Nothing Above Their Believes - The Ladakh Monasteries

I don't think I have ever been to a place like Ladakh in my life and don't think ever will be, until I return to this cold desert. The barren landscape and the towering mountains arouse a felling of awe in you. Surrounded by two of the mightiest mountain ranges, Himalayas and Karakoram, Ladakh is a world of its own. I visited Ladakh for its beautiful and appealing Landscape, famous palaces and monasteries. But I never prepared myself for what I was about to experience. The beauty of the nature is definitely something that will leave you breathless, and the altitude at which Ladakh is, take the word 'breathless' literally. But the scenery won't be the most striking. The magnitude with which religion practiced in the region is simply astounding. The monasteries are huge, grand and magical places. Almost everything in the prefecture has a tinge of religion in it.nnThe predominant religion in Ladakh is Buddhism, and it has been that since the start. The religion is so widespread that you don't have to go to a monastery to step into the world of spirituality. Religion finds place for itself in every aspect of Ladakhi lifestyle. The whole region seems so peaceful and content by the virtue of the religion, even the nature seems one with man. nnMonasteries of Ladakh are a place to be seen, to be understood and experienced completely. No words can ever register the exact feelings that one gets when inside a monastery. The architecture of these holy places is very simple yet elegant and inspiring. Known as 'Gompas', these monasteries are decorated with most exquisite wood carvings, gold and silver ornaments, paintings, and art on silk scrolls. The structure of the monasteries is generally made of rocks, wood and cement. These structures can be seen even from long distances, not only because of their sizes but also due to the color they are painted in. The color bear a striking difference with the surroundings. I noticed that all monasteries had a wheel with a dragon on either side of it, placed on top of the monastery.nnThe largest monastery in Ladakh which is also one of the most important Buddhist sites in the world is Hemis Monastery. It is famous for the Hemis festival held here every year around the month of July. It is a mirror to the fascinating Ladakhi culture. Other monasteries in Ladakh are Spituk Monastery, Namgyal Tsemo Gompa, Thiksey Monastery, Shey Monastery. On looks, most distinct of them all is Spituk Monastery which is situated on top of a hill and most interesting statue is in Thiksey Monastery. The two storey long golden statue of Maitreya Buddha is simply grand and awe inspiring.n