As per beliefs, the base of Sani Monastery was laid in the 2nd century during the reign of the great Kushan king, Kanishka. This belief finds strength from the presence of the Kanika stupa which still stands in the backyard of the Sani Monastery complex. It is further believed that Sani is one of the eight holy Buddhist site in the world which was the reason why the eminent personalities associated with the Himalayan Buddhism like Padma Sambhava, Naropa and Marpa, all paid a visit to Sani.
Apart from the Kanika stupa, the main building consisting of a large multi-columned central prayer hall, is also an attraction of Sani Monastery. The prayer hall displays a number of different types of statues of popular Buddhists divinities and 'Drugpa' (Old Schools) saints. The walls of the hall, constructed in the 17th century, are adorned with frescoes and thankas.
However, it is a small and not so well looked after chapel at the back of the main building, that preserves the best frescoes and stucco murals. These depict landscapes as well as floral designs with the life of Padmasambhava as theme.
The Kanika stupa is considered the place where the much renowned Indian yogi hailing from Vikramshila sat in meditation. This yogi, Naropa, today has veiled bronze figure of his placed in the room constructed just below the stupa. The statue is unmasked only once a year during the two day festival.
Immediately outside the walls of the monastery complex, lies an old cemetry which is considered one amongst the eight most important cremation ground for Tibetan Buddhists. The cemetry is a wonderful example ancient rock carving.
This monastery is located at a distance of 6 km from the town of Padum.
Festival
The festival of Naro Nasjal is celebrated every year in the monastery in the month of July. This is the time when people from all over the Zanskar valley come over to the monastery to be a part of the two day long festival and enjoy a masked dance performance by the lamas of the Bardan Monastery. During this festival, the bronze statue of Naropa is unveiled for the common people to see.
Padum
The town of Padum is the closest one to the Sani Monastery. Padum, being the erstwhile capital of the Zanskar kingdom, is historically important as well. What is instantly noticeable in Padum is its population. Very unlike, the rest of the Zanskar region, where Buddhists dominate, Padum has a considerable non Buddhsit population with Muslims beling the prime amongst them. Padum has a couple of its own attraction to keep the tourists busy. The 8th century rock carving on a huge boulder near the riverbank, just below the old township is one of them.
Other Attractions
- Stagrimo Monastery: Located on a ridge above the old town of Padum and hidden by trees is the Stagrimo Monastery. This monastery can be reached by an hourlong walk up the hill amidst refreshing green hills made colorful by flowers.
- Karsha Monastery: Karsha lies at a distance of 8 km from the town of Padum and happens to be the largest monastic complex of the Zanskar region. The highlight of the monastery are large valuable thankas and equally precious scrolls and idols. A 14th century nunnery lies enroute the monastery of Karsha. The nuns of this nunnery work in the fields of Karsha Monastery.
- Zongkhul Monastery: Housed in and around the magnificent cave believed to have been used by yogi Naropa for his meditation, the Zongkhul Monastery is famous for its frescoes. The monastery is situated on the Padum-Kishtwar trekking route.
How to Reach
By Air - Both Srinagar and Leh Airport are convenient means to reach Padum.
By Road - Sani Monastery lies on the Kargil-Padum road, around 6 km before Padum. B-class bus service run by the J&K SRTC is available thrice a week. However, tourists in group can even go for A-Class or even Super-Deluxe buses, jeeps and gypsy taxis to reach the Sani Monastery. Taxis from Kargil to Padum costs around Rs. 75,00.
