The story behind Shey
Standing amidst the countless chortens or stupas that are scattered around Shey, I heard a foreign tourist narrate a story to her reluctant daughter, who was refusing to climb up the steps leading to the ruined palace of the Ladakhi kings.
And that’s where I heard about the Epic of king Gesar or Kesar as Ladakhis refer to the legendary Tibetan hero sent by the Gods to defeat demons. The mythical gLing ruled by Kesar could possibly be Shey, the capital of the ancient Ladakh kingdom. Even today there are a few artistes around Ladakh and Tibet who can sing their own versions of the 1000 year old ballad.
Located about 14 kms from Leh, Shey ,situated at a height of 11000 feet is now a small village on the banks of the Indus. Tourists flock by here to see the ancient fortifications, palace and the monastery that houses an imposing idol of Sakyamuni, the form of Buddha worshipped by the Sakya clan of saints.
Glittering in copper and gilded gold, this is one of the largest statues in Ladakh built by the king Senggee Namgyal. The lama here tells us that four craftsmen were specially brought from Nepal by Gyal Katun,the king’s mother to create this deity here . “As they had married locally, they were not allowed entry into Nepal, and so even today, their descendants live in a small village called Chiling ,” he says.
The sun is merciless and I collect my breath after having climbed the hillock where the monastery is housed. A row of prayer wheels, mani walls and chortens fill the landscape as I look down .Several dynasties have ruled Shey besides the mythical hero Kesar and his descendants. However historically, Ladakh came under Tibetan rule around the 10th century when Nyima Gon , established his empire here and built probably a few chortens in Shey.
It is ironic, said the lama I was chatting with ,that Tibet itself was in a turmoil after Nyima Gon’s grandfather, king Lang Darma was murdered by a seer for apparently persecuting Buddhists .
The flags flutter in the breeze while the shutterbugs are busy taking pictures of the valley below. I am told the monastery here was built much later by the Namgyal rulers. The lama tells me that somewhere in the middle of 16th century, Ladakh was a divided kingdom ruled from both Shey and Basgo. The king from Basgo , Bhagan deposed the Shey ruler and titled himself Namgyal or Victorious. It was during this dynasty’s reign that power slowly shifted from Shey to Leh, with a palace being built in Leh. And like any erstwhile capital, town, Shey slowly lost its strategic significance .
“When the Nangyals finally lost power to the Kashmir kings and to Mughals, Shey was abandoned .” There was a ring of finality in his tone .I see the tourists rotating the prayer wheel as they climb up. Shey is now just another must see in their sightseeing list .
Published in my column, Inside Story in the Metro Plus, The Hindu
Very good.
I am very soon leaving but now sure for Ladakh or not. If I visit it will be first physical visit. Otherwise through your And other people post I have visited for sure.
Thanks for sharing. Is it possible to stay for a month within Ladakh? I am sure – Yes. But there is breathing problem people usually discuss this often. Share your experience please. And which road route is the best to travel?
Your posts want me to go there again, this summer only. let us see.
thats a beautifully narrated story. Did not know much of it.
I guess there are so many must sees like this around Ladakh. We’re planning a 2-week visit in July.
Enjoyed reading the post 🙂
That’s a lovely Buddha with the tapestry behind Him!!!
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stumbled to ur blog through ur comment on Karthiks.Liked it instantaneously.Maybe follow ur lust for travel and watch out for ur articles too.Enjoyed the shots and all u had to say was information i’d like to retain.Thanks
History lesson no. 54565 😀 I love it 🙂
Hi Lakshmi! Climbing all those steps at 11,000 feet? I can understand the reluctance… 😉 Great that you saved me the job… 😉
Another one on my list!!
Ephesus Masterpieces are at Blogtrotter Two for you to enjoy; I’m sure you’ll be impressed!! Have a great week!!
Great photos and post. I particularly love the character of the guy sitting in the doorway.
If you have a moment, I’ve got a blog about traveling. This year it’s Korea: trekkerdrew.blogspot.com
You brought back some brilliant memories of that land far away.. Thanks! 🙂 I am living your life through your blog, in the middle of my own mundane existence. Double thanks for that 😀
Shey in Ladakh is a two story gompa constructed by King Deldon Namgyal in the year 1655. One of the major attraction of the Shey monastery is the huge image of seated Buddha along with the large library adorned with the beautiful paintings and murals
The Shey Gompa monastery has been established in the year 1655. There is one speciality about the monastery is that it is having the image of Lord Buddha which is around two stories high.
How come I missed this beautiful and really informative travelogue !!!! Superb fotos and needless to say well presented tooo.
Bookmarked this site for further reading.
Another Passionate Traveller from God’s own Country
thanks a lot lakshmi on my query regarding coorg.u made my day!shall check http://www.travelwise.in
very interesant blog; bravo
amazing place……amazing shots!!
Wow this is quite beautiful blog posting you made here,one thing i have to say here , few places on this earth where you feel the divinity and unique calmness in environment , this place is ideal for meditation.
Book your cheap air tickets to india
Great place, lovely shots!
Thanks everyone for your comments
@Hobo – replied in your blog..you can stay for as long as you want..just need a day or two to adjust to the heights
@Shivani – welcome to backpacker ..are you from the NTP ?
Lovely post Lakshmi. Makes me long to go and see the place again!
The pictures of the stupas and prayer flags etc reminded me so much of Nepal. Amazing post (again)!