Originally home
of the seminomadic Gaddi tribe, Mcleod Ganj is today the residence of
His Holiness the Dalai Lama. This mid 19th century place was developed
as a British Garrison. The place was an important administrative point
for the whole Kangra valley. Today Macleod Ganj has developed as
headquarters of the exiled Tibetan Government and is situated just
before the Upper Dharamsala.
The
impressive monastery has got larger than life size images of Buddha,
Padmasambhava and Avaloketeshwara. To preserve the rich manifestation of
the Tibetan culture the institute of Tibetan performing arts was
established over here. In April and May a festival is organised here,
which includes the traditional plays, dances and many more such events.
The large Tibetan
population of the region and the presence of traditional architectural
designs have enhanced the area. But the most important example of the
Tibetan architecture is the Tsuglagkhang or the Dalai Lama's temple. The
magnificent images - a gilt statue of Shakyamuni; then facing Tibet is
the Tibetan deity of compassion, Avalokitesvara and that of
Padmasambhava who introduced Buddhism and tantric teachings to Tibet in
8th century.
The house also
has a collection of scared text called the Khagyur based on the
teachings of Buddha. Also included in the temple is a collection of
works on art, philosophy, literature, astrology and medicine.
MONASTERIES
The
Residence of Dalai Lama:
The Dalai Lama settled in Macleod Ganj in 1960 and his residence on
the south edge of town has become his permanent home in exile. His own
quarters are the modest, and government offices take up most of the
walled compound overhanging the valley.
Tsuglagkhang:
In front of the private enclosure of the residence of Dalai Lama,
Dharamsala's main Buddhiat temple, Tsuglagkhang, shelters images od
Shayamuni, Padmasambhava and Avaloktesvara, all sitting in meditation
postures and are surrounded by offerings from devotees.
Gompa Dip
Tse-Chok Ling:
The small Gompa Dip Tse-Chok Ling is located on the bottom of a
steep track. The main Prayer hall has an image of the Shakyamuni. The
monks who lived in the Gompa have made two huge drums covered in
goatskin and painted around the rim. The butter sculptures, which are
made during Losar, are destroyed in the next Losar festival. This gompa
is also famous for the fine and detailed mandals.
Library
of Tibetan Works & Archives:
The library of Tibetan works and archives stores almost 40 % of the
original Tibetan manuscripts and is a repository of the rich Tibetan
culture. The library also has a photographic archive. At Gangchen
Kyishong is the Tibetan Medical and Astrological Institute.
LAKES
Dal Lake: The
small, murky Dal Lake, connected to Dharamkot by a path down through the
wooded slopes, is the scene of an animal fair and Shivate festival in
September.
