monasteries, and is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India as a national treasure.

Nuisance

The site is very peaceful and free of irritants.

Dressing restrictions

Conservative and comfortable attire is recommended. Since these are remote areas, it is best to avoid shorts and the like. Always factor in local sensibilities.

Connectivity

Walking

Enjoyed by

Art and history buffs, besides those who are religiously inclined

Exposure

None indoors, but high outside. Appropriate precautions like headgear and sunscreen lotion are suggested.

Avoidable Season

October, November, December, January, February, March

Facilities

Basic, plan accordingly

Things Not Allowed

No shoes in some parts

Tip

The monastery is under the Archaeological Survey of India. Permission is required to enter the chambers. No photography is allowed indoors

Type of site

Monastery