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Thursday, June 21, 2007

Dharamshala , Mcleodganj and Leh

Mcleod Ganj 4 km above Dharmasala, in the kangra Valley of Himachal Pradesh is the home of his Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. The Tsuglagkhang Complex here is the most important Buddhist monument in the region enshrining three magnificent images, including an enormous three metres high gilt statue of sakyamuni Buddha. Next to the Tsuglagkharg is the ‘Kaal charka Temple, housing a stunning mural of the Kaal charka (Wheel of Time). The remaining buildings from the Namgyl Gopa.

The main prayer hall of the ‘Dip Tse-Chok Gompa, houses an image of Sakyamuni Buddha. Superb butter sculptures are made here during the Losar festival and destroyed the following year. Fine and detailed sand mandals are also made here.

Within Leh itself is the Namgyl Tsemo Gompa , the soma Gompa and the sankar Gompa. The Shanti Stupa here is truly impressive, especially when it is illuminated at night. About 8 km from Leh is the 15th century Spituk Gompa, perched on a hilltop above the Indus River. The Thiksey Gompa, 17 km south of Leh, is situated on a hilltop amidst picturesque surroundings. One of the largest monasteries in the region. Thiksey has rooms full of statues, ttupas and Tankahs religious painting of all kinds.

Alchi, a little village about 70 km from Leh, is known as a jewel among the religious siter in Ledakh. Abandoned centuries ago, this monasteries has been lovingly maintained by the monks at Likhir, the nearest functioning Gompa. It is popularly known as Chos-kar (regigious enclave) and comprises five temples. Also part of the Buddhist devotee’s itinerary is the 400 year old mud-brick Gompa at Basgo, one of the top hundred endangered world Heritage sites; the magnificent Gompa at likir, the shey Gompa, 15 km south of Leh, with the12 metre high gold plated sakyamuni Buddha Statue the Matho and stakna Gompas and the stok Gompa with its fine maske and frescoes. You will find more Gompas in the Nubra valley of Ladakh, like the 150 year old Samstemling. Gompa at sumur, a large complex with seven temples, inaugurated by his holiness, the Dalai Lama, in 1962.

The largest district in Himachal Predesh, Lahaul & spiti is a picturesque region of high mountains and narrow valleys. Called the little Tibet of the Himalayas, the twin valleys have a pre-dominantly Buddhist culture and their Gompas are repositories of Buddhist treasures. Around Kaza, the administrative centre of spiti sub-district, are several Gompas. The largest and oldest of these is Ki Gompa. 14 km from Kaza, the Gompa has a spectacular location and a priceless collection of ancient Thangkas. 11 km from Ki village is the small village of

Kibber (or Khyipur), famous for the Ladarcha festival, held near Kibber each Jluy attracting Buddhists from far and wide. Built nearly 1000 years ago, Dhankar Gompa has a spectacular rocky setting and some interesting sculptures and frescoes. The Tabo Gompa is one of the most important monasteries in the Tibetan Buddhist world. Founded in 996 AD, the Gompa is said to be the initiative of the greet teacher, Rinchensang Po, also known as Mahaguru Ratnabhadra. Located at a height of 3050 metres, the Tabo Monastery complex comprises nine temple 23 chortens, a monks chamber and an extension that houses the nuns chamber. An earthen wall encloses the complex sprawled across an area of 6,300 sq mtr. On the sheer cliff face above the enclave are a series of caves once used as dwelling units by the monks. Taboi is often called the Ajanta of the Himalyas because of its breathtaking murals and stucco images.
Around Keylong, the capital of Lahaul & spiti is the 900 years old Khardong Gompa, with some excellent frescoes. The prayer wheel here is reputed to contain one million strips of paper bearing the mantra “Om Mani padme Hum” 3 km from keylong is the 16th century Shashur Gompa, the venue of the annual Chaam festival in June- July.

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