Monasteries in Leh Ladakh
Image of Monastery in Leh Ldakh
The word monastery is derived from Greek word “Monasterios” which means “to live alone”. In England, this term is also used for the domicile of Bishop and Cathedral Clergy. Monasteries are also known as Gompa. This is a place where there is no disturbance from the urban life. These monasteries were built under the guidance of Shakyamuni Budha. Except the new monasteries, old monasteries are built on cliffs.
Monastery is a complex in which monks and nuns chant the prayers and is used as domestic dwellings and workplace. Monasteries are different in sizes; small dwellings are for 10 to 15 monks and nuns to vast complexes for hundreds of monks. The monasteries include church, dormitory, cloister, library, bathing rooms, dining room and dispensary.
Monastery word is used to denote the group or community of monks and nuns living in dwelling. Female monastic’s dwellings are known as convent. Life inside the monastery is governed by the community which demands inhabitants to be alone and no or less personal property.
Life inside the monasteries is supported by several methods: manufacturing and selling goods (agriculture products), donations/alms or funds from other organizations. Monasteries educate the children and encourage them for scholarship and research programs.
Leh Ladakh is also well known for the festivals celebrated in monasteries. Leh Ladakh doesn’t have any specific festival of their own, instead each monastery has its own festival. These festivals are celebrated either on the establishment of a particular monastery or on the birthday of patron saint or major events in history of Tibetan budhism. Festivals are celebrated with grand feast, singing and dancing. Most of the festivals are celebrated in winters, and some of them are celebrated in summer.
The festivals are famous for dances, singing and grand feast which is organized in monasteries courtyard. These festivals are commenced by wearing colorful silk garments and face masks by monks. The most known festival is Hemis which is dedicated to the Padmasambhava.