Sani Monastery - Revision history

Gheethivf: added references additionally and fixed typos

2025-11-07T03:41:38Z

added references additionally and fixed typos

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:11, 7 November 2025
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			{{Short description\|Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Zanskar, Ladakh, India}}
	{{Use dmy dates\|date=April 2018}}		{{Use dmy dates\|date=April 2018}}
	{{Use Indian English\|date=April 2018}}		{{Use Indian English\|date=April 2018}}
	{{Infobox Tibetan Buddhist monastery		{{Infobox Tibetan Buddhist monastery
	\|name = Sani Monastery		\|name = Sani Monastery
	\|image =		\|image = Front Sani Kani Khar Zanskar Jun24 A7CR 00792.jpg
	\|image size =		\|image size =
	\|alt =		\|alt =
	\|caption =		\|caption = Front facade of the main building
	\|map_type =		\|map_type =
	\|coordinates =		\|coordinates =
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	\|founded_by = [[Kanishka]]?		\|founded_by = [[Kanishka]]?
	\|founded = 2nd century CE?		\|founded = 2nd century CE?
	~~\|date_renovated =~~
	\|sect = [[Kagyu]]		\|sect = [[Kagyu]]
	~~\|lineage=~~
	\|dedicated_to = [[Padmasambhava]]		\|dedicated_to = [[Padmasambhava]]
	\|head_lama =		\|head_lama =
	~~\|no._of_monks = 25~~
	\|architecture =		\|architecture =
	\|festivals= Nungnes; Sani Nasjal		\|festivals= Nungnes; Sani Nasjal
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	{{Tibetan Buddhism}}		{{Tibetan Buddhism}}

	'''Sani Monastery''' (also written '''Sanee'''), '''Sa-ni-'''['''tshog'''], is located next to the village of Sani where the Stod Valley broadens into the central plain of [[Zanskar]] in [[Ladakh]], northern India. It is about 6 km to the northwest of the regional centre of [[Padum]]~~, a gentle two-hour walk~~. Like [[Dzongkhul Monastery]], it belongs to the [[Drukpa Kargyu]] school of [[Tibetan Buddhism]], and is the only one of this order in Zanskar which has nuns.<ref>Gutschow(2004), p. 99.</ref> It is thought to be the oldest religious site in ~~the whole region of~~ [[Ladakh]] and Zanskar.<ref>Rizvi (1998), p. 254.</ref>		'''Sani Monastery''' (also written '''Sanee'''), '''Sa-ni-'''['''tshog'''], is located next to the village of Sani where the Stod Valley broadens into the central plain of [[Zanskar]] in [[Ladakh]], northern India. It is about 6 km to the northwest of the regional centre of [[Padum]]. Like [[Dzongkhul Monastery]], it belongs to the [[Drukpa Kargyu]] school of [[Tibetan Buddhism]], and is the only one of this order in Zanskar which has nuns.<ref>Gutschow(2004), p. 99.</ref> It is thought to be the oldest religious site in [[Ladakh]] and Zanskar.<ref>Rizvi (1998), p. 254.</ref>

	==History==		==History==
	The [[gompa]] is built to accommodate an ancient [[chorten]] 6 m (20 ft) high<ref>Osada, Allwright and Kanamaru (2000), p. 302.</ref> and of unusual shape, known as the '''Kanika Chorten''', is presumed to date back to the time of the ~~famous~~ [[Kushan]] emperor, [[Kanishka]].<ref>Rizvi (1998), p. 254.</ref> Kanishka's era is now thought to have begun in 127 CE. 'Kanika' is a commonly used form of Emperor Kanishka's name. He is ~~famous~~ in Buddhist literature as a promoter of Buddhism and he is said to have sponsored an important Buddhist conference in nearby Kashmir. This seems to be the only monastery in the region other than [[Gandhola Monastery]] in [[Lahaul]] which has a history which purportedly goes back to Kushan times.		[[File:Kanika Chorten Sani Zanskar Ladakh Jun24 A7CR 00773.jpg\|thumb\|left\|Kanika chorten ca. 2nd century AD]]
			[[File:Padmasambhava Sani Lake Zanskar Jun24 A7CR 00793.jpg\|thumb\|Padmasambhava statue in nearby Sani lake]]
			The [[gompa]] is built to accommodate an ancient [[chorten]] 6 m (20 ft) high<ref>Osada, Allwright and Kanamaru (2000), p. 302.</ref> and of unusual shape, known as the '''Kanika Chorten''', is presumed to date back to the time of the [[Kushan Empire\|Kushan]] emperor, [[Kanishka]].<ref>Rizvi (1998), p. 254.</ref> Kanishka's era is now thought to have begun in 127 CE. 'Kanika' is a commonly used form of Emperor Kanishka's name. He is notable in Buddhist literature as a promoter of Buddhism and he is said to have sponsored an important Buddhist conference in nearby Kashmir. This seems to be the only monastery in the region other than [[Gandhola Monastery]] in [[Lahaul]] which has a history which purportedly goes back to Kushan times.

