Jirang monastery, also known as Padma Sambhava Mahaviharaha, is a large Buddhist monastery in Chandragiri, Odisha, often called Odisha’s mini Tibet. It was inaugurated by the 14th Dalai lama in 2010 and is one of the largest in Eastern India, featuring a 23-foot high statue of Gautama Buddha. It is also known as Padma Sambhava Mahavihara, which is located in Chandragiri, Gajapati district.
What is the history of Jiranga Monastery?
Jirang is a place that is famous for its beautiful Buddhist monastery. The place is also renowned as Padma Sambhava Mahavihara. It is the largest Buddhist monastery in eastern India. It stands as a mooring mast of non-secular tranquility and cultural richness. Whether one is seeking religious growth, cultural perception, or actually a tranquil retreat,it invites one to experience its thoughtful beauty and background.
Jirang monastery was established in 2010, thanks to the tireless efforts of GURU PADMASAMBHAVA’S fans and the assistance of the area’s people. In 1959, throughout the Chinese province of Tibet, many Tibetans sought safe haven in India and nearby areas. As an outstanding idol of Tibetan Buddhism in India, it plays an important position in spiritual practices and rituals.
The Tibetan refugee settlement at Jiranga played a key role in the construction of a large Buddhist monastery, which is sometimes informally referred to as the Jiranga monastery, but there is no glimpse of a university by that name built by them. The Jirnga Tibetan settlement in Odisha was established in the 1960s with the assistance of the state government, the American Emergency Committee for Tibetan refugees (AECTR), and Swiss technical co-operation.
What is Chandragiri Odisha famous for?
Chandragri is located in the green valley of Gajapati district of Odisha, which is famous for the Tibetan settlement and for the Buddhist monastery located by the side of it. Chandragiri is one of many diverse places that one can find in Odisha. The primary attraction, this monastery is the largest in eastern India and an epoch-making Buddhist site. A stupa is a notable landmark in the area. It is also called MINI-TIBBET due to its significant Tibetan settlement, and one can experience their unique culture.
It is a popular tourist destination for its stunning views. According to the legend, the hill was believed to have performed penance here, desiring boons for lord Shiva. It was fortified by the Vijayanagra rulers in the 15th century and was the site where the East India Company secured a lease for st. George in 1639. The fort is notable for its Raja Mahal,an Indo-Saracenic structure built without timber, which now houses an archeological museum.
Religious and Cultural Importance of Jiranga
Jigaranga monastery has a significant religious and cultural importance as the largest Buddhist monastery in eastern India and the heart of the ‘’mini Tibet Tibetan refugee settlement in Odisha. It serves as a primary institution for the study of Tibetan Buddhist philosophy and teachings, housing 200-300 resident monks who come from all over India to learn as well as to practice.
The monastery is a living incarnation of Tibetan heritage and an emblem of the community’s resilience in exile after mount in the Chandragari area in the 1960s following the Chinese occupation of Tibet. It itself showcases sensational traditional Tibetan framing,featuring a golden pagoda-style roof as well as a wondrous assembly hall. The Tibetan community actively engages with the local population, fostering a spirit of harmony and cultural exchange.
The Jirang monastery in Odisha is a significant spiritual, cultural, and educational landmark and embodies the successful rehabilitation and cultural preservation of the Tibetan refugee community in India.
Opening Time
Jiranga monastery opens at 7 am to 5 pm and have different time schedule for activities inside the monastery.
Best Time to Visit
October to February is considered as the best time explore this massive jiranga Monastery as the climate is suitable that time and Tibetan festival Losar also co-insides.
Nearest Bus stop
Chandragiri bus stop is the nearest bus stop to this monastery which is around 6kms away and comes in the Berhampur- Paralakhemundi bus route.
Nearest railway station
Paralakhemundi railway station is the nearest one to Jiranga Monastery which is around 80 Kms away.
