Norbulingka Temple: Deden Tsuglagkhang, Seat of Happiness

The visual focal point and spiritual center of Norbulingka Institute is the Deden Tsuglagkhang temple. The temple is a magnificent example of Tibetan religious architecture, displaying some of the finest work done by Norbulingka artists, and the perfect place for prayer and reflection. Adorning the walls are thangka frescoes depicting the deeds of the Buddha, the Fourteen Dalai Lamas, and other great Buddhist masters, appliquéd thangka, over two stories high, hangs from the ceiling, displaying the Buddha and the 16 arhats, the work of dozens of artists and thousands of hours of dedicated labor. The centerpiece of the temple is a 14ft gilded statue of Buddha Shakyamuni, the largest of its kind outside Tibet, lovingly crafted by Norbulingka artists from hand-hammered copper sheets. The gilded copper statue of Buddha Shakyamuni, made by Norbulingka Institute statue making master Pemba Dorjee, is the largest of its kind in exile.

slideshow