Detail of Dali Gompa Monastery (Darjeeling, West Bengal) History & Architecture

Among the many tourist attractions and religious places of Darjeeling the Dali monastery whose original name is Drukpa Kargyud Monastery is one of the most popular landmarks of Darjeeling. Located in a small locality called Dali, about 3-4 kms from the main town this marvel was built by Kyabje Thuksey Rinpoche and plays a major role in preserving the age old culture and tradition of the Tibetan monks. This monastery is inhabited by about 210 monks and visited by thousands of visitors, devotees and tourist from different places. This monastery has also been visited by His Holiness Dalai Lama, who is the spiritual guru of the Tibetans in the year 1933. He stayed for three days in the monastery and spread the teachings and words of Buddha and Tibetan culture.

Dali Gompa Monastery Mythology & History

The Dali monastery serves as a very important religious place for Kargyupa sect and acts as a headquarters for Drukchen Rimpoche XII, who is the supreme head of this sect of Tibetan Buddhists. Like all other sects of Buddhism this sect also considers their practices and teachings inclusive of the full range of Buddha's teachings and they follow the fundamental teachings and vows of individual liberation and pratimoksha or monastic discipline. One things that separates this sect from other sects of Buddhism is the particular esoteric instructions and tantras they emphasize and the lineage of transmission they follow. They have a strong emphasis on guru devotion and guru yoga. All this apart this pace is open to people of all caste, sect, religion, creed and race. The entry is free of cost and anyone who wishes to visit the monastery is always welcome.

Dali Gompa Monastery Architectural Significance

This monastery is one of the biggest monasteries in Darjeeling and is built in typical Buddhist monastic styles incorporating all the styles and forms. The walls of this monastery are painted with bright colours depicting the story of life and journey of Lord Buddha. The monastery also houses a small library which is filled with books on Buddhism and philosophical acts of life. It was built by Kyabje Thuksey Rinpiche in the year 1971 and serves as the headquarters of the Kargyupa lineage's supreme Drukchen Rimpoche XII. It is a grand structure which stands distinct from the rest and is easily recognizable from all the other structures. It is built in a form of a vihara which is one of the most prominent style of Buddhist architecture, the other two being Stupa and Chaityas. As you enter the monastery you will be awestruck with its grandeur. After climbing a flight of stairs you will reach the prayer hall. Inside the prayer hall there are several huge cylindrical golden coloured drums. You would see the monks sitting in front of the drums and offering prayers. The hum and chant of their prayers creates a wonderful ambience.

The best time to visit this monastery would be during the early morning or in the evening when you can take part in the prayers and be a part of the elaborate rituals that take place.

Festival at Dali Gompa Monastery

Dali Monastery is one among the most popular monastery which celebrated almost all the religious festival dedicated to Buddhist religion. Especially during the Buddha Jyanti, the monastery is outstandingly decorated and gets adorned with beautiful color making the festival more grandeur and enthralling. If you are to visit this temple come during the festival season as well during the seasonal timing where you will find people from all across the world gathering to enjoy the common religion sharing the same view towards Buddhist religion.