home of the seminomadic Gaddi tribe, Mcleod Ganj is
today the residence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
This mid 19th century place was developed as a British
Garrison. The place was an important administrative
point for the whole Kangra valley. Today Macleod Ganj
has developed as headquarters of the exiled Tibetan
Government and is situated just before the Upper
impressive monastery has got larger than life size
images of Buddha, Padmasambhava and Avaloketeshwara.
To preserve the rich manifestation of the Tibetan
culture the institute of Tibetan performing arts was
established over here. In April and May a festival is
organised here, which includes the traditional plays,
dances and many more such events.
large Tibetan population of the region and the
presence of traditional architectural designs have
enhanced the area. But the most important example of
the Tibetan architecture is the Tsuglagkhang or the
Dalai Lama's temple. The magnificent images - a gilt
statue of Shakyamuni; then facing Tibet is the Tibetan
deity of compassion, Avalokitesvara and that of
Padmasambhava who introduced Buddhism and tantric
teachings to Tibet in 8th century.
house also has a collection of scared text called the
Khagyur based on the teachings of Buddha. Also
included in the temple is a collection of works on
art, philosophy, literature, astrology and medicine.
Residence of Dalai Lama:
The Dalai Lama settled in Macleod Ganj in 1960 and
his residence on the south edge of town has become his
permanent home in exile. His own quarters are the
modest, and government offices take up most of the
walled compound overhanging the valley.
In front of the private enclosure of the residence
of Dalai Lama, Dharamsala's main Buddhiat temple,
Tsuglagkhang, shelters images od Shayamuni,
Padmasambhava and Avaloktesvara, all sitting in
meditation postures and are surrounded by offerings
The small Gompa Dip Tse-Chok Ling is located on
the bottom of a steep track. The main Prayer hall has
an image of the Shakyamuni. The monks who lived in the
Gompa have made two huge drums covered in goatskin and
painted around the rim. The butter sculptures, which
are made during Losar, are destroyed in the next Losar
festival. This gompa is also famous for the fine and
Tibetan Works & Archives:
The library of Tibetan works and archives stores
almost 40 % of the original Tibetan manuscripts and is
a repository of the rich Tibetan culture. The library
also has a photographic archive. At Gangchen Kyishong
is the Tibetan Medical and Astrological Institute.
Lake: The small, murky Dal Lake, connected to
Dharamkot by a path down through the wooded slopes, is
the scene of an animal fair and Shivate festival in