Phuktal Monastery, also known as Phuktal Gompa or Phugtal Monastery or Phukthar monastery, is a revered Buddhist site situated in the remote Lungnak Valley of southeastern Zanskar, in the Himalayan region of Ladakh, Northern India.
The monastery has long been a symbol of spiritual retreat and scholarly pursuit, nestled within the rugged, picturesque landscapes of the Himalayas. Until the construction of the Nimmu-Padum-Darcha (NPD) road in 2022, Phuktal was one of the few Buddhist monasteries in Ladakh that could only be reached by trekking for several days.
Supplies to the monastery were traditionally transported by horses, donkeys, and mules during the warmer months, while in the harsh winters, they were hauled across the frozen Zanskar River. With the advent of the road from Padum towards Chah, the arduous journey was reduced to a day’s walk from Village Chah or Village Khangsar.
Now, the NPD road extends to Purney village, making it a mere two-hour trek to the monastery. Additionally, a small link road under construction promises to further shorten the trek to just a few minutes.
Phuktal Gompa owes its legacy to the powerful and renowned scholars and teachers who once resided in the cave around which the monastery was built. The name Phuktal is derived from the words “Phuk,” meaning ‘cave,’ and “Tal” or “Thal,” meaning ‘at leisure’ in the endangered Zangskari dialect of the Tibetic languages. Another spelling, “Phukthar,” uses “Thar,” meaning ‘liberation,’ translating to ‘the cave of leisure’ or ‘the cave of liberation.’
The Phugtal monastery is built around a natural cave believed to have been visited by sages, scholars, translators, and monks over 2,550 years ago, offering an ideal retreat for meditation and solitude. The present Phuktal Gompa, part of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, was established in the early 15th century by Jangsem Sherap Zangpo, a disciple of Je Tsongkhapa, who founded the Gelug school.
The cave’s earliest known residents are believed to be the 16 Arhats, legendary followers of Buddha, whose images are depicted on the cave walls. Among the notable scholars who lived in the cave were Padmasambhava, Phakspa Nestan Dusdan, and the esteemed translator Lama Marpa Lotsawa.
In the 12th century, the Tibetan translator Zanskar Lotsawa Phagpa Sherab also resided and worked there. The cave was also home to the eminent scholars and brothers Dangsong, Pun, and Sum, who were reputed for their supernatural ability to fly and taught Dharma at Phuktal.
Today, Phuktal Monastery (Phugtal monastery) is home to approximately 70 monks who continue the legacy of learning, retreat, and meditation. The monastery is a vital center for preserving the rich traditions of Tibetan Buddhism and the historical significance of its remote and serene location.
A stone tablet at the monastery serves as a reminder of the stay of Alexander Csoma de Kőrös, who worked on the first English-Tibetan dictionary at Phuktal between 1826 and 1827 during his exploration of Ladakh.
The monastery’s remote location, combined with its deep historical and spiritual roots, makes it a significant cultural and religious landmark in the region, attracting scholars, pilgrims, and adventurers from around the world.
How to reach Phuktal monastery?
There are two roads to reach Purney village from where trek to Phuktal monastery begins. You can come from Manali to Purney via Keylong, Jispa, Shinkula pass and Gonbo Rangjon. Other shorter road with Zanskar valley starts from Padum, headquarters of Zanskar valley, which is just 40km from Purney. From Purney, its just a 2 hours trek to the Phugtal monastery. A link road towards Phuktal is under construction from many years and tourists can use this road for nearly 1.5 km which further shortens the trek by nearly half hour. Padum is well connected by road from Leh, Kargil and Manali.
Monks of Phugtal Monestary, villagers demand road, electricity
July 28, 2024: Venerable Lama Tenzin Motup representative of Phugtal Monestary Zanskar and Social Worker Tsering Chosphel Khangsar Purney Lungnak on Saturday called on Er. Punchok Tashi, Executive Councilor RDD/PRI and Zanskar Development Authority, LAHDC, Kargil at his office in Council Secretariat.
The delegation requested the EC to expedite construction of link road from Skardongdho Phuktal to Shadey which is delayed due to non deployment of proper machine at the site by contractors.
The delegation also requested for providing and installation of Solar Power plant for the monastery as they don’t have power supply till date. They also requested for construction of winter friendly toilet and Multi Utility complex at Phuktal Gonpa.
Er Tashi has called and directed SE PW R&B Kargil to ensure expediting construction of the road from Phuktal to Shadey as village Shadey has no motorable road and also assured that all other requirements shall be done under Zanskar Development Authority.
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