Stongdey Monastery Explained

Stongdey Monastery
Map Type:India Ladakh
Coordinates:33.5193°N 76.9882°W
Location:Zanskar River Valley, Ladakh, India
Sect:Gelug
Dedicated To:Je Tsongkhapa
No. Of Monks:60

Stongdey Monastery, often written Stongde, Stongday, Tonday or Thonde, is a flourishing Buddhist monastery in Zanskar, Ladakh, northern India, approximately northeast of Padum, on the road to Nimmu.[1] The monastery is located on a hillock overlooking the village of Stongdey.[2]

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

References

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Stongdey Monastery. Buddhist-temples.com. 20 October 2009.
  2. Web site: 17 August 2024 . Tourism > Tourist Places > Zanskar . 31 August 2024 . LAHDCK – Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, Kargil.
  3. Rizvi (1996), p. 255.