located about 127 km away from the war-conflict zone Kargil, 18th century Tibetan Buddhist Rangdum Monastery is all set to get a tag of ‘national importance’ with the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) is in the final stage of bringing it under its fold.
Once that happens, the ASI, a premier conservation agency under the Union Culture Ministry, will, without interfering with the daily life of its residents-40 monks, be able to ensure protection and restoration of the monastery as and when needed.
Belonging to the Gelugpa sect, the imposing monastery is a tourist’s delight for being abounded by colourful hills on the one side and glacier-coated rocky mountains on the other. It is next to the tiny village of Julidok, and about 25 km from the 14,436 ft (4,400 m) Pensi la (pass) which leads into Zanskar in the head of the Suru Valley in ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir.
Sources in the ASI said that this is the only living monastery in Suru Valley except a few which is evidence that the Buddhist flourished in this part of ladakh. Besides, there are several artifacts like conches and scriptures brought from Tibet which are kept in this monastery, calling for its protection at the national level to be provided by the ASI. Currently, the monastery is being looked after by Rangdum Gonpa Culture and Welfare Society, Rangdum, Zanskar.
"The monastery has two courtyards giving the visitors a clear view of the artifacts and other collections of Tibetan paintings. The available wall space of the portico is embellished with paintings of cardinal kings, wheel of life, Buddhist mystic monogram Namchu Wangdan .
"The main assembly hall enshrines important images of gods of Buddhist pantheon in wooden cases framed with glass window and Buddhist scriptures. A prominent centre of Tibetan Budhism, the monastery is part of the Gelugpa or yellow-hat order.
"Also, there are image of thousand armed sDukar and mummified statues of vulnerable blo-bZang dG-legs Yshes Grags Pa is of exceptional sacred value for pilgrimage visiting this monastery. Also a giant thanka of lord Buddha kept in Tsazin Khang is unfurled once every year during fifth day of the sixth month of the calendar," said the sources, giving its historical and cultural importance. Two tiny hamlets - Yuldo and Tashi-Tongze, located close to the monastery have rows of chortens. According to legend, the monastery was built by Gelek Yashy Takpa during the reign of King Tsewang Mangyul of ladakh.
Once brought under the ASI tag, Rangdum Monastery will be the 12 historical monuments in ladakh region in the row to be declared of national importance. These are: Sculpture at Drass, Rock Cut Sculpture at Mulbekh, lamayuru Monastery, likir Monastery, Alchi Monastery, Phyang Monastery, Hemis Monastery, leh Palace, Old Castle Tsemo Hill, Stupa at T-Suru and Shey Palace.