Spituk Monastery

Spituk Monastery, also known as Spituk Gompa, is a beautiful Buddhist monastery situated on a hilltop 8 km from Leh in Ladakh, India. Dating back to the 11th century, this monastery belongs to the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The name "Spituk" means "Exemplary", signifying its transformation into an important religious and cultural center. Offering breathtaking views of the Indus River and Leh Valley, Spituk is famous for its ancient murals, giant statue of Kali, and sacred artifacts.

Backdrop

Founded by Od-de, the elder brother of Lha Lama Changchub Od, the monastery was originally home to the Kadampa school of Tibetan Buddhism before being taken over by the Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) sect in the 15th century. The monastery houses about 100 monks and a collection of Buddhist relics, Thangka paintings, and ancient scriptures. Spituk is also famous for its annual Gustor Festival, where traditional masked dances (Cham dance) are performed.

Highlights

• Breathtaking Location: Situated on a hilltop, offering stunning views of Leh, the Indus River, and the snow-capped mountains.
• Statue of Goddess Kali: A giant statue of Goddess Kali, unveiled only during the Gustor Festival.
• Ancient Artifacts: Home to centuries-old Thangka paintings, sculptures, and sacred Buddhist relics.
• Gustor Festival: A two-day festival celebrated in January, featuring masked Cham dances symbolizing the victory of good over evil.
• Monastic Life: A peaceful environment where monks practice meditation and Buddhist teachings.