Hemis Gompa Monastery

Hemis, or as it is also called, Changchub Samstanling, is the most famous of the monasteries of Ladakh. It was founded by Lama Stag-stang Ras-pa, invited by King Sengge Namgyal. The monastery was designed as a personal monastery for the royal family.

Historical information

Its construction took 40 years - it took place from 1602 to 1642. In the year of the monkey, a giant thangka depicting Guru Padmasambhava, made in pearls and appliqués and one of the most famous artistic treasures of Ladakh, unfolds from the terrace on five levels of the façade of the monastery.

In the Ladakhi language, the word for “monastery” sounds like “gompa”, which means “deserted, secluded place”. The gompa is the center of any village and the number of monks in each monastery is replenished due to the local tradition among the villagers to send one of their sons to become a monk.

The ties between the monastery and the village, both spiritual and economic, have always remained very strong. The villagers make donations for the construction and development of the monastery and finance some of the special ceremonies and rituals that are performed by the monks. The land holdings of monasteries are often cultivated by villagers, who give part of the harvest to the monastery. This symbolic relationship between the villagers and the monastery guaranteed the survival of this religious institution for centuries.

Legends and myths

High in the mountains above the gompa is the hermitage of the hermit Gyalwa Kotsang, known as Gotsang, and in this hermitage there are footprints and handprints attributed to this saint. Monks from the monastery retire to this monastery for meditation. About 500 monks live in the monastery, which makes it the largest in Ladakh.

Hemis is considered the largest, highest and richest monastery in Ladakh. It cannot be called the most beautiful monastery and now it needs some restoration. But Hemis still amazes travelers with its legends and traditions.

The gompa was built in the 17th century and is sometimes called Chang Chub Sang Ling, which translates to “secluded place of Compassion.” The monastery is nestled in a narrow valley among the mountains on the Zanskar ridge. The gompa opens suddenly and amazes with its architecture.

Built a hundred years later than the Patala Palace in Lhasa, the Hemis Monastery rivaled the famous Tibetan shrine in its wealth.

Hemis Monastery has become world famous due to the festival, which takes place every 12 years. The largest tanka in the world is kept here. During the festival, it is hung by the lamas from one side of the temple. It is made of heavy silk, and the figure of Padma Sambhava and figures of saints are embroidered on it with bright threads. Hemis celebrates the birthday of Padma Sambhava every June.

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