Bylakuppe is India’s second-largest Tibetan community after Dharamshala. It is located 6 kilometers from the city of Kushalnagar. You may explore the Coorg Golden Temple throughout your stay. Bylakuppe is a shelter for Tibetan emigrants founded in 1961 by Dickey Larose and Lugsum Samdupling in 1969. Agriculture is also done in this area. Many Tibetan refugees reside in these places. There is also a Tibetan monastery here. Tourists can come here to purchase genuine Tibetan items. The major attraction of this location is the Golden Temple Coorg, a Tibetan-style monastery that appears to be unparalleled in South India.
Three sculptures of Lord Buddha, namely, Padma Sambhav, Buddha Sakyamuni & Buddha Amitayus, have been housed at this Monastery; these sculptures are 40 feet tall. The exterior walls surrounding the Golden Temple Coorg’s entryway are covered with massive multicolored paintings. The doors are painted crimson and feature enormous gold knockers. A strong plaited rope is also present, with a tassel hanging from it. The Monastery’s walls are entirely constructed in Tibetan style.
We have written about the “Golden Temple In Coorg – Guide About Temple & Tibetan Culture” below.
History
The magnificent Namdroling Temple was built in Bylakuppe in 1963. Bylakuppe was constructed for the first time in 1961 by the renowned Lugsum Samdupling. DickyiLarsoe worked on it later, in 1969. The famed Tibetan Golden Temple is undoubtedly the most incredible instructor of the ancient Buddhist tradition of the art of Nyingmapa, with over 5,000 nuns & monks being a member of it.
The Golden Temple’s Architecture in Coorg
A large archway leads to a lovely garden with groomed grass on either side, which approaches the temple’s entrance. The Monastery’s entryway has a giant picture of the founder, Norbu Pema Rinpoche. The entry is a glittering golden and vivid blue construction with an enormous arch and little figurines. These sculptures are said to be Buddha’s messengers. A massive ornate bell with carved lettering is there just before the gate.
The road leads to the temple’s entryway and a fountain. Three ornately carved & decorated entrances surround the temple’s entryway. A spacious corridor with columns leads to the altar, which houses three golden sculptures. The walls are entirely decorated with bright traditional Tibetan murals. The Monastery & temple are constructed in traditional Tibetan architecture and are stunning examples of Tibetan craftsmanship.
How can I go to the Golden Temple, Coorg?
The temple is located 220 kilometers from Bengaluru & 172 kilometers from Mangaluru. Mysuru Airport is 101 kilometers distant. The closest train station is Hasana junction, which is 80 kilometers away. Kushala Nagara is easily accessible by bus from Bengaluru & Mysuru. The temple can be reached by vehicle or cab from Kushala Nagara.
Golden Temple Timings of Coorg
Coorg’s Golden Temple Timings are 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with daily prayer at 1:00 PM. All of these elements combine to create the magnificent Golden Temple, one of the most serene religious sites to explore in Coorg.
Entrance Fee for Golden Temple, Coorg
The Tibetan Monastery has no entrance fee. You can explore the beauty of the golden temple without any charge.
The Golden Temple’s Three Statues of Coorg
The Golden Shrine comes from three gigantic gold-plated sculptures inside the vast temple. The sculpture in the center represents the founder of Buddhism, Buddha Shakyamuni, popularly known as Gautama Buddha. The Buddha statue is 60 feet tall from the ground.
Guru Padmasambhava, commonly known as Guru Rinpoche, is the sculpture to the left of the Buddha. Padmasambhava was an Indian Buddhist guru who lived in the eighth century. Guru Rinpoche was born 12 years after the Buddha’s death, as predicted, according to the school Nyingma of Buddhism. Guru Rinpoche is honored as the “Second Buddha” by the Tibetans.
Buddha Amitayus, the Buddhist of Long Life, is the sculpture to the right of Buddha Shakyamuni. According to Buddhism, people’s lives get shorter due to their non-virtuous activities. Buddhists believe that saying Buddha Amitayus’ name, touching the characters of his name, repeating his name & mantra, or admiring his characteristics will help them live longer lives. It is claimed that constructing Buddha Amitayus’ sculpture protects everyone from evil and bestows long life on the location & people.
The sculptures of Guru Rinpoche & Buddha Amitayus are 58 feet tall from the ground. All three sculptures are constructed of copper and gold-plated. Each statue contains religious literature, relics of great beings, little clay mold stupas, & small sculptures. According to Buddhism, seeing these sculptures, venerating, circumambulating, & making offerings to them inspires individuals to have faith, tranquility, knowledge, compassion, and goodwill. These precious artifacts represent the Buddhas’ forms, speech, & minds. It cleanses people’s minds, removing unwholesome ideas or deeds.
What You Should Know Before Visiting the Golden Temple
- The prayer routines begin at 1 PM and are amusing to see.
- Cameras are permitted in the Monastery so that visitors may capture memories and exciting information about the site.
- Food stalls and restrooms are available for tourists’ convenience.
- The worship wheels & shrines should only be revolved clockwise with the right hand.
- No dogs or shoes are allowed within the Monastery.
- Shopping centers around temples allow travelers to purchase traditional Tibetan products such as clothes, sculptures, carpets, & jewelry.
- Both alcohol and smoking are forbidden.
- Shoes and ringing phones should be left outside the main lobby.
- The restaurants around the Monastery close at 7:00 PM, so get there early.
- The attire should be in keeping with the modest environment.
- Shaking hands with the Monastery’s monks is strictly forbidden.
Locations around the Golden Temple Coorg to Visit
- Dubare Elephant Camp (19.3 KM)
- Cauvery Nisargadhama (8.2 KM)
- Harangi dam (15.7 KM)
All these places are near Golden Temple and may be visited on an exact day.
Conclusion
The little Tibetan community in Coorg is an excellent place to escape the city’s hustle and bustle life. The place’s secluded, peaceful and spiritual ambiance welcomes all guests. Tourists can come here to buy Tibetan items. It’s a beautiful sight to see hundreds of Buddhist monks chanting loudly while performing spiritual rites and offering prayers. The Golden Temple is a serene and magnificent spot surrounded by wonderful greenery.
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