Dalai Lama's Golden Temple and on-the-Road Sights

The Dalai Lama was home during our visit, but he might have been napping. The complex is fairly new, having been completed in 1999. The prominent Tibetan Buddhist monastery is located in Bylakuppe, Karnataka, India. It is one of the largest Tibetan settlements in India for the Buddists who fled China's Tibetan rule. It is renowned for its serene atmosphere, stunning architecture, and vibrant artwork.

The painted art outside and inside the Golden Temple and other buildings is fascinating, colorful and incredibly intricate. Temples are often guarded by a pair of lions. Pictured here is the female guardian lion; she has a cub under her paw which symbolizes the cycle of life and protection of the people within. 

The building in the background is the Golden Temple with the guardian lions.

Of the golden statutes, Buddha Shayamuni (center - 60 Ft. tall) founded Buddism 2,561 years ago. Guru Padmasambhava is on the left; Buddha Amitayus is on the right. 

The interior of the temple is breathtaking. The ceiling is covered in intricate mandalas that represent Buddha's realm or a perfect universe. 

To show respect, one must always remove their shoes to enter a temple. There is often a kiosk or "shoe keeper" with whom one can leave them for safekeeping. 

I wonder if this little girl knows how adorable she is.

She has her mother's genes.

A temple that one sees when walking onto the campus, with a portrait of the Dalai Lama. 

Side view of previous temple. Beautiful landscaped grounds. The monastery is the largest teaching center of Tibetan Buddhism known as Nyingmapa.

The Temple of 21 Taras.

Interior ot the 21 Taras Temple.

More cuties.

This is the entry gate to the temple grounds. The formal name of the monastery is Padmasambhava Buddhist Vihara but the signage reads "The Golden Temple of the Namdroling Monastery." The complete name of the monastery is a mouthful: Thegchog Namdrol Shedrub Dargyeling (Land of Increasing Practice and Teaching of the Utmost Yana that achieves spontaneous Liberation).

I watched this resourceful cow in the temple parking lot use her nose to tip the garbage can over to look for something edible. The bridle indicates that she belongs to someone, but apparently needs a snack. There are so many hungry sacred cows.

The following are observational photos that were taken on the road to and from destinations. I'm fascinated by different cultures and the lives that people lead. One wonders what their stories are. The details in their homes, dress, shops, religion, language, finances, and modes of transportation have such richness. These photos show some of the culture that I find so interesting, along with some perceptions about the contents. 

I wonder if a "super specialty" has a different meaning in India.

New homes can be tucked in amongst very modest dwellings.

Many Indians work in different countries for higher pay. They send money home to construct nice, new homes.

Newer homes boast of their wealth in brilliant colors and fanciful details.

This was our lunch stop for light food. It is a popular coffee chain.

Little girl is learning young to use her head for transportation.

Occasionally, there would be a modern gas station out in the middle of nowhere with nothing else around it.

More often, there would be a tiny shop or cafe, without much notice or advertisement.

Many goods for sale would appear on tarps or blankets alongside the road.

Heggadadevankote is the name of this medium-sized town.

This is a slightly nicer variety of a modest dwelling. They must use a lot of coconut given the pile of husks. Or, maybe they sell it. Or, maybe it is where the entire community disposes of husks. Or, maybe it will be picked up and repurposed. No answer for that question.

Although hard to see, but there are a couple of cows on the side of the white house. The woman with the bowl on her head and in her arms, is possibly selling something. Or, it could be her laundry and shopping.

Again, while difficult to see, but there are cows in front of several of these brightly painted dwellings.

Cows, a goat, laundry, and a haystack. Anything green tends to get eaten by someone or something.

Colorful laundry and floral blooms.

Tiny St. Thomas Catholic Church in the town of Manchegowdanahalli. Nearby was a large St. Mary's children's school with different grade levels. It was possibly a boarding school for the older kids.

The bright, fresh paint and clean windows indicate that this is a brand new bus. 

This is a more typical bus.

The most common mode of transport, only the driver is required to wear a helmet (flip flops?!)

Possibly the number one product advertisement is for cement. It is advertised everywhere, probably because it is the dominant home-building material.

Today's agenda.

For tomorrow's visit to Nagarhole National Park, we'll soon arrive for our stay at the lodge of Serai Kabini. It is located on a very large lake that is formed by the River Kabini. There are a lot of large farm plots and houses in bright colors, which seems to indicate a higher standard of living.

Many homes have satellite dishes.

Part of the lake created by the River Kabini is seen in the distance.

This cow is either heading home or it's looking for a handout or a tasty pile of garbage. An open gate is an invitation.

 The fields here are very fertile.