Shanti Stupa is a Buddhist Stupa on a hilltop in Chanspa, Leh district, Ladakh, in the north Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. The stupa is a symbol of Peace, Unity and Buddhist Teaching. It is considered as a symbol of the ties between the people of Japan and Ladakh. Shanti Stupa has become a tourist attraction not only due to its religious significance but also due to its location which provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape of snowy peaks of mountain.
History of Shanti Stupa
Shanti Stupa was constructed in the year 1991 by Japanese Buddhist, Bhikshu Gyomyo Nakamura. The construction was jointly done by the Japanese and Ladakhi Buddhists to mark the completion of 2500 years of Buddhism and to promote world peace. It is a part of Peace Pagoda mission, which aims to spread peace through the preaching of Buddha. The stupa has various relics of old Buddhism culture including the huge idol of Lord Buddha placed at this base; the idol was enshrined by the 14th Dalai Lama.
Structure of Shanti Stupa
Shanti Stupa is a white-dome structure dedicated to Buddhism. This brilliant structure stands atop a steep hilltop at a dizzying height of 11,841 feet above sea level. The stupa holds relics of the Buddha at its base. The stupa is spread over two levels. The first level features the central relief of Dharmachakra with deer on each side. A central golden Buddha image sits on a platform depicting the "Dharmachakra". The second level has relics depicting the "birth" of Buddha, the death of Buddha (Mahanirvana) and Buddha "defeating the devils" while meditating.
Visiting Information of Shanti Stupa
Shanti Stupa is located 5 kilometres from Leh on a steep hill facing the Leh Palace. The location of Shanti Stupa is such that it is visible from all over Leh city. The stupa can be reached by a drivable road or on foot using a series of 500 steep steps to the hilltop. The stupa remains open for tourists between 5:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.
Shanti Stupa in Leh is one of the most major tourist attractions of Ladakh. The beauty of Shanti Stupa takes a level up at night, especially during the full moon night when it is naturally illuminated by the moonlight.
