Basgo Gompa (Maitreya Temples)

Ladakh, Leh, India
1530--1699
In Buddhist philosophy, the Maitreya represents the Buddha of the future; this temple site dedicated to the Maitreya serves the Tibetan Buddhist diaspora as a symbol of hope and faith. Its three sacred buildings, constructed in the fifteenth century, are the oldest surviving Chamba Lhakhang (Maitreya Temples). Within the main temple sits a 14-meter-high Maitreya Buddha, surrounded by murals depicting scenes from the life of the deity and portraits of patrons responsible for its construction; murals and statuary similarly embellish the two smaller temples. The fortress complex is used by the community and monks of Hemis Monastery for ceremonies and holidays. Basgo Gompa occupies a man-made hill that is being eroded by wind. Monks and locals regularly shore up the crumbling walls but the exterior cobblestone foundation needs structural stabilization. Water leaking through the roofs has threatened the stability of the floor of the main temple, as well as its statue and murals. An active community and residents of the temple complex are eager to begin restoration as soon as a plan is devised and funds are secured.