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Ladakh Monastries
Monasteries
in Ladakh may be either of the Mahayana or the Hinayana sect of Buddhism. The
head lama is called a 'kushak', meaning reincarnation. The monasteries of Ladakh
are what give the region its unique flavor and beauty. Typically, most gompas
are built so that they perch precariously on lone rocks or craggy mountain-faces.
Hemis Gompa
Hemis, the largest monastery in Ladakh, was built in 1630. It belongs to the
red sect, Brokpa. It lies at a distance of 45 km south of Leh. Impressive and
intriguing, Hemis is different from the other important monasteries of Ladakh.
The annual festival, commemorating the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava,
is held for two days in June-July, enlivening the courtyard of the monastery.
The festival of dances, where good triumphs over evil in a colourful pageant,
is also the annual 'bazaar' where Ladakhis from remote areas buy and sell wares.
Namgyal Tsemo Gompa
The Namgyal Tsemo Gompa, built in 1430, contains a three-story high Buddha image
and ancient manuscripts and frescoes. The fort above this gompa is ruined, but
the views of Leh from here are breathtakingly beautiful.
Sankar gompa
The Sankar gompa is located a couple of kilometers north of the town center.
The gompa belongs to the Gelukpa order and has an impressive impression of the
Buddhist deity Avalokiteshwara Padmahari or Chenresig, with 1,000 arms and an
equal number of heads.
Shanti Stupa
The Shanti Stupa was built by a Japanese order and was opened by the Dalai Lama
in 1985. From the top, one can view the exotic locales nearby. The stupa is
located at a distance of 3 km from the Fort Road.
Likir Monastery
Located around 52 Kms from Leh, know as Klu-Kkhjil (water spirits) founded in
the 11th century AD and was rededicated to another monastic order (the yellow
sect) in the 15th century, its earlier gompa was destroyed in fire. The present
gompa dates back to the 18th century. It contains huge clay images of Buddha
and various old manuscripts. It also houses an interesting collection of thankas,
old religious and domestic costumes and implements etc. . In the 15th century
lhawang Lodos Sangphu caused the monastery to flourish. This monastery also
belongs to Gaylukpa school. Every year from the 17th to 19th of the 12th month
the Likir festival is held.
Spituk Monastery
Spituk Gompa is on the hill top near Indus, around 18 Kms from Leh. The Gompa
was founded in 11th century by Od-De The Gompa was named Spituk (exemplary)
by Rinchen Zangpo, a translator came to that place and said that exemplary religious
community would rise. Initially it belonged to the Kadampa school then during
the life time of king Gragspa Bumide made it Gayluk Pa order.
The Spituk festival held every year from 17th to 19th days of the 11th month.
It houses a collection of ancient masks, antique arms, icons and numerous thankas.
Higher up the hill is the Mahakal Temple, containing the shrine of Vajrabhairava.
The terrifying face of Vajrabhairva is unveiled only at the annual festival
in January.
Cave
Monastery
The cave monastery of Shergole is small but this old Buddhist monastery has
elegant frescoes. It juts out of a brown, granite cliff and appears as if suspended
in the middle of the mountain. This architectural quirk makes it an object of
curiosity among local people too.
Thiksey Monastery
About 20 kms from Leh, Thiksey is an imposing monastery and one of the finest
example of Ladakhi architecture. This Gompa is situated on the top of the hill
and forms part of Gelukpa order. Paldan Sherab nephew of Sherb Zangpo, founded
Thiksey monastery.
The 12 storey monastery complex contains numerous stupas, statues, thankas,
wall paintings, swords and a large pillar engraved with the Buddha's teachings,
there are sacred shrines and a many precious objects to be seen. The successive
reincarnation of the Skyabje Khampo Ringpoche act as incharge of the monastery.
Thiksey gustor (festival) held from 17th to 19th day of the 12th month. The
main prayer hall has a 15 mt high seated Buddha figure, there are chance to
see prayer in the early morning.
Lamayuru Monastery
Spectacularly set, founded in the 10th century, Lamayuru monastery is about
125 kms. west of Leh. As the legend goes, Lamayuru was a lake. It was blessed
by a Lama after which the water of the lake receded up to the mountains leaving
place for the monastery to be built. Now mostly in ruins, only the main hall
exists today and houses numerous tankhyas. The Yundrung Kabgyad festival is
held during summer on the 28th and 29th days of the 2nd Tibetan month. Lamayuru
has fascinating caves carved out of the mountainside. Also known as Yung Drung
(Swastika) it is sited on a high promonotory overlooking the village and valley.
