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Located in the holy city of Bodh Gaya, Bihar, Tergar Monastery is amongst the most serene and sacred Buddhist monasteries in India. It is famous for its intense spiritual energy and draws monks and travellers who are in search of peace and enlightenment. Due to its strong roots within Tibetan Buddhism, the monastery is a haven for those in search of the teachings of the Buddha. Be it a spiritual pilgrimage or a feel of tranquil beauty regarding Buddhist architecture, Tergar Monastery is one such place that should not be missed.
Quick Details About Tergar Monastery
Tergar Monastery Timings: 7 AM – 6 PM
Tergar Monastery Address: PX3M+544, Belsar, Bodh Gaya, Bihar 824231
Best Time To Visit: November to February
How To Reach: Cab, taxi, and bus
Where To Stay: Buddha Ashram Guest House, Vaatika Inn Hotel, and Hotel Star Bodh Gaya
Where To Eat: Epic Cafe, Shyam Cafe, Lhasa Cafe And Restaurant, and Hotel Shankar Bodhgaya
Location
Photo: Admantine123 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Tergar Monastery is located in the holy city of Bodh Gaya, Bihar. It offers a peaceful environment full of spiritual energy. The monastery is a beautiful blend of traditional Tibetan Buddhist elements and the latest modern architecture. Lying amidst lush greenery, Tergar Monastery is a serene haven for those in pursuit of spiritual awakening.
Things To Do
A visit to Tergar Monastery Bihar offers much more than a spiritual retreat. These are numerous activities included that will enrich one’s knowledge of Buddhism and mindfulness:
1. Join A Meditation Retreat
Photo: Jakub Michankow / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Meditation retreats in the monastery are held regularly, mainly with senior monks and meditation teachers. Mindfulness and concentration techniques are taught and practised in an atmosphere of tranquillity and calm, which suits the needs of beginners and seasoned meditators. The teachings include silent meditation and in-depth guided practices. At Tergar Monastery, a meditation retreat is an opportunity to cut off what divides you from your true self, from your centre and peace.
2. Attend Teachings By Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche
Photo: Neil Satyam / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Attending a teaching offered by Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche is an experience of a lifetime for taking further steps into Tibetan Buddhism. Being one of the most respected Buddhist masters of his generation, the topics that Rinpoche touches on are compassion, mindfulness, and the nature of reality. These sessions often include question-and-answer segments, allowing attendees to receive insight into their spiritual inquiries.
3. Explore The Monastic Library
Photo: Medieval monks? / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The monastic library at Tergar Monastery has an impressive collection of Buddhist philosophy and scriptures, from ancient manuscripts to contemporary commentaries on Buddhist thought. It is an essential place where scholars, devout or the intellectually curious, could find some tranquillity to go through the enormous number of texts there. In the silence of the library, an afternoon could be spent learning about Buddhist philosophy and mindfulness.
Places To Visit Around Tergar Monastery
Bodh Gaya, where Tergar Monastery is located, is steeped in spiritual history, offering several sacred sites worth exploring:
1. Mahabodhi Temple
Photo: Alok Kumar / Wikimedia Commons
The Mahabodhi Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is an iconic symbol of enlightenment and spirituality. Situated just 2 km away from Tergar Monastery, the site commemorates the exact place where Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment. The site is a part of the Mahabodhi temple complex, surrounded by the incredible architecture with its intricate carvings. One can also visit the Bodhi Tree within the temple campus for an immense dose of spiritualism.
Location: Bodh Gaya, Bihar 824231
Best Time To Visit: Any time of the year
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: 5 AM – 9 PM
2. The Great Buddha Statue
Photo: Andrew Moore / Wikimedia Commons
In Bodh Gaya, the Great Buddha Statue is one of the most sacred monuments and stands 80 feet tall. It is located just behind the Tergar Monastery and symbolises peace and serenity. Made from sandstone and red granite, this statue depicts Buddha seated in a meditating pose. It offers an attractive view with well-manicured gardens. It is a very popular site among pilgrims and tourists. Visiting this statue gives more than just a visual spectacle. It offers a feeling of spiritual inner peacefulness.
