Jammu & Kashmir Monastero Chemre Gompa
Chemrey Monastery or Monastero Chemre Gompa is one of the Buddhist monasteries in the region of Ladakh, situated at a distance of 40 kms from the town of Leh, towards its eastern side. One can visualise the beautiful monastery from the point at which Pangong Tso and Chang La are intersecting. Although the monastery is quite exotically built, it is the natural and beautiful agricultural lands, which help in the sightseeing places to be enjoyed by the tourists from all religions. Buddhism followers visit this monastery for its work of art and splendour, with Guru Padmasambhava finding an important place in these sculptures and the gates are constructed in a grand structure. Most important feature about the Monastero Chemre Gompa is its location amidst the breathtaking and awe inspiring sceneries, where hordes of trees are giving the needed greenery all around. Photography enthusiasts throng this location throughout the year, while at the same time, providing a reason enough for the trip to the monastery.
History
Some believe that the Monastero Chemre Gompa was established by the Red Hats, at around 17th century. They had been inspired by the Hemis, giving the notion that some Hemis also say that this monastery is an extension of their own. The monastery is said to belong to the Buddhist monastic order of Drugpa, formed by the Lama Tagsang Raschen and it was King Semge Namgyal, to whom the monastery was dedicated.
Architecture
Most notable feature about the monastery is the greenery which surrounds it, rarely found in any other place, with raspberry trees and yellow flowers and various other tree species. Standing amidst this greenery is the structure of Monastero Chemre Gompa, with white stupas providing a remarkable feature. Work of art inside the Gompa is quite exotic, marked by the sculptures of various Buddhism culture and deities and kings. Statue of Swami Padmasambhava is about 300 years old, a feature, which is supposed to be very attractive. There is a spiral road, which goes into the monastery and monks are first seen on entering the gates, involved in prayers and silent chanting. Photographs of the monastery are permitted to be shot and one can also go to the roof, where the valley down gives a breathtaking view of the surrounding greenery. Inside the monastery is a museum, giving a lot of worthy information to the tourists, who wish to know more about the monastery and other aspect of the Buddhist sect to which the monastery belongs. There are also many old books and literary works, utensils, dishes, statues, bronze antique items, musical instruments and much more. Some scriptures are there, which have silver lettered titles and the inner pages are written with gold letters.
Festivals
During the 9th month, specially in the 28th and 29th days, as per the Tibetan calendar, there are dances organised annually, to celebrate a festival, which is participated by the monks residing in the monastery and with many local people and Buddhist leaders attending the programs in Monastero Chemre Gompa.
Getting There
Monastero Chemre Gompa is located at about 45 kms from the town of Leh, which in turn is having good road communications with other parts of the state of Jammu and Kashmir.
Photo Gallery