Main Info
Likir Monastery
Located near the village of Saspol is the village of Likir. In this village, is Ladakh’s oldest monastery – Likir Monastery or Likir Gompa. The monastery sits on the banks of river Indus. The word ‘likir’ can be translated to ‘The Naga-Encircled’. The phrase is supposed to represent bodies of two serpent spirits – Nanda and Taksako – who hold immense importance in Buddhist culture. The two great serpents are said to have guarded the monastery when the snake King Jokpo slept at the monastery. The Likir monastery is also home to a massive 75-feet statue of Maitreya Buddha. The statue is made of gold and is a great main attraction. Amongst other artefacts at the monastery are paintings, murals and stone reliefs. Likir monastery is, in all its existence, a true heritage of the Buddhist culture. It holds in great honour the principles, history, legends and teachings of the Buddhist culture.
Lama Duwang Chosje had the monastery constructed in 1065 on the instructions of King Lhachen Gyalpo, this fifth king of Ladakh. On its construction, it was originally known as Klu-Khyill. The original architecture of the monastery unfortunately got destroyed in a fire in 11th century. The monastery was later rebuilt in the 18th century. The Central Institute of Buddhist studies have started and are currently running a school inside the Likir Monastery. The institute also has a running library inside the monastery with manuscripts, volumes and books filled with Buddhist knowledge and teachings of Tsong Khapa.
Architecture and Layout of Likir Monastery
The village of Likir houses one of the oldest monasteries in Leh – Likir Monastery. The Likir Gompa also happens to be one of the more well-maintained monasteries in the state of Jammu and Kashmir too. The monastery is full of white buildings with red roofs. Another major attraction is the massive 75 feet tall statue of Lord Buddha. The monastery is also home to rich paintings and artefacts that depict the Buddhist culture and its principles.
The main assembly hall, also known as Dukhang, is located on the right side of the monastery. You can witness the Guardians of the Four Directions painted on both sides of the entrance. Other than this, you can also find the Wheel of Life painting held by Yama. On entering the assembly hall, you will find six rows of benches laid out for the lamas to sit and pray while the head sits at the front of the hall on the throne. In the hall, you can also find idols of Bodhisattva, Amitabha, three huge statues of Sakyamuni, Maitreya along with Tsong Khapa, founder of the yellow-hat sect of Buddhism. On the walls there are glass bookcases that hold all 108 volumes the Buddha’s teachings, also known as Kandshur, and the 225-volume commentary of Kandshur, also known as Tandshur.
After the new Dukhang was built over 200 years ago, lamas wearing their robes are shown on the left side of the wall whereas the other wall displays the basic behaviour a lama should follow in a gompa or a monastery. A painting of Avalokitesvara, embodiment of the compassion of all Buddhas, can be seen on the wall with 1,000 arms and eleven heads. The first floor of the monastery locates the room of the head lama. The room is known as Zinchun. This is the room that houses the Dalai Lama on his visits to Likir. The room is full of pictures of various lamas. The main attractions amongst these pictures are the fabric rich pictures of 21 manifestations of the White Tara.
Attractions and Highlight
The paintings, murals and thangkas at Likir Monastery are a great attraction amongst tourists. These artefacts line the walls of the monastery beautifully. The 75-feet tall idol of Maitreya Buddha, however, is the greatest thing housed in the Gompa. A rare species of the Jupiter tree can also be found in the courtyard. The main hall is also decorated with a hand-painted mandala of the Wheel of Life.
Inside the monastery is a temple, dedicated to the divine powers, known as Gonkhang. The temple worships images of Sakyamuni and Tsongkhapa. The exciting Buddhist festival of Cham is also celebrated at Likir Monastery which is a great time that celebrates Buddhism and the overall culture.
How to Reach Likir Monastery
You can reach Likir Monastery through the national highway going the Manali-Leh route (473 km) or the Srinagar-Leh route (434 km). The former route is available for travel from July to September while the latter is open from June to October. You can hire a cab or travel on the highway in a private car. Otherwise, you also have the option of travelling through the buses operation from 5:30 am to 3:30 pm from Leh to Likir.