Shambhala

Shambhala (Sanskrit: शम्भल, IAST: Śambhala), alternatively spelled Shambala or Shamballa (Tibetan: བདེ་འབྱུང, Wylie: Bde'byung; Chinese: 香巴拉; pinyin: Xiāngbālā), represents a legendary spiritual realm in Tibetan Buddhist tradition. This mystical kingdom features prominently in the Kalachakra Tantra teachings. In the related Bon religious tradition, a similar sacred land called Tagzig Olmo Lung Ring is described.

The name "Shambhala" derives from a city near the Ganges River, sometimes identified with Sambhal in Uttar Pradesh, India, as referenced in Hindu Puranas. The location gained profound mythological significance through a prophecy in Vishnu Purana (4.24) that designates Shambhala as the birthplace of Kalki, Vishnu's final incarnation, who will herald a new golden age (Satya Yuga). In Buddhist tradition, Shambhala is also prophesied as the future kingdom of Maitreya, the Buddha yet to come.