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Monastries of Ladakh
Spituk Monastery
The Spituk Gonpa "Exemplary"; 7km. to southwest of Leh, was founded
by Od-Ide, in the 11th century AD; when the monastic community was introduced.
Meanwhile, Lotsava Rinchen Zangpo (the great translator) visited this monastery.
In those days the Gonpa belonged to the Kadampa School but Gelukpa order was
introduced during the reign of king Dragspa Bum-Lde, when Lama Lhawang Lotus
restored the monastery. The "Spituk Gustor" takes place in the courtyard
of the monastery, on the 18th and 19th of the 11th month of Tibetan Calendar.
Shanti Stupa
The Japanese for World Peace built the Shanti Stupa, at Changspa, on the hilltop,
and was inaugurated by Dalai Lama in 1985. Its state of the art work attracts
a lot of tourists to Ladakh and is spectacular to watch.
Tsemo in Leh
King Gragspa Bum-Lde built the "Red Gonpa" known as Tsemo Gonpa in
1430 AD. The monument has three-storied Maitriya Buddha's statue and a one-storied
statue of Avaloketesvara and Manjushri. The Tsemo Sungbum Chenmo (sacred text)
was written in gold and silver, Tisuru Stupa consist of 108 temples, which were
remarkable work completed in the reign of king Graspa-Bum-Lde.
The Namgyal Tsemo (victory Peak) was built by King Tashi Namgyal after the reunification
of upper and lower Ladakh and victory over Hor. Their (Hor) bodies are placed
under the image of Mahakala, the guardian deity to stop further invasion of
Hor. The Leh palace known as 'Lechen Palkhar' was built by Singay Namgyal in
the beginning of 17th Century A.D. The nine-storied palace is now deserted,
and the ASI (Archeological Survey Of India) has taken up the renovation work.
Sankar Gonpa
The Sankar Gonpa is a couple of kilometers away from Leh town. It belongs to
the Gelukspa school of Tibetan Buddhism. This small Gonpa is a branch of the
Spituk Monastery, founded by the first incarnation of Skyabje Bakula (head monk
of Spituk).
Gonpa Soma (Jokhang), Leh
The Ladakh Buddhist Association in 1957 built the small Gonpa opposite to SBI,
in the main bazaar, which is open throughout the day for visitors. The Gonpa
contains a statue of Joyo Rinpochey (crowned Buddha).
Stok Gonpa and Palace
Stok, 14 kms southeast of Leh, is a place, where the present day royal family
resides. The three days trek from Stok to Spituk and the 8 days trek of Markha
Valley starts from here. King Tsespal Tondup Namgyal built Stok palace &
Museum in the year 1825, after Zorawar Singh's annexation of Ladakh. The royal
family resides here since Ladakh lost to Zorawar Singh. At present the palace
has a collection of royal dresses, old Thankas, King's crown etc. that is open
for visitors. Gurphuk Gonpa, a branch of Spituk Monastery is a little away from
the palace, which is famous for its festival "Guru Tsechu" held on
the 9th and 10th of the 1st month of Tibetan Calendar.
Shey Gonpa and Palace
Shey, around 15kms south of Leh was the seat of power of the first king of Ladakh,
Lhachen Spalgigon, who constructed the hill top fortress. The ruins can be seen
further above the present Shey Palace. There are hundreds of Chortens (stupas)
and Dresthang Gonpa built around the palace, which are under the Thiksey Monastery.
King Deldan Namgyal built Shey Palace in the beginning of the 17th century AD.
The main image in the monastery is the three-storey statue of Buddha Shakyamuni,
made of copper guilt, which was made by Deldan Namgyal in the memory of his
father Singay Namgyal. The statue is the only of its kind in the region. Dresthang
Gonpa near the palace was built during the reign of king Singay Namgyal, with
a three-storey statue of Buddha. "Shey Srubla" festival is also held
here at Dresthung Gonpa. The Rock-carved statue of five Buddha can be seen below
the palace on the roadside, which was probably carved during the reign of Singay
Namgyal.
Thiksey Monastery
Thiskey Gonpa, 17kms. south of Leh the most beautiful of all the Monasteries
in Ladakh, belongs to the Gelukspa order. The Gonpa was first built at Stakmo
by Sherab Zangpo. Later the nephew of Sherab Zangpo, Paldan Sherab, founded
the Thiskey Gonpa on a hilltop to the north of Indus River. The Thiskey festival
(Thiskey Gustor) is held in the month of October- November. Around 80 Monks
resides here at present. Dukhang Karmo is a huge long assembly hall, which consists
of the image of Shakyamuni and Maitriya Buddha statues. Chamkhang at the top
near the courtyard contains the three storey Maitriya Buddha's statue, constructed
in recent years. Dukhang at the top, consists of thousand armed Avaloketesvara,
Shakyamuni Buddha and Bodhisattavas, Gonkhang contains the statues of Vajra
Bhairava, Mahakala & Dharmakaya, the goddess Paldan Lhamo and Cham-sring.
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