In the picturesque valleys of Himachal Pradesh state, there are places that evoke surprise due to their natural beauty, high mountains, and quiet settlements. Among such places is a mummy that has become the object of intense public attention. This mummy is located in the village of Gyu, which is situated in the Spiti Valley.
It is believed that this mummy is about five hundred years old and belongs to the Buddhist monk Sanga Tendzin. Notably, the teeth of this burial are still visible. Because of this artifact, tourists travel from afar to see it.
The village of Gyu is located in the Lahaul-Spiti region of Himachal Pradesh state. It is known for its tranquil atmosphere, rugged mountainous terrain, and magnificent landscapes. The views of sunrise and sunset here are also very attractive. However, the most outstanding feature of this village is the mummy of the Buddhist monk Sanga Tendzin, which is kept in a special temple where people come to see it and learn about its history.
According to accounts, an earthquake in 1975 led to the discovery of an ancient burial site, after which the existence of the mummy became known. Excavations were conducted in 2004, and since then, this site has attracted interest from both archaeologists and tourists. People are amazed by the condition of the body, as some parts have retained their integrity after such a long period.
Various opinions exist regarding the mummy of Sanga Tendzin. Some reports attribute its preservation to natural processes. In Japan, there is a practice among Buddhist monks called 'Sokushinbutsu,' where some monks attempted to achieve a mummified state through strict ascetic practices and extremely limited diet. Nevertheless, in the case of the mummy from Gyu village, no clear scientific information confirming this procedure has been presented.
Today, the mummy of Sanga Tendzin is housed in the temple of Gyu village. Its distinguishing features include a look resembling open eyes, an open mouth, and visible teeth, which sets it apart from other mummies. This site attracts people interested in history, Buddhist traditions, and archaeology. If you are planning a trip to the Spiti Valley, it is worth learning about Gyu village. Before visiting, it is recommended to study local routes, weather conditions, and temple visitation rules.