The Tawang Monastery is said to be the largest monastery in the north-western region of Arunachal Pradesh. It is located in the small village by the same name and was founded by Merak Lama Lodre Gyatso in between the year 1680 and 1681. The locals here believe that the monastery was built here as per the wishes of the 5th Dalai Lama, which is why it also has its long term associations with the Drepung Monastery located in Lhasa.
Founded by the Mera Lama Lodre Gyasto in accordance to the wishes of the 5th Dalai Lama, Nagwang Lobsang Gyatso, The Tawang monastery of the Gelugpa sect is the largest Buddhist monastery in India. The name Tawang means Chosen Horse. It is also known in another Tibetan name known as Galden Namgey Lhatse, which means a true name within a celestial paradise in a clear night.
