THIKSEY MONASTERY, INDUS VALLEY NEAR LEH - LADAKH

Thiksey Monastery, view from Stakna
Thiksey Monastery, view from Stakna
Gelugpa

NAME/NOM/

NAME/NOME

       

THIKSEY GOMPA

TSULTIM NAMDAKLING

 

   

LOCATION/LIEU/

ORT/LUOGO

  Thiksey, 18Km from Leh

 

   

LINEAGE/TRADITION/

SCHULE/ORDINE

  Gelugpa

 

   

FOUNDED/FONDÉ/

GEGRÜNDET/FONDATO

  1430 AD

 

   

FOUNDER/FONDATEUR/

GRÜNDER/FONDATORE

  Spon Paldan Sherab, nephew of Sherab Zangpo        

 

   

PROTECTOR/PROTECTEUR/

SCHIRMHERR/PROTETTORE

  Palden Lhamo
     

SPIRITUAL HEAD/

MAÎTRE SPIRITUEL/

GEISTIGES OBERHAUPT/

CAPO SPIRITUALE

  Thiksey Rinpoche, Kushok Nawang Chamba Stanzin, the living reincarnation of Changsem Sherab Zangpo, chief disciple of Je Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelugpa sect.
     

TO SEE/À VOIR/

ZU SEHEN/A VEDERE

 

Maitreya Buddha Statue (12mt, 40ft)

Tara Temple

Library

8 Great Stupas

     
FESTIVAL   Gustor
     
FESTIVAL 2024   November 18-19, 2024

Thiksey Monastery in Ladakh - Foundation and Establishment

Thiksey Monastery, also known as Thiksey Gompa, is a prominent Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Ladakh.
It was founded in the 15th century under the patronage of the Gelug sect, the same sect as the Dalai Lama.

Thiksey Monastery in Ladakh -  Location

Thiksey Monastery is located approximately 19 kilometers east of Leh, the capital of Ladakh.
Perched atop a hill, it provides breathtaking panoramic views of the Indus Valley and the surrounding Himalayan landscape.

Thiksey Monastery in Ladakh - Architectural Features

The monastery is renowned for its architectural resemblance to the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet. The main prayer hall is a 12-story complex, a striking feature against the Ladakhi skyline.
The Maitreya (Future Buddha) Temple, with a 15-meter high statue of Maitreya, is a key attraction. This statue is the largest in Ladakh.

Thiksey Monastery in Ladakh -  Religious Significance

Thiksey Monastery is a center for Buddhist teachings, housing numerous scriptures, stupas, and paintings depicting the life of Buddha.
It serves as a residence for monks who follow rigorous schedules of study, meditation, and rituals.

Thiksey Monastery in Ladakh - Festivals and Celebrations

The annual Gustor Festival at Thiksey Monastery draws large crowds. The festival involves mask dances, traditional music, and rituals.
The festival is not only a religious celebration but also a vibrant cultural event.

Thiksey Monastery in Ladakh - Cultural Preservation

Thiksey Monastery actively engages in cultural preservation, passing on traditional teachings to new generations and promoting the rich heritage of Ladakh.

Thiksey Monastery in Ladakh - Access and Tourism

Due to its proximity to Leh and its cultural significance, Thiksey Monastery is a popular tourist destination.
Visitors can explore the various halls, chapels, and courtyards, gaining insights into Buddhist art and philosophy.

Thiksey Monastery in Ladakh - Community Engagement

The monastery plays an integral role in the local community, offering spiritual guidance, education, and support.

Thiksey Monastery in Ladakh -  Heritage Conservation

Efforts are made to conserve and restore the monastery's structures, ensuring the preservation of its historical and cultural significance.

 

Thiksey Monastery stands as a testament to Ladakh's rich Buddhist heritage, attracting both spiritual seekers and tourists seeking cultural experiences in the tranquil landscapes of the region.

Beautiful view on Indus Valley from Thiksey Monastery
Beautiful view on Indus Valley from Thiksey Monastery

Eight Great Stupas

At Thiskey Monastery you can visit one of the most beautiful exxamples of the Eight Great Stupas in Ladakh.

 

In Tibetan Buddhism there are 8 types of stupas which refer each to one specific major event in Lord Buddha's life. In Ladakh there are many beautiful examples of the different types of stupas. In every day life, in Ladakh a stupa is highly respected and venerated and is of great importance.


The 8 different types of stupas are:

1. Type: Lotus Blossom = Buddha's Birth
2. Type: Enlightenment Stupa = Buddha's Atteinment of Enlightenment at age 35
3. Type: Stupa of Many Doors (Gates) = Buddha's first teachings after Enlightenment: Four Noble Truths, Six Perfections, Noble Eightfold Path and the Twelve Links of Dependent Origination
4. Type: Stupa of Descent from God Realm = Buddha's Retreat in Tushita Haeven at age 42
5. Type: Stupa of Great Miracles = Buddha's miracles at age 50
6. Type: Stupa of Reconciliation = Buddha's resolution of a dispute among the sangha
7. Type: Stupa of Complete Victory = Buddha's prolonging of his life by three months
8. Type: Stupa of Nirvana = Buddha's Death at age 80 and absorption into the highest state of mind

Stupa, Stupas, Thiksey, monastery, Buddha, Nirvana
8 TYPES OF STUPAS