Golden Temple: Namdroling Monastery

The Golden Temple,  known as Namdroling Monastery, is a large Tibetan Buddhist in India. It is  near Coorg or Kodagu district in Karnataka, India, in Bylakuppe. Of all the largest Tibetan settlements in India, this is certainly one of the prominent centers for learning Tibetan culture and Buddhism. The temple is mainly famous for its architecture, soothing ambiance, and gigantic gold idols of Buddhist deities. Established in 1963 by the great Tibetan lama Pema Norbu Rinpoche, The Golden Temple is a monastic complex part of Namdroling Monastery. Nyingma School of Tibetan Buddhist philosophy is one of the oldest streams of Tibetan Buddhist philosophy, which has been accommodated at this monastery. Built more as a spiritual and cultural home for Tibetan refugees, they had to flee from Tibet in the wake of China's occupation of the territory in the 1950s. It is called so because of the extremely golden statues that adorn the inside of the primary shrine hall , which remain  the  ultimate focal point for the religious processes of this monastery. It is now a primary ground for the teaching and meditation of Tibetan Buddhism,  which attracts  thousands and thousands of pilgrims to witness and get an impression of Tibetan life and culture. 

Known are these beautiful, unique Tibetan structures in carvings and colours depicting the Tibetan Buddhist Monastery. Three towering gold-status of Lord Buddha, Padmasambhava, known as Guru Rinpoche, and Amitayus, the Buddha of Long Life, stand towering over the main altar in the temple; those were about 40 feet tall and pure gold leaves from which the temple got its name. These structures have walls and ceilings with paintings, mural art, and detailed pictures on murals  representing teaching scenes in Buddhism and the history of Tibet. These paintings infuse colors into the monastic, silent environment. This principal temple is multi-storeyed. It has been designed by taking into consideration the motifs traditionally followed by the Tibetans. Religious symbols adorn the walls, and rugs for praying cover the floors. Most of these prayer wheels can be found outside  the temple premises, and the visitors roll them while praying for peace and good fortune. 

The Namdroling Monastery accommodates over 5,000 monks following the Nyingma Tibetan Buddhism school. Daily activities in the monastery include rituals, prayer sessions, meditation, and teachings of Buddhism. A school within the monastery teaches young Tibetan monks Buddhist scriptures, philosophy, meditation, and Tibetan art. All morning and evening prayers and rituals of the Monks are performed in the Golden Temple. The monastery performs all ceremonies and festivals with great enthusiasm and religious fervor, such as Tibetan New Year or Losar, Saga Dawa or Buddha's birthday, etc., or other events related to the celebrations of Buddhism. Visiting the Golden Temple is a unique experience because one can immerse in the peaceful and serene ambiance of Tibetan Buddhist culture, if  desired, by participating in some prayer sessions, meditation, religious/cultural practices of the Tibetans, and so on. The monastery is also a cultural center, so one may learn about the traditions of Tibet, art, and food. You may acquire Tibetan handicrafts, incense, and prayer items in the monastery shop; this directly goes to helping the monks and their community. 

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS:

1. Abbey Falls: Coorg, with its rich greenery and coffee plantations, has breathtaking beauty. It is a favorite place among nature lovers and photography enthusiasts, with a serene atmosphere and soothing falls. 

2. Tadiandamol Peak: Tadiandamol is the highest mountain in Coorg with an awe-inspiring view and great trek trails. The summit offers spectacular long-range views of the Western Ghats, making this place a favorite destination for  adventure tourism and nature lovers. 

3. Iruppu Falls: Iruppu Falls is a beautiful fall covered by forests in Brahmagiri Hills. It holds a sacred place in the religion of Hindus, and associated with it is the seat of Lord Rama, adding spiritual importance to the destination. 

4. Raja's Seat: This is one of Madikeri's most famous lookout points, providing beautiful views of the surrounding hills and valleys. It is very popular at sunset  when the whole landscape is painted with golden lights and is the best location for photography. 

5. Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary: Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary- This is heaven, especially for bird lovers, but for all wildlife lovers; it comprises various species of flora and fauna, including many endangered ones, and they offer trekking and nature walks. 

6. Nisargadhama: Nisargadhama is an island created out of the Kaveri River, and it's a beautiful spot for nature walks, boating, and a silent retreat. The island has facilities for a deer park, bamboo groves, and hanging bridges, providing a unique look. 

7. Omkareshwara Temple: Omkareshwara Temple, Madikeri, houses Islamic and Gothic architectural styles worshipping Lord Shiva. It is highly valued due to its  historical background and tranquillity as a place of culture and religion in Coorg. 

8. Kabini River: The Kabini River offers all the thrill of safari, boating, and bird watching. Since this comes under the Kabini Wildlife Sanctuary, there will surely be a sight of elephants, tigers, and many more species. 

9. Talakaveri: Talakaveri is the origin of Kaveri. It is the place center for the Hindus and renders peace to its visitors amidst beautiful scenic surroundings that display panoramic hill views and forest lands. 

10. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary: It is quite biodiverse, with a secure safari and nature trails at Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala. That sanctuary holds tigers, leopards, elephants, and hundreds of species in the order of fauna, flora, and many species, making it an absolutely fine place to relish through nature lovers. 

HOW TO REACH:

• By Air: The closest airport to Bylakuppe is  Mysore Airport,  about 90 kilometers from there. From that airport, flights connecting the domestic route lead to Bangalore, and taxi and bus services are accessible to the Golden Temple. International and inter-state guests can also reach the place from Bangalore Kempegowda International Airport, about 250 km from Bylakuppe. The way to go is by either taxi or the bus service available from Bangalore. 

• By Train: The nearest major railway station is Mysore Railway Station, which is 90 km away from Bylakuppe. Mysore is very well connected with the rest of the country. One can take a taxi or even a local bus from Mysore to reach Bylakuppe. 

• By Road: By road takes around 5-6 hours for 250 km to go via Bangalore-Mysore Road (NH275) from Bangalore. Then it takes on to local roads towards Bylakuppe. From Mysore: Kushalnagar Bylakuppe is 90 km (2-3 hrs by road). 

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