Jammu & Kashmir Phuktal Monastery
This monastery has its history dated back to 12th Century and the most famous tributary of Lungnak (Lingti-Tsarap) River holds in its tip, at the mouth of a Cave which is very attractive and nice to see.
Founded by
This monastery was established by Gangsem Sherap Sampo during 12th Century early parti, which is constructed in the form of a honeycomb
Description
This monastery forms the base of over 70 monks, which has a library and also prayer rooms. Alexander Csoma De Koros who authored the English Tibetan dictionary visited Ladakh 1826-27 and a stone depicts this story. Gustor is a Festival celebrated for the peace of the world which has special prayers and comes in the 12th month of Tibetan calendar. Many have donated to educate the young monks in getting trained in Buddhist tradition and culture. One can find a unique experience by visiting Rigpa Clinic where traditional Tibetan Medical care is given for local communities. Also the important practice of Vasika, Posadha and Prayama, are the three basic traditions for the monks by Buddha Sakyamuni.
This monastery is situated in Lungnak Valley of Zanskar of the Himalayan Region of Ladakh. Many caves are surrounded through this monastery which many Sadhus, Translators and learned personnel visit since a long time and this is said to be in existence since 14th century by the Jangsem Sherap Zangpo who is a disciple of Gelug founder Tsongkhapa.
Buddha’s images adore the walls, and it is believed that scholars Padmasambhava and Phakspa Nestan Dusdan have lived here also the Milarespa’s mentor Lama Marpa lived in Phutkal cave. More so, great scholars, Dangson-Pun-Sum, who possesses super natural powers, provided Dharma preaching here. A temple, prayer hall, a library and many apartments, and also teaching facilities with kitchen and the caves provide protection to the spring.
The monastery is one of the few, where one can reach by foot and all items are brought to this place, through horse and donkey and during winter, through the river which is frozen. There is a proposal for constructing a road to Phutkal in say 3-4 years, which takes about a day to walk down from Dorzang.
Important Festivals
Important festivals celebrated here are:
- Smonlam celebrated for 8 to 11 days during Tibetan calendar’s first month pa -A special puja conducted for world peace during first month of Tibetan calendar for about 12-13 days.
- Chudsum Chodpa celebrated for 12-13 days during first month of Tibetan calendar involving worship of thirteen special gods.
- Choga Chodpa celebrated for 14-15 days during first month of Tibetan calendar for harvest ceremony
- Gyalwe Jabstan celebrated for 18 to 19 days of Puja for the long life of Dalai Lama.
- Worship of Vajrabhaivara the sacred form of Manjusri for 8 to 18 days.
- Syungnas celebrated for 2 to 5 days during 6th month of Tibetan Calendar involving fasting ceremony for good karma
- Yarnas or Varshavas Ceremony from 6th month of Tibetan calendar till end of 7th moth of Tibetan Calendar.
Special permissions are to be obtained for attending the Yarnas for a limited period. Contacts can be established with the Monastery officials through following references: [email protected] or through phone nos 09469297433 or 91-1982-264585 by contacting Tsewang Yangjor in Leh. Many tourists of J&K undertake special tours to the Monastery.
Attractions Nearby
One can choose to visit the other nearby monasteries, which are in the radius of say 20 kms. It gives immense pleasure to visit the monasteries wherein several annual festivals and celebrations take place annually.
How to Reach
One can take buses or cabs for local travel from Sikkim; as otherwise, it is advisable that Train or Air route must be taken for reaching Sikkim.
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