Summary
Stongdey Monastery, often written Stongde, Stongday, Tonday or Thonde, is a flourishing Buddhist monastery in Zanskar, Ladakh, northern India, approximately 18 km northeast of Padum, on the road to Zangla.[1]
| Stongdey Monastery | |
|---|---|
 Sunset concert on the gompa roof | |
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Tibetan Buddhism |
| Sect | Gelug |
| Deity | Je Tsongkhapa |
| Location | |
| Location | Zanskar River Valley, Ladakh, India |
  Location within India  Stongdey Monastery (India) | |
| Geographic coordinates | 33°31′9.34″N 76°59′17.59″E / 33.5192611°N 76.9882194°E |
| Architecture | |
| Founder | Lama Lhodak Marpa Choski Lodos |
The gompa was founded in 1052 by Naropa's disciple, the famous translator Lama Marpa Lotsawa (1012-1097). It was taken over by the Gelugpa about four centuries later and became dedicated to Je Tsongkhapa.[1][2]
It is the second largest monastic institution in Zanskar, with a community of about 60 Gelukpa monks.[1] Every year the Gustor Festival is held on the 28th and 29th day in the eleventh month of the Tibetan calendar.
There are seven temples in all. The Tshogs-khang is decorated with exquisite painting including some with deities on a black background outlined in gold.[2]