Saspol Caves

Saspol Caves (a.k.a. Gon-Nila-Phuk Cave Temples) are situated in the hills behind Saspol, Ladakh, India, which is about 76 km from the city centre of Leh. Paintings exist in five caves, two of them extensively damaged. One of the painted caves, that have been given a coat of lime wash and red paint in the exterior is the most visited and is considered as the main cave. Paintings of Anuttarayoga Tantra images of the main cave is very rare during the period of execution of these paintings. These caves are under the administration of Lekir Monastery.

Saspol Caves
Saspol Caves
Religion
AffiliationTibetan Buddhism
Location
LocationSaspol Caves, Leh District, Ladakh, India
Location in Leh District of Ladakh
Geographic coordinates34°15′N 77°9′E

Very few early period painted cave temples exist in Ladakh and these paintings are dated to the 15th century CE.[1] The caves, also known as Gon-Nila-Phuk Cave temples, are in danger of total collapse and were therefore listed in 2016 World Monuments Watch.[2] Rammed earth fortification can be seen on top of the hill near the caves.

Art and architectural conservation projects was carried out by INTACH Ladakh Chapter in 2015 and 2016 in collaboration with M/s Art Conservation Solutions. The project was funded in 2015 by Prince Claus Fund and in 2016 and 2018 by the World Monuments Fund.[3][4]

  • Ushnishavijaya
  • Manjushri and Maitreya
  • Amitabha in Sukhavati
  • Hevajra
  • Avalokiteshwara painting and Manjushri & Maitreya painting

References
  1. Bellini, Chiara. 2014. “The Paintings of the Caves of Sa Spo La in Ladakh: Proof of the Development of the Religious Order of the DGe-Lugs in Indian Tibet during the 15th Century.” In From Mediterranean to Himalaya - A Festschrift to Commemorate the 120th Birthday of the Italian Tibetologist Giuseppe Tucci, edited by Dramdul and Francesco Sferra, 315–46, p.322
  2. "Gon-Nila-Phuk Cave Temples and Fort". wmf.org. Retrieved 1 August 2019.
  3. "Prince Claus Fund 2015 Annual Report". Issuu. Retrieved 24 December 2019.
  4. "Gon-Nila-Phuk Cave Temples and Fort". World Monuments Fund. Retrieved 24 December 2019.


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