	The 17th century ''Chronicle of Zaṅs-dkar'' (Zanskar) says that the (semi?) mythical,		The 17th century ''Chronicle of Zaṅs-dkar'' (Zanskar) says that the (semi?) mythical,
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	Padmasambhava, or [[Guru Rinpoche]], is said to have dwelt for five years in the small 'Gamshot Lhakang' squeezed between the main building and the corridor, to the right of the Kanika chorten. Inside may be seen a figure of Guru Rinpoche and historical scenes in half relief on both sides of the statue.<ref>Schettler (1981), p. 153.</ref> Apparently, one can just see the white opening to a cave in a cliff across the river from the monastery where Padmasambhava is also said to have meditated for several years and it is still used as a meditation cell.<ref>Loram (2004), p. 196.</ref>		Padmasambhava, or [[Guru Rinpoche]], is said to have dwelt for five years in the small 'Gamshot Lhakang' squeezed between the main building and the corridor, to the right of the Kanika chorten. Inside may be seen a figure of Guru Rinpoche and historical scenes in half relief on both sides of the statue.<ref>Schettler (1981), p. 153.</ref> Apparently, one can just see the white opening to a cave in a cliff across the river from the monastery where Padmasambhava is also said to have meditated for several years and it is still used as a meditation cell.<ref>Loram (2004), p. 196.</ref>

	The monastery is also claimed to be connected with the ~~famous~~ Indian [[Yogi]] [[Naropa]] (956-1041 CE). There is now small room next to the Kanika chorten where it is thought that Naropa meditated in which there is a veiled bronze statue of the yogi.<ref>[http://www.buddhist-temples.com/buddhist-monastery/ladakh/sani.html]</ref>		The monastery is also claimed to be connected with the Indian [[Yogi]] [[Naropa]] (956-1041 CE). There is now small room next to the Kanika chorten where it is thought that Naropa meditated in which there is a veiled bronze statue of the yogi.<ref>{{Cite web\|url=http://www.buddhist-temples.com/buddhist-monastery/ladakh/sani.html\|title=Sani Monastery - Sani Monastery Ladakh - Sani Gompa of Leh Ladakh - Sani Monastery India}}</ref>

	A group of [[Kargyu]] nuns established a small retreat centre at "Starkhugnza" in the 1990s. It is a site above Sani which was founded by Ngawang Tsering (1657-1732), a ~~famous~~ Zanskar meditator. All of the nunneries in Zanskar are under the spiritual authority of the monks and few have much in the way of endowments.<ref>Gutschow(2004), p. 101.</ref>		A group of [[Kargyu]] nuns established a small retreat centre at "Starkhugnza" in the 1990s. It is a site above Sani which was founded by Ngawang Tsering (1657-1732), a Zanskar meditator. All of the nunneries in Zanskar are under the spiritual authority of the monks and few have much in the way of endowments.<ref>Gutschow(2004), p. 101.</ref>

