These
are the main centres for worship, isolated meditation and
religion teaching. These are the centres for Ladakh's Cultural
Heritage and a Spiritual hub for all social activities. It
plays a very important part in the Ladakhi society. The monks
from the monastery are called during all the occasion for
prayers and for blessing.
SOME
VERY FAMOUS MONASTERIES ARE
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HEMIS: 47KM
from Leh is the most famous and largest monastery in
Ladakh. Hemis is also known as the Chang-Chub-Samling
(The Lone Place of the Compassionate Person). Belongs
to the DRUGPA order. The Kar-gyut-pa (Red hat) sect
of the Tibetan monasticism. It was built in 17th century
by Chapgon Gyalshas.The Festival of Hemis is the most
popular festival,held in late June or1st half of July
is dedicated to Lord PADMASAMBHAVA. It has a beautiful
Thanka(a religion icon painted or embroidered on cloth)
which is exhibited once in 12years. The next unveiling
is due in 2004. The monastery also has large collection
of ancient statues,thankas,stupas decorated with precious
stones,masks, etc..
THIKSEY : 20KM
from Leh is the most picturesque monastery of Ladakh.
It belongs to Gelukpa order (Yellow Hat). It is built
like the Potala Palace of Tibet. This is very famous
among the tourists because of its beautiful has a treasure
of beautiful paintings,masks,statues,etc....Every morning
at 6am prayers are held,you can go and see it.
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SPITUK:
8KM
from Leh,situated on a hilltop overlooking the Indus.
Has some prized thanka,enormous statue of Kali whose
face is unveiled once a year during the spituk festival.
The monastery also contains an ancient collection of
maskes. 135 yellow capped monks resides in this monastery
Lamayuru:
125 km from Leh This is the oldest known Gompa which
dates back to the 10th century. It belongs to the kar-gyut-pa
(Red Hat) sect. This is also the sacred site for the
Pre Buddhist religion known as the BON. There are renowned
collection of carpets, thankas and frescoes.
Alchi:
69 km from Leh the only monastery built on flat ground.
Also known as the choskor or religious enclave. Built
in the 11th century by the great translator Ringchen
Zangpo. This is very famous for its painting and architecture
which has an Indian and Kashmiri influence in them.
Stok:17
km from Leh. Build in 1825 by king Tsespal Tondup Namgyal.
Museum and monastery. stok is the present village where
the royal family lives now. In the palace there is a
museum which has artifacts associated with the Ladakhi
history and culture. In the museum are shrines, the
crown, ceremonial dress and jewellery of the king of
Ladakh.
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Fort
Road, Post Box 137,
Leh - Ladakh - 194101,
India.
Tel : 91-1982-252640/252818
Fax: 91-1982-252408
E-mail: Ladakhparadise@yahoo.co.in
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