4/5 Jyotish J. 7 months ago on Google • 105 reviews
Nestled
in
the
northern
part
of
Delhi
along
the
banks
of
Yamuna
river
is
the
quaint
little
Tibetan
colony
of
Majnu
ka
Tila.
Home
to
a
vibrant
Tibetan
community,
this
small
neighborhood
houses
the
ancient
Tibetan
Monastery,
also
known
as
Ganden
Tharpa
Ling
Monastery.
As
a
long-time
resident
of
nearby
neighborhoods
like
Nehru
Vihar
and
Mukherjeenagar,
I
was
pleasantly
surprised
to
discover
this
small
but
captivating
monastery
on
the
banks
of
the
Yamuna
river.
My
initial
reaction
felt
as
if
I
had
ventured
into
a
foreign
land,
bewildered
by
the
faces
I
encountered
on
the
streets.
Initially,
I
presumed
them
to
be
Nepali
due
to
the
prevalence
of
Nepali
language
being
spoken.
However,
I
soon
realized
they
were
Tibetan,
and
it
became
apparent
that
there
was
a
diverse
mix
of
nationalities
among
the
people
I
encountered.
With
its
colorful
Tibetan
prayer
flags
fluttering
in
the
wind,
scent
of
incense
wafting
through
the
air,
and
the
incessant
murmuring
of
'Om
Mani
Padme
Hum'
chanting
by
the
monks,
the
monastery
transports
you
to
the
peaceful
environs
of
the
Tibetan
landscapes.
The
main
shrine
room
is
aesthetically
decorated
with
intricate
Tibetan
thangka
paintings
and
statues
of
Buddha
and
various
deities.
Watching
the
monks
engrossed
in
their
daily
rituals
and
prayers
is
an
uplifting
experience.
Though
it
is
lesser
known
among
UPSC
aspirants
who
are
focused
on
their
studies,
Majnu
ka
Tila
offers
a
mini-Tibet
experience
right
in
the
heart
of
Delhi!
Built
in
the
1960s,
the
modest
exterior
of
the
monastery
belies
the
artistic
beauty
that
lies
within.
The
prayer
hall
is
adorned
with
intricate
Tibetan
frescoes
and
statues
of
Buddha
and
other
deities.
Chanting
of
monks,
aroma
of
incense
and
flickering
butter
lamps
transport
you
to
a
different
world.
The
monk's
quarters,
library
and
even
the
Tibetan
style
restrooms
showcase
excellent
woodwork.
Beyond
the
monastery,
you
can
explore
curio
shops
selling
Tibetan
handicrafts
and
artifacts.
Do
not
miss
out
on
the
international
eateries
serving
authentic
Tibetan
and
Chinese
delicacies.
The
narrow
alleys
are
dotted
with
cafes
where
you
can
sip
on
butter
tea
while
soaking
in
the
scenes
and
chatter.
It
is
an
Instagrammer's
delight
with
the
vibrant
wall
arts,
prayer
flags
and
just
the
overall
aesthetics.
So
if
you
are
looking
to
briefly
escape
the
hustle
of
Delhi,
Majnu
ka
Tila
offers
you
a
chance
to
experience
the
tastes,
smells
and
visuals
of
Tibet.
A
perfect
place
to
relax
after
your
UPSC
preparation!
This
hidden
gem
is
worth
discovering.
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