Finding Zen at the Peace Pagoda, Darjeeling
While in Darjeeling, you might not be in short of places where one can spend few quiet minutes just enjoying the beauty of the hills and relax. Be it the monasteries, nature parks or the numerous cafes/ tea shops that offer scenic views, every place lets you unwind, leaving invigorated with positive energy. One such place that instantly made us feel connected with the surroundings and reenergized was the Japanese Peace Pagoda.
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About 10 minutes drive from the Chowrasta, the beautiful Japanese Temple and Peace Pagoda is located on the hillside of the Jalpahar. The Pagoda was built under the guidance of the famous Buddhist monk of Japan, Nichidatsu Fujii between the years 1972-1992. As we entered the premises, we came across the temple first, which was a simple two-storied structure. The signboards indicated that the Pagoda was located further down the foothills and we decided to follow the lead along the pathway before visiting the temple.
It was a cloudy morning and we were quite disappointed thinking how the photos would turn out, but the scene that greeted us just too beautiful to describe. The grand white Pagoda, which is the tallest single standing structure (28.5metres) in Darjeeling, beckoned us as soon as we reached the place. The fogs had set around the Pagoda, with lush greenery surrounding the hills, giving it a very enchanting and mystical appearance; the overall sight was a pure delight to our sore eyes.
The Peace Pagoda was built with the intention of guiding people of every caste and creed to unite for world peace, which we felt in todayβs time a really thoughtful gesture. We walked around the circular structure admiring the fine artwork that we thought was etched on the wooden framework. But on closer look and enquiring further about the designs we learned that they were in fact carved masterfully on sandstone. The illustrations depict the life and journey of Lord Buddha along with four avatars of Gautama Buddha during Parikrama.
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On a clear day, one can also enjoy the panoramic view of the mountains and if you are lucky enough it might also possible to view the Kanchenjunga Range peaking at you from the distance. Looking at the artwork, the surroundings have such a calming effect on the visitors, one cannot help but feel blessed with the entire tour.
We then moved back to the entrance of the property, where theΒ Nipponzan MyΕhΕjiΒ Japanese TempleΒ was located. It is a Buddhist temple and on entry, you will come across pictures of the founder of the Nipponzan MyΕhΕji, Fuji Guruji, who preached World Peace. The temple has a prayer hall on the first floor where a priest holds prayer from 4:30 am to 6 am and 4:30 pm to 6 pm. The temple also has a gallery of pictures that displayed the various Peace Pagodas around the world with a brief history of all of them. We spent few minutes reveling in the peaceful atmosphere of the temple and watching devotees offer their prayers to the lord. Feeling wonderful after the whole experience, we bid adieu to the wonderful place to our next destination in Darjeeling.
Hope you guys enjoyed our post, do leave us a comment on your thoughts about the place and do let us know if you have visited any of the Peace Pagoda in the world.
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What a beautiful place it is . Have a plan to visit Darjelling very soon , this post will surely help. Thnx for sharing
Thank you Yogi! Hope this post was helpful in planning your trip, have a good trip to Darjeeling..:)
I’ve been to Darjeeling once but wasn’t aware about this place, so couldn’t cover it. Hopefully whenever I visit Darjeeling next time, I would love to visit this beautiful Pagoda. Also, nice pictures! π
Thank you Saumy! This place is really beautiful on a clear day, don’t miss out on this in your next trip to Darjeeling! π
Mist in initial picture is giving a different dimension to this place. Lovely post, Darjeeling is high on my list of places to visit π
Thank you so much Sapna! π
The Sandstone art is just so gorgeous here. And the peace that you talk of comes through even in your post and pictures. Truly a serene place.
Thank you so much Ami! π
Such vivid pictures and carvings. Looks like a lovely place. I personally loved the mist π
We too! Mist had added a different aura to the atmosphere there, we felt that it all looked like heaven there π
His face washes all the troubles away from my mind. It is such a lovely place to be indeed π “Be it the monasteries, nature parks or the numerous cafes/ teashops that offer scenic views, every place lets you unwind, leaving invigorated with positive energy.” This is what each human is seeking for no matter where they live. But thankfully Darjeeling has it. Thanks for sharing your experience girls!!
Beautiful words Tara! π
Such a peaceful place. I wish I had time enough to visit this during my tour of Kurseong.
