Leh Temples

According to the Eschatology of Buddhism which states the final events in history in the Buddhist viewpoint, Buddha supposed that all his teachings, particularly those on moral behavior would be disappear after 5000 years of its commencement and his reincarnation Maitreya would be born again and attain enlightenment and re-teach 'The Dharma' all over again. Buddhists await the coming of Maitreya. In this Endeavour the Buddhists have constructed several temples for Maitreya. This white Chamba Temple was built by King Tragspa Bumde in the 15th Century.

Paldan Lumo Temple is one of the uppermost temple located on the hill top near the river Indus in Leh District of Jammu and Kashmir. It has been made inside the Spituk monastery, that is located about 18 km from Leh. The leh temple is devoted to Vajrabhairava. In the month of January annual festival is celebrated and the frightening face of Vajrabhairva is unveiled to the public. It also houses articles of tantrik worship, strange looking images, antiques and arms. The temple also contain a shield made of cane. The pillars of the temple are covered with the hides of tigers. The leh temple is the main attraction. The Indian army personnel posted at Leh are the main worshippers at this shrine.

Serzang temple is one of the famous leh temple located nearby to the royal quarters in Basgo village in Leh. Serzang temple were built during the time of 17th century using gold and copper. This leh temple has copper gilt picture of 30 ft height Maitreya Buddha. The temple can be reached by traveling on the main Leh-Srinagar Highway. The temple has many mural paintings like Tilopa, Marpa, Mila Raspa and Naropa.The walls of Buddha pictures have been beautifully painted walls of Buddha along with the images of people associated with Red Hat sect, the temple has also a Serzang manuscript copy of the Tibetan Buddhist Canon, written in silver, gold and copper letters.

Matho temple is located at a distance of 26 km to the south-east of Leh on the opposite bank of the River Indus. There is a monastery, which belongs to the Saskya Order. Matho temple were founded by a Lama Dugpa Dorje before five hundred years ago. Shrines and sacred temple are mainly devoted to the guardian deity are to be seen there. Matho Nagrang festival takes place every year during the month of 14th and 15th day of first Tibetan month at Matho Temple. Monks from different monastery perform sacred dances and two oracles known as the Rongtsan make their appearance.

The famous Stok Gruru Tsechu mask dance festival celebrated every year during February for two days a week before the Matho Nagrang by the monks of Stok and Spituk monasteries. During this two day festival two laymen emerge as oracle trained by the monks to invoke the spirits of the deities and receive the blessings.