Jammu & Kashmir Sankar Gompa Monastery
Sankar Monastery at Ladakh is within 30 minutes walking distance from Leh and it is the official residence of the Senior Incarnate Lama of Ladakh, the Venerable KushokBakula Abbot of Spituk.
SankarGompa is famous for its architecture, and Avalokitesvara’s figure with 1,000 heads and arms is an amazing sight in the Monastary. While there are about 20 monks living here, the visitors time is restricted to morning 7 to 10 am and evening 5 to 7 pm.
Founded by
Sankar Monastery is the subsidiary of Spituk Monastery which was founded by by the Red Hat Institution , however they were taken over by the Yellow Hat sect during 15th Century. Those who arrive at these Monastery for staying are mostly from Gelugpa Order and they are considered successive incarnations foSkyabsjeBakula Rinpoche.
Description
Sankar Monastery is one of modern type with impressive cluster of buildings constructed amidst trees across the town, in the Khardung La area in a 5,359 m pass that leads to the Shyok and Nubra Valleys from Leh.
The monastery has steps that lead to 'Dukhang' which is the assembly hall. One has to go through a double door entry to reach Dukhang, while on the right of the doors, three green drums are located which is the place for Gyeskos. The left side of Dukhang entrance door leads to Wheel of Life with Yama holding it.
The paintings of the Monastery walls carry figures of mandalas and also the details of Tibetan calendar. The Monastery has guest rooms and a library, while the rooms where Abbot uses are those in the first floor.
The monastery houses many other images too, like that of Sakyamuni , the Historical Buddha, the Present image of Buddha, also the future Buddha Maitreya , besides the White Guardian and the Buddha of Medicine Amchi.
As a matter of routine a lama from this Monastery would make a visit every day , morning and evening, to the mid-sixteenth century fort at NamgyalTsemo, situated at the peak above Leh to perform the rituals at the temples associated with the fort and also to light the lamps lit with butter.
Nearby Attractions
Those who visit SankarGompa Monastery should visit the following places as well:
- General Zorawar's Fort is an ancient fort, situated above Leh Palace, but presently in a dilapidated condition, was the place where the private wealth of the rulers of Dogra those days was kept. One can reach this place in 30 minutes trekking.
- Hall of Fame is a museum kept in SpitukKargil Road, in about 4 km from Leh City, maintained in memory of those warriors who gave their lives in Indo Pakistan war.
- Leh Palace is an imposing structure of 17th century, which is a nine storey residential place of Namgyal Kings. One can walk down to this spot which is within 2 km reach.
- Shanti Stupa is a monument established by Japanese Buddhist propagating Peace, which was opened in 1985 by Dalai Lama.
- Stok Palace is a wonderful piece of architecture in Leh district, across the Indus River, built by King TsespalNamgyal in 1825 AD, which place one can reach by travel by jeeps or share taxis.
How to Reach
For reaching Leh by train , one can travel upto the nearest Jammu railway station, which is about 734 km far.
A bus from Manali , which is in 453 km distance from Leh would be a good choice, however, the Manali - Leh road is not open throughout the year, although one can take the bus during the months from mid-June to mid-October, when the road will be open.
There are air services available to Leh from Delhi and also from Srinagar , different airlines offering services.
JKSRTC provides bus service to Leh from Srinagar to Leh covering 700 km, sometimes taking two days travel time, while HRTC provides service to Leh from Manali , covering 474 km distance , which also takes about 20 hours travel.
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