Hemis
is a glorious Buddhist monastery, located at the distance of 43 km from Leh
on the left side of the river Indus (Singhe Khabab). Also known as Chang
Chub Sam Ling or 'the lone place of the compassionate person', it was
constructed in 1630 during the reign of Sengge Namgyal, the celebrated ruler
of Ladakh. It is the headquarter of the Drukpa order and all the monasteries
through the Ladakh (40 major and 100 small) are administered by it. Hemis is
considered as the biggest and wealthiest monastery of Ladakh. It also serves
the training center of Lamas for the royal monasteries at Leh, Shey and
Bazgo. The monastery has well preserved stupas made of gold and silver, the copper gilt statue of Lord Buddha and many priceless old Thankas. Not o miss is the tall statue of Guru Padmasambhava, which has been recently installed three years back. The monastery is divided into two parts, the assemble hall on the right and the main temple on the left. The hall known as 'Dukhang' is also used as he changing hall by the Lambas during the celebration of Hemis festival. The temple is known as Tshogkhang. The Varandah contains some of the beautiful wall paintings featuring Buddhist 'wheel of life' (kalchakra) and and the lords of four quarters , besides the prayer wheel. Than there is a nunnery just below the monastery known as Chomoling (abode of nuns).
Hemis Festival
Hemis Gompa is the venue of famous Hemis festival, celebrated in the commemoration of the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava , the founder of Tantric Buddhism in Tibet. The festival takes place for three days from 9th June to 11th June. During the festival the Lamas and the local people gather at the courtyard of the Hemis Gompa to celebrate the festival. The Lamas wear colorful costumes and perform on the sacred plays called 'Chhams' around the center flagpole, accompanied by the music from cymbals, drums and horns.
|
