Kungri Monastery, Buddhist monastery in Pin Valley, India
Kungri Monastery is a Tibetan Buddhist temple with three rectangular buildings facing east in the Pin Valley. Its walls display detailed murals of Vajrayana deities such as Gyajin-Pehar and Rahula, alongside traditional painted scrolls called thankas.
The monastery was founded in 1330 and stands as the second oldest religious structure in Spiti Valley. It developed as the primary center for followers of the Nyingma-pa Buddhist school in the region.
Monks perform traditional ceremonies where dancers display sword combat in ancient ritual forms. These gatherings blend spiritual practice with performance arts that have passed down through generations.
The site is open from early morning to evening, with no entry fee though donations are welcomed. Visitors should prepare for simple pathways and remember that the high altitude and remote setting require physical stamina.
The walls feature a rare mural of Ekajati, a single-eyed female deity with one mouth, one breast, and one braid, revered as a guardian of treasures. This uncommon portrayal makes the site a special location for understanding this specific Vajrayana representation.
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