Bon Monastery
Origin and Significance: The Yundrung Bon Monastic Centre, popularly known as Bon Monastery or Menri Monastery, is the second-oldest Bon monastery in the world outside of Tibet. It was established in 1969 by the Tibetan refugees and is a principal centre for learning the Bon tradition, which is an a ncient, pre-Buddhist spiritual tradition of Tibet. The monastery is dedicated to the study of Bon texts, philosophy, and rituals. It plays a crucial role in preserving the Bon culture and identity for the Tibetan diaspora and is home to hundreds of monks and students. The tranquil environment and vibrant cultural displays offer a unique spiritual experience.
General information
-
Ideal Duration:
1-2 HoursPlace Type:
Religious, Spiritual, CulturalEntry Fees:
Entry is Free: There is typically no entry fee to the monastery or the main temples.
Donation: Donations for the upkeep of the monastery and support of the monks are encouraged and welcomed.
Photography: Fre...Entry is Free: There is typically no entry fee to the monastery or the main temples.
Donation: Donations for the upkeep of the monastery and support of the monks are encouraged and welcomed.
Photography: Free, but be respectful and ask permission, especially when photographing monks or rituals.Timing:
Regular Timings: Open daily, usually from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Temple remains closed during midday hours (12:00 PM to 2:00 PM) for lunch.
Ideal Visit Time: Early morning (8:00 AM to 10:00 AM) or late afternoon to witness the prayer rituals, ...Regular Timings: Open daily, usually from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Temple remains closed during midday hours (12:00 PM to 2:00 PM) for lunch.
Ideal Visit Time: Early morning (8:00 AM to 10:00 AM) or late afternoon to witness the prayer rituals, or during the cool months of September to November.Special Events:
Losar Festival: The Tibetan New Year (Losar) is celebrated with great fanfare, traditional dances (Cham), and rituals in February or March.
Annual Assembly: The monastery holds large annual religious assemblies/gatherings in the summer month...Losar Festival: The Tibetan New Year (Losar) is celebrated with great fanfare, traditional dances (Cham), and rituals in February or March.
Annual Assembly: The monastery holds large annual religious assemblies/gatherings in the summer months, attracting Bon followers from around the world.Best Photo Spots:
Main Prayer Hall Façade: The exterior of the central temple with its vibrant colors and intricate carvings.
Viewpoint of Prayer Flags: The area adorned with countless colorful Tarchen (vertical prayer flags) against the backdrop of the hill...Main Prayer Hall Façade: The exterior of the central temple with its vibrant colors and intricate carvings.
Viewpoint of Prayer Flags: The area adorned with countless colorful Tarchen (vertical prayer flags) against the backdrop of the hills.
The Golden Statue: The large, central statue of Lord Shenrab Mibo inside the temple (permission usually required for photography inside).Photo Gallery
Things To Do
-
Witness Prayer Rituals: Attend the morning or evening prayer ceremonies in the main temple to experience the profound chanting and spiritual atmosphere.
Study the Murals: Observe the detailed and colorful murals depicting Bon deities, mandalas, and cosmological stories. Circumambulation (Kora) Walk clockwise (or counter-clockwise, depending on Bon tradition) around the monastery's exterior, spinning the prayer wheels.
Photography: Capture the vibrant colors of the architecture, the prayer flags, and the tranquil setting.
Interact with Monks: Engage in respectful conversation with the resident monks to learn about the Bon culture and philosophy.
Shop for Souvenirs: Purchase small handicrafts or religious items from the monastery ...
Information
-
Why Famous:
Bon Tradition: Famous for being one of the most important centers for the indigenous Bon religion of Tibet, which pre-dates and co-exists with Tibetan Buddhism.
Statue of Shenrab: Houses an impressive and revered statue of Lord Shenrab Mibo,...Bon Tradition: Famous for being one of the most important centers for the indigenous Bon religion of Tibet, which pre-dates and co-exists with Tibetan Buddhism.
Statue of Shenrab: Houses an impressive and revered statue of Lord Shenrab Mibo, the founder of the Bon faith, a sight of great cultural and spiritual value.
Tranquility: Known for its extremely peaceful and serene atmosphere, offering a perfect spot for meditation and spiritual retreat away from city noise. -
Architecture:
Traditional Tibetan Architecture: The monastery showcases typical vibrant and ornate Tibetan architecture, characterized by multi-storied structures with distinct sloping roofs, dark wood carvings, and brightly colored murals and prayer flags. Dimension of the main prayer h...Traditional Tibetan Architecture: The monastery showcases typical vibrant and ornate Tibetan architecture, characterized by multi-storied structures with distinct sloping roofs, dark wood carvings, and brightly colored murals and prayer flags. Dimension of the main prayer hall (Lhakang) The main hall is vast, capable of holding hundreds of monks for rituals. Key features include the gilded rooftop ornamentation (Gyenchen), the central statue of Lord Shenrab Mibo (the founder of the Bon tradition), and the surrounding living quarters/libraries. The architecture is designed not just for aesthetic appeal but for functional and symbolic purposes, with specific layouts representing cosmological models of the Bon faith. -
How To Reach:
By Air: Nearest airport is Chandigarh International Airport (95 KMS). Hire a taxi from the airport.
By Train: Nearest major station is Kalka (65 KMS). Take a local cab from Solan Railway Station (12 KMS).
By R... -
Near Tourist Places:
Jatoli Shiv Temple (18 KMS), Solan Brewery (12 KMS), Children's Park Solan (10 KMS), Mall Road Solan (11 KMS), Shoolini Mata Temple (13 KMS), Karol Tibba Trek Base (15 KMS), Barog (15 KMS), Mohan Shakti National Heritage Park (28 KMS), Kuthar Fort (35 KMS), Dagshai (25 KMS).
Tourism Tips
-
Health & Safety: Dress modestly to show respect for the religious site. Maintain silence and sanctity within the premises.
Packing: Carry a scarf or shawl (especially women) and comfortable footwear. Ensure your phone is on silent.
Reviews
Information about New and Updated Locations(551+) of Himachal Pradesh Has Been Added :-
Card subtitle
Baglamukhi TempleBeas River Bank - Chamba PattanBir BillingBrajeshwari Devi TempleChamunda Devi TempleChintpurni Mata TempleDada Siba Fort / TempleGarli Heritage VillagePragpur Heritage VillageHaripur FortJwala Devi TempleKaleshwar MahadevKareri Lake Trek BaseMaharana Pratap Sagar Masroor Rock Cut TempleMcLeod Ganj NadaunPahari Gandhi Baba Kanshi Ram HouseMore PlacesNote:-
Information provided here in good Faith and for reference only.
All information and pictures will be updated soon, please keep visiting.
Near Places
Arki Fort
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Barog
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Bon Monastery
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Children's Park
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Dagshai Cantonment
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Dagshai Jail Museum
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Dr. Y.S. Parmar University
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Gorkha Fort
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Gurkha Fort
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Jatoli Shiv Temple
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewherein Other Cities