Wanla monastery, also called `Wanla gompa`, is an ancient Buddhist monastery. It is located in Wanla, a small town to the southeast of Yungdrung Gompa, in Ladakh of Jammu and Kashmir. Wanla monastery was built during the time of Lama Rinchen Zangpo, in 1000 A.D.
It is contemporary to the Gompas at Alchi built by Lhotsava Rin-chen-bZang-Po in the early Eleventh centenary AD. Wanla monastery is considered to be most sacred in the region and devotees from all over the country come for a pilgrimage here.
History of Wanla Monastery
The gompa sits within the sparse remnants of a medieval castle whose construction finds mention in Ladakhi chronicles as being by the Ladakhi King Lhachen Ngaglug i.e. probably in the 12th century. The gompa was added in the centre of the castle in the 14th century.
Attractions of Wanla Monastery
The primary attraction here is the image of the 11-headed, eight-armed Mahakaruna that stands to a height of more than two storeys. The walls are graced with the paintings of Buddha, Bodhisattvas (a person dedicated to achieving complete Buddhahood) and mandalas. A hallowed image of Chovo-je-Paldan Atisha can also be found here.
The monastery has a caretaker monk responsible for daily rituals and for granting access to the monastery. The monastery is currently being restored by the Achi Association.
Connectivity of Wanla Monastery
The nearest railway stations are located at Jammu and Kashmir. From here one can avail bus or taxi services to reach the temple.
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