Bodzo Gompa

This gompa is the most interesting monastery between Bhraka and Manang but you'll need to find someone to let you in. Perched on a rocky ridge it contains fine wall-paintings and was once the center of a large community of monks. The area near this gompa used to be the original settlement of Manang. And this makes sense since there is numerous evidence that support historical settlements to have sprung up around important gompas. And Bodzo Gompa used to be pretty important then and now. This gompa belongs to the Kagyu sect and it is believed that the middle son of every Kagyu family should go to this Gompa for prayers. The story behind this unusual practice goes back to the Ghale king of Gyaru (the king of the ruined fort) with three sons. Their enemies plotted to end their lineage by killing all the three sons. But the middle son was particularly clever and understood the danger he was in and so he ran away from the possible murder scene and fled to Bodzo Gompa where he took refuge. From this incident onwards it is said that every middle son should visit this Gompa. The Gompa itself is very attractive which is a normal practice for all the Kagyupa followers with beautiful images of Buddha's various incarnations (nine Buddhas to be precise) in the four walls of the Gompa. They are all yellow in color. Walking around appreciating the beautiful paintings on the wall and the well-decorated altar is one way to spend your time inside the gompa. You will also see pennant-shaped flags of colors: White, red, green, blue and yellow on the pillars of the gompa. These flags are similar to that of other Kagyupa gompas. The Kagyupa followers practice a more elaborate way of showcasing their prayers and love for the god by creating bright paintings, elaborate rituals. All of these practices is visible inside the Bodzo Gompa. Locally called Vujeck Gompa, it is popularly believed to have been founded by Guru Rinpoche. The external paintings are equally exquisite with a prominent wheel of life, four guarding lokapalas and the ferocious protectors: Tamdrim and Channa Dorje.