Hemis Monastery and Thiksey Monastery

Why in news?

• More than 100 delegates from 30 countries as part of the pre-G20 meeting have visited the Hemis and Thiksey monasteries.

About Hemis Monastery:

• Hemis Monastery is a Buddhist monastery located in Ladakh. It is situated on the western banks of the Indus River.
• It belongs to the Red Hat Sect or Drukpa lineage of Buddhism.
• The monastery is famous for its 2-day religious ceremony known as the Hemis Festival.

About Thiksey Monastery:

• The Thiksey monastery is located in Thiksey at Ladakh. The monastery is affiliated with the Gelugpa sect or Yellow Hat sect of Tibetan Buddhism
• The monastery is notable for its resemblance to the Potala palace in Lhasa, Tibet and its annual Gustor Festival
• The Maitreya Temple is one of the most popular attractions in the monastery. The temple houses a tall statue of Maitreya Buddha (future Buddha).

PRACTICE QUESTION:

Consider the following pairs:

1. Hemis Monastery  : Sikkim

2. Ghum Monastery   : West Bengal

3. Thiksey Monastery     : Ladakh

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 2 only

(d) 1,2 and 3

Answer