Likir Monastery

is situated just about 53km from Leh.It belongs to the Gelukspa Order.Likir gompa Ladakh was founded by Lama Durwang Chosje. Gelukspa.Alchi Monastery is the branch of Lekir gompa at time of king Lhachen Gyalpo, which was named ‘Klu-Khil-GA-Ladan-Dar-Rgyas-Ling’.Lhachen Gyalpo was ruling as a king in Ladakh,he presented the land to Lama Duwang Chosje in order to construct the monastery. likir Gonpa came forward during the 1065 AD.The Likir monasteries was enclosed by the bodies of the two great serpent spirits , Taksako and Nanda. Likir Monastery Ladakh were connected with Kadampa sect. An incident occur in Likir Monastery Ladakh because the original structure that was constructed in 11th century was damaged due to catch of fire.After than in 18th century it was reconstructed ,that why it does not look to be very old as compare to others monasteries. Likir monastery holds various old manuscripts,thanks,costumes etc and In the courtyard, a large Jupiter tree is standing.More than 100 monks lives in the likir gompa. Du-khang, to be found straight away to the right in the courtyard and can be reached after passing the way in to verandah. Verandah has paintings of the Guardians of the Four Directions and wheel of life mandala which are organized by Yama. In Likir gompa there are initially 6 rows for the lamas to seat inside the Du-khang and a throne reserved for Likir’s head.There are two large roll up tahnks which are hanging on the entrance door. Thankas, containing pictures of Sakyamuni and Likir’s guardian divinity,which are exhibited once in a year.

There are mainly two big chortens having statue of Avalokitesvara and Amitabha and Sakyamuni,Maitreya statue are situated in front of the assembly hall.Buddhist mainly taught three languages which are English,Sanskrit and English.Dosmochey is annual event which happens here.Dalai Lama younger’s brother was Ngari Rinpoche who have given the all of the charge to him.But he did not stay there, and visit only at the time of main pujas.Festival is celebrated in Likir Gompa Ladakh which takes place on the 12th month-28th and 29th day of Tibetan calendar.Likir monastery undergoes development in the 15th century under Lhawang Lodos Sangphu.

During 15th century there was violent struggle to control and manage the geographic- political landscape. As declared previous the monasteries in the Ladakh and Tibet region were dominance and control spots for the region. Monasteries prohibited and owned large tracts of land and there by the agricultural produce. Conflicts with the opponent sects of monasteries for the political control were pretty familiar. They had to protect its inhabitants and its wealth from opponent attacks. In Likir Gompa Ladakh many monasteries which flourished on that time evolved their complexes as small fortress perched on strategic height, utilizing the terrain and reinforcing it with thick tangential walls to form a protected inner core. One example is the Likir monastery; it was a type of a fort-monastery. The basic hierarchy of the village lives below the slope of the monastery along with monk’s residence and at the upper plateau resides the main temple and assembly hall complex. The main complex has thin entry and way out points and has cut off wall surrounding its periphery results in creation of a protected fort like complex.