The Tibetan Buddhist monastery stands as testament to the cultural and religious synthesis of the country’s history
A monastery in the Himalayas makes for a common sight. But what if you stumbled upon a monastery in the plains of Bengal? That too, right by to the Hooghly River?
Bhot Bagan, translating to ‘Tibetan garden’, located in the winding lanes of Howrah’s Ghusuri, dates back to 1780 and is considered to be the oldest Tibetan Buddhist monastery outside the Himalayas. The dilapidated monastery complex can be approached via a maze of bylanes on Gossain Ghat Street. Locally known as Mahakal Math, the monastery may be difficult to locate if you rely solely on Google Maps. Locals may prove to be of more help.
Though it was conceived as a haven of spiritual peace, the history of Bhot Bagan is steeped in conflict — between the Kingdom of Bhutan and the princely state of Cooch Behar.
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