Takthok Monastery

Takthok Monastery is situated in a Sakti village, Ladakh which lies 46km east of Leh. Takthok monastery is also recognized as Thag Thong or Thak Thak. Generally Takthok means rock-roof as it is made up of rock. This monastery belongs to Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism and the number of lamas is only 55 that reside in the monastery.

Takthok Gompa was founded in sixteen century during the control of Tshewang Namgyal on hill side near a cave in which Padmasambhava were meditated in the 8th century. During each year these lamas celebrate festival on every 9th and 6th of six month of Tibbetan calendar and they also perform sacred dances that provide you an opportunity to enjoy the rich cultural heritage of Ladakh. The structure of takthok gompa is somehow similar to other monastery; it has a main temple which is very dark with a low ceiling of rock which covered with residue from time of butter lamps having been burned there. On left of the central courtyard there is cave chapel of the monastery and opposite to the chapel are the images of Padme Sambhava and Avalokitesvara. Takthok Gompa-1

A small cave lies behind this image which is thought that Padme Sambhava lived and meditated for three years. On the left of the courtyard, there is a main assembly hall and mural of guardian divinities decorate the verandah on to the entrance to the Dukhang and they are displayed during time of the annual festival of this monastery.

A throne inside the assembly hall is reserved exclusively for the Dalai Lama. Also there are paintings that once adorned the walls are covered with grime and even the floor feels sticky.There are statues the Future Buddha, Padmasambhava and Dorje Takposal.Takthok Gompa also include the Kandshur, the 108 volumes of Buddha's teachings. An important thing can be seen that a cave has been turned into a kitchen which has enormous stoves that are capable of producing enough food for all the peoples who get there for the annual festival.