Jammu & Kashmir Phyang Monastery
Phyang Monastery is situated in the region around Leh in Ladakh region, at about 15 kms from this hill station. Phyang Gompa, as it also known as among the Buddhist followers, was built in 1515 in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. This monastery is one of the two, present in Ladakh region, which follows the Tibetan Buddhism sect of Drigungpa. There is a blue mountain behind the monastery, from which the name of the monastery has been derived, which is known as Gang Ngonpo. It is believed as per some legends that the monastery was founded by Denma Kunga Drakpa. The basis of the making of the Phyang monastery at its particular site has some legends which are believed by people and the presence of a number of monastic properties, which were offered by Dharmaraja Jamyang Namgyal to Denma Kunga Drakpa. There are about 100 monks in this monastery, which also contains a school for education in Buddhism. Due to the height on which it is located, the Phyang monastery is reachable during the months of May till September, as the heavy snowfall closes the roads from November.
History
In the earlier times, the hill where the Phyang Monastery is located had number of monastic properties, and an old monastery known as Tashi Chozong was present. According to other legends, it is said that the monastery was started by king Tashi Namgyal during the late 16th century. This monastery is one of the two monasteries, which had the teachings of Drigungpa sect started by Phakmadrupa Dorje Gyelpo. The head of the monastery at present is the lama, who is considered to be the reincarnation of Skyabje Toldan Rinpoche.
Architecture
Within the compound of Phyang Monastery are a number of shrines, richly decorated with frescos. A museum said to be 900 years old is also found within the premises. This museum contains extensive collections of idols made of bronze from the 16th century. Also, firearms belonging to Mongolians, Tibetans and Chinese era are kept inside.
Festival
During the 17th to the 19th day in Tibetan calendar of the first month, there is an annual festival held known as Gang Sngon Tsedup. Lots of dances of sacred meaning are held in this monastery during the 6th month, on the 2nd and 3rd days of the Tibetan calendar.
Getting There
By Air
From Leh, Phyang is only about 17 kms and also has the nearest airport. From Leh, one can travel by taxis to reach Phyang.
By Road
Phyang can be reached from Leh, which is turn has good communications from Srinagar and Manali. These roads are but quite difficult to move with undulating roads and frequent landslides.
By Rail
Kalka is the station nearest to the Phyang monastery. From manali, passing through Shimla, tourists can catch the buses or hire private taxis to be near to the town of Leh, from where one can easily reach Phyang monastery.
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