Manjushri Temple
The Manjushri Temple is actually a part of the famous Alchi Monastery Complex which is spread all over 3 tiny hamlets situated in Leh. The Manjushri temple has evolved with a special significance of its own and it commands a steady stream of tourists from all across the world. The traffic builds up between the months of June to September which are marked by heavy festivities and the famous Alchi Festival.Structure of Manjushri Temple
The Temple of Manjushri is also called Jampe Lhakhang and it has a rich historical significance. There are four big statues of Manjushri which are placed back to back. All four statues are laced back to back and they are raised on an elevated platform. The four prominent religious symbols of Buddhism i.e. the sword (denoting bravery), book placed on top of a blooming Lotus flower (signifying knowledge and human spirituality) and bow and arrow (determination and hope). All the walls in the shrine are dedicated to one or the other kind of image of Holy Buddha.
The Main Wall of the Manjushri Temple has a magnificent image of Manjushri who is seated n a huge Lion throne. The two adjoining images are Amitabha (on the right) and Aksharabhya (on the left). The adjoining images and statues are all arranged around Manjushri in the nature of a symmetrical half circle.
The jewelry of Manjushri is of rare beauty and forms one of the main tourist attractions of the temple. Pearls (white, yellow and pink), gold plated ornaments and silver adornments decorate the statue of Manjushri. There is a flower crown on the top of Manjushri’s head mainly composed of lilies and white lotuses.
The base of the Manjushri Throne is decorated in a very beautiful way as there are depictions of 3 jewels and 8 holy signs. All the imagery is flanked on both sides by two golden bejeweled lions. All the artwork is enclosed in a square frame which is distinctive of Buddhism. The top of the throne has fine examples of Makara mounted images.
Symbols of Buddhism in Manjushri Temple
There are 8 auspicious symbols of Buddhism depicted in the Manjushri Temple. The symbols are jeweled umbrella, pure white Conch shell, pair of golden fish, flask containing water for Libation, knot with hook, Swastika symbol, golden throne, print of a hand and a vase full of jewels. All these symbols are offered to deity of Shakyamuni after he gained holy knowledge.Jewels of Buddhism in Manjushri Temple
The Manjushri Temple is based on 3 auspicious jewels of Buddhism which are Buddha, Sangha and Dharma. While Buddha is the highest level of spirituality in a being and Dharma is the correct path to spiritual enlighten.
The Sangha is a community of Buddhists who practice their religion i.e. Lamas and Monks.