Triloknath Temple of Lahul

This is a study of the religious world surrounding the temple of Triloknath in Lahul, northern India. Its particular focus is the temple's self arising (rang byung) statue and the veneration of self arising sacred objects in Tibetan Buddhism. It is based on field work in the area and is the first full length study of this 8th century temple. It takes into account history, legend, folklore and religious ideas. It is cross-disciplinary in approach and puts at its centre the human experience of this sacred place. The temple is a mixed use shrine and attracts pilgrims from across the Western Himalayas. It was built when Buddhism was in its original period in India, and also has Hindu and indigenous characteristics. This study finds that the temple is not locked away in some perfect antique past but is a place with a contemporary presence and is subject to the influences of things like modern modes of transport and roads. Its roots are deep and stretch back to the ancient kingdoms and cultures that have come and gone in the Lahul valleys. This study will be of interest to Tibetologists, Buddhists, pilgrims and area specialists.