Golden Temple in Coorg – Tibetan heritage
6:50 PM
Plated statues, elaborate frescoes, and expensive silk hangings are always the unique features of any Tibetian architecture. At around 6 kms from Kushalnagar admist the sandel wood forest towards Mysore is the Tibetan Golden temple fondly named ‘Namdroling Monastery’ that reflects the architectural heritage of Tibet. This area of Coorg has the highest Tibetan settlement outside Tibet.
The big sprawling hall with reflective flooring, sound absorbent walls, the three big deities with gold coating are undoubtedly the centre of attraction for the visitors. The temple is surrounded by and decorated with colorful paintings that depict gods and demons of Tibetan mythology. Geurazangpo, a Buddhism student says, ‘the paintings on the main wall of the temple portrays the kings destroying demons of all four directions (north,east, west, south). The other paintings that can be found on both sides of the statues depict the 25 disciples of Guru Rinpoche who attained high realizations through the practice of Dzogchen Teachings.
‘After the Chinese took over Tibet, the
refugees were settled here and this Buddhist Monastery was re-established in
1972. The temple's main attraction is the 40ft tall Buddha statue made of
pure gold. There are two other statues of Padmasumbhava and Amaitayus on either
side’ says Tenzin, a monk .
When asked about the architectural works
undergone, he says, 'The statues are made of copper, plated with gold. Inside
the statues are scriptures, small clay mould stupas, relics of great beings and
small statues, which symbolize the body, speech and mind of the Buddhas.'
‘The entrance of the temple underwent heavy
engineering and architectural work processes. It is modeled after the Sera
University of Tibet. This temple now houses more
than 8000 monks and nuns. They are also the students of Buddhism. The unique classic arts that adorn the walls
are related to Buddha’s life and history. The outer walls are carved with
motifs and painted in gold colors. The gold coated Buddhist statues mirror the traditional
Tibetan culture and heritage. It is an area full of culture. It is also
renowned as a centre for the pure upholding of the teaching of the Buddha’ he
adds.
As a major tourist attraction of Coorg,
Karnataka the monastery has a tranquilizing atmosphere with its architecture
engineered for meditation. Like any
other tourist spot, There are also several areas for shopping around the Golden
temple. There was an exclusive selection of Tibetan style gift articles like
the Vajradhaka, Wind chimes, Tara masks and other Buddist ritual items.
Photo courtesy @ Premnath Thirumalaisamy
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