ALCHI

Alchi is located 70 kms from Leh in the Ladakh region in Jammu & Kashmir. It is a priceless Himalayan heritage as it houses an extraordinary wealth of ancient wall paintings and wood sculptures, miraculously preserved for over nine centuries inside five mud walled temples. Alchi is the most impressive place, nestled beside a bend in the milky blue river Indus, and is also a perfect place to break a long journey to or from the Ladakh capital. It’s earliest murals are the finest example of a style that flourished in Kashmir. Alchi is significant for its “The Du-Khang” and “The Sumstek” temples in the village.

The Du-Khang : Being Alchi’s oldest structure erected in the 11th century by Kaldan Shesrab, it can be approached via a walled courtyard and a path that runs under a hollow stupa. The wooden doorway of the square temple is richly carved with meditating Bodhisattavas. Paintings cover every inch of space on the walls.

The Sumstek : To the left of the Du-Khang, is the Sumstek, Alchi’s most celebrated temple. It is the highest achievement of early Indian Buddhist art. Its wooden carvings and paintings in reds and blues are almost as fresh and vibrant today, as they were 900 years ago. The interior of the dark shrine is surrounded by a mass of “Mandalas”, Buddhas, Demi-Gods and other celestials. There is a colossal statue of Maitreya, accompanied by two equally grand Bodhisattvas, their heads peering down through gaps in the ceiling. Each decorated statue wears a figure clinging Dhoti, adorned with beautiful motifs, and episodes from life of Gautam Buddha. The robe of Manjushri shows 84 masters of Tantra. Among exquisite murals is the famous six-armed green Goddess Prajanaparamita. Heavily jewelled, she sits on a lotus by Avalokitesvaras gigantic left leg. When viewed from the centre of the shrine, the multitude of images resolve into a harmonious whole. The other temples of Chos-Khor are also famous for their “Thousand Buddha” paintings and gilding.

Alchi is truly the “Monastic Jewel” of Ladakh.