About Jiranga & Padmasambhava Monastery
Jiranga, also known as Phuntsokling, is a peaceful Tibetan settlement located in the Gajapati district of southern Odisha. Surrounded by scenic hills and pine-covered valleys, it is home to the magnificent Padmasambhava Mahavihara Monastery — the largest Buddhist monastery in Eastern India. A ride to Jiranga is a journey into silence, serenity, and spiritual wisdom.
The monastery is named after Guru Padmasambhava, a revered figure in Tibetan Buddhism. Its stunning architecture, colorful prayer flags, and golden Buddha statue make it a striking and peaceful destination that feels like a slice of the Himalayas in Odisha. The atmosphere here is calm, meditative, and deeply respectful — ideal for anyone looking for an escape from noise and chaos.
Founded by Tibetan refugees in the 1960s, the Jiranga settlement is home to hundreds of monks, students, and Tibetan families. The monastery complex includes a library, learning halls, residential quarters, and meditation areas. It is also an important center for Tibetan culture, language, and monastic training.
Spiritual Vibes & Architecture
The Padmasambhava Monastery features Tibetan-style architecture with vibrant murals, intricate wood carvings, and golden statues. Inside the main prayer hall, the massive statue of Lord Buddha radiates peace and divinity. The walls are painted with stories from Buddhist texts, and prayer wheels line the corridors. Monks can be seen chanting, meditating, or walking silently around the complex — their presence alone calms the mind.
Jiranga hosts several Buddhist festivals such as Losar (Tibetan New Year) and special teaching sessions by senior monks. During these times, the monastery is filled with prayers, dances, and traditional music — attracting visitors from all over India and abroad.
Ride Start
We started our journey from Berhampur early in the morning, taking the route through Mohana and Chandragiri. The ride was smooth, with scenic hills, winding roads, and chilly breeze all along. As we ascended the Gajapati hills, the temperature dropped slightly and pine forests appeared, giving us that high-altitude Himalayan feel right here in Odisha.
We took small breaks at roadside tea stalls, where locals welcomed us warmly and shared information about the monastery. As we entered Jiranga, colorful Tibetan prayer flags fluttered on both sides of the road — signaling the start of our spiritual ride’s destination.
Reaching the Monastery
As we parked and walked into the monastery gate, a wave of calmness surrounded us. The temple courtyard was clean and filled with silence. We removed our shoes and stepped into the main prayer hall. The chants, aroma of incense, and soft golden light made the space feel sacred and pure.
After praying and spending quiet moments, we spoke to a few monks who told us about the monastery’s history and the Tibetan community's life in Jiranga. We even visited a small café nearby that serves momos, butter tea, and Tibetan noodles — an authentic taste of culture!
Nearby Exploration
Post-darshan, we rode to the nearby hills and viewpoints. The area around Jiranga offers stunning landscapes, forest paths, and isolated picnic spots. The entire environment promotes mindfulness and reflection. If you’re a photography enthusiast, you’ll find dozens of postcard-perfect shots here.
Return Ride & Reflections
Our ride back was quiet — each rider lost in thought, perhaps reflecting on the peaceful vibe of the monastery. The sun was setting behind the hills as we cruised down the slopes, bringing with us not just photos, but a deep sense of stillness.
Conclusion: A Ride to Inner Peace
Jiranga is not just a destination — it's an experience of culture, calm, and compassion. It teaches that peace is not found in noise or rush, but in silence, prayer, and open-hearted travel. For Biking Brothers Odisha, this ride was a reminder that sometimes the best journeys are the quietest. If you're ever lost in chaos, ride to Jiranga — the road will guide you back to peace.