Hemis Gompa

Hemis Gompa

Hemis monastic complex is in Ladakh region of the Western Himalayas, in the state of Jammu and Kashmir at an altitude of 12,000 feet making it one of the highest settlements of the world .

There is a believe that it is established in 1630 by Lama Tagstang Raspa and built by Palden Sara under the patronage of King Sengge Namgyal on a site previously sanctified by the construction of a cave hermitage dating from the 12th century. It is a example of the of construction techniques and details which are not found elsewhere.
The main building itself dates from 1630 when the Nyingma Lhakhang was constructed with a courtyard in front and the residence for the Rinpoche located some distance to the east. The main entrance to the Gompa building, the large courtyard and its enclosing gallery decorated with painted stone relief’s.
Hemis Gompa festival is one of the most auspicious occasion for the Buddhist community in India. The Hemis fair is celebrated with great jubilance to mark the birth of Guru Padmasambhava or Guru Rimpoche, the revered incarnation of Lord Buddha.