The Golden Temple of South India
Every once in a while human tendency urges us to leave the hustle and bustle of city life and embrace the quiet, serene countryside and all its glory. And that’s what propelled me to make the 214 kilometers long journey in the thick of dawn from Bangalore to the tranquil but vibrant small town of Bylakuppe where the famous golden temple or Namdroling monastery resides.
But let me tell you, this is not your typical charming small town, no it’s far from it, rich with its history, culture, food, and most importantly the people. They say the people make the place and the town of Bylakuppe has done just that.
When the fog cleared and the sun’s rays began to touch the land below, the town of Bylakuppe emerged in wondrous hues of color. The first signs that greet you on the way are the strings upon strings of prayer flags, adorned on either side of the road leading to the monastery.
Seeing these colorful flags already makes it feel like entering into another world of spiritual awakening, and I had yet to set my sights on the famous Namdroling Monastery. With the prayer flags as my guiding light, I made my journey ahead to the place where thousands gather to seek blessings from Lord Buddha.
When I finally arrived at my destination, excitement, fascination, astonishment, these words felt like an understatement to what I was feeling. Gazing upon the huge structures of the monastery felt like my eyes were betraying me. The sights which greeted me were unlike anything I had seen. Having visited many Buddhist monasteries in and around Bangalore, this should not have taken me by surprise, but I could have not been more wrong.
It was surreal to witness this huge monastery was not only functioning for the people residing there and for the tourists but it was also thriving. Coming from a metropolitan city like Bangalore we have become accustomed to many things and even like the repetitive nature of our lives. But the Namdroling monastery nestled in the quaint town of Bylakuppe, over 30 kilometers from Coorg, will surprise you all the way.
The Namdroling monastery and its town hold one of the largest Tibetan settlements in all of south India. Founded by a Tibetan monk Pema Norbu Rinpoche in the year 1963 on 31st July, the monastery follows the teachings of Buddhism of its Tibetan lineage. Famously known as the golden temple because of its golden structures, the monastery attracts many tourists and worshippers from around the world.
Entering into the main sanctum of the monastery is even more fascinating than the outside. With huge golden statues of Lord Buddha, and the walls decorated intricately with Tibetan thangka paintings as far as the eyes can see. And you can also find a few humble monks wrapped in their dark maroon Buddhist ropes surrounded by curious tourists, as they tell you about the history of the monastery.
I for one was fortunate to sit down in the main prayer hall and listen to the elderly monks as they recited the history of the place as old as 58 years, to the crowds of all ages gathered around them. There’s a sense of calm and tranquility to the place despite the happy chatters of the tourists or the systematic ringing of the prayer bells and the deep baritone of the monks in the prayer halls as they chant the hymns as one.
The Golden monastery or temple has various other adjacent buildings to the main sanctum; all adorned with intricate thangka paintings. This is unique and rare to find these art forms in this part of our country, being well maintained, restored and the knowledge passed on for future generations.
With this interesting place, we cannot leave out the delicious variety of foods it offers. Small but humble eateries surround the monastery and offer simple but traditional good Tibetan — style food. Steaming hot momos and traditional noodles are a must if you travel here.
You can also find other local foods that we are accustomed to every day of our lives, but I would suggest when you make a trip down here, eat like the rest of the locals do. Indulge in everything that this small town has to offer in its way and at the end of the day, you would have gained a bounty of new experiences and memories.
Visiting new places can add to your new experiences and memories but bringing something back from that place makes it a personal attachment to that particular place and you. So there comes the large shopping complex located within the vicinity. It offers many souvenirs handmade by the locals and consists of different types of Buddha statues to good luck charms, colorful prayer flags in all sizes, and many little trinkets that you can take home. It’s safe to say that the Golden temple offers its tourists a complete well-round experience.
Some say that the destination is not important but it’s the journey. The journey to one of the biggest monasteries in south India was a thrilling experience like stepping into a different dimension with its rich culture and people. Interwoven with old and new the Golden temple in Bylakuppe is certainly a must road trip for one seeking spiritual tranquility and a short break from the city life.
Where the past made up the strong foundation upon which this grand monastery resides with its culture and people, and the future paves the pathway for new vibrant beginnings and teaching the world the value of peace and harmony.
