Dalai Lama Temple, Dharamshala | Tsuglagkhang Complex

Dalai Lama Temple, Dharamshala Overview

Replete with Tibetan culture, the Dalai Lama Temple, also known as Tsuglakhang Temple, is a politico-religious centre in Dharamsala. Ideal for peaceful meditation and religious rumination, the temple is full of lamas at all points of the day chanting on prayer wheels or beads.

The majestic temple is in close vicinity to the abode of Dalai Lama and is frequently visited by him to preach and conduct prayer meets. Popular for its beautiful setting, the temple complex has become a revered pilgrimage site for the Buddhists. In addition to this, peaceful environs and ataraxy attracts tourists from all over the world.

The gigantic complex houses massive statues of Avalokiteshvara, Padmasambhava and several other Buddhist monks. The main attraction of Dalai Lama Temple is the enormous idol of Buddha sitting on an elevated pedestal. The chief prayer wheel is also located here, at the centre of the temple which is plated in gold and has chants of ‘Om Mani Padme Hum’.

Pilgrims walk around the pedestal to pay homage and rotate the prayer wheel. It is believed that by rotating the wheel, the merit is multiplied and the devotees are blessed enormously. The large hall adjacent to it accommodates thousands of people to meditate and spend a few moments of quietude.

There are also a few tiny shops within the premises which sell books on religion, peace, meditation, Nirvana and the like; in addition to little souvenirs and knick-knacks. Calmly hushed between the idyllic mountain peaks, the glorious Dalai Lama Temple offers solitude and serenity like no place else.

1. Dalai Lama Temple Museum

A major point of attraction at Tsuglakhang Complex is the Dalai Lama Museum. It showcases elaborate pictures and photographs of Dalai Lama and the Tibetan culture. Inaugurated by the 14th Dalai Lama h (Read More)imself in 2000, the museum also plays a short video on the culture and teachings of Buddhism. The museum is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM all days of the week except on Mondays. A minimal fee of INR 5 is charged for entry.

2. Activities at Dalai Lama Temple

1. A large library in the complex gives you access to a lot of books on religion, Buddhism, Tibetan culture.
2. You can visit the centre sanctum to pay homage to Buddha and rotate the prayer whee (Read More)l as is customary.
3. Spend some time in the prayer hall to reflect, meditate and spend a few moments to contemplate on life and your actions.
4. Speak with the monks to learn something about the culture and meditation and Dalai Lama’s sermons.

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Dalai Lama's Preaching at Dalai Lama Temple

The preachings and sermons of Dalai Lama are the most sought after events at the Dalai Lama Temple. He primarily teaches in the Tibetan language. You can bring along a translator to help you understand. Alternatively, you can listen to the preachings on the radio which has an inbuilt translator in several languages including Chinese, English, Hindi, Japanese, Korean and Vietnamese etc. Since the seating is on the floor, you are advised to bring a hat, a tumbler (to have tea or water) and a cushion.

The dates for the Dalai Lama's preachings are decided well in advance and can be checked online. However, the tickets can only be purchased in person at the Tibetan Branch Security Office in McLeod Ganj (near Hotel Tibet). Registration can be done three days in advance. A service fee of INR 10 is collected for each session per person. Teaching hours are also decided a couple of days before the event and then made public.

Best Time to Visit Dalai Lama Temple

The Tsuglakhang Complex is open all throughout the year. However, the best time to visit is between September and March. The drizzling snowflakes accentuate the beauty of the place and can make your trip even better.

How To Reach Dalai Lama Temple

Dharamshala is well connected with cabs, rickshaws and state-run buses. You can hire a private cab or auto to reach the temple from Dharamshala. Alternatively, you can travel on a bus. The temple is walking distance from the Mcleodganj bus stop.