Leh, (Ladakh), Sept. 15: With the Naropa Festival in full swing,
monasteries in Ladakh are swarming with devotees and tourists alike and
resonating with prayers, music and dance. But the main activity of the
festival is centred in and around Hemis Gompa , the largest monastery of
its kind. It belongs to the Drukpa Kagyu order and is a living hub of
Tibetan Buddhism.
Every
great town or region anywhere has its own character and flavour. And in
Ladakh, Buddhist monasteries make for a unique spiritual experience.
For Ladakhis, who are predominantly of Tibetan descent, it’s the
monasteries which set the pattern of their daily life, culture and
celebrations. Indeed, Ladakh is known as the land of lamas.
Hemis
Monastery has a special place in the hearts of Buddhists, especially
those belonging to the Drukpa Kagyu order. Nothing in the region can
match its size, architectural beauty and calming effect on the mind.
Rising on the western bank of the Indus River on the Leh-Manali Highway,
it’s 50 km from Leh town.
The
King of Ladakh, Singey Namgail, who was himself an architect, designed
the shrine. He is said to have invited a Buddhist monk, the first
reincarnation of Stagsang Raspa Nawang Gyatso, in 1620 to establish the
monastery.
The
central courtyard of the gompa is 60 metres long and 18 metres wide.
It’s in this courtyard where dances take place during festivals and
other religious occasions. The monastery also has some mesmerising wall
paintings of Sakyamuni (the historical Buddha), other Buddha figures and
paintings of Tantric deities. So Ladakh provides a visual feast
wherever a visitor steps out to explore.
Source: By Newzstreet Media Desk (yahooinnews16 September 2016)
