Buddhism In The Land of The Gods Lahul Western Himalayas

The present book on Lahaul contains five parts which deals with physical features ; Travelogue History of Buddhism, Buddhist Monasteries (Trilloknath, Kardang Monastery, Gemur Gonpa, Gandola Monastery Sha-Shur Monastery, some small Buddhist Monasteries of 10th to 11th century in Lahul) Sidhas and Lamas (Yogi Gochang pa, Stag tsang ras pa, Nwang Tsering Lama Norbu Deva Gyasto).

The book contains maps, illustrations bibliography and an index.

Lahul is an inhaibital area and has highly rugged mountainous terrain with cold arid climate. After independence Indian government major attention was concentrated to develop Indian plains. The territory of Lahul thus neglected. In 1962 Chinese aggression took place. The border areas then came into the notice of Indian Government. An effective administrative step had been taken place. Road construction began in the massive way. The national highway was developed from Manali to Leh via Keylong. This is not the all weather road as the Rohtang Pass closes in the winter and fit for vehicular traffic during summer season only. Now the construction of tunnel under Rohtang pass is in Progress. Lahul which was once isolated and had weak interaction with outside world got well connection with the state and central governments. In 1990 Manali Leh road opened for tourists Lahul came in the isolate and very well interconnected with the world backward or isolate. Every year number of tourists are increasing. They have good interest on Buddhism in Lahul which was having its roots during Asoka and Kanishka period 7-8th century established some Buddhist temples under the supervision of Padma sambhava. In the 10th century Lotsava Rinchen Bzangpor refounded many Lhakhangs asd endeavored to promote Buddhism. In 12th Siddha Gochang pa (Tib. Rgo tsangpa) visited several hermits in Lahul and retreated there. This shows the induction of Drugpa tradition in Lahul. Later the same strengthened by Devang Gyasto, Siddha Nawang Tsering, Stag-tsang-ras-pa Lama Norbu and Stagna Rinpoche. In recent years his holiness Dalai Lama also visited Lahul and gave spiritual preaching to all devotes. Thus helping Buddhist population to preserve their ancient old Buddhist culture and tradition. The writing of the present book is an attempt to aware people, scholars of this region and make all possible efforts for the preservation of Buddhist culture.

At last I would like to express deep appreciation to Mrs. Manju Jina, Principal Hira convent Schiil, Bari Mukhani, Haldwani and Manvender Jina, who always inspired me to write on Himalaya. My thanks are due to Changchub Negi, Research Scholar C.I.B.S. Leh and Naresh Gupta Indian books centre Delhi for their co-operation and help.