I recently visited Jangchub Rabtenling Monastery which is run by the Mahabodhi Society and is probably one of the smallest monasteries that I have seen in Himachal.
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| Jangchub Rabtenling Monastery, Himachal |
This monastery is located on the Kandaghat-Chail road in the district of Shimla in Himachal Pradesh. The monastery is located amidst agricultural fields with nice view of the surrounding hills and mountains.
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| The entrance to Jangchub Rabtenling Monastery |
I have been told that it functions more as a nunnery but I did not see any nuns around but there were two lamas with whom I interacted. There is an impressive gate at the entrance with Buddhist motifs.
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| The four harmonious friends |
In one of the drawings one could see and elephant on whom a monkey is riding on top of which there is a rabbit and at the topmost end is a bird. This probably is a story of the four harmonious friends in the tales of Buddhism.
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| A giant statue of Buddha at Jangchub Rabtenling Monastery |
On this site there are couple of huge statues of Buddha and its incarnation and one huge prayer wheel.
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| Prayer wheel at Jangchub Rabtenling Monastery |
When you reach the monastery you are greeted by two very friendly dogs who want to play with you.
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| Hem Thakur playing with the dogs |
On the first floor of the monastery there is a small room for prayers and on the second floor there is another statue of one of the incarnations of Buddha.
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| Jangchub Rabtenling Monastery |
Inside the prayer room on the second floor are various very interesting masks which I presume are used during the dances held periodically.
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| The masks at Jangchub Rabtenling Monastery |
It is comparatively a new monastery and very few people visit it either due to lack of knowledge or due to the fact that it is not on the main route to Shimla. I had stayed with the Hail Himalayas during this trip.
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| View of the surroundings from Jangchub Rabtenling Monastery |
Also read:
Bon Monastery in Himachal
Ki Monastery
Rewalsar- An Important Buddhist Centre
My Stay at Hail Himalayas
Birds at Katnalu Creek, Himachal
Sunrise at Madag
Shiva Waterfall Trek, Himachal
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