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Buddhist Monastery Complex, Alchi, Leh, known as Alchi Chos-kor

Property names are listed in the language in which they have been submitted by the State Party.

India (Asia and the Pacific)

Date of Submission: 03/07/1998
Criteria:
Category: Cultural
Submission prepared by:
Archaeological Survey of India
Coordinates:
77°10'30" N, 34°13'23"E
Ref.: 1088

Description

Alchi, 65 km from Leh lies in the barren mountain valley of river Indus. It was patronised a thousand years ago by two wealthy Buddhist Monks, Kalden Sherap and Tshultrin and is founded by Rin-chen-Zang-po.



Dwarfed by high mountains in the backdrop, the monasteries of Alchi are fine examples of traditional Tibetan architecture. Solid square and rectangular structures with flat roofs and with elaborate murals is a landmark of Buddhist art and architecture in the Himalayan region.



Monastic complex of Alchi mainly comprises the following shrines:



1. Lha-Khang Soma (New Temple)

2. Sumstek (Triple storied shrine)

3. Dukhang (Assembly Hall)

4. Lotsava Lhakhang.

5. Manjushri Lhakhang (Temple of Manjushri)

6. Three Chhortens (Stupas)



The murals depicted in the above shrines and stucco images enshrined therein are ascribable to period between 11th to 13th century A.D.