The Resilient Dexung Lakang
Dexung Lakang, situated in Adong Village Committee of Muxu Township, Mangkang County, is a monastery steeped in history and spirituality. Founded in the mid-Qing Dynasty as a Gelug (Yellow Sect) institution, it faced significant damage during the Cultural Revolution but was restored to its former glory in 1988. The monastery, featuring traditional Tibetan architecture with an earthen and wooden structure and a flat roof, measures 13.5 meters in length and 17 meters in width, covering nearly 170 square meters.
The main hall of Lakang, with its intricate murals on all four walls, is a testament to the artistic and spiritual heritage of the region. It houses revered statues of Tsongkhapa and his disciples, the Thousand-Armed Avalokiteshvara, Padmasambhava, King Trisong Detsen, Maitreya Buddha, and the protector deity Kawa Gapo among others.
Surrounding the monastery are eight Buddhist stupas, each standing at 3.1 meters tall with a base width of 1.98 meters, forming a majestic and spiritual panorama that embodies the essence of Buddhist architecture and reverence.
Exploring Nearby Heritage Sites
For those venturing to Muxu Township, the Naya ruins in Muxu Village (Naya natural village) offer a glimpse into the ancient past of the region. Located about 150 meters east of the Lancang River and 20 meters west of Rendan Temple, the Naya ruins were discovered by the Autonomous Region’s Cultural Relics Protection Research Institute in 2006. The site, extending 150 meters east-west and 70 meters north-south, covers approximately 10,500 square meters and features terraced distribution from north to west. Excavations have unearthed pottery shards and stone bracelets on the first terrace, and ash layers containing more pottery on the second terrace, highlighting the archaeological and cultural significance of the area.
Dexung Lakang, with its rich historical backdrop and spiritual significance, continues to serve as a beacon of the Gelug tradition in Mangkang County, attracting both practitioners and visitors interested in the profound depth of Tibetan Buddhism and the cultural heritage of Tibet.