Shey Gompa, Ladakh (Leh)

A 15 km drive towards the south of Leh will bring you to the serene Shey Gompa that is set on a hillock. The two-storeyed monastery was founded on the instructions of King Deldon Namgyal in the memory of his father.

The highlight of the monastery is a two-story high image of the seated Buddha Shalyamuni. This resplendent image is worked out of copper sheets, gilded with gold, and is the biggest metal statue in Ladakh. Said to be the second largest Buddha statue in Ladakh, it is said to contain sacrificial offerings such as grain, jewels, holy signs and mantras inside it. The upper story of the Shey Gompa is adorned with a series of beautiful wall paintings.

The walls flanking the Buddha display images of the 16 Arhats or Worthy Ones who attained Nirvana. Images of Buddha's two chief disciples, Sariputra and Maudgalyayana adorn the walls behind the statue. Colorful images of significance to the Buddha adorn most walls around the statue and are a veritable riot of colour, each wall telling a different tale. In the front of the Buddha is a large bowl of wax with a central flame, symbolizing divinity and purity, which burns for an entire year before being replaced. As you explore the interiors of the monastery, you will come across a large library, its walls painted with murals of Buddha figures with hand gestures of various types.

An annual festival is held on the 30th day of the first month of the Tibetan calendar and gives you a peek into the religious practices of the region today.