Stongdey Monastery | |
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Religion | |
Affiliation | Tibetan Buddhism |
Sect | Gelug |
Deity | Je Tsongkhapa |
Location | |
Location | Zanskar River Valley, Ladakh, India |
Geographic coordinates | 33°31′9.34″N 76°59′17.59″E / 33.5192611°N 76.9882194°E |
Architecture | |
Founder | Lama Lhodak Marpa Choski Lodos |
Stongdey Monastery, often written Stongde, Stongday, Tonday or Thonde, is a flourishing Buddhist monastery in Zanskar, Ladakh, northern India, approximately 18 km (11 mi) northeast of Padum, on the road to Nimmu.[1] The monastery is located on a hillock overlooking the village of Stongdey.[2]
The gompa was founded in 1052 by Naropa's disciple, the famous translator Lama Marpa Lotsawa (1012-1097). It was taken over by the Gelugpa about four centuries later and became dedicated to Je Tsongkhapa.[1][3]
It is the second largest monastic institution in Zanskar, with a community of about 60 Gelukpa monks.[1] Every year the Gustor Festival is held on the 28th and 29th day in the eleventh month of the Tibetan calendar.
There are seven temples in all. The Tshogs-khang is decorated with exquisite painting including some with deities on a black background outlined in gold.[3]