The Mystic Mandala Temple or the Initiati on Temple

The Mystic Mandala Temple or the Initiati on Temple

This is the place where initiation of monkhood is done. The temple houses an impressive painting of Vairocana which is surrounded by eight Bodhisattvas. It adorns the wall that faces the door. Mystic Mandala occupies the rest of the portion.

The Bodhisattva Maitreya Temple (Byams-Pa Chen-po Lha-khang)

An imposing six meters high image of the Bodhisattva Maitreya dominates this temple. It is divided into a hall, vestibule and sanctum. Murals adorn the interiors of the temple. Of special significance are the murals depicting the monastery of Tashi-Chunpo and Lhasa's Potala palace.

The Temple of Dromton (Brom-ston Lha khang)

Situated at the northern end of the complex, this temple is supposed to be founded by an eminent disciple of Atisha, Dromton. The doorway of the temple is finely carved and the inner walls are filled with murals. To reach the hall of the temple, a small portico and a long passage need to be crossed.

The Chamber of Picture Treasures (Z'al-ma)

Connected to the Enlightened Gods temple, this is a type of an ante room. Beautiful Tibetan style paintings are the highlights here.

The Large Temple of Dromton (Brom-ston Lha khang)

This one is second largest temple in the complex with a floor area of 70 sq m. The 42 sq m of the portico and the niche also increase the total area. A figure of Sakyamuni along with images of Sariputra and Maha Maugdalayana can be seen on the front wall while the outer wall has eight Medicine Buddhas and Guardian Kings.

The Mahakala Vajra Bhairava Temple (Gon-khang)

This temple is sometimes referred to as the temple of horror. The reason behind it is the fierce deities that occupy the rooms inside. The protective deity of the Galuk-pa sect is the presiding deity here.

The White Temple (Kar-abyum Lha-Khang)

Noteworthy in the temple are the walls that are adorned and have a low dado for the monks or nuns to lean against.

Tourist Info

For those desirous of visiting the Tabo Monastery, it is important to know that the place is not open throughout the year. The reason for this is the bad weather including snowfall that cuts it of from the rest of the state for around three fourth of the year.

Within the limited period, there are quiet a few options to reach Tabo. The first one is to reach Shimla and then proceed to Tabo by road via Narkanda, Rampur, Jeori, Wangtu, Karcham, Powari, Jangi, Puh, Khab, Chango and Hurling. The entire journey covers 365 km with the option of overnight halts at places.

The second way to reach Tabo is to reach Kullu and then head towards it via Rohtang Pass, Gramphoo, Batal, Kunzam Pass and Kaza. The entire journey is of 295 km. Kaza, the headquarters of Spiti has the highest gas filling station in the world, and from here Tabo is just 33 km away. However, it takes around two hours to complete the journey by a bus because the route is more difficult.