Location: Great Buddha Campus Road, Great Buddha Rd, Bodh Gaya, Bihar 824231
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: 7 AM – 12 PM, 2 PM – 5:30 PM
3. Pragbodhi Caves
Photo: Photo Dharma / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Pragbodhi Cave, 12 km from Bodh Gaya, is an important historical site in the Buddha’s life. The Buddha is said to have sat here before his enlightenment. The cave offers solitude and silence, where visitors feel that they are in the presence of the same ecstatic ambience that existed around Buddha himself. Although less travelled than the Mahabodhi Temple, this is an important stop to visit if you want to know more about Buddha’s spiritual life.
Location: P2PX+M3R, Bagahi Kalan, Bihar 805131
Best Time To Visit: February to April, July, and November
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: 6 AM – 5:30 PM
4. Mangla Gauri Shakti Peeth
Photo: Amitabha Gupta / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Mangla Gauri Shakti Peeth, one of the 51 Shakti Peeths, is a highly regarded Hindu temple in Gaya. From Tergar Monastery, one must travel about 15 km to reach it. The falling of Goddess Sati’s breast at this place is believed to have formed Shakti Peeths. Thousands of devotees visit this temple yearly, but it records a high number during Navratri. Besides religious importance, the hilltop location of the temple offers wonderful views of the surrounding landscape. Entry to this place is free. However, VIP passes are available for darshan. The charge for a VIP pass is ₹250 per person.
Location: Mangla Gauri Mandir Rd, Shakti Peetham, Gaya, Bihar 823001
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: 6 AM – 8 PM
5. Wat Thai Bodhgaya Temple
Photo: Amitabha Gupta / Wikimedia Commons
Wat Thai Bodhgaya Temple, a beautiful Thai-style Buddhist temple, is located near the Mahabodhi Temple. The temple is constructed in a vibrant Thai architectural style, with lush green gardens open to the public. Built by the Thai government, this temple displays and celebrates the immense cultural and spiritual connection between Thailand and India that has existed for centuries. Witness murals of the various stages of the life of the Buddha. Meditate in its lush gardens and receive a homely welcome from the resident monks. This nearby oasis of calm, nestled amid cultural diversity, is a welcome addition to the Bodh Gaya pilgrimage.
Location: Thai Temple, Bodh Gaya, Bihar 824231
Best Time To Visit: November to February
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: 7 AM – 6 PM
Best Time To Visit
Photo: Amitabha Gupta / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The best time of year to visit Tergar Monastery is from October to March when the weather is cool and calm. The coolness of the season invites one to explore the surrounding areas and also to sit in meditation sessions devoid of scalding summer heat. During the winter months, Bodh Gaya also hosts many Buddhist festivities, from large gatherings to smaller private parties.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Shakti / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Average Cost Of The Trip
A visit to Tergar Monastery is rather inexpensive since there are no entrance fees to the monastery as such. However, costs may vary if you want to participate in some meditation retreats or listen to teachings by prominent Buddhist masters. The stay, food, and transport costs in Bodh Gaya will depend upon your preference and the season of the year.
Tips For Travellers
- Bring water and some light snacks if you plan to spend several hours here or in nearby places.
- Maintain silence and respect the peaceful environment, especially in meditation areas.
Be it peace or spiritual awakening, Tergar Monastery in Bihar is the ultimate retreat. With its serene ambience, rich history, and spiritual teachings, it forms an ideal destination for both Buddhists and non-Buddhists. From meditation retreats to tours of other nearby sacred sites, the monastery offers its chance to reconnect with inner tranquillity. Plan your visit with TripXL and immerse yourself in the tranquillity of this sacred space.
Cover Photo: Andrew Moore / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