Thanks Indrani! Try planning a trip to Darjeeling this summer π
I loved this place! It was so similar to Dhauligiri in Orissa.
This and Mall Road (even though they are the most touristy places in Darjeeling) made me fall in love with the place π
Thats true Vaisakhi! We don’t mind visiting Darjeeling once again π
Had been to Darjeeling when I was really young, and most probably, I hadn’t been here. Looks like a place to surely visit though. Have a great day!
Yes Animesh, Darjeeling is an amazing place π
Peaceful place and beautiful pictures. The sculptures on the wall are too good. We are curious to know the legends behind them.
Thank you Sandeepa & Chetan! π
I loves the misty pictures of the Peace Pagoda… Lovely post. π
Thank you Amrita π
Have visited Darjeeling so many times since my childhood and every time the beauty of the hill station has enchanted me. This pagoda is a peaceful place…calmed us down on visiting. Have you visited the Yiga-Choeling Ghoom Monastery? That’s also a wonderful one… π
We agree with you Maniparna, Darjeeling, despite being touristy is a wonderful place filled with monasteries! Yeah, we loved our visit toYiga-Choeling Ghoom Monastery π
Beautiful pictures and story. Nipponzan MyΕhΕji Japanese Temple looks stunning from inside and outside. I don’t know how i missed visiting it. Perhaps next time.
Thank you Archana:)
I love the hint of mist in all your pictures. I have never been to Darjeeling but it’s almost looking mystical here.
Thank you Prerna! Darjeeling is mystical and magical as well π you must plan a visit soon…
Hey! I visited Darjeeling in late January, just a 2 night stay for my honeymoon. We visited the temple and the pagoda too. Infact my next 3 scheduled blog posts will be on Darjeeling, and the second one will consist of our experience at the temple!
That’s awesome Tania! Honeymooning is Darjeeling sounds so perfect, can’t wait to read your travelogue from Darjeeling…:)
The Peace Pagoda looks very nice. I like that the place is clean and the sculptures are still in good condition. I am eager to visit this place someday.
Its a fantastic and peaceful place! You must visit it someday…:)
I also get conflicted about mist, as it can wash out pictures and views. But of late I have been more accepting of it π The place looks divine.
Mist can be both destructive and constructive π
Such a serene place!
So true Rashmi! π
I visited the Peach Pagoda in Darjeeling too and the weather was exactly the same for me too! Still, your photos look incredible! It does look mystical with the clouds surrounding it, probably better than without clouds!
Thank you π
This place is stunning! Those carvings are very detailed. I’m sure going to this place will give you serenity and peace of mind.
You must add this place to your itinerary Gracie, you wont regret it π
The fog really adds to the atmosphere of the photos, I think! I really love the sandstone art and the contrast between the white and gold. I had heard a lot about spirituality and the structures of it in Darjeeling, but never of this structure. I really want to go now.
Thanks Dave! You must consider visiting this place when you are planning of Darjeeling..:)
I really wanted to visit Darjeeling the few times I’ve been to India, but as I was mostly based in the South it was a bit of a journey. And the only reason I wanted to go was for the tea!
Had I know of the existence of this pagoda I definitely would have looked into my options a bit more. It looks so interesting, and I love how it has that kind of eery but magical look with all the fog.
On your next visit plan of exploring north east of India! Its stunningly beautiful π
The Peace Pagoda seems like a place, which would inspire calmness and spirituality. I enjoy going to temples, churches and places that offer tranquil environment. I would love to visit Darjeeling one day.
We totally agree with you Riely! π
Wow! This is absolutely beautiful, thanks for sharing! I would love to visit this pagoda and learn more about Darjeeling history. I need to start looking for some cheap tickets to India π
Start your research ASAP Marta! π India is waiting for you..
What a magical place! The carvings and artwork are amazing. That photo of the mist covering the pagoda is so beautiful it makes it look magical!
So true Lauren! We were totally mesmerized there…:)
Darjeeling is a beautiful place and your presentation is great
Thank you Deep! π
I went to Darjeeling as a little kid. My fondest memories was having Thukpa and Momos π I am sure a lot has changed since then, but this post brought back so many old memories π
i had been to this place just recently. last november to be precise. beautiful description of this serene place in Darjeeling and of course, well shot pics too