Ladakh: Lamayuru Monastery Guide by traveldesk

The Lamayuru Monastery of is situated at a distance of approximately 127 km to the west of . The legend associated with this monastery goes that at the time of Sakyamuni (the Historical Buddha), nags (holy serpents) used to live in a Lake at the present day Lamayuru's valley. It was the prediction of the Bodhisattva Madhyantaka that the lake would get drained out, making the place for the construction of a monastery. It is further believed that in 11th century, Mahasiddhacharya , Indian Buddhist scholar, meditated for many years in a cave in Dukhang, still seen today. Naropa, by causing a split in the surrounding hillside, led to the draining of the lake. In the emptied lake, he found a dead lion and on the same spot, he built the first temple, the Singhe Ghang (Lion Mound). Some other legends have it that in the 10th century, the King of Ladakh instructed that the building of Lamayuru be constructed under the supervision of Rinchen Zangbo. Initially, the Lamayuru Monastery at Ladakh comprised of five buildings. However, today, only the central one exists. Lamayuru of Leh Ladakh, belonging to the Red-Hat of Buddhism, serves as the residence of approximately 150 monks. Also, it boasts of a number of shrines, and some superb wall paintings. One of the major attractions of the Gompa consists of the two masked dances that take place every year. The monks from the surrounding areas gather at Lamayuru for these dances in the 2nd and 5th month of Tibetan lunar calendar, to pray as well as take part.

Ladakh: Lamayuru Monastery Guide by traveldesk