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Likir Monastery
Location : 60-65 Km Aprox west side of Leh.
Belongs to : Yello Hat
Founder : Lama Duwang Chosje
Founded In : 1065
Likir mean "The Naga - Encircled". History behind naming of Likir monastery is that it stands surrounded by the bodies of the two great spirits, the Naga-rajas, Nanda and Taksako. Lhachen Gyalpo, the fifth king of Ladakh, offered the site where the monastery now stands, to Lama Duwang Chosje. The Lama, was a great champion of meditation, blessed the site offered to him.
The Likkir Monastery of Leh Ladakh was founded in the 11th century. This monastery belongs to the Yellow Hat Sect, founded by Tsongkhapa. It consists of a number of shrines inside Likir monastery complex. Presently, it serves 120 Buddhist monks they are residence of this monastery. The monastery also has its own school, there are almost 30-35 students study. During 15th century, Likir Gompa came under the influence of Lodos Sangphu. A disciple of Khasdubje, he made great efforts to put the monastery flourished and prospered. Till today the monastery under the Tsongkhapa order. The ritual of the three basic Pratimoksa disciplines, the basic Buddhist teachings, are observed at the Likir Monastery, even in the present times too. The Gompa also serves as the venue of an annual event call Dosmochey, the assembly of votive offerings. This event takes place from 27th day to 29th day of the 12th month of the Tibetan calendar. During Dosmochey, sacred dances (mask dances same as Hemis) are performed at the monastery.
The Likir Gompa Ladakh has been served by the succeeding reincarnations of Naris Rinpoche, The monastery also houses a protective deity, which stands inside, wearing a golden armor. There are two Dukhangs (assembly/prayer halls) inside the monastery, one of them relatively new. The older one is on the right of the central courtyard of the monastery and comprises of six rows of seats for the lamas.
Inside this Dukhang are many statuses of Bodhisattva (Lord of All He Surveys), Amitabha (Buddha of the West), Sakyamuni (the Historical Buddha), Maitreya (the Future Buddha or Buddha of Compassion) and Tsong-kha-pa (Founder of the yellow-hat sect). After you exit from this Dukhang, there is new Dukhang, diagonally across from the courtyard's entrance. The main image in the new Dukhang is that of Avalokitesvara, with 1000 arms and 11 heads.
Namgyal Tsemo Monastery
Location : Middle of Leh Town
Founder
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