Karsha's Chuchikjyal Temple

In the Summer of 1996, the Shelley and Donald Rubin Foundation donated funds to help the Karsha Lhonpo stabilize the structure of the Chuchikjyal Temple in Karsha, Zangskar. I (Rob Linrothe) delivered the funds, and returned again in 1998. Progress was measurable. There is now an outer encasing wall to shore up the sagging structure. In addition, strong foundations for steps were made along the side of the wall, to decrease the weakening of the foundations. Timber has been purchased for the next stage of the project, which will entail removing the ceiling and replacing the warped and cracked beams.

The Chuchikjyal Temple of Karsha from above, with a view of the "Queen's" Chorten on the left, and two small chortens between them.	A view of the old outer wall, with visible cracks, before repairs. Compare the cracked, sagging wall to the repaired wall below.	The encasing wall in the process of being built.
The encasing wall nearly finished, before the steps are built.	The steps in the process of being built (compare the image of Karsha Lonpo on the steps below).	A monk painted on the inside of the Chuchikjyal shrine at Karsha.
Karsha Lonpo standing on the steps he's built with the help of the Shelley and Donald Rubin Foundation grant.	A mandala on the left wall, badly damaged by water. This damage may, however, be reversible.	A lama teacher on the front wall.

Beams at walls showing water leakage.	Sagging ceiling beams which need replacement.

Lama Angchuk (Karsha Lonpo's son) in front of damaged murals. (1994)	Village boys in front of damaged murals. (1992)
Heads of the main 11- headed Avalokitesvara sculpture.	White Acala and Hayagriva below mandala mural.

Detail of one of the mandalas, showing a nagarja and a chorten on one of the outer borders.