About Hemis Monastery
Probably the most popular attraction of Leh Ladakh is the profound Hemis Monastery. It is also dubbed as the richest monasteries in all of Ladakh and is situated approximately 45 km away from the city. People from around the country and even abroad; when they come to visit Ladakh, Hemis stays at the top of the list. Be it the amazing architecture that this gompa boasts or the 2-days annual event that is joined in by a lot of travelers- everything about the place is quite amazing.
Interestingly, Hemis Monastery is so much important for monks and other preachers because of its elegance. A quick fact about Hemis- every 12 years, the largest Thangka is unfurled in front of the visitors.
A quick history of the Hemis Monastery
If you track back time on the footprints of the Hemis Monastery, its establishment can be traced to the 11th century. But there is other evidence that points in the direction where its establishment is known to be in the 17th century, which is in 1672. The history dates back to give connections between Hemis and Naropa who was the teacher and translator of Marpa.
According to the history of this place, it is also believed that the yogi Tilopa met Naropa at this place. And thereafter the establishment of the monastery, both the priests head to the Magadha kingdom.
Naropa is also the person who is known to be the father of the Kagyu lineage and this monastery is known to be the main seat of the lineage. There is a lot of importance of Hemis Monastery in the hearts and minds of the locals.
The architecture of the Hemis monastery
Like a lot of other monasteries in Ladakh, Hemis too has Tibetan Style architecture to boast about. The entire complex of the main monastery is made out of white walls. The entrance of the monastery leads the visitor to multiple complexes. The gates open to a large courtyard, to the north of which you have the assembly halls. The wheel of life and guardian deities are located in this complex.
There is a library on the premises where monks can be seen reading books and a lot of visitors who get intrigued by the books of Buddhism. They spend hours and hours reading books and understanding more about the monastery’s history.
- The monastery complex consists of several buildings, including the main prayer hall, a library, a museum, and several residential buildings.
- The main prayer hall is known as the Tshogkhang, and it houses a statue of the Buddha made of copper and gold, as well as other statues and thangkas.
- The Tshogkhang also has elaborate murals on its walls and ceiling depicting various Buddhist deities and scenes from Buddhist mythology.
- The library, called the Pethub Khang, contains a large collection of Buddhist texts and manuscripts, some of which are over 400 years old.
- The museum, called the Hemis Museum, displays various artifacts related to Buddhism, including thangkas, statues, ritual objects, and manuscripts.
- The residential buildings include quarters for the monks and the abbot, as well as guest rooms for visitors.
- The monastery is surrounded by a wall and has a large courtyard where festivals and other events are held.
- The architecture of the Hemis Monastery is a blend of Indian and Tibetan styles, reflecting the cultural and religious influences of the region.
Highlights of the Hemis Gompa
Hemis Monastery is a very ancient attraction and one of the finest monuments in all of Ladakh. There is a reason behind its popularity and that’s because of its location and the architecture. Where the architecture is breathtaking one the beauty of its location and which surrounding adds several stars to the monument.
Nyingma Lhakhang is one of the monastery’s highlights and the oldest part of the complex. While you try to figure out which of them is more beautiful, let us just intervene and tell you that the side of the ministry is way better they’re all of your highlights that you would like to tell you. Just make a note of these places so that you do not miss out on any of them.
- The prayer hall of the monastery
- The museum
- Stagsan Raspa
- Shakyamuni’s Golden Statue
- Guru Lhakhang
Opening and closing timings of the Hemis monastery
Hemis monastery can be visited between 8 am to 6 pm throughout the day. It goes without saying that the Hemis Monastery is one of the most important attractions of Ladakh. So while you are deciding the time to visit this monastery make sure that you are within the given time. Apart from these hours pounds the monks in Mona Street meditate and offer their prayers to the lord.
Best time to visit the Hemis Monastery
The best time to visit Hemis Monastery is between May and September which is also the summer and monsoon time in the place. These months are ideal for exploring all the fantastic things about the monastery. The temperature remains comfortable throughout the days and nights are not cold either.
Don’t worry, that’s the best time to visit Ladakh as well. And the only months in which you can access the place via road. Therefore it is better to make your plans accordingly.
How to reach Hemis Monastery
Reaching Hemis Monastery is not going to be a difficult task because it is approximately 45 km from the city of Leh. You can hire a cab or a bike to visit here and it will not take much time to reach here. Because the monastery falls in the late district, people usually prefer visiting here during their first day in the city. This is because they get to explore a few places in Leh while getting their bodies acclimatized.
Festivals in Hemis Monastery
If you are planning to visit Hemis during the early peak season which is in June- you can enjoy yourself at the 2-days long annual Hemis festival. It usually happens in June but sometimes it shifts to early July too. That depends on the Tibetan Calendar. Enjoy witnessing the Cham Dance and the displaying of ancient Thangkas.
A lot of people become a part of this festival and others that are celebrated in many different attractions, temples, and monasteries. If you believe you are a part of this Festival then you should make the plan accordingly as we have already told you that the festival in Hemis Monastery falls either in June or in July. One of the best ways to know the exact date is to either look at our page or the official website of Ladakh. This will help you when planning your trip better.
Tips and conclusion
You might think that this monastery is just like any other in the union territory of Ladakh. Isn’t it? But that’s not true. People have a lot of faith and belief in the monument and the lord inside.
Apart from the regular tips that we have already mentioned a lot of times; we would like to say that we should just obey all the rules and regulations. Do not be too loud in or around the premises, and make sure that you have not consumed any intoxicating materials.
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