Largely in a state of dilapidation, the 11th-12th Century old Buddhist monastery Wanla Gompa housing 16-feet-high statue of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva (prospective or future Buddha) on lotus pedestal, in the cold deserts of Ladakh’s Wanla village is, finally, all set for a facelift.
The Government last month brought the Wanla Gompa complex in the list of national importance by issuing a notification in this regard. “The Archeological Survey of India (ASI), under the Union Culture Ministry, will now start restoration work in this ancient monastery constructed on the top of a hill overlooking Wanla village,” said an official from the Ministry.
The much-awaited move has come at a time when the Government is heavily promoting Buddhist tourism in a bid to attract more tourists from countries with sizable Buddhist population like Japan and China to boost foreign tourist arrivals.
The massive image of Avalokitesvara standing on lotus pedestal, facing towards east having 11 heads in three direction and eight hands in different postures, besides various murals of Buddha, Bodhisattvas and Mandalas are key attractions of this religious site. Avalokite?vara or Padmapani is a Bodhisattva who embodies the compassion of all Buddhas and is revered by Buddhists.
The monastery is located near the Lamayuru Monastery and falls in the category of the 108 monasteries which were constructed during 958-1055 AD with the support of the King of Ladakh.
However, over the time, some of the mural paintings, walls and wooden doors have been badly damaged due to snow and water percolation, neglect and maintenance prompting the Government to bring it under its fold.
The national tag would make this architectural marvel eligible for central government fund.
“The front porch ceiling supported by wooden pillars and carved motives is in a fragile state. Projected wooden beams and pillars are carved with Lord Buddha images and frame for displaying small wooden sculpture which are missing now. The wood work shows the influence of Kashmiri temple architecture.
“On the first floor, there is another rectangular room flanked with open space. There are some Bodhisattva and lamas stucco image and inner walls completely decorated with mural paintings which are represented to various postures of Lord Buddha and pre-life of Lord Buddha.
The wall of the Assembly hall are decorated with mural paintings of royal scenes, wheel of life, perching of Lord Buddha and Budhisattva image besides some mandalas,” said the official.
Surrounding the Avalokiteshvara standing on lotus pedestal, white face bearing a golden colored crown there are five “Dhyani-Buddha” image in meditation posture. One of the important murals is that of Rin-chen-znag-po (Ratna Baitra), the great translator and philosopher in the region. He is said to have constructed this Buddhist Gompa dedicated to Avalokiteshvara.