We know that Dehradun, the capital city of Uttarakhand, is famous for its renowned educational institutions, the stunning Doon valley, and the pleasant weather throughout the year. The city also houses the only airport in the Garhwal region of the state and is at close proximity to major tourist attractions including Mussoorie, Lansdowne, Rishikesh, and Haridwar. But did you know that Dehradun has a thriving Tibetan community as well?
Far from the hustle and bustle of the city, in the Clement Town of Dehradun lies one of the prominent monasteries of India – the Mindrolling Monastery. Ever since it was built in 1965 by Kyabje Khochhen Rinpoche, the monastery has seen a large influx of Tibetan Buddhists and has grown steadily to become one of the popular tourist attractions in the city.
Mindrolling Monastery – History
The Mindrolling Monastery, pronounced as ‘Min-drolling’ (and not Mind-drolling as you would have read by now) in the Tibetan language means the Place for Perfect Emancipation. The monastery was first established in Tibet in 1676 by Terdag Lingpa, the Ist Mindrolling Trichen. However, it was badly destroyed by Mongols in 1728 and was rebuilt later.
In 1959, Khochhen Rinpoche was all set for his enthronement as the XIth Mindrolling Trichen. However, due to the Communist Invasion, Rinpoche went into exile in India along with many great masters. After years of toil and efforts in bringing together the Tibetan community, the Mindrolling Monastery was re-established here in Dehradun.
Mindrolling Monastery, Dehradun – A Photo Tour
Everything about this temple is simply grand. This was my first impression when I stepped foot on this place a couple of years ago, with a bunch of bloggers. Yes, we had got together for a meetup and I still fondly remember how we walked around the well-manicured garden of this temple, soaking in its grandeur and splendor.
The temple is home to a 185 ft tall and 100 ft wide Stupa which is believed to be the world’s tallest Stupa. Popularly known as the Great Stupa, the World Peace Stupa contains a series of shrines rich with murals, Tibetan art,
A Stupa is a Buddhist monument that represents the Buddha’s enlighted mind. It contains relics and is used as a place for meditation. There are eight kinds of Stupas in Buddhism, namely,
- The Stupa of Heaped Lotuses
- The Stupa of Conquest over Mara
- The Stupa of Many Doors
- The Stupa of Great Miracles
- The Stupa of Buddha’s Descent from Devloka
- The Stupa of Reconciliation
- The Stupa of Complete Victory and
- The Stupa of Nirvana
The World Peace Stupa depicts the descent of Buddha from Devloka. On the façade of the Stupa is beautifully painted – Maitreya, the future Buddha. It is believed that he is residing in Tushita heaven now, awaiting his rebirth.
He will be reborn in a period of decline to renew the doctrine of Buddha Shakyamuni, the founder of Buddhism. And descending the tricolored steps is him- Buddha Shakyamuni, the present Buddha.
There are five shrine rooms inside the Stupa, including Shakyamuni Buddha shrine room, the Padmasambhava shrine room,
Walk along the lawn and you can find the Great Statue of Padmasambhava which was consecrated in March 2017. The Mindrolling Trichen believes that such a statue would ward off hurdles of warfare and disharmony.
This statue is in the form of Guru Degpal Kundul, considered to be the ‘Guru Tamer of all Haughty Spirits’.
Amidst the impeccably well-kempt lawn, you can find an array of models of the eight kinds of Stupas.
The two-acre lush green garden was blooming with flowers and I couldn’t stop clicking with my camera.
As I approached the giant prayer bell in the middle of it all, I found a little boy turning the wheel. We went round and round the bell, uttering our prayers, all the while smiling at each other.
The wheel is inscribed with prayers and it is said that each turn or revolution of the wheel is considered a prayer uttered, and these prayers can be repeated by turning it.
The walls are also adorned with miniature stupas and sculptures. Bright and beautiful prayer flags flutter in the wind spreading prayers and blessings.
Another beautiful attraction is the 130ft tall Buddha statue which is dedicated to Dalai Lama, the spiritual Guru of Tibetans.
The temple complex is humongous and travelers from far wide as well as locals come here to peace and tranquility.
he monastery also houses one of the largest Buddhist Institutes, Ngagyur Nyingma College. There are various complexes inside the Monastery, including a bookstore, restaurants, and shops selling Tibetan handicrafts. At the restaurants, you can relish simple Chinese and local foods with momos and chop suey.
How to reach Mindrolling Monastery
Mindrolling Monastery is located at Clement Town, Dehradun. The nearest railway station is the Dehradun Railway station which is about 9km away. The closest airport is the Jolly Grant airport, 35km away. Autos and local buses are available too.
The Mindrolling Monastery of Dehradun is about 52km from Rishikesh, 59km from Haridwar and 239km from Delhi. A road trip from Delhi definitely is a good option for you can cover the famous destinations of the Garhwal region.
| Read: Things to do in Haridwar
Best Time to Visit Mindrolling Monastery
You can visit the monastery at any time, preferably on Sunday as the interior of the temple remains open for the tourists.
