In Quest Of Solace...

Each of the eight states of the Northeast India has a specific beauty of its own. Be it the mighty Brahmaputra in Assam or the Limestone caves of Meghalaya or the temples and palaces of Tripura or the rest of other northeastern states. Each is unique in its own way.

- Indrajit Tingwa

Arunachal Pradesh, whose very name means the land of dawn-lit mountains in Sanskrit,also has some of the most beautiful pagodas which are an example of architectural marvels.

The Namsai district in Arunachal Pradesh was created after bifurcation of Lohit; one of the oldest districts of Arunachal Pradesh which has evolved into an abode of Theravada Buddhism. The district is dotted by numerous pagodas, earning it the name of ‘Land of Pagodas’.

Right from its headquarters, Namsai town and throughout the stretch of the district, are many holy spots of the Theravada sect of Buddhism.

For those who aren’t aware of this sect of Buddhism, Theravada, means, ‘The teaching of elders’. This is considered as the most orthodox sect of Buddhism. The earliest available teachings of Buddha are to be found in Pali literature and belongs to the school of Theravadins.

Among the various pagodas here, the Kongmu Kham (Golden Pagoda) nestled on the NoiCheynam hillock at Tengapani stands out as a major landmark. Its splendour and ambience has been attracting visitors all year round. Anyone passing through the district has the Golden Pagoda in his /her itinerary as a must visit spot.

Old Buddhist temples in the villages, new ones, on modern architectural designs are a common sight, each with its own history and spiritual importance.