Introduction – Phyang Monastery
Phyang Monastery is also known as Gouon Gompa which means, “the blue peak.” The monastery is an attraction that lures a lot of people. It is the sheer beauty of the monastery’s architecture and its surroundings that keep the visitors engaged throughout their visit. According to history, Degungpa teaching was first introduced in Phyang Monastery. And then it was passed on to other places throughout Ladakh.
Arguably, this place is home to the biggest thangkas if you do not compare it with the one that’s present at the Hemis Monastery. This is showcased every day, unlike the one that’s in Hemis which is showcased once in 12-years.
History of Phyang Monastery
The history of this gompa states that it was constructed by King Lkra-Shis-Namgyal who was also known to be the founding member of the Namgyal Dynasty back in 1500 AD. He created this dynasty after dethroning the Lha-Chen kings. The Namgyal king not only established the monastery but also ruled from this place between 1500 to 1532 AD. During the era, they filled the Phyang Monastery with a lot of beautiful statues, Kandshur copies, and tangkas to say the least.
The monastery also houses Tandshur which is a religious book of Buddhists, having 225-volumes of Kandshur commentary. The monastery is home to more than 100 monks representing the red-hat sect which is connected to Buddhism. A lot of Lamas have also studied the philosophy of Buddhism from this place.
Additionally, the Gompa has witnessed a lot of things including destruction, harsh climate, and a lot of other things as well. This made it weak, which is why the gompa had to be renovated in 1975.
Architecture of Phyang Gompa
Phyang Monastery is a beautiful example of traditional Buddhist architecture, with stunning views and intricate details that reflect the rich cultural heritage of the region. Here are some key features of its architecture.
- Phyang Monastery is built on a hilltop, with stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
- The monastery complex is made up of a number of buildings, including a main temple, assembly hall, and residential quarters for the monks.
- The main temple is a two-story structure, with a golden roof and intricate wood carvings on the doors and windows.
- The assembly hall is a large building that can accommodate up to 500 people. It is used for religious ceremonies, cultural events, and community gatherings.
- The monastery also has a number of smaller temples and shrines, each dedicated to a different deity or aspect of Buddhist practice.
- The walls of the monastery are adorned with colorful murals and thangkas, traditional Tibetan Buddhist paintings on silk.
- The monastery is surrounded by a wall, with two gatehouses that serve as entrances to the complex.
- The architecture of Phyang Monastery is a blend of Tibetan and Ladakhi styles, reflecting the cultural influences of the region.
Highlights of Phyang Gompa
One of the most important things about Phyang Gompa is the wall paintings, but that’s not the only thing. This is an ancient temple where there are a lot of amazing things inside. It houses a lot of weapons, thangkas, and museum items. The Gompa is also home to multiple 900 years old items. So while you plan your trip here, make sure that you do not miss out on the below-listed things.
- The 900 years old museum
- Collection of thangkas, paintings, and weapons
- Annual festival of Gang-Sngon Tsedup
- Surrounding Phyang hills
- Assembly hall of the monastery
- Phyang Lake should not be missed
Location of Phyang Gompa
You don’t have to worry about the location of this Phyang Gompa because that is very close to Leh city. This monastery is situated approximately 22 km from Leh towards its west. The gompa is beautifully located in Chhiwang village on its hilltop.
The location of this Gompa is quite scenic and beautiful where people get mesmerised too much while visiting here. We believe you should spend an hour or so while visiting here. Half an hour for the beauty and serenity of the place and the rest goes for the exploration of the Gompa.
There are people who wish to meditate inside the assembly or prayer hall (this is subject to allowance). If you too wish for the same, you can do that without any problem at all. This monastery comes your way when you drive towards the Hall of Fame on NH 1.
Opening and closing time of Phyang Monastery
If you want to visit Phyang Monastery, you will have to plan it between 6 am to 1 pm or 1:30 pm to 6 pm. Therefore, plan your trip accordingly. So, while you are iterating your trip to Phyang Monastery, make sure these timings do match. And you can make a trip in such a way that your time doesn’t get wasted waiting.
What is Phyang Monastery known for?
We have already discussed a lot of things about the Phyang Monastery, but what is it famous for? Do you have an idea about that? Yes, it is a Buddhist monastery but the most important thing about this attraction is the 900 years old museum. This attraction exhibits beautiful and retrospective murals, wall paintings, and other items inside. This is cherished and loved by the visitors a lot.
There is a perfect melange of natural beauty outside the monastery and man-made beauty inside the place. So make sure you enjoy both of them together. We believe it is an ecosystem that you will enjoy when around and make sure that there is nothing left behind.
Tips to follow when you are visiting Phyang Monastery
- You can wear the right shoes if you want to hike up the Gompa because that’s another way to reach here.
- For people who wish to take their time out of everything and visit here can simply take a taxi or a cab if they do not put themselves in the adventure enthusiast’s category. Commuting between Leh city and
- Phyang Monastery is quite small and well maintained.
- Like in the other monasteries, here also you will have to keep all the important things in mind like respecting the monks and Lamas. You cannot and should not disrespect them in any way.
- Do not touch any item in the vicinity of the Gompa as the monks and lamas are very particular about their religious items.
- If you wish to enjoy photography, you can do that outside the Gompa or in the surroundings. But before you try to click anything inside the temple, you should and must ask the monks. It is very important to do that.
- One of the most essential things that should not be forgotten is that one should not be missed is about the intoxicating agents. Yes, you heard that right! If you are found under the influence of any intoxicating material; you might have to serve in jail or will have to give a hefty penalty. This would be a big problem and a group spoiler too.
- You can also plan to take a trip to nearby places and create an itinerary accordingly.
Conclusion
Needless to say, this Gompa is a spellbinding attraction for visitors. And you will definitely have a great time here. Just keep in mind the important things we have given in this blog. This will help and guide you to make better decisions and get an elevated experience on your trip. This is undoubtedly an amazing place where you will surely have a lot of fun.
See Also: Hemis Monastery | Likir Monastery | Lamayuru Monastery
Thiksey Monastery | Alchi Monastery | Spituk Monastery | Leh Palace