	==Description==		==Description==
			[[File:Crematory Rock Carvings Sani Zanskar Jun24 A7CR 00746.jpg\|thumb\|Holy crematory grounds of Sani monastery]]
			[[File:Rock Carving Crematory Sani Jun24 A7CR 00755.jpg\|thumb\|Maitreya at Sani Gompha holy cremation ground]]
	Unusually, the gompa is not built on a hill or mountain but on flat land. It is in the form of a castle and the Kanika chorten is in the backyard of the enclosing stone walls with chortens mounted at intervals. Next to the Kanika chorten are ten standing stones with engravings of deities in a pre-Tibetan style.<ref>Rizvi (1998), p. 254.</ref><ref>Schettler (1981), p. 152.</ref>		Unusually, the gompa is not built on a hill or mountain but on flat land. It is in the form of a castle and the Kanika chorten is in the backyard of the enclosing stone walls with chortens mounted at intervals. Next to the Kanika chorten are ten standing stones with engravings of deities in a pre-Tibetan style.<ref>Rizvi (1998), p. 254.</ref><ref>Schettler (1981), p. 152.</ref>

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	The smaller temple dedicated to Naropa is decorated with unique [[bas-relief]]s in [[stucco]] painted in bright colours and with niches for the images. There is also "a magnificent plantation of huge old poplars" adjoining the gompa - a rare treat in the mostly treeless Zanskar.<ref>Rizvi (1998), p. 254.</ref>		The smaller temple dedicated to Naropa is decorated with unique [[bas-relief]]s in [[stucco]] painted in bright colours and with niches for the images. There is also "a magnificent plantation of huge old poplars" adjoining the gompa - a rare treat in the mostly treeless Zanskar.<ref>Rizvi (1998), p. 254.</ref>

	One of the eight most important cremation grounds of Tibetan Buddhists is outside the monastery complex and the cemetery is ringed with ancient rock-carvings which show Indian influences.<ref>[http://www.buddhist-temples.com/buddhist-monastery/ladakh/sani.html]</ref> In the cremation ground is a two-metre-high boulder with a painting of Maitrya on it which shines from the sacrificial oil poured over it by pilgrims. There is also a nearby mast with prayer flags on it.<ref>Schettler (1981), p. 154.</ref>		One of the eight most important cremation grounds of Tibetan Buddhists is outside the monastery complex and the cemetery is ringed with ancient rock-carvings which show Indian influences.<ref>{{Cite web\|url=http://www.buddhist-temples.com/buddhist-monastery/ladakh/sani.html\|title=Sani Monastery - Sani Monastery Ladakh - Sani Gompa of Leh Ladakh - Sani Monastery India}}</ref> In the cremation ground is a two-metre-high boulder with a painting of Maitrya on it which shines from the sacrificial oil poured over it by pilgrims. There is also a nearby mast with prayer flags on it.<ref>Schettler (1981), p. 154.</ref>
	~~[[File:SaniCrematoryGrounds.jpg\|thumb\|Holy crematory grounds of Sani monastery]]~~

	==Festivals==		==Festivals==
	Nungnes has no fixed date but usually takes place in July. Sani Naro-Nasjal is usually in the first week of August, between the 15th and the 20th of the sixth Tibetan month. It takes place during the blooming of the 'Guru Neropa Flower'.<ref>Schettler (1981), p. 145.</ref> Every year the statue of Naropa is unveiled in late July or early August on the eve of the Naro-Nasjal Festival. Lamas from [[Bardan Monastery]] perform masked dances as ritual offering.<ref>[http://www.buddhist-temples.com/buddhist-monastery/ladakh/sani.html]</ref>		[[File:Monk Dancing Sani Zanskar Jun24 A7CR 00710.jpg\|left\|thumb\|Bardan lama in masked dance at Sani, June 2024]]
			Nungnes has no fixed date but usually takes place in July. Sani Naro-Nasjal is usually in the first week of August, between the 15th and the 20th of the sixth Tibetan month. It takes place during the blooming of the 'Guru Neropa Flower'.<ref>Schettler (1981), p. 145.</ref> Every year the statue of Naropa is unveiled in late July or early August on the eve of the Naro-Nasjal Festival. Lamas from [[Bardan Monastery]] perform masked dances as ritual offering.<ref>{{Cite web\|url=http://www.buddhist-temples.com/buddhist-monastery/ladakh/sani.html\|title=Sani Monastery - Sani Monastery Ladakh - Sani Gompa of Leh Ladakh - Sani Monastery India}}</ref>

