Dwelling deep in the middle of the desolate Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh, Tabo Monastery is a site that not only holds profound spiritual meaning but also safeguards the secrets of the past.The Tabo monastery is located in the Himachal Pradesh, India. Specifically it is situated in the Spiti Valley which is the northern part of the state, near the Tibetan border. Famous for its ancient murals, rich Tibetan Buddhist history, and historical significance, this monastery has been called the "Ajanta of the Himalayas." But one of the various features that contribute to the wonder of Tabo Monastery is its mummy connection, an element that lends an air of secrecy to its rich history

How to Reach Tabo Monastery

Getting to Tabo Monastery takes a little bit of a ride,  but it is worth the effort. The closest town is Kaza, which is around 45 kilometers away, and from there,you can ride to tabo. Kaza is well linked by road to Shimla. The nearest airport is in Bhuntar (Kullu), which is around 240 km away.

 Read more: how to reach Spiti Valley

The best time to visit Tabo Monastery is fromMay to October, when the weather is relatively mild and the roads are accessible. During the winter months, the area experiences snow, adding a mystical aura to the monastery’s surroundings

The Birth of Tabo Monastery: A Historical Journey

Established in 996 CE by the illustrious Tibetan scholar Rinchen Zangpo, Tabo Monastery was built as a hub for the dissemination of Buddhism and the conservation of Buddhist art and culture. Zangpo played a crucial role in translating major Buddhist scriptures from Sanskrit to Tibetan, and his work in building monasteries throughout the Himalayan region laid the groundwork for Tibetan Buddhism in India.

Tabo Monastery, popularly known as the "Ajanta of the Himalayas," contains some of the world's best-preserved ancient Buddhist murals and frescoes, which are estimated to be about 10th century. The paintings of the monastery cover not just religious subjects from the Buddha's life but also vibrant cosmological imagination, describing the spiritual and cultural ethos of the era

The Mummy of Tabo Monastery: A Fascinating Discovery

One of the most interesting features of Tabo Monastery is its association with mummies. Buried in one of the monastery's numerous caves are mummified monks who lived and died centuries ago. The mummies, some of which are estimated to be 500 years old, are preserved in a manner that is both spooky intriguing and deeply respectful of the late monks' spiritual path.

The mummies are not only an archaeological discovery; they are evidence of the highly established Buddhist practices of meditation, death, and the afterlife. The monks believed in spiritual transcendence and valued meditation so much that they spent years in meditation before they died. The mummification of these monks' bodies was a means of respecting their journey and their dedication to the path of enlightenment.

These mummies, which are stored in a tiny chamber close to the monastery, are enveloped by the ambiance of silence and reverence that characterizes the monastery. Tourists to the location are usually overwhelmed by the peace and quiet that result from reflection on these old remains—testaments to a life spent pursuing spiritual practice.

The Spiritual and Artistic Heart of Tabo

Outside the mummies, Tabo Monastery is rich in Buddhist paintings. The frescoes on the walls of its temples are amongst the oldest and most elaborate globally. These are paintings that traverse a variety of subjects, including Buddhist gods as well as elaborate teachings of Tibetan Buddhism. They include murals that represent lives of the Buddha, and also depict different domains of existence showing the Buddhist depiction of life, death, and rebirth.

Aside from the murals, the monastery contains various sacred statues, relics, and thangkas (traditional Tibetan scroll paintings), a number of which are from the 10th and 11th centuries. The monastery itself is a mix of Tibetan and Indian influences, and the structures are made of mud, wood, and stone to blend in with nature.

The most prominent building within the monastery is the Durable Shrine, which contains a collection of Buddhist statues and remains. The temple's architecture is especially important, blending spiritual imagery with practical functionality to facilitate meditation and ritual performance.

Living Tradition: Tabo's Monks and Pilgrimage Site

Nowadays, Tabo Monastery continues to be a lively Buddhist community center, which supports a monastic community that sustains old-time Buddhist rituals. The monastery also serves as a school of thought, in which monks study Buddhism philosophy, the Tibetan language, and complex rituals of Tibetan Buddhism. A trip to Tabo provides a seeker of further enlightenment of Tibetan Buddhist culture the ability to experience firsthand religious rituals and teachings.

The monastery is not just a piece of history but also a popular pilgrimage center. Buddhist pilgrims from all over the world travel to Tabo Monastery to pray, meditate, and attain spiritual enlightenment. The peaceful surroundings of Tabo at a height of approximately 10,000 feet heighten the sense of spirituality and encourage introspection

A Synthesis of Art, History, and Spirituality

Tabo Monastery stands as a testament to the long-lasting heritage of Tibetan Buddhism in the Himalayas. Its tradition, laced with the teachings of Rinchen Zangpo and the conservation of old texts and methods, has enabled it to continue as a critical hub of Buddhist study and art. The conservation of the mummies provides an interesting twist to its history, evidencing the monastery's great respect for the path of the monks who devoted their lives to the spiritual way.

For anyone with a curiosity for the convergence of history, culture, and spirituality, Tabo Monastery presents an interesting odyssey. The mummies, murals, and ancient texts are merely the starting point for the amazements you can find in its halls. Whether you're attracted by the mystical paintings, the rich heritage, or the serene spirituality, Tabo Monastery offers an experience that cannot be forgotten, bridging the past and the present and enabling visitors to peek into a realm of profound devotion and spiritual wisdom

Conclusion

Tabo Monastery stands as a timeless testament to the deep spiritual and artistic heritage of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. From its rich history and its stunning murals to the fascinating mummies that provide a touch of mystery, Tabo provides a special and enriching experience for everyone who comes here. Whether you're discovering its ancient walls, meditating in its serene environment, or being awed by its murals, Tabo Monastery welcomes you to enter a world of history, spirituality, and mystery that has been conserved for more than a thousand years.

A visit to Tabo Monastery is not merely a journey; it is an excursion in time, in art, and in the eternal search for enlightenment