"The secret of being happy is accepting where you are in life and making the most out of everyday"-Buddha
Tibetan settlements are always beautiful. It brings a sense of tranquility within. It amazes us to know what a kind-hearted people we Indians are to accommodate refuges of neighboring country in-exile. The sleepy town of Mundgod in Uttar Kannada district of Karnataka houses a Tibetan settlement named Doeguling, which was established in 1965.
We stuck to our schedule and started as early as 4 in the morning. The advantage of starting early is that we could cover the 383 kilometer distance in just 6 hours with breakfast and bio break. The journey in monsoon is quite astonishing. Thick blanket of green is everywhere with brightest hues and colours.
Route: Bengaluru-Tumakuru-Hiriyur-Chitradurga-Davanagere-Harihara-Ranebennur-Haveri-Bankapura-Mundgod
We knew we were in Tibetan colony as the colourful flags fluttered as we passed along. Our main focus was to see 'Gaden Jangtse Monastery'. Before that we wanted to drive around other part of settlements to see what it has to offer. Sprawling across an area of 4000 acres of land, it is one of the largest refugee settlements in India with a population of around 18,000. Hence, it is aptly named little Tibet. Due to the abundance in rain in this terrain, the colony is primarily dependent on agriculture. There is an array of educational institutions, hospitals, old age homes, and monasteries. For the interested other six monasteries are Drepung Loseling Gaden and Drepung Gomang; Kagyu Monastery; Nyingma Monastery; Sakya Monastery; Jangchub Choeling Nunnery; and Rato Monastery. We stopped by most of the huge buildings to get a sneak peak. However, most of them were closed and barred entry to general public.
The whole settlement is divided into 11 villages. We drove through the villages and farm land to see the lifestyle of settlers. We saw few shops selling handicrafts and other artifacts. Few women were working in the field. And school-going children loitering around as it was a general holiday. It was a different site.
Usually we notice monks in and around monastery either walking, riding bikes, or playing. And we did as we finally entered the Gaden Jangtse Monastery. Tibetan flags and Gandhi statue welcomed us as we entered the gate. Two beautiful Pagodas were gleaming in bright sunshine adjacent to the main building. The place was entirely deserted but for a few monks.
The monastic complex was sanctified in December 19, 2001 by his holiness Dalai Lama. A flight of broad steps led us to the main entrance. The huge door was closed to our disappointment. The door and the pillars were adorned with red and gold artwork. We were allowed to enter the prayer hall through the adjoining doors. In the hall, few monks were sitting and having their food. That could be the reason for closure of the main door.
The bedecked idols on the alter were Lama Tsongkhapa; Avalokitesvara (Chenrezig), one who looks with unwavering eye; Maitreya Buddha; Buddha Shakyamuni; Manjushri; Goyasamaja; Tara Devi; golden throne of His Holiness Dalai Lama. There were also 1000 small Buddha statues and 1000 statues of Lama Tsongkhapa. The photographs what we have taken might be hazy as the shrine was encased in glass.
The prayer hall was huge and the pillars were painted in red with golden embellishment at top. While designed draperies hung loosely the red-gold cushions were stacked neatly on the floor. We moved out quickly with the intention of not disturbing the monks.
We sat on the mosaic floor in front of the closed door to have our moment to discuss about Buddhism, Tibet, government-in-exile, Indo-China war, Nehru, and about Tibetan. The place offered an absolute serenity. With a heavy heart we bid adieu considering the hundred and odd kilometers ahead us to reach our next destination.
Tips
Best Season: Throughout year
Best Time: Anytime
Visitor's Time: 8 am to 6 pm
Entry: Free
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