For sheer spectacle value no other gompa can match Lamayuru
Shey Monastery
Situated on a hillock 15 km south of Leh, was once the residence of the royal
family & it was constructed by the first king of Ladakh, Lhachen Palgyigon.
According to tradition, it was the seat of power of the pre-Tidetan kings. Around
12 Ft. Shakyamuni Buddha's statue made by copper guilt is the largest in the
region, built by Deldan Namgyal in 1633 is a funerary memorial to his father,
king Singee Namgyal. There is another statue of the Buddha three stories in
height. Stone carving and many chortens are scattered around the Dresthang Gompa.
On the 30th day of the 1st Tibetan month celebrates shey rul-lo and on the 10th
day of the 7th Tibetan month the festival of Shey Surb-lo is held.
Stakana
Monastery
Built nearly 1580 by great scholar saint chosje Jamyang Palkar during the reign
of king Jamyang Namgyal. The Stakna monastery is 45 Km south of Leh, founded
on a hill shaped Stakna (Tiger nose). Easily accessible from Leh town.
Stok Palace
Visible in the distance, at the top of a huge moraine of pebbles swept down
from the mountains, the elegant four-storey Stok Palace stands above barley
terraces studded with threshing circles and whitewashed farmhouses. Built early
in the nineteenth century by the last ruler of independent Ladakh, it has been
the official residence of the Ladakhi royal family since they were ousted from
Leh and Shey two hundred years ago.
A former member of parliament, still lives here during the summer. One of the
room is converted into Museum. The fascinating collection comprises some of
the family's most precious heirlooms, including antique ritual objects, ceremonial
tea paraphernalia, and exquisite sixteenth-century thangkas illuminated with
paint made from crushed rubies, emeralds and sapphires. The pieces de resistance,
however, are the Gyalmo's peraks.
Still worn on important occasions, the ancient headdresses, thought to have
originated in Tibet, are encrusted with slabs of flawless turquoise, polished
coral, lapis lazuli and nuggets of pure gold. Also of interest are a couple
of swords whose blades were allegedly tied in knots as a demonstration of strength
by king Tashi Namgyal Phugtal Gompa.
Phugtal Gompa
The Phugthal complex spills out of the mouth of a huge cave high up in the sheer
mountain face of a lateral gorge through which a major tributary of the southern
Lungnak (Lingti-Tsarap) River flows. Perhaps, the most isolated monastic establishment
of Zanskar, its foundation date back to the early 12th century ; at least one
old chappel, among the several several of which it is composed, has frescos
and ceiling decorations reflecting strong Indian artistic and iconographic influence.
Phugthal is accessible from the Padum-Manali trekking route through a 7 km long
trail that branches off from the Purney Bridge on the main trail. This unique
monastic establishment is inhabited by a resident community of about 40 monks.
Alchi Gompa
On the banks of the Indus is the Alchi Gompa, dating thousand years back. One
of its walls features thousands of miniature sized pictures of the Buddha. Three
large sized images made of clay and painted brightly are its focal attraction.
No longer an active religious center, it is looked after by monks from the likir
monastery.
Leh Palace
The captivating Leh Palace rises from the edge of a hill overlooking the town
and stretches out towards the indigo sky. A miniature version of the Potala
in Lhasa, the Leh Palace is one of the major attractions in ladakh. The palace
was built in the 17th century and had nine storeys , but it
is
now dilapidated and deserted. It was the home of the royal family until they
were exiled to Stok in the 1830s. Above the palace, at the top of the Namgyal
hill, is the Victory Tower, built to commemorate Ladakh's victory over the Balti
Kashmir armies in the early 16th century. This palace built for King Singge
Namgyal, now houses the Ladakhi branch of the Indian Government's archaeological
conservation organisation.
Zongkhul Monastery
The spectacular cave monastery of Zanskar, Zongkhul, falls on the Padum-Kishtwar
trekking trail, just before the ascent of Omasi-la Pass begins. Situated like
a Swallow's nest on the rock face of the Ating George, the monastery is associated
by legend with the famous Indian Yogi, Naropa, who lectured in the Nalanda and
Vikramsila Universities. The two caves present in the monastery are said to
have been used by the famous Yogi for the solitary meditation. A footprint on
the stone near the ingress of the lower cave is reserved as that of the yogi.
The frescos on the cave walls are very old and reflect a high degree of artistic
achievement. These are believed to be the original murals executed by Zhadpa
Dorje, the celebrated scholar-painter of the same monastery who was active about
300 years ago.
Ladakh Monasteries, About Ladakh
