Dzongkhul Monastery or Zongkhul Gompa is located in the Stod Valley of Zanskar in Jammu and Kashmir in northern India. Like the Sani Monastery, it belongs to the Drukpa school of Tibetan Buddhism.Dzongkhul has traditionally been home to famous yogins. It is sited near the foot of a wide valley which leads to the pass known as the Umasi-la which joins Zanskar and Kishtwar.
Shrine’s History
Its foundation is attributed to Naropa, who was a celebrated Indian Buddhist yogi, mystic and monk from the renowned Vikramshila University in Bihar. He is said to have meditated in one of the two caves around which the gompa is built and the monastery is dedicated to him. His footprint can be seen in the rock near the entrance to the lower cave. The gompa contains images and thankas of famous Drukpa lamas. Zhadpa Dorje, a famous painter and scholar created some of the frescoes on the cave walls almost 300 years ago. Impressions of Naropa’s ceremonial dagger and staff are also said to be on the rocks in his meditation cave which attracts many pilgrims. Until about the 1960s, there were some 20 resident monks, but the numbers have dropped sharply in more recent times. It also contains a rich collection of precious artefacts, such as an ivory image of Samvara, a crystal stupa, and texts containing spiritual songs and biographies. Dzongkhul became a flourishing Kagyu meditation centre under the Zanskari yogi Ngawang Tsering (1717-1794).
By Road
The nearest Bus stop is Zanskar.
By Rail
The nearest Airport is Banihal.
By Air
The nearest Airport is Leh Airport.
Shrine Timings
The Zongkhul Huchot festival on the 16th and 17th days of the fourth Tibetan month but there are no masked dances.
