Thiksey Monastery
Thiksey Monastery is the biggest monastery within the central Ladakh of UT Ladakh. It’s located 18 km from Leh within the Indus valley. The Tibetan Buddhist monastery of Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism is positioned on the high of a hill. The monastery is known for its structure and its location. The 12 floored monastery has 10 temples, a meeting corridor, and is dwelling to 120 lamas and nunnery.
The monastery buildings are structured in hierarchal order. The monastery is referred as ‘Mini Potala’ of India because it resembles Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet. There may be one large statue of Maitreya (future Buddha) which covers virtually two ground of the monastery that’s 40 toes in top. Tara temple of Goddess Tara is one other main attraction for the guests. Aside from visiting monastery one may discover some uncommon and valuable stupas, statues, thangkas, wall work, and swords within the monastery. On account of its proximity to Leh, the morning prayer on the monastery attracts large crowds. The monastery gives a clear view of the Indus Valley and a few monasteries like Shey, Stok, and Matho will also be seen from right here. Festivals celebration is one other main attraction for the vacationers, locals, and Buddhists in Thiksey Monastery.
You might have typically questioned in regards to the historical past of Thiksey Monastery and why is it referred to as so? In response to the favored story, Janghsem Serab Zanpo (a 15th century Tibetan Buddhist monk), alongside along with his disciple, Palden Sherab, had been providing prayers with a ritual cake at a spot which was situated about 3km from the place the Thiksey Monastery immediately stands. Out of nowhere, to their shock, a crow grabbed the cake and flew away with it. After looking for the cake for a while, they discovered the ritual cake positioned on the high of the hillock, in precisely the identical situation as earlier than.
The Buddhists believed this to be an auspicious signal and determined to construct a monastery at that very spot. The identity of the monastery, Thiksey, which suggests “excellent order”, is derived from the proper order wherein the crow positioned the cake.
Visiting the Thiksey Monastery will depart you with fantastic recollections. Aside from the alternatives for exploration and sightseeing, the Thiksey Monastery is a superb place for studying in regards to the number of aspects of Buddhism. The monastery is dwelling to 10 temples in all, apart from dwelling for monks, nunnery, meeting corridor, and many others. On the entrance, you’re greeted by the statue of the protector deity. From right here, you may take pleasure in spectacular views of the Indus Valley floodplains beneath.
One of many foremost sights contained in the Thiksey Monastery is the Maitreya Buddha. The statue is sort of two tales tall and is a splendid piece of structure. The opposite sights which is able to curiosity you immensely are the 2 temples, Tara Temple and Lamokhang Temple. Tara Temple is a small temple devoted to the goddess and homes 21 photographs of this deity. The partitions of this temple are adorned with beautiful marvels and are a visible deal with to the eyes.
Lamokhang Temple is one other place that fascinates vacationers. It’s dwelling to a number of scriptures, together with Stanghyur and Kanghyur. It’s necessary to notice that ladies will not be allowed to enter this temple. Contained in the temple, there’s a college the place younger boys bear coaching to change into lamas. One other attraction is the massive pillar which has Lord Buddha’s photographs engraved on it. A nunnery can also be positioned contained in the Thiksey Gompa.
There’s a very fascinating story behind how Thiksey monastery bought its identity and the way the place it stands immediately was finalized. Jangsem Sherab Zangpo and his disciple Palden Sherab had been providing prayer providers with a ritual cake about three kilometers from the place the Thiksey monastery is. A crow flew away with the cake. After they searched, they discovered the ritual cake in excellent order on the high of the hillock. They believed or not it’s an auspicious signal to construct a monastery at this place. The monastery bought the title Thiksey (which means in excellent order) as a result of the cake was positioned in excellent order by the crow. Lodging is accessible within the monastery with glorious providers at a nominal fee. There are luxurious motels on the base of the hill with trendy amenities. The monastery serves vegetarian meals. Lodges on the base present Indian and Tibetan meals. One of the best times to go to Thiksey monastery is between May and September, as roads are closed after November attributable to heavy snowfall.
