List of Himalayan monasteries and shrines

List of Himalayan monasteries and shrines is a list of Buddhist monasteries and shrines in the Himalayas.

History
Buddhism had spread to the Himalayan region before CE. It is evident from the fact that during 3rd century BC, Emperor Ashoka visited Nepal. ] Vajrayana Buddhism spread to Tibet during the reign of Songtsen Gampo.

Consequently, great Buddhist Masters like Vasubandhu, Santarakshaka and Padmasambhava visited Tibet. This led to the establishment of Buddhist Monasteries all along Himalayas and Tibetan Plateau. Vajrayana Buddhism is followed almost all along the Himalayas Himalayan range. Monasteries of Vajrayana Buddhism are found throughout Himalayan range in Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan and Pakistan; the earliest being Samye Monastery Samye in Tibet.

The religious structures of Vajrayana Buddhism in the Himalayan belt are seen as Monasteries, Lhakhangs/ Gomphas and Chortens. In Mahayana Buddhism they are known as Chaityas, Viharas and Stupas, respectively.

Monasteries also display colourful motifs and thangkas on its walls.

Rituals
Tibetan Buddhist monasteries are known for their rich culture and traditions, which are deeply rooted in the teachings of Buddhism. One of the most important aspects of Tibetan Buddhist monasteries is the presence of ritualistic places, which are dedicated to various deities and spiritual practices. Here are some of the most common ritualistic places found in Tibetan Buddhist monasteries and what they are called:


 * Dukhang: The shrine room is the most important ritualistic place in a Tibetan Buddhist monastery. It is a sacred space where monks and laypeople gather to perform prayers, offerings, and other rituals. The shrine room is often adorned with statues, thangkas (religious paintings), and other symbolic objects that represent the Buddha and other deities.


 * Lahkhang is the inner sanctum of the monastery, where the most sacred relics, statues, and thangkas (religious paintings) are housed. It is typically located in the central courtyard of the monastery and is considered to be the most sacred and holiest part of the monastery. The Lahkhang is only accessible to the monks and is used for meditation and religious ceremonies.


 * Gompa : The place for tantric practices and meditation in Tibetan monasteries is called the "Gompa" or "Meditation Hall." This is a dedicated space within the monastery where practitioners engage in advanced spiritual practices, including tantric rituals, visualization, and meditation.

The Gompa is typically located within the monastery complex and is designed to facilitate deep concentration and inner exploration. The space is usually large, with minimal furnishings, and may be decorated with symbolic images and objects that are relevant to the particular practices being undertaken.

Within the Gompa, practitioners may work with a qualified teacher or guide to deepen their understanding of tantric practices and meditation. They may engage in practices that involve the recitation of mantras, visualization of deities, or other advanced techniques that are aimed at achieving spiritual realization.


 * Stupa: A stupa is a dome-shaped structure that represents the Buddha's body, speech, and mind. It is a ritualistic place where devotees perform circumambulation (walking around the stupa in a clockwise direction), offer prayers, and make offerings. Stupas are considered to be powerful spiritual objects that radiate positive energy and blessings.


 * Chorten: A chorten is a small stupa that is used as a ritualistic place for meditation and offerings. Chortens are often found in the courtyards of Tibetan Buddhist monasteries and are used by monks and laypeople alike.


 * Mandala: A mandala is a geometric pattern that represents the universe and is used as a ritualistic place for meditation and visualization. Mandalas are often created using coloured sand or other materials and are destroyed after the ritual is complete, symbolizing the impermanence of all things.


 * Prayer Wheel: A prayer wheel is a cylindrical wheel that is inscribed with mantras or prayers. It is a ritualistic place where devotees spin the wheel in a clockwise direction, believing that each turn of the wheel generates positive energy and blessings.

These ritualistic places are an integral part of Tibetan Buddhist monasteries and are used by monks and laypeople alike to connect with their spiritual practice and the teachings of Buddhism