How far do you think you have to go to be cut off from your usual life for a while and plug in a constant wave of tranquil thoughts? How difficult is it to embrace spiritual peace when you have your hands full with all kinds of earthly responsibilities? Not difficult if you visit the Spituk Monastery and Phyang Gompa.
The very first feeling that will overcome you when you behold lay eyes on these monasteries is an overwhelming calmness that you had longed for all your life. And that’s because monastic life here is an example for others to follow if only to achieve spiritual enlightenment.
Introduction:
Located about 8 kilometers (4.97 miles) away from Leh, the Spituk Monastery was established by Od-de, the older brother of Lha Lama Changchub Od, and was administered under the Kadampa sect initially. With time and the supervision of Dharmaraja Takspa Bum, the monastery’s administration soon converted into the Gelugpa order and still continues to do so.
This tri-chapel designed monastery has a huge collection of antique thangkas, masks of deities, weapons and images of Lord Buddha and Amitayus, besides a high throne for the Dalai Lama in the Dukhang (main temple). A special attraction of the monastery is the Gustor Festival, which is celebrated from the 27th to 29th day of the eleventh month of the Tibetan calendar and witnesses various dance performances by the monks.
Phyang Gompa is another ancient Buddhist monastery that was once a part of several monastic structures gifted to Chosje Damma Kunga during the period of Dharmaraja Jamyang Namgyal. Built in the year 1515 over the hill of Phyang, it was initially known as Tashi Chozong until a monastic community was set up there, making way for the spread of the Digung teachings in Leh.
The Phyang Monastery belongs to the Drikung Kagyu (Red Hat) school of Buddhism, one of the only two existing in Leh, about 16 kilometers (9.9 miles) from the town. The most interesting thing about this monastery is a 900 year old museum within the complex, which is a vast storehouse of enormous-sized thangkas, firearms and weapons from China, Mongolia and Tibet, idols of various deities and Kashmiri bronze artifacts. Even the monastery is traditionally done up with murals from the royal era, besides various sacred shrines that are spread out throughout the sanctum. Interestingly, the monastery comes alive with sacred dance performances, including the Chham Dance on two very important occasions.
The festival of Gang-Sngon Tsedup is celebrated from the 17th to the 19th day of the first month of the Tibetan calendar, while a two-day festival called Phyang Tseruk is celebrated on the 2nd and 3rd days of the sixth month in the form of a pilgrimage to the huge thangka of Skyabje Jigten Gombo, the founder of the Dringungpa order.
Spirituality at its peak
Tip:
If you want to view the beauty of the landscape, it's recommended to trek down to the monasteries and click pictures along the way. Be equipped with water for the uphill walk.
Special Attributes:
There is a 900 year old museum inside the Phyang Gompa, which houses valuable artifacts like massive thangkas, Chinese, Mongolian and Tibetan weapons, idols and Kashmiri bronze items.
Nuisance:
The site is very calm and peaceful.
Dressing restrictions:
None as such. Though it’s wise to be well-clad as temperature can go down drastically during evenings.
Enjoyed by:
You’ll meet many backpackers and nature lovers here.
Facilities:
The very first feeling that will overcome you when you behold lay eyes on these monasteries is an overwhelming calmness that you had longed for all your life. And that’s because monastic life here is an example for others to follow if only to achieve spiritual enlightenment.
Introduction:
Located about 8 kilometers (4.97 miles) away from Leh, the Spituk Monastery was established by Od-de, the older brother of Lha Lama Changchub Od, and was administered under the Kadampa sect initially. With time and the supervision of Dharmaraja Takspa Bum, the monastery’s administration soon converted into the Gelugpa order and still continues to do so.
This tri-chapel designed monastery has a huge collection of antique thangkas, masks of deities, weapons and images of Lord Buddha and Amitayus, besides a high throne for the Dalai Lama in the Dukhang (main temple). A special attraction of the monastery is the Gustor Festival, which is celebrated from the 27th to 29th day of the eleventh month of the Tibetan calendar and witnesses various dance performances by the monks.
Phyang Gompa is another ancient Buddhist monastery that was once a part of several monastic structures gifted to Chosje Damma Kunga during the period of Dharmaraja Jamyang Namgyal. Built in the year 1515 over the hill of Phyang, it was initially known as Tashi Chozong until a monastic community was set up there, making way for the spread of the Digung teachings in Leh.
The Phyang Monastery belongs to the Drikung Kagyu (Red Hat) school of Buddhism, one of the only two existing in Leh, about 16 kilometers (9.9 miles) from the town. The most interesting thing about this monastery is a 900 year old museum within the complex, which is a vast storehouse of enormous-sized thangkas, firearms and weapons from China, Mongolia and Tibet, idols of various deities and Kashmiri bronze artifacts. Even the monastery is traditionally done up with murals from the royal era, besides various sacred shrines that are spread out throughout the sanctum. Interestingly, the monastery comes alive with sacred dance performances, including the Chham Dance on two very important occasions.
The festival of Gang-Sngon Tsedup is celebrated from the 17th to the 19th day of the first month of the Tibetan calendar, while a two-day festival called Phyang Tseruk is celebrated on the 2nd and 3rd days of the sixth month in the form of a pilgrimage to the huge thangka of Skyabje Jigten Gombo, the founder of the Dringungpa order.
Spirituality at its peakTip:
If you want to view the beauty of the landscape, it's recommended to trek down to the monasteries and click pictures along the way. Be equipped with water for the uphill walk.
Special Attributes:
There is a 900 year old museum inside the Phyang Gompa, which houses valuable artifacts like massive thangkas, Chinese, Mongolian and Tibetan weapons, idols and Kashmiri bronze items.
Nuisance:
The site is very calm and peaceful.
Dressing restrictions:
None as such. Though it’s wise to be well-clad as temperature can go down drastically during evenings.
Enjoyed by:
You’ll meet many backpackers and nature lovers here.
Facilities:
Basic facilities are offered here. Please plan accordingly
Exposure:
You will remain indoors mostly.
Avoidable Season:
November, December, January, February, March, April
Things Not Allowed:
No such restrictions
Transport:
Shared Taxis, Jeeps
Time to See:
4:0 hrs to 5:0 hrs
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