Tibetan Museum is in Saranath near Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. This temple is the real deal, where Lord Buddha himself taught his disciples the four truths of life here.
Tibetan Temple, was built in 1955 by His Holiness Dalai Lama, XIV. It’s the first monastery and temple to be built in India, The entrance is flanked by two fierce-looking lions, which will make you feel like you’re about to enter the Colosseum or something. But don’t worry, no gladiators here, just peace and enlightenment.
Once you enter the temple, your eyes will be drawn to the light pink stupa in the middle. It’s a testament to the gratitude of the Tibetan people to the Indian Government for granting them asylum. And we have to say, it’s pretty darn cute. But the real gem of this temple is inside. The Thangksa, or Tibetan Buddhist works of art, and frescoes on the walls and ceilings are absolutely breathtaking. Plus, there are hundreds of miniature Buddhas in glass shelves, so you’ll feel like you’re in a toy store for grown-ups.
But what really sets this temple apart are the prayer wheels. These wheels release strips of paper with chants written on them when rotated clockwise. It’s like the Buddhist version of a slot machine, except you always win! And let’s not forget about the huge statue of Sakyamuni in a resting position.
The cherry on top of this spiritual sundae is the accommodating monk sitting inside. He’s happy to have a chat with you, and if you’re lucky, you might even get to stay in one of the rooms for free. That’s right, free! The Tibetan monks can stay there, and sometimes they let visitors stay for a reasonable cost. Talk about a good deal.
So if you’re in the mood for some peace, enlightenment, and a few chuckles, make your way to the Tibetan Temple in Sarnath. It’s a must-visit place for people of all ages and communities, and the perfect escape from today’s chaotic world. Let’s go spin some prayer wheels!