Timings : 7 am to 7 pm
Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored by any agency.
Have you been to Mindrolling Monastery in Dehradun? If not, make sure to visit when you are in Dehradun next!
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I’ve visited Dehra Dun before but bever heard of this onastery. It’s time perhaps for me to re-visit all the places I’ve been to ( and more). Thanks for this lovely picture tour. I’m always fascinated by Buddhist monasteries
I loved your photos so much. I have never been here before, but it is on my list of places to travel to.
I am now even more excited to go!
I have been to several monastries in North, North east and Western India. But this one sound like to be the grandest of them all. Your pictures are really mesmerizing.
Uttarkahand (spell check) I do not know about it as much as I am sure you can definitely tells! So this piece was beneficial for me all around, so thank you for the info
I visited this monastery many years back with a bunch of lovely friends. I missed that get-away with my bunch of favourite bloggers last time though.
It is indeed one stunning place to soak in some serenity and calm. Beautiful photo-essay, Shalu.
Such beautiful pictures, Shalini! I was a very young girl when I had visited Dehradun on my way to Chardham and had stayed overnight here. Though I don’t remember much of the place, I do remember visiting a crowded market to buy some supplies.
this place looks absolutely increbible, I wish I could visit some day.
Oh wow, how beautiful! I just love your photos. I need to get here one day. I love all these colors.
The monastery is so beautiful and the architecture very intricate.
This is a beautiful place! Thank you for sharing these lovely photos and history with us. I’ve never been before but would love to visit one day. There are several cultures I would love to know more about.
Actually I have always wanted to visit this place and I am glad that I read your blog.
Now I want to visit it even more!☺️💃🏻
So much detail was put into this building. It would be amazing to see up close.
This place looks so spectacular! I love this blaze of colours. I’d love to visit that venue and have some time to pray and meditate. I’m putting it on my bucketlist! 🙂
Wow what an absolutely beautiful looking location. Your photos are amazing, I would love to see it myself it is so colourful.
Such beauty and detailing in this building. Would love to visit some day. Thanks for sharing these gorgeous pics!
Your photos make me feel as though I’m right there. I love the colors and the details!
Your photos are so magical and colorful. I’ve never heard of this place. Very cool
Since I probably won’t ever get the chance to travel to Thailand, I really appreciate your photo tour. It makes me feel like I’ve been there!
Such amazing pictures and you’ve totally inspired me to go!
Ohh! It’s always fun to join photo tours. Love every photo you took! The place seems very photogenic.
I love visiting monasteries. The energy around them is so refreshing. I didn’t know there was one in Dehradun as well. It looks so beautiful and well maintained. Loved this wonderful photo tour.
Oh my I have been to Dun so many times but never knew about this gorgeous place. Thanks for writing about it Shalzz and what a photo treat this is! Simply loved it and bookmarked for my visit whenever next I go there.
Thank you so much for sharing these amazing photos. I’ve never been to this place. Looks really lovely.
Loved the post, Shalini!! All the photos are just so wonderful. Dehradun is definitely on my bucket list now!
This post took me back to my recent trip to Sikkim!
I never heard of this place well I’m from Jamaica but I’m willing to learn about other cultures nice details on everything
Oh so splendid this place looks, feels like I’ve almost been there thanks to you.
I’ve heard that Dehradun is really beautiful, need to plan a trip up there sometime.
Thank you for this fascinating virtual tour 🙂
Such a beautiful place! Every picture spoke aloud of the peace one must experience there.
That part about Maitreya, the future Budhha–I hope it comes true. The way our world is deteriorating, we are sure in need of someone who can restore the peace here!
Those pictures makes me feel that I am there too. And I love the pictures, so stunning! I really love it.
Amazing pictures, I’ve heard a lot about Dehradun, but never got a chance to visit this beautiful place. Hope to make a trip this year soon.
Absolutely stunning photos! ♥ I would love to visit your part of the world one day. The architecture and history are mindblowing!
Oh wow! that looks like an awesome place to explore. Your photos are so inviting. I wish I was there to see those stunning statues.
Oh wow! The pictures are so beautiful. I have always wanted to visit Dehradun. I can’t wait to go there sometime.
Wow..i just couldn’t lift my eyes off your post. What a beautiful place(monastery). I wasn’t even aware that such a thing exists in Dehradun. Your Picture Tour is amazing and i felt as if there was a guide taking us around the tour of monastery. I am also pleasantly surprised to know that the monastery houses the world’s tallest Stupa. You have captured the beauty of the place so well, it’s mesmerising. Keep up the great work 🙂
I have visited this place but didn’t captured it so closely because the places like FRI, Robbers’ cave and Sahastradhara made my tour so successful that I was not interested in any other place.
Wow! Such amazing clicks.. The pictures are so lovely and they speak volumes!
I have not visited Uttarakhand yet, and I am in awe of the Tibetian style of construction and style of living. Will surely keep in mind the monastery to visit.
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