The Majestic Vodzer Monastery
Located merely 200 meters north of Gatuo Town in Mangkang County, Vodzer Monastery (Vod-zer-dgon) is an architectural marvel set on a sprawling 11,817 square meters. Its layout resembles the Chinese character “回,” with the main hall centrally located at the rear, surrounded by monks’ quarters and auxiliary halls, creating a vast courtyard between the main entrance and the central hall.
Vodzer Monastery is a revered site within the Tibetan Buddhist Nyingma sect. It is distinguished by housing one of the eighteen Hutuktu (ho-thog-thu), a title bestowed by the Qing Dynasty to high-ranking lamas, making it one of the three major Hutuktus in the Chamdo area. The lineage of the Vodzer Rinpoche has reached its 15th reincarnation, with the monastery currently home to 64 monks.
This sacred place serves as the principal venue for religious activities for the local community, hosting significant events like the Cham Dance and the Butter Lamp Festival annually. These events highlight the monastery’s profound religious and cultural significance and its artistic allure.
Insightful Tips for Visitors
- Hutuktu (ho-thog-thu): A Mongolian term translating to “reincarnated lama,” “saint,” or “long-liver.” Originally a title for high-ranking lamas in Mongolian areas, it was later adopted by the Qing government for top-tier Tibetan Buddhist lamas across Tibet and Mongolia. In Tibet, Hutuktus rank just below the Dalai and Panchen Lamas. Notable Hutuktus include the Jedrung Hutuktu of Geden Monastery, the Tsemchog Hutuktu of Tsem Monastery, the Rewa Hutuktu of Sera Monastery, and the Demo Hutuktu of Drepung Monastery.
- Cham Dance: Also known as “Cham,” this is a unique religious dance specific to Tibetan Buddhism, performed by monks within the monastic compounds. Originating from pre-Buddhist shamanistic rituals, the Cham was developed by Padmasambhava in the 8th century to subdue demons by incorporating local Tibetan dance with Vajrayana Buddhism elements. This ritual has evolved over centuries into a complex dance performance, integral to Tibetan Buddhist ceremonies, symbolizing the purification of the venue and the subjugation of evil spirits. The dancers, clad in elaborate and often fearsome masks and costumes, perform slow, solemn, and majestic movements to the accompaniment of traditional monastic instruments, conveying a sense of awe and reverence.
Vodzer Monastery’s rich history, spiritual practices, and vibrant cultural expressions make it a fascinating destination for those interested in exploring Tibetan Buddhism’s depths and the unique traditions of Mangkang County.
