Spirituality is an inborn part of
Ladakh, for by what other method do you figure this far off destination with
the eccentric climate condition, would have survived in the current day? In
reality, an incomparable force is looking over it, and you can truly feel it
the second you enter this delightful place epitomized by the grandiose
mountains and dabbed with holy Buddhist monasteries. Infact, Ladakh brags a
plenty entrancing religious temples or Gompas that makes this place a
must-visit travel destination. Ladakh religious temples and monasteries date
back to the eleventh century, henceforth one has quite recently such a huge
amount to observe, learn, and take back home as an experience. So, here are the
Top 8 monasteries you should visit when you travel Ladakh.
1. Hemis
Monastry-
Settled in
the mountains stowed away from the main street, Hemis monastery is the
spiritual center of the Drukpa ancestry or the 'Red Hat group'. Hemis gompa is
popular for being the biggest and most extravagant monastery in Ladakh. It was
established during the 1630s by Stag Tsang Raspa under the imperial support of
King Singge Namgyal. A huge number of vacationers from all over the assemble at
the monastery to observe and celebrate Hemis (Tsechu implies the 10th day on
which the yearly monastery celebration is completed) which is devoted to
Padmasambhava or Guru Rinpoche. Additionally, the Naro Gyantuk (six bone
adornments of Naropa) is put out there for anyone to see which attracts many
Buddhists from all parts of the world to visit Hemis and seek it's blessings.
The three-centuries old silk thangka painting of Guru Rinpoche is unfurled only
after every 12 years. Hemis monastery additionally has an exhibition hall with
extremely old sculptures and thangkas of Buddhist divine gods and goddesses.
2. Alchi Chos Khor Temple-
Considered
as one of the most well known Buddhist temples in Ladakh and oldest learning
center for monks as well, Alchi Monastery is a complex of monasteries. Situated
70 km from Leh in the Alchi village, this temple has various ancient monuments
which are dated to different time period. This monastery was founded by Guru
Rinchen Zangpo during 958-1055 and is supervised by the management of Likir
Monastery. This monastery complex has two main temples- Zumsteg and Manjushri
with a grand assembly hall. Manjushri temple will require you to first enter
the Dukhang or the assembly hall. The temple got its name after being built
around the idols of Manjushri looking at all four directions and seated back to
back. In the Zumsteg temple, presence of Kashmiri essence can be felt because
most of the artwork was done by Kashmiri artists.
3. Tara Temple-
Located
inside the Thiksey Monastery, Tara Temple is one of the best temples in Ladakh.
Dedicated to Goddess Tara, this temple adorns itself with 21 images of the
goddess placed in a glass-covered wooden shelf. You will also find a courtyard
dedicated to other divinities here at the temple complex. The Chi-khang here is
known for having an image of the deity Yamantaka along with Buddha and two of
his disciples. What will truly amaze you at this Ladakh buddha temple is the
wall painting that depicts the Buddha, Padmasambh?va, Palden Lhamo, Tsong Khapa
and Mahakala.
4. Red Maitreya Temple-
Topping the list of famous temples in Leh, Red Maitreya Temple is one of the most repeatedly visited temples. Besides adorning itself with a huge Maitreya Buddha statue, this temple is embellished with exquisite divider paintings. You will certainly revisit the religious past here as you see the pictures of Avalokiteshvara, Mahakala, and Buddha. Built by King Tragspa Bumde, this temple is the best place to have a breath-taking view of the Ladakh. Even though this temple went through significant harm during the Dogra invasion, it was restored by Anca Nicolaescu during 1950s.With that, you will also be amazed to see the paintings of Tsongkhapa-dad and Shakyamuni on the wall of the temple.
5. Karma Dupgyud Monastery-
Karma Dupgyud Monastery, also known as Karma Dupgyud Choeling Monastery belongs to a Karmapa sect of Tibetan Buddhism which stands still in Leh. Founded by Lama Chime Dorje Rinpoche in the year of 1973, this beautiful monastery was a school and a home to the monks. The monastery is built in a traditional Tibetan style and till date, the walls of this monastery showcase the Buddhist culture and tradition and is a must-see for every tourist. This place has a good connectivity from various destinations with Jammu Airport being the closest. The monastery’s original compound is built with mud and bricks and also contains a school, a Dukhang, library, etc.
6. Lamokhang Temple-
Located at the top floor of the Thiksey Monastery, this temple is one of the best temples in Ladakh. Being home to Kangyur and Tengyur scriptures, this temple allows only men to enter. Besides adorning itself with big stupas and Mani walls, this temple also decorates itself Buddha’s teachings imprinted on huge pillar. A room at the temple is used to reach the local kids some of whom are chosen as Lamas. The top floor is known for being the authorized residence of the incarnate Lama of the monastery. You will also find a few white washed huts inside the monastery.
7. Varja Bhairav Shrine-
Located approximately 10 km away from Leh, Vajra Bhairav Shrine is dedicated to a tantric deity from the Gelugpa sect. It is also home to one of the most visited Ladakh temples. Believed to possess supernatural powers, the deity Shiva here is usually kept in a chamber. However, it is unveiled to the public only once every year. The walls of the shrine adorn themselves with 600 years old paintings. Being one of the oldest buildings in Spituk, Vajra Bhairav Shrine is one of the top temples in Leh. Some of the other temples located within close proximity of this Ladakh shiv mandir include Spituk Monastery, Spitul Gustor, and Mahakal Temple.
8. Serzang Temple-
Situated in the Basgo village in Leh, Serzang Temple is considered as one of the top temples in Ladakh that you must visit. This temple is located approximately 40 km away from the Leh airport. Both gold and copper were used to build this temple in the domain of 17th century. Conveniently situated on the Leh-Srinagar Highway, this temple attracts thousands of visitors each year. You will find a 30 ft high statue of Maitreya Buddha made of copper gilt here. The temple walls are embellished with Buddha figures along with images of people from the Red Hat sect. This temple is also home to a preserved Serzang manuscript copy of the Tibetan Buddhist Canon. This manuscript has been written in silver, copper, and gold letters.
These 8 monasteries are a reminder of a time long gone by and show the architectural prowess of Ladakh and its people. There's so much to learn from these monasteries and if you want to plan wisely then make a plan when they have their festivals taking place within the monasteries - we promise you'll have an unforgettable experience witnessing the real beauty of tradition and culture at these monasteries in Leh Ladakh.
