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Exploring the Hepori Mountain Stupas: Tibet’s Oldest Relic Group in Shannan

Location: East of Samye Monastery, Zhanang County, Shannan City, Tibet Autonomous Region

Perched above Tibet’s first monastery, Hepori Mountain—also known as Hepo Ri—hosts some of the oldest and most sacred stupas in Tibet, dating back over 1,300 years. These ancient shrines, known as the Hepori Stupas, are deeply connected to the origins of Tibetan Buddhism and the legendary figures who shaped its early development.


Spiritual Significance of Hepori Mountain

Hepori is more than just a scenic ridge above Samye Monastery—it’s a sacred site in Tibetan Buddhism. In the 8th century, the Indian tantric master Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) is said to have subdued harmful spirits on this mountain, clearing the way for the founding of Samye, the first Buddhist monastery in Tibet, under King Trisong Detsen.

Atop the mountain are protector shrines and stupas built to honor the translators, teachers, and abbots who played pivotal roles in establishing Buddhism in Tibet. Many of these stupas were deliberately placed at cardinal directions around the ridge to sanctify and protect the monastery below.


🌟 Key Hepori Stupas and Their Historical Significance

1. Kawa Peltsek (North End of Hepori)

  • Who: Kawa Peltsek, one of the “Three Great Tibetan Translators” of the 8th century
  • Base Dimensions: 11 m (N–S) × 9.4 m (E–W)
  • Height: 11 m remaining
  • Structure: Five-layered stone base with a vase-shaped tower
  • Legacy: Led Buddhist scripture translations at Samye
  • Condition: Damaged during the Cultural Revolution; original relic box with ashes recovered
  • Notable Feature: Central life-wood axis (srog shing) still intact

2. Chokro Lui Gyeltsen  Stupa (South End of Hepori)

  • Who: Chokro Lui Gyeltsen, a renowned Tibetan translator from Shannan
  • Base Dimensions: 9.7 m × 8.9 m
  • Height: 8 m remaining
  • Contribution: Translated texts like the Great Commentary on the Shurangama Sutra
  • Design: Similar to Gawa Bayi’s stupa but more heavily damaged
  • Importance: Prominent figure in early Tibetan textual transmission

3. Shang Yeshe de Stupa (Southernmost Point)

  • Who: Shang Yeshede, a noble translator from the family of Queen Shangshung-za(Songtsen Gampo’s consort)
  • Base Dimensions: 16.4 m × 16.1 m
  • Height: 11 m remaining
  • Construction: Rammed earth core wrapped with stone masonry
  • Significance: The largest stupa on Hepori, symbolizing royal and spiritual patronage

4. Khenchen Bodhisattva Stupa (East Slope of Hepori)

  • Who: Śāntarakṣita, an Indian monk and first abbot of Samye Monastery
  • Fate: Original stupa collapsed after construction; only the monk’s head remained
  • Destruction: Destroyed during the Cultural Revolution
  • Preservation: Jihu’s skull is now safely housed in Samye Monastery
  • Restoration: Recently rebuilt and preserved

🛠️ Preservation and Restoration Efforts

During the Cultural Revolution (1966–1976), many Hepori stupas were destroyed, and sacred relics were desecrated. Yet thanks to the deep reverence of local villagers, many relics—including ashes, bone fragments, and reliquary boxes—were secretly preserved.

In recent decades, restoration efforts led by both Tibetan communities and government initiatives have brought renewed life to the site. Several stupas have been reconstructed using traditional Tibetan masonry techniques, helping revive the spiritual and cultural legacy of Hepori Mountain.


🧭 Why the Hepori Stupas Matter

  • Historical Importance: Among Tibet’s oldest Buddhist monuments, dating back to the 8th century
  • Spiritual Legacy: Closely linked to Padmasambhava, Samye Monastery, and the origins of Vajrayana Buddhism
  • Architectural Insight: Showcase early Tibetan stupa construction, geomancy, and sacred design principles
  • Cultural Symbol: A testament to Tibetan resilience, preserving heritage through centuries of change and upheaval

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