	There is an annual ritual reading of the Tibetan canon, the 'Great Prayer Festival', held at the monastery during winter with the firewood provided by villagers in the region<ref>Gutschow (2004), p. 118.</ref>		There is an annual ritual reading of the Tibetan canon, the 'Great Prayer Festival', held at the monastery during winter with the firewood provided by villagers in the region<ref>Gutschow (2004), p. 118.</ref>

	From time to time the monks boil up goats' heads in a long ceremony in which symbols of fortune and other garnishings are added according to the wealth of the person sponsoring this activity. These goats' heads hang outside the houses of almost every house in Leh and are thought to bring good fortune. Normally, these symbols are changed annually.<ref>Schettler (1981), p. 152.</ref>		From time to time the monks boil up goats' heads in a long ceremony in which symbols of fortune and other garnishings are added according to the wealth of the person sponsoring this activity. These goats' heads hang outside the houses of almost every house in Leh and are thought to bring good fortune. Normally, these symbols are changed annually.<ref>Schettler (1981), p. 152.</ref>

			==See also==
			* [[All Ladakh Gonpa Association#List\|List of buddhist monasteries in Ladakh]]
			* [[Geography of Ladakh]]
			* [[Tourism in Ladakh]]
			* [[World Monuments Fund]]

	==Footnotes==		==Footnotes==
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	* [http://www.buddhist-temples.com/buddhist-monastery/ladakh/sani.html Description of Sani Monastery.]		* [http://www.buddhist-temples.com/buddhist-monastery/ladakh/sani.html Description of Sani Monastery.]

	~~{{Buddhist monasteries in Ladakh}}~~
	{{Buddhism topics}}		{{Buddhism topics}}

	{{coord\|33\|30\|19\|N\|76\|48\|37\|E\|\|display=title}}		{{coord\|33\|30\|19\|N\|76\|48\|37\|E\|\|display=title}}

	[[Category:~~Tibetan Buddhist~~ monasteries and temples in India]]		[[Category:Drukpa Kagyu monasteries and temples in India]]
	~~[[Category:Drukpa Kagyu monasteries and temples~~]]
	[[Category:Buddhist monasteries in Ladakh]]		[[Category:Buddhist monasteries in Ladakh]]
	[[Category:2nd-century establishments in India]]		[[Category:2nd-century establishments in India]]
	[[Category:Kargil district]]		[[Category:Kargil district]]
	[[Category:Tourism in Ladakh]]		[[Category:Tourism in Ladakh]]

Kamal Guha: Ladakh Buddhist monasteries template added

2023-11-22T14:36:05Z

Ladakh Buddhist monasteries template added

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:06, 22 November 2023
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	* [http://www.buddhist-temples.com/buddhist-monastery/ladakh/sani.html Description of Sani Monastery.]		* [http://www.buddhist-temples.com/buddhist-monastery/ladakh/sani.html Description of Sani Monastery.]

			{{Buddhist monasteries in Ladakh}}
	{{Buddhism topics}}		{{Buddhism topics}}

imported>SdkbBot: /* History */removed erroneous space

2021-05-31T09:52:57Z

History: removed erroneous space

New page

{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=April 2018}}
{{Infobox Tibetan Buddhist monastery
|name = Sani Monastery
|image =
|image size =
|alt =
|caption =
|map_type =
|coordinates =
|map_caption = Location within India

|location_country =
|location= [[Zanskar]], [[Ladakh]], [[India]]
|founded_by = [[Kanishka]]?
|founded = 2nd century CE?
|date_renovated =
|sect = [[Kagyu]]
|lineage=
|dedicated_to = [[Padmasambhava]]
|head_lama =
|no._of_monks = 25
|architecture =
|festivals= Nungnes; Sani Nasjal
|footnotes =
}}
{{Tibetan Buddhism}}

'''Sani Monastery''' (also written '''Sanee'''), '''Sa-ni-'''['''tshog'''], is located next to the village of Sani where the Stod Valley broadens into the central plain of [[Zanskar]] in [[Ladakh]], northern India. It is about 6 km to the northwest of the regional centre of [[Padum]], a gentle two-hour walk. Like [[Dzongkhul Monastery]], it belongs to the [[Drukpa Kargyu]] school of [[Tibetan Buddhism]], and is the only one of this order in Zanskar which has nuns.<ref>Gutschow(2004), p. 99.</ref> It is thought to be the oldest religious site in the whole region of [[Ladakh]] and Zanskar.<ref>Rizvi (1998), p. 254.</ref>

