Karsha monastery is the largest monastery of Zanskar. The complete name of Karsha monastery is ‘Karsha Chamspaling’. Karsha monastery in Zanskar is also known as Kursha monastery, Karsha Gompa and Kursha Gompa. This monastery was first founded by Phagspa Shesrab. The monastery prospered and flourished because of the hard work of Dorje Shesrab, the Teacher. Today the monastery stands fruitfully because of his efforts. In this monastery Gelukpa order was introduced by Shesrab Zangpo of Stod.
About Karsha Monastery :
Karsha monastery is the largest monastery of Zanskar in Ladakh region in the state of Jammu and Kashmir in north India. It is located in Padum Valley above the Stod River in Zanskar and it is also known as Karsha Chamspaling. Dalai Lama’s younger brother controls the monastery.
Karsha monastery was founded by famous translator, Phagspa Sherab in 11th century. It was constructed on the steep mountain above Karsha village. It was constructed of adobe bricks with white washed building in a fortified shape.
Karsha monastery is a complex comprising eight temples, chapels, chortens, residential rooms for 150 monks and assembly halls. Assembly halls lie at the central part of the monastery and surrounded with three chapels that has number of statues and beautiful art works. Wall paintings in the monastery by Lama Dzadpa Dorie are the attraction for the visitors. There is a huge collection of Thangka paintings. The temples which are over 300 years old are larger than other buildings of the monastery and are partially damaged.
Chortens or grave of mummified Lamas depict the various stages of spiritual as well as physical attainments. It is believed that in the dome of Chortens, spiritual elements are also infused in the mummified body and it is known as perfect human body. During India-Pakistan war this place was attacked and silver coverings of Chorten was taken. After the war it was revealed that inside the Chortens there were wooden frame works. It has since been restored.
There are temples of Khagsar close by the Karsa village and a convent known by Dorjezong located at the top of the valley.
Karsha gives the opportunity to see the beautiful landscape of Zanskar too that includes the glaciers, greenery, river and lands.
Karsha is famous for its festival Gustor.
History of Karsha Monastery :
Karsha Monastery is credited to Padmasambhava. There are some wall paintings in the oldest remaining structure-an Avaloketeshvara temple, Chuk-shik-jal. These paintings seem to be linked to the era of Rinchen Zangpo (958-1055). The monastery is controlled by Dalai Lama’s younger brother. a statue of Lhaso Cho Rinpoche is behind his seat in the chapel. The Mons have been following Buddhism since Kushana dynasty. Their contribution in building up of several monasteries, temples and chortens is incredible.
Composition of Karsha Monastery :
The monastery consists of numerous shrines. There are some of the very delicate wall paintings made by the Lama Dzadpa Dorje. There are bone relics of Dorje Rinchen as well. Karsha monastery is the residence of about 100 monks. A famous festival is held in the monastery between the 26th and 29th day of sixth month of Tibetan calendar. This festival is known as Gustor Festival. The celebrations of the Festival involve the sacred masked Cham dance.
There is a cloth painting in the monastery. This cloth painting is a complex embroidery with gold and colorful threads on a cloth of orange color. This cloth painting is unfolded by lamas and depicts Buddha surrounded by his guardian deities.
Other Temples and Monasteries Near Karsha Monastery :
There are several other temples that are constructed near the monastery are the Lhakhang Karpo and Thugsjechhenpoi Lhakhang. Monasteries close to the Karsha monastery are Purang Monastery, Khagsar Monastery and Phagspa Monastery. There is also a nunnery which is known as ‘Dorjezong’. It is located at the top of the valley. There is a holy image of 11-headed Avaloketeshvara that is worshipped in the nunnery.
Chorten Around Karsha Monastery :
There is a Chorten in the area of Karsha monastery. It has incarnate lama’s mummified body. the lama was known as the Rinchen Zangpo. The mummified body is sealed in a silver lined box of wood. This silver sheet covering was robbed and spoilt During the Indo-Pakistan war. Thus the framework of wood for relic’s container was exposed. It was later refurbished.
Karsha monastery is a masterpiece amongst the monasteries in Zanskar. This monastery houses a big number of gorgeous artifacts that will force you to appreciate them. Karsha monastery in Zanskar is highly revered monastery. The temples, monasteries and chortens in the vicinity of Karsha monastery are worth a visit. Even the Chorten in its area is no less whether in terms of beauty or importance. If you have not been to this monastery, spend these vacations there only.
Shopping :
Zanskar is the place if you are interested in shopping. You can buy Ladakhi and Tibetan handicraft objects, jewelry and Thangka paintings and good quality of woolens.
Best time to visit :
It is open for the visitors round the year. But considering weather best time to visit is July to September as winter is very harsh and snow covers all the roads and routes. Pass is cleared of snow till July and remains open till mid October.