Jammu & Kashmir Alchi Monastary
A Buddhist monastery that is part of village Alchi in the district Leh is named as either Alchi Monastry or Alchi Gompa. This monastery comes under the jurisdiction of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council in Jammu and Kashmir. The multifaceted monastery has been divided into four separate levels that have been covered in Alchi village. The lower level contains the monuments that speak about the history of different eras. Among these settlements the monastery of Alchi is considered the oldest and most eminent and legendary. Likir Monastery has been administering this place for long. The complex of Alchi Manostic is considered as best in the area because of its distinctive flair.
History
The exact history of Alchi Monastery could not have been explained much though there are many engravings on the walls of the complex.
There have been three complexes in the monastery but due to the changes in the climate two of the complexes could survive.
It is believed that these monasteries did not belong to any traditional Tibetan school so these monasteries were taken under the Kadampa. Since the condition of the monastery kept on wanes they were looked up by the Gelukpa except Lamayuru that was taken by Drigunkpa.
Description
The complex was created keeping in mind the traditional rules of area it has been constructed in. Guru Rinchen Zangpo has been behind the built of the complex rom the year 958 to 1055. The writings on the walls of monuments speak about the work of Kal-dan Shes-rab a famus and known noble of Tibetan community of 11th century. A three-floored building that is named as Sumtseg has Kasmiri architecture and is made using loam and natural stone and consists of an Assembly Hall and a Main temple. Manjushri Temple is the third temple in the vicinity of Monastery. The other part of the compound is the Chortens.
The architecture and the detailing in the monastery speak about the Kashmiri type. Few of the paintings of that era still exist in Ladakh. The giant figures of Buddha are part of the compound; the detailed carvings on wood are very enchanting. Shakti Maira spoke about the vibrant magnificence of monastery.
The heart of the monastery is the Assembly Hall where the prayers and other important rituals are performed. The hall is huge and speaks about its history. The original wooden door frame is still preserved. There were modifications made in the complex in 12th and 13th centuries. The veranda opens up to a hall and has inscriptions of Buddha’s morals which are total 1000 in numbers along the pathway from veranda to hall. The exterior of the gate shows the wheel of life and also the Mahakal. Paintings of Panch Tathagatas can be seen on the walls of Dukhang. These paintings are made using six mandalas with Vairochana who is the main deity that is deified in the hall. The other mandalas in the complex are of Buddhas, goddesses, guards of dharma etc.
The shrine on the ground and first floor has a measurement of 5.4 and 5.8 meters in length and breadth while the fortes measure 2.1 to 2.7 wide and height of4 meters. The fortes resemble the three main Bodhisattvas and its followers and has two flying goddess on each of the fortes. Sumtseg has still been unspoiled other than a wooden door that is on the top most floor of the temple. A lighted lantern hangs in the balcony of second floor. The most fascinating facet is the graceful manner in which it is displayed how the deities’ draperies are painted in different pattern. The different draperies depict different meaning like the drapery of Maitreya’s portays Buddha’s life while Avlokiteshwara's drapery depicts the holy and royal places. The sculptures of the deity have one head and four arms but each has been differently portrayed.
How to Reach
By Air
The nearest airport to reach here is in Leh. Filghts from Delhi can be boarded to reach here.
By Rail
The nearest rail line is that reaches Leh is from Manali but the track is opened only in the months from May or June and till October but the decision of opening the track for rail movement depends on the weather conditions.
Photo Gallery