HPAS/Allied Mains 2022 Answer Writing Challenge Day 52 : Model Answer

March 4, 2022

HPAS/Allied Mains 2022 Answer Writing Challenge Day 52 : Model Answer

Question Give an account of Buddhist temple architecture in the state of Himachal Pradesh (8 Marks 120 words)

Understanding of question:

Introduction	The very earliest influence of Buddhism in Himachal Pradesh is traced to the Ashokan period in the 3rd century BC. He had established many stupas, and one of them was traced to the state in the Kulu valley, as cited in the chronicles of the Chinese travellers.

Keywords

Main Body	There are several examples through which, Buddhist temple architecture in the state of Himachal Pradesh can be studied Tabo Buddhist Monastery :- Tabo Monastery, also known as the ‘Ajanta of the Himalayas, ’ is one of the most popular monasteries in the Lahaul and Spiti Valley and was founded more than a millennium back in 996 A.D. This ancient structure stands on the barren, cold, and rocky desert of the Tabo valley at a dizzying height of 3050 meters above sea level. Kye Monastery:- Kye Monastery is a famous Tibetan Monastery in Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh and is located at an altitude of 4,166 meters above sea level. This beautiful monastery is positioned on a picturesque hilltop and is very close to the *Spiti River, in the Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh. It’s hard to believe, but this spectacular monastery is at least a thousand year old and is the largest monastery in Spiti Valley. Kungri Monastery:-* Lahaul & Spiti Valley The ever beautiful Kungri Monastery is located around 10 km from Attargo and 3 km from Gulling in Pin Valley of Himachal Pradesh. The town of Attargo is located approximately 12 km from the sub-divisional district headquarter of Spiti and one has to cross the stunning Spiti River to reach the Pin Valley, most of which has been declared a National Park. Tayul monaster, Lahaul and Spiti Valley:- Tayul monastery namely Tayul Gompa is assumed as the oldest monastery in the Northern region. The monastery is standing tall in the midst the mighty mountains. It is located at an elevation of 3900 m above the sea level in the Bhaga Valley of Lahaul and Spiti. Shashur Monastery :- Amidst the hilly terrains of the Himalaya rests a small and quaint Buddhist shrine called Shashur Monastery. The literal meaning of “Shahsur” is blue pines; it is completely compliments with the name of the monastery because it is surrounded by the blue pine trees which share shoulders with each other. Shahshur monastery is related to the Gelukpa order or red hat sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Gemur Monastery :- The Gemur monastery is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery located on a picturesque hilltop in Keylong, Boasting manicured gardens, brilliantly carved Stupas, shrine rooms displaying relics and Tibetan art, and to top it off, sculpture of the goddess ‘Marichi’ and ‘Vajravarahi, ’ the monastery is its self a grand spectacle.

Conclusion	Buddhism is a religion having its origin in Indian soil, which cherished and spread to different parts of the world. With the decease of Lord Buddha different forms of Architectural structures were erected to mark the burial place for Buddha and create a place of worship for followers of Buddhism.

General Studies Paper 1

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