==History==
The [[gompa]] is built to accommodate an ancient [[chorten]] 6 m (20 ft) high<ref>Osada, Allwright and Kanamaru (2000), p. 302.</ref> and of unusual shape, known as the '''Kanika Chorten''', is presumed to date back to the time of the famous [[Kushan]] emperor, [[Kanishka]].<ref>Rizvi (1998), p. 254.</ref> Kanishka's era is now thought to have begun in 127 CE. 'Kanika' is a commonly used form of Emperor Kanishka's name. He is famous in Buddhist literature as a promoter of Buddhism and he is said to have sponsored an important Buddhist conference in nearby Kashmir. This seems to be the only monastery in the region other than [[Gandhola Monastery]] in [[Lahaul]] which has a history which purportedly goes back to Kushan times.

The 17th century ''Chronicle of Zaṅs-dkar'' (Zanskar) says that the (semi?) mythical,
<blockquote>". . . high King Ge-sar [[Gesar]] of Gliṅ came to this blessed Zaṅs-dkar, where the religion of heaven and earth arose, and he broke the whole earth with his feet. 'U-rgyan-pa-dma [[Padmasambhava]] came, and exorcised the demons; he kept down the bad Sa-bkra [= Sa-dgra, 'enemy of the earth'?]. The female ogre was as if she had fallen on her back. The Sa-ni and Ka-ni-ka monasteries were erected at the head of the region, the Gña-nam-gu-ru monastery of Pi-pi-tiṅ on the heart, and the Gña-nam-gu-ru [monastery] of Byams-gliṅ on the feet."<ref>Francke (1926), p. 156.</ref>
</blockquote>

It is of interest to note that, although they are dated here to the time of [[Padmasambhava]] (late 8th to early 9th centuries), the Sani and Kanika monasteries are the first ones mentioned.

Padmasambhava, or [[Guru Rinpoche]], is said to have dwelt for five years in the small 'Gamshot Lhakang' squeezed between the main building and the corridor, to the right of the Kanika chorten. Inside may be seen a figure of Guru Rinpoche and historical scenes in half relief on both sides of the statue.<ref>Schettler (1981), p. 153.</ref> Apparently, one can just see the white opening to a cave in a cliff across the river from the monastery where Padmasambhava is also said to have meditated for several years and it is still used as a meditation cell.<ref>Loram (2004), p. 196.</ref>

The monastery is also claimed to be connected with the famous Indian [[Yogi]] [[Naropa]] (956-1041 CE). There is now small room next to the Kanika chorten where it is thought that Naropa meditated in which there is a veiled bronze statue of the yogi.<ref>[http://www.buddhist-temples.com/buddhist-monastery/ladakh/sani.html]</ref>

A group of [[Kargyu]] nuns established a small retreat centre at "Starkhugnza" in the 1990s. It is a site above Sani which was founded by Ngawang Tsering (1657-1732), a famous Zanskar meditator. All of the nunneries in Zanskar are under the spiritual authority of the monks and few have much in the way of endowments.<ref>Gutschow(2004), p. 101.</ref>

==Description==
Unusually, the gompa is not built on a hill or mountain but on flat land. It is in the form of a castle and the Kanika chorten is in the backyard of the enclosing stone walls with chortens mounted at intervals. Next to the Kanika chorten are ten standing stones with engravings of deities in a pre-Tibetan style.<ref>Rizvi (1998), p. 254.</ref><ref>Schettler (1981), p. 152.</ref>

One enters the rectangular compound of the gompa through a gate chorten with prayer wheels. As well as the usual depictions of protective deities there is a goat's head filled jewels and prayer cards with "[[Om mani padme hum]]" written on them.<ref>Schettler (1981), p. 152.</ref>

The Assembly Hall or Dukhang has 16 columns and houses images of Chamba, Chenren and Padmasambhava as well as others. Behind the altar is the Gongkhang, a small room containing an ancient figure of Cho Rinpoche and a bookshelf holding the sacred volumes of the [[Kangyur]].<ref>Schettler (1981), p. 153.</ref>

