Tashilhunpo Monastery

Tashilhunpo Monastery ,also called the Heap of Glory,is located in Shigatse . Situated on the foot of Drolmari, the structure is one of the six huge monasteries of Gelugpa in Tibet which was built by 1st Dalai Lama in the year 1447. It stands on a whooping area of around 300,000 sq. m and is also known as a seat of the Panchen Lama who is considered to be the second most important religious leader of Tibet.

As you enter the monastery, you will find a wall overlooking the monastery, which was built by the order of the first Dalai Lama in the year 1468. On 14th, 15th and 16th May of every year according to the Tibetan calendar, the wall displays images of Lord Buddha. And when looking the monastery, from entry you will see the mighty building with white walls and shining golden roof. Proceed to the West Side of the temple where the Maitreya Chapel holds the biggest statue of a sitting Maitreya Buddha, almost 86 feet in height, well decorated with gold, diamond, pearl and every other rare stone that you can think of. It is spellbinding to know that it is purely handcrafted by around 900 craftsmen and took more than 9 years in its construction. Take the wooden staircase to other higher levels of the Chapel from where you can more clearly see and appreciate the Lord's monolith. The other attraction of the monastery is the Stupa tomb of the tenth Panchen Lama. It lies east of the chapel and is covered with 614 kg of gold and innumerable number of jewels and precious stones.

Near to the stupa there is the Panchen Lama's palace which is still not open to visitors. As move to the east of the palace, you will come across another stupa, this time of the fourth Panchen Lama. This stupa is also completely covered with gold and silver. Apart from these grand palaces and Stupas, also enjoy the uniqueness and resplendence of the paintings that adorn the walls of this monastery.

If you just want to explore the entire monastery, it will take around 3 hrs that is how big this temple of worship is. But if you want to completely relish this opportunity, then you must keep at least half a day in your hand.

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Sincerely yours,

Ryan

 

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