Lamayuru the Moonland of India and its Monastery

Lamayuru the Moonland of India and its Monastery

Lamayuru, the Moonland of India, is one of the unique places of India. It is called the moonland because moonlike landscapes are carved in this Himalayan region of Ladakh. The moon-like terrain with rocky mountains and eroded hills creates an ethereal sight. The sunset and sunrise at this offer a surreal sight when the light and shadow paint the hues of gold and crimson. Lamayuru Monastery, located in Leh (Ladakh), is one of the oldest and most significant monasteries in the region. Founded in the 11th century, this monastery is part of the Drikung Kagyu sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery is perched on a steep hill, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding barren landscape, which is often compared to the surface of the moon due to its unique rock formations. One of the most interesting aspects of Lamayuru is its annual Yuru Kabgyat festival, which is celebrated with vibrant mask dances, rituals, and prayers. This festival draws visitors from all over the world and is a key highlight of the Ladakh cultural calendar. Based on prevailing customs, it was formerly Ladakh's most prominent Bon monastery; the word "eternity" in Bon culture is represented by the Swastika. The name of Bon's most well-known school is Yungdrung. At the moment, it is connected to the Drikung Kagyu branch of Buddhism. The monastery was originally built on the site of a dried-up lake, which, according to legend, was drained by a great Buddhist saint named Naropa. He is said to have meditated there and blessed the area, making it a spiritual centre. The architecture of Lamayuru is a blend of traditional Tibetan design with whitewashed buildings, prayer halls, and a large central courtyard. The monastery houses ancient thangkas (Buddhist paintings), statues of Buddha, and other sacred relics. Lamayuru is one of the largest and oldest gompas in Ladakh, with a population of around 150 permanent monks. It has, in the past, housed up to 400 monks, many of which are now based in gompas in surrounding villages.