Dharamshala

Dharamshala is the capital of Kangra District. Kangra Valley and hence Dharamshala was supposed to be the Summer Capital of India during British times, but in 1905 an earthquake here killed approx 20,000 people hence the Summer Capital was shifted to Shimla. Dharamshala has religious importance to Buddhists (especially the ones from Tibet) as it is the home to 14th Dalai Lama who took refugee in India in 1959 after being exiled from Tibet.









Route to Dharamshala: Pleasant mountains which looked folded due to buildup of roads was visible on our path to Dharamshala. A pleasant sight against river Beas flowing by.













Tea Gardens: These were located on the route. Around 22 acres of land is occupied by the gardens. The tea leaves from here are purchased by brand companies and blended with other tea leaves (mainly that of Darjeeling).













Kangra Valley: A view of the beautiful valley in day time.


















Sunset: An evening view of the valley from my window.

























Old Buddhist Temple and Stupa: Currently under renovation it is mainly known for its prayer wheels.


















Namgyal Monastery: This is The Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso's personal monastery. It is especially privileged and honored to perform annually the sacred rites and rituals established by the successive Dalai Lama for the temporal and spiritual benefits and prosperity of Tibet and its people, and for world peace in general.

The monastery has nearly two hundred monks and younger monks are engaged in study of the major texts of Buddhist Sutras and Tantras while at the same time pursuing the modern studies of both Tibetan and English Language. Their curriculum includes the study of Sutra and Tantra texts, Buddhist Philosophy, practicing debate as well as making butter sculptures, torma offerings, sand mandalas, playing various ritual musical instruments, ritual chanting, and dances.









The "Om Mani Padma Hum" wheel: "Om Mani Padma Hum" literally means "Jewel in Lotus". The wheels have this Mantra written on them and rotating them equals humming the mantra itself. It means that in dependence on the practice which is in indivisible union of method and wisdom, you can transform your impure body, speech and mind into the pure body, speech, and mind of a Buddha.









Dal Lake: This was our last destination at Dharamshala. It has a beautiful sight surrounded by long deodar trees. You will find a lot of crowd in the evenings for boating.