Personal creation from visual materials collected during my travel Unknown India • Ladakh, Karnataka, Telangana (2022)
In the remote region of Ladakh, India, the village of Stok occupies a special place, more so because of its iconic monuments: the Stok Palace and the giant statue of Buddha. These two structures embody the fascinating fusion of Ladakh's ancient history and spectacular geography. In this article, we'll delve into the complex history and majestic landscape that surrounds these iconic sites.
Contrary to popular belief, Stok Palace is not a 14th century structure, but was actually built in the early 19th century. It served as the royal residence for the royal family of Ladakh after their shift from Leh. Today, the palace has been transformed into a fascinating museum, housing a collection of historical artifacts, royal jewelry, and ritual paintings, called thangkas.
The palace provides a fascinating window into Ladakh's rich past, and also serves as a platform for local cultural events and festivals. Exploring its rooms and galleries, one finds oneself transported to a bygone era, while enjoying panoramic views of the Himalayan mountains and the valley below.
If the Stok Palace is a monument to historical grandeur, the giant statue of Buddha which overlooks the village is a testimony to the geographical scale of the region. Erected on a hill, this 32-meter-high statue is visible from afar, serving as an imposing landmark against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks and barren lands.
The statue itself is a feat of engineering, made of metal and stone, and covered in gold. It represents Maitreya, the future Buddha, and is a powerful symbol of faith and spirituality in the region.
The Stok Palace and the giant Buddha statue embody the very essence of Ladakh: a place where history and geography coexist in almost poetic harmony. These sites offer visitors a complete experience, where one can delve into the past while immersing themselves in the natural beauty of the area. Visiting these monuments places one at the crossroads between tradition and topography, making Stok a must-see for anyone seeking to understand Ladakh in all its complexity.
Stok was an agricultural hamlet like so many others in Ladakh until the early 19th century. Around 1820, following incursions by the Dogras who ruled the neighboring state of Jammu, King Tsewang Namgyal II decided to move his residence and all state services from Leh to Stok.
The choice of Stok can be explained by its proximity to Leh and the strategic advantages offered by this isolated and relatively inaccessible village.
This royal choice gave special importance to the village. A monastery named Kurphuk Gompa was established there, and recently, a giant statue of Maitreya Buddha, (the future Buddha), was erected.
The numerous stupas and the few altars scattered along the path leading to the monastery and the statue reflect the Ladakhi spirituality, mixing Buddhism and animism.
This gigantic statue with a height of 32 meters, inaugurated in 2016 during a ceremony presided over by the Dalai Lama, represents Maitreya Buddha, that is to say the Buddha of the future. The Buddhist religion is not fixed, and while the current Buddha has been Siddhartha Gautama for over 2,500 years, the next Buddha stands ready to teach Buddhist teachings again the day these precepts are forgotten by humanity. This next Buddha is known as Maitreya Buddha.
But the main attraction of Stok is the royal palace built at the beginning of the 19th century to serve as the residence of the Namgyal dynasty after their move from the Leh Palace. Nowadays, part of this palace is still occupied by the descendants of the royal family and another part has been turned into a museum. Unfortunately, it is forbidden to photograph the exhibited works. The rest of the palace has been converted into a luxury hotel.
This yak skull placed at the foot of a prayer flag in one of the palace courtyards is another testimony to the complexity of Ladahki culture, harmoniously mixing Buddhism and animism.
Nestled in the breathtaking region of Ladakh in India, Stok is a village that provides a captivating glimpse into the culture and geography of this remote part of the world. Located at the foothills of the Himalayas and near the Indus River, the village is best known for its 14th-century royal residence, Stok Palace, now transformed into a museum. This palace unveils a rich cultural heritage, from Tibetan thangkas to royal artifacts. Stok is also famous for its towering Buddha statue, an artistic marvel that dominates the surrounding landscape. Visitors are drawn to the area's geographic diversity, ranging from arid deserts to lush valleys. Stok serves as a melting pot where history, culture, and nature harmoniously blend together, making it a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore Ladakh.
Music:
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