Ladakh (Leh) Sightseeing - Dukhang

An ancient inscription records the construction of the Du-Khang in the latter part of the 11^th century and ascribes its founding to the Kal-dan Shes-rab of Tibetan descent.

You will enter this ancient temple through a courtyard. As you enter the elaborately carved doorway you will find that its panels are covered with carvings of tiny Bodhisattvas and guardian figures. The centerpiece of the Du-Khang temple is the image of Vairocana, the Buddha Resplendent surrounded by the four main Buddha manifestations. As the resident lama guides you through its history, your eyes will initially need to get accustomed to the gloom inside which is broken only by the light of oil lamps. Beautiful wall paintings and murals with rich and vibrant indigenous colors adorn the Alchi's temple walls.

The simple mud walls are adorned with Mandalas and sacred forms that illustrate the Buddhist perspective of the structure of cosmology, different levels of heavenly existence, and the various manifestations of the Buddha. Mandalas are an aid to prayer. Its esoteric geometric shapes depict the Buddhist visualization of the universe and are an art form unique to the region. From the south wall above doorway, a magnificent image of Mahakala, Great time, Timelessness, Deathlessness, or Eternity looks down at you, surrounded by its attendant figures, animals, and sacred symbols.

An interesting feature is the use of colour to depict different qualities. All over the ancient temple walls, the four main Manifestations of Buddha are presented in their associated colors: Akshobya ("Unshakable"; Blue), Ratnasambhava ("Jewel Born"; Yellow), Amitabha ("Boundless Radiance"; Red) and Amoghasiddhi ("Unfailing Success"; Green).