Likir Gompa, Ladakh (Leh), Jammu & Kashmir India

The Likir Gompa located in Ladakh is an important pilgrimage centre for the Buddhist devotees. Likir monastery is also popularly known as “Klu-kkhyil”, which means water spirits. It is popularly believed that this monastery is the first in Ladakh to have been constructed by Tibetan monks.

The Likir Gompa belongs to Gelugpa sect of Buddhism, commonly known as the Yellow Hat sect. The Gompa was built on this place after a monastery founded in 11th century by King Lha-chen-rgyal-po that used to exist at the place was destroyed in fire. The name Likir means "The Naga - Encircled". Likir Gompa got its name from the fact that it stands surrounded by the bodies of the two great serpent spirits, the Naga-rajas, Nanda and Taksako.

The Gompa itself is constructed very beautifully. On entry, a verandah painted with the Guardians of the Four Directions further leads to another verandah having a wheel of life mandala held by Yama. There is an assembly hall or as the people locally call it – a Dukhang, on the right side of the courtyard. The Dukhang consists of six row seats for Buddhist monks, with walls that are adorned with some beautiful thangkas. Daily prayers are held by Lamas in the assembly hall. The Dukhang also houses a throne which is reserved for the head Lama of Likir Gompa. In the centre at the front of the hall are three large statues: in the left and central position are statues of Sakyamuni (the Historical Buddha) and the Maitreya (the Future Buddha or Buddha of Compassion) respectively. To the right of this are statues of Tsong-kha-pa, founder of the yellow-hat sect with his two disciples.

Likir Gompa also holds the distinction of being the wealthiest monastery in Ladakh, containing precious statues made in gold, silver and copper, besides numerous rare thangkas, murals and art works. Likir Monastery is also popular for housing fine collection of wall paintings depicting thirty-five compassionate Buddhas and sixteen Arhats. The monastery also has a museum in its complex that showcases numerous Tibetan artefacts that are about a few hundred years old, and is one of the must visit places when touring Ladakh.