The Namdroling Nyingmapa Monastery is the largest teaching centre of the Nyingma lineage of Tibetan Buddhism in the world. Located in Bylakuppe, part of the Mysuru district of the state of Karnataka, the monastery is home to a sangha community of over five thousand lamas, a religious college and hospital.
Shrine’s History
The monastery was established by the 11th throne holder of the Palyul lineage, His Holiness Drubwang Padma Norbu Rinpoche in 1963, following his 1959 exit from Tibet as the second seat of the Palyul Monastery, one of the six great Nyingmapa Mother monasteries of Tibet prior to annexation. The monastery’s full name is Thegchog Namdrol Shedrub Dargyeling, called “Namdrolling or Namdroling” for short. Its initial structure was a temple constructed from bamboo, covering an area of approximately 80 square feet. Carved from the jungle that the India government generously granted Tibetan exiles, initial challenges included rampaging elephants and other tropical dangers.
Shrine’s Map Location and How to Go There
By Road
Bylakuppe is situated on the state highway 88 and is well connected to most of the major cities in south-India. Bus facilities are available from major towns like Mysuru, Bengaluru, Mangaluru, Chennai, Panaji,
By Rail
The nearest Railway station is Mysuru.
By Air
The nearest airport is Bangalore
Shrine Timings
7 AM to 8 PM
Events Celebrated at This Shrine
Namdroling Monastery hosts several ceremonies yearly. Of particular interest is Tibetan New Year, based on the Lunar Calendar; dates are not static but usually occurring in the months of February or March. The monastery hosts traditional Lama Dances, oversize Thankga hanging from the sides of its buildings, as well as solemn processions throughout the monastery grounds spanning approximately two weeks.