Jammu & Kashmir Takthok Monastery
Takthok monastery is located in village Sakti in Ladakh district of state Jammu and Kashmir in India. The monastery came into existence in 16th century and Tshewang Namgyal is the founder of this monastery. The modification was made to the monastery in the year 1980. The architecture of the monastery is associated to the Tibetan type. The monastery is dedicated to Padmasambhava and houses a total of 55 monks. On 9th and 10th day of every sixth month sacred dances are performed. It is a distance of 46 kms from Leh. The monastery roof and walls have been built using rocks which gives the monastery another name of “rock-roof”. The monastery rooms have been cut out from the mountains and few of the already created caves have been changed into the rooms of monastery .The type of tradition practiced in the monastery is that of Nyingma and Takthok is the only monastery that belongs to Nyingma tradition.
The interior of the main temple is dim and dusky because the height of the temple is very low and built with the rock. There is no passage for light to travel and it also contains the remains of the butter lamps residues that have been burned for years in this place. The festooned paintings that were at times the beauty of the temple are now covered with grunge and the floor is sultry. Deep further these is another cave that has been converted to a kitchen where food for is prepared for the pilgrims who come to visit the monastery during the festival held there every year. The verandah has the beautiful paintings hanging along the path that depicts the Four Lords in earlier days but later the paintings on the walls depicted the violent traditional guardians. The other amenities in the compound are the figures of Maitreya, and Dorje Takposal.
Later in the year 1980 the 14th Dalai Lama H.H. sanctified new temple just beneath the main gompa complex. Fresco of Padmasambhava Padmasambhava adorns the walls of the temple that are on the thrones left side and there is also a painting of Sakyamuni. On the left side of central piazza is a cave oratory that displays the images of Avalokitesvara and Padmasambhavafacing each other. There is a small cave in the vicinity that is believed to be the mediating area of Padmasambhava for three years. Kanjur that are the teachings of Buddha are housed in the vicinity of monastery and has a volume of 108.
The other teachings of Buddhists that are preserved in the monastery and have been written by Lamas that preaches about the evil spirits, epidemics and the curses. These preaching have been written in pure gold and silver letters. These texts were used by the Lamas during the child birth or death of any person, and few other rituals. By reading the scriptures Lamas used to envisage the future of people.
The important pilgrim in the monastery for the Tibetan Buddhists is the Duphug Lhakhang cave. It is believed that the Buddhists get blessings by dubchu along with the holy water.
The main attraction of the monastery if the yearly festival celebrated that attracts many visitors. The cham dance performance of the Lamas is very popular. The two major languages spoken by the people of the area are Ladakhi and Urdu.
How to Reach
By Air
The nearest airport to reach the monastery is in Leh that has flights well connected to Delhi. Taxis can be taken from airport to reach the monastery.
By Rail
The nearest rail line is Jummu that has trains plying from all over India, majorly from northern India.
By Road
Leh is well connected to other cities of India via National Highway NH-1D. Jammu and Kashmir state transport buses run there buses from Srinagar to Leh covering a distanve of 700 kms and it takes around two days.
Where to Stay
There are not many options for the accommodation here. The few of the option available are the guest of PWD and the homestays facility in nearby places. There is option of stay in the monastery with some basic comforts.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit the monastery are the months from June to September.
Weather Conditions
The temperature in the area varies from 114 degree Celsius to 40 degree Celsius.
Photo Gallery
 |
 |
 |