Shashur Monastery is a Buddhist monastery in the Lahaul and Spiti districts of Himachal Pradesh, India. It is about 3,500 meters above sea level on a hill overlooking the Spiti River.
The monastery was founded in the 17th century by Lama Deva Gyatsho, a disciple of the famous Buddhist scholar and teacher Tsongkhapa. It is affiliated with the Gelug School of Tibetan Buddhism, the Yellow Hat sect.
The main attraction of Shashur Monastery is its impressive architecture, a blend of Tibetan and Indian styles. The monastery is built of stone and wood and is adorned with intricate carvings, colourful paintings, and murals depicting scenes from Buddhist mythology.
The monastery's main prayer hall houses a large statue of Buddha and other figures of Buddhist deities. The hall's walls are lined with thangka paintings, traditional Tibetan Buddhist paintings on cotton or silk.
Shashur Monastery is also famous for its annual festival, which is held in June or July. During this festival, monks perform traditional dances and rituals, and devotees from all over the region come to offer prayers and seek blessings.
Places To Visit Near Shashur Monastery:
There are several beautiful places to visit near Shashur Monastery in Himachal Pradesh. Here are some of the top recommendations:
Located about 15 kilometres from Shashur Monastery, Key Monastery is one of the most important Buddhist monasteries in the Spiti Valley. It is perched on top of a hill overlooking the Spiti River and is known for its beautiful frescoes, thangkas, and murals.
Located about 20 kilometres from Shashur Monastery, Kibber is a picturesque Himalayan village famous for its high-altitude wildlife sanctuary. It is also home to several Buddhist monasteries and a traditional weaving centre.
Located about 80 kilometres from Shashur Monastery, Chandratal Lake is a stunning high-altitude lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains. It is a popular camping and trekking destination known for its pristine beauty.
Located about 70 kilometres from Shashur Monastery, Kunzum Pass is a high-altitude mountain pass that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Himalayas. It is a popular trekking and camping destination and home to several ancient Buddhist temples and monasteries.
Located about 45 kilometres from Shashur Monastery, Tabo Monastery is one of the region's oldest and most important Buddhist monasteries. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is famous for its ancient murals, sculptures, and thangkas.