Stongdey Monastery, often written Stongde, Stongday, Tonday or Thonde, is a flourishing Buddhist monastery in Zanskar, Ladakh, northern India, approximately 18 km (11 mi) northeast of Padum, on the road to Nimmu.[1] The monastery is located on a hillock overlooking the village of Stongdey.[2]
| Stongdey Monastery | |
|---|---|
 Stongdey Gompa from the Nimmu-Padum road | |
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Tibetan Buddhism |
| Sect | Gelug |
| Deity | Je Tsongkhapa |
| Location | |
| Location | Zanskar River Valley, Ladakh, India |
  Location within India | |
| Geographic coordinates | 33°31′9.34″N 76°59′17.59″E / 33.5192611°N 76.9882194°E |
| Architecture | |
| Founder | Lama Lhodak Marpa Choski Lodos |
The gompa was founded in 1052 by Naropa's disciple, the famous translator Lama Marpa Lotsawa (1012-1097). It was taken over by the Gelugpa about four centuries later and became dedicated to Je Tsongkhapa.[1][3]
It is the second largest monastic institution in Zanskar, with a community of about 60 Gelukpa monks.[1] Every year the Gustor Festival is held on the 28th and 29th day in the eleventh month of the Tibetan calendar.
There are seven temples in all. The Tshogs-khang is decorated with exquisite painting including some with deities on a black background outlined in gold.[3]
See also
editFootnotes
edit
- ^ a b c "Stongdey Monastery". Buddhist-temples.com. Retrieved 20 October 2009.
- ^ "Tourism > Tourist Places > Zanskar". LAHDCK – Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, Kargil. 17 August 2024. Retrieved 31 August 2024.
- ^ a b Rizvi (1996), p. 255.
References
edit- Janet Rizvi. (1996). Ladakh: Crossroads of High Asia. Second Edition. Oxford University Press, Delhi. ISBN 0-19-564546-4.
- Schettler, Margaret & Rolf (1981). Kashmir, Ladakh & Zanskar. Lonely Planet Publications. South Yarra, Victoria, Australia. ISBN 0-908086-21-0.