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Golden Buddha In The Likir Monastery
The snow capped Himalayas on the background, the hilly terrain and the monastery with the Buddha sitting on the roof overlooking all the natural beauty is a perfect combination for a tour and a pilgrimage. The Golden Budha in Likhir monastery gives the tourists the feeling that Lord Budha is above all and overpowering.
Origin
The origin of the monastery can be traced back to many years ago but the statue of the Buddha who is known as Maitreya here was opened up in 1999. Maitreya means the Buddha of tomorrow and the statue is covered in golden gild. This was built on top of the monastery in a view to add to the beauty of the building and to increase the flow of tourists as well as pilgrims to the monastery. With the building of this statue, the monastery has started becoming famous by figuring on the list of the tallest statues of Buddha in India.
Major Attractions
Statue of Lord Budha
Statue of Lord Budha in Likir monastery is seen sitting unlike most of his other poses where he is seen standing, on the roof of the building. The statue is golden in color and is 73 feet tall. The eyes of the statue are open and he has his right hand placed on his right lap while the left hand is raised in a pose where he tends to bless the pilgrims. He is seen wearing a robe around and there are depictions of the Bodi tree at the background hinting at his enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. The entire are is supposed to be the hub of Buddhism and this is the monastery where the brother of the current Dalai Lama visits more often. People believe that tying flags or pieces of cloth on a rope beneath the feet of the statue will lead to their prayers being fulfilled.
The Likir Monastery
This is one of the oldest monasteries in the world and houses close to a hundred and twenty monks in the monastery. The entire monastery is a massive structure, and means enclosed by a serpents. As per the legends that existed in the past these were the two serpents Nanda and Taksako. Some of the earliest Buddhist groups have thrived here and this has been in history right from the 15th century. There are about 30 students who study in the school that is being run by the monastery and these students have three mediums of education - English, Sanskrit and Hindi. The fair that is conducted every year at this monastery is a fun filled affair that every tourist must take part in when they are here. The current building that is seen was constructed in the 18th century after the earlier one that existed in the 11th century was razed down by a fire accident. There are continuous enhancements that are done at the monastery in a bid to increase tourists and pilgrims visits.
Where to Eat
Food options are also limited and tourists may eat at the places that have been booked for their accommodation. Other than Chinese and Indian food, there is no much of surprise in the cuisine that this place offers. Also, the hotels serve food only for the guests who stay with them, so tourists might find it difficult to see too much variety in their food stuff.
Where to Stay
The options for accommodation for tourists who come to visit the Monastery are limited and these services are provided by the Monastery itself. The downside is that none of the accommodation is close to the staying areas and the tourists will have to walk at least three km from the monastery to the accommodation which could easily take about half an hour.
Temple Timings
Evenings are very cold and therefore, tourists have to visit the temple in the mornings. Winter times the area is completely inaccessible because of the snow, so it is better that the tourists plan their trip from June to September.
How to Reach
Road
The roadways are scenic, but the tourists need to be aware of closed roads or blocked roads at times of heavy snow. In the summer, they can still travel from Delhi or Ladakh, Manali. Likir village is 62km away from Ladakh. Private taxis, government buses - both ordinary and deluxe connect tourists to Ladakh.
Rail
The closest Railway heads are either Ladakh or Jammu. From there the tourists can either take the private taxis or the buses.
Nearest Airport
Jammu and Ladakh are nearby airports and are well connected to Delhi. There are daily flights that connect Ladakh to New Delhi.
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