Gompa

Gompa (pronounced dgon-pa) is a Tibetan word meaning ‘hermitage’. Often used synonymously with ‘monastery’, it indicates a place where the Buddhist Lamas lead a secluded life, away from the allure of materialistic world. Gompas usually house a Buddhist temple. In India, such Buddhist Gompas exist in Jammu and Kashmir, West Bengal, Uttaranchal and Himachal Pradesh. Shey, Thiksey, Hemis, Alchi, Tashigang, Stongdey, Gadhan Kunkyop Ling and Lamayuru are some of the major Gompas in the country.