The smaller temple dedicated to Naropa is decorated with unique [[bas-relief]]s in [[stucco]] painted in bright colours and with niches for the images. There is also "a magnificent plantation of huge old poplars" adjoining the gompa - a rare treat in the mostly treeless Zanskar.<ref>Rizvi (1998), p. 254.</ref>

One of the eight most important cremation grounds of Tibetan Buddhists is outside the monastery complex and the cemetery is ringed with ancient rock-carvings which show Indian influences.<ref>[http://www.buddhist-temples.com/buddhist-monastery/ladakh/sani.html]</ref> In the cremation ground is a two-metre-high boulder with a painting of Maitrya on it which shines from the sacrificial oil poured over it by pilgrims. There is also a nearby mast with prayer flags on it.<ref>Schettler (1981), p. 154.</ref>
[[File:SaniCrematoryGrounds.jpg|thumb|Holy crematory grounds of Sani monastery]]

==Festivals==
Nungnes has no fixed date but usually takes place in July. Sani Naro-Nasjal is usually in the first week of August, between the 15th and the 20th of the sixth Tibetan month. It takes place during the blooming of the 'Guru Neropa Flower'.<ref>Schettler (1981), p. 145.</ref> Every year the statue of Naropa is unveiled in late July or early August on the eve of the Naro-Nasjal Festival. Lamas from [[Bardan Monastery]] perform masked dances as ritual offering.<ref>[http://www.buddhist-temples.com/buddhist-monastery/ladakh/sani.html]</ref>

There is an annual ritual reading of the Tibetan canon, the 'Great Prayer Festival', held at the monastery during winter with the firewood provided by villagers in the region<ref>Gutschow (2004), p. 118.</ref>

From time to time the monks boil up goats' heads in a long ceremony in which symbols of fortune and other garnishings are added according to the wealth of the person sponsoring this activity. These goats' heads hang outside the houses of almost every house in Leh and are thought to bring good fortune. Normally, these symbols are changed annually.<ref>Schettler (1981), p. 152.</ref>

==Footnotes==
{{Reflist}}

==References==
* Bhasin, Sanjeev Kumar. (2008). ''Amazing land Ladakh: places, people, and culture''. Indus Publishing Company. {{ISBN|978-81-7387-186-3}}.
* Francke, A. H. (1914, 1926). ''Antiquities of Indian Tibet''. Two Volumes. Calcutta. 1972 reprint: S. Chand, New Delhi.
* Gutschow, Kim (2004). ''Being a Buddhist Nun: The Struggle for Enlightenment in the Himalayas''. Harvard University Press. ISBN
978-0674012875.
* Loram, Charlie (2004). ''Trekking in Ladakh, 3rd: India Trekking Guide''. First edition 1996. Third edition. Trailblazer Publications. {{ISBN|978-1-873756-75-1}}.
* Rizvi, Janet. 1998. ''Ladakh, Crossroads of High Asia''. Oxford University Press. 1st edition 1963. 2nd revised edition 1996. 3rd impression 2001. {{ISBN|0-19-564546-4}}.
* Osada, Yukiyasu, Gavin Allwright and Atushi Kanamaru. (2000). ''Mapping the Tibetan World''. Reprint 2004. Kotan Publishing. Tokyo, Japan. {{ISBN|0-9701716-0-9}}.
* Schettler, Margaret & Rolf (1981). ''Kashmir, Ladakh & Zanskar''. Lonely Planet Publications. South Yarra, Victoria, Australia. {{ISBN|0-908086-21-0}}.

==External links==
* [http://www.buddhist-temples.com/buddhist-monastery/ladakh/sani.html Description of Sani Monastery.]

{{Buddhism topics}}

{{coord|33|30|19|N|76|48|37|E||display=title}}

[[Category:Tibetan Buddhist monasteries and temples in India]]
[[Category:Drukpa Kagyu monasteries and temples]]
[[Category:Buddhist monasteries in Ladakh]]
[[Category:2nd-century establishments in India]]
[[Category:Kargil district]]
[[Category:Tourism in Ladakh]]