Indian Institute of Baudh Darshan at Tabo

 Indian Institute of Baudh Darshan established at Tabo

Tabo, known as ‘The Ajanta of the Himalayas’ is all is set to get an institute of Bodh studies which would emerge as innovative centre of Buddhist learning.

 To preserve the ancient seat of Buddhist Studies at Tabo, the Ministry of Culture, Government of India (GoI) has agreed in principle for establishing the ‘Indian Institute of Baudh Darshan’ (IIBD) at Tabo.

Rs 45 crore project lands measuring around 30 acres at Mohal Dhaang Chummi had been cleared by GoI and necessary clearances from Forest department were underway and the land would be soon transferred in the name of Union Ministry of Culture for setting up the institute.

“Tabo has evolved as an important centre of learning and setting up of IIBD will further bring the State on the International map, which will help the scholars and the academicians to pursue higher studies on Buddhist literature,”

The State Government had already conveyed its approval to the proposed Institute. The case was held up since 2011 due to site related issue. The GOI has finally accepted the recommendation of the State Government.

IIBD will serve the monks and students and will also help preserving the ancient seat of Buddhist Studies and blend it with the contemporary.

Tabo Monastery, situated in Lahaul& Spiti has been a centre for study of Buddhists philosophy and tribal culture since its inception in 996 A.D and the proposed centre will be a landmark as it will preserve and publicize the ancient seat of Buddhists studies.

Tabo Gompa

Tabo Gompa has been declared as protected by Archaeological Survey of India as it harbours some of the oldest and most exquisite Buddhist murals and antique paintings of almost 11th century, in the world.

Tabo Monestary

Tabo Monastery is located in the Tabo village of Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh, northern India. It was founded in 996 CE in the Tibetan year of the Fire Ape by the Tibetan Buddhist lotsawa (translator) Rinchen Zangpo (Mahauru Ramabhadra), on behalf of the king of western Himalayan Kingdom of Guge, Yeshe-Ö.

Tabo is noted for being the oldest continuously operating Buddhist enclave in both India and the Himalayas. A large number of frescoes displayed on its walls depict tales from the Buddhist pantheon.There are many priceless collections of thankas (scroll paintings), manuscripts, well-preserved statues, frescos and extensive murals which cover almost every wall. The monastery is in need of refurbishing as the wooden structures are aging and the thanka scroll paintings are fading. After the earthquake of 1975, the monastery was rebuilt, and in 1983 a new Du-kang or Assembly Hall was constructed. It is here that the 14th Dalai Lama held the Kalachakra ceremonies in 1983 and 1996. The monastery is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) as a national historic treasure of India.

By: Pooja Sharda