Know Here All About Sankar Gompa
Ladakh is known for a lot of things- True! But one of the best amongst them are the Gompas- you can’t deny that too! From a list of ancient and huge monasteries, one of them is Sankar Gompa. It is a very intriguing monastery that is designed to perfection. Although not many people know about this attraction if you visit here, you won’t be sorry for that. It is an admirable Buddhist monastery that is believed to be a subsidiary of Spituk Gompa.
And that’s not it; There are a lot of other myths and important things related to Sankar Gompa. It is one of the finest attractions in all of Ladakh just like any other monastery. Therefore, you should try visiting and spending time here. Another important thing to know about this monastery is that you get to enjoy the serenity of this place.
History of Sankar Gompa
If you track the history of Sankar Gompa, it states that the monastery belongs to the Yellow Hat Sect. It is home to approximately 25 monks of the Gelugpa sect and only a few of these monks are permanent residents of this place. Although history says that the gompa was constructed about 90 years ago but there was a small temple that stands at the premises which is approximately 500 years old.
Sankar Gompa is an exceptional place for history buffs as well as nature lovers. As we have already mentioned above, this Gompa is a subordinate of Spituk Monastery- it was initially home to the Kushok Bakul. This is the most elite race or sect in Ladakh.
The architecture of Sankar Gompa
There is no single Gompa or monastery in Ladakh that isn’t a relentless piece of architecture. All of them are amazing and people love to see them. Sankar Gompa is one of them too. The walls of this Gompa’s boundaries are made of stone. It has an assembly hall in the middle where you can see a portrait of Kushok Bakul Rinpoche who is the head, Lama.
Note: People also believe that Kushok Bakul Rinpoche was the senior incarnate Lama.
And that’s due to his personal authority and lineage. He died back in 2004. Then you will see the assembly hall decoration which is simply enchanting. The entrance of the hall is decorated with several paintings of the guardians pointing towards 4 different directions. Then on your left, you will get to see the Verandah entrance which has the wheel of life in the center. The Lamas are seen holding the wheel.
Then the other walls of the Gompa are filled with multiple paintings of Buddha. There is a throne that’s in the center of the hall. On the right side of that throne you get to see Avalokiteshvara’s picture who has 1000 arms and 11 heads.
Location of Sankar Gompa
You don’t have to worry about the location of this monastery because it is quite near to Leh city. Sankar Gompa is another beautiful monastery that is located roughly 3 km from Leh’s main market. You can take a taxi, hire or rent a bike or a car, and even look for sharing cabs to reach here. If you are an adventure enthusiast; take a walk to the Gompa.
Just to add on this part; Sankar Gompa can be visited with multiple other attractions too. You can club it with other similar attractions and nearby places too. Moreover, Sankar Gompa can also be kept in the list of places when you get yourself acclimated to the pressure, altitude, and oxygen change in Leh.
Highlights of Sankar Gompa
Sankar Gompa is a complete gem with so many amazing highlights but if you still want to know the best of all of these. We can’t pick a single one for you. There are multiple attractions inside the monument that have their own significance and importance.
- The Avalokiteshvara statue
- The assembly hall of the gompa
- Inner Sanctuary
- Monastery Library
Timings of Sankar Gompa
The visiting hours of Sankar Gompa are either between 7 am and 10 am or 5 pm and 7 pm. With such limited time, you will have to plan things better. Make sure to do that.
Between 10 am and 5 pm you will not be able to visit the Gompa because the gates get closed. This is also the resting time of the monks and Lamas. They also believe that this is the resting time of the lord. Some Lamas and monks meditate during this time too.
Entry Fees of Sankar Gompa
The entry fee for Sankar Gompa is INR 30 for Indians as well as international travelers per person.
How to reach Sankar Gompa
The local drivers know well about this monastery so you can take a cab or taxi and head out on your journey. It will not take more than half an hour to reach there.
Best time to visit Sankar Gompa
You can visit here throughout the year. There won’t be much of a difference whenever you visit here just the snow and clear sky would be.
Things to remember while visiting Sankar Gompa
Like any other monastery in Ladakh, Sankar Gompa also has a few things to keep in mind. You should also keep them noted somewhere so that you do not ruin your trip due to some mistake. Here are a few quick tips for you to remember while visiting the attraction.
- Do not forget to mind all the rules and abide by them by all means. There should not be a time that you disobey any of the rules and regulations of the monastery.
- Make sure you wear the right clothes because it is a temple and people worship here. Wearing something inappropriate would be a big no from our side.
- If you are under the influence of any kind of intoxicating agent; we would suggest that you don’t visit here. Consuming any intoxicating item around or in the premises is strictly prohibited. And people who are found under their influence will be charged heavily or can also be sent behind bars.
- Without asking the monks and other people at the Gompa, do not click pictures. And ensure that you are not disrespecting anyone or anything.
See Also: Leh Palace | Shanti Stupa | Thiksey Monastery | Spituk Monastery
