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Hemis Monastery is being the biggest as well as the wealthiest monastery of Ladakh. It dates back to the year 1630 and was founded by the first incarnation of Stagsang Raspa Nawang Gyatso. Hemis Monastery is positioned inside a gorge, at a distance of approximately 47 km from southeast of Leh. Belonging to the Dugpa Order, it stands on the western bank of the Indus River. The monastery also boasts of a very rich collection of ancient relics.
The array of items kept inside the monastery consist of a copper-gilt statue of the Lord Buddha, various gold and silver stupas, sacred thankas and several other exquisite objects.
Situated slightly higher than the Hemis Gompa of Leh Ladakh, is a sacred hermitage, founded by Gyalwa Kotsang. The meditation cave of Gyalwa, along with his footprints and handprints on the rock and sacred shrines, still bring back his memories to life.
Hemis, however, it best known to tourists because of its colorful festival held in July. At this time, monks perform their traditional dances to celebrate the birth anniversary of the monastery's founder, Padmasambhava. Its resident Lamas perform sacred masked dances leading to the destruction of the evil forces, & sacrificial offerings.
And not to be forgotten is a sacred mask dance that is performed at the monastery every year, this dance is also known as Cham dances.
Tse Shoe is the name of occasion that is celebrated at various places every year as the birthday of lord Padamsambhava- known as Guru Rimpoche too.
The dance takes place on 9th and 10th day of the fifth month of the Tibetan calendar, generally it comes in mid of July.
The festival of Hemis is being celebrated on this day, which goes for 2 days and occurs every year but once in every 12 years, the Hemis monastery is unfurls the giant Thanka depicting Guru Padamsambhava (Guru Rimpoche).
Facts about Hemis
Location : Approximate 47 From Leh
Belongs To : Dugpa Order
Founded By : First incarnation of Stagsang Raspa Nawang Gyatso
Founded In :1630
Appeals : Biggest and wealthiest monastery in Ladakh Region
Festivals : Annual Hemis festival, Sacred Dance Festival
Entry Fees : Free
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