The Drepung Monastery is situated in the western part of Lhasa, below Mt. Gambo Utse. It is encircled by the dark mountain and its resplendent ivory edifices sparkle in the sun. It covers an area of about 250,000 square meters. Constructed in the year 1416, it is deemed one of the most extensive monasteries among the six primary monasteries of the Geluk Sect in Tibet. Before the renovation of the Potala Palace, the Drepung Monastery served as the residence of the Dalai Lamas.
History of Drepung Monastery
The Drepung monastery was established in 1416 by Jamyang Choeje Tashi Palden, a devoted follower of Tsong Khapa. Despite being from a humble background in Lhoka, Jamyang Choeje excelled in his studies and became an expert in sutra before mastering the Esoteric sect. Tsong Khapa entrusted him with the task of constructing a grand monastery to disseminate his teachings, presenting him with a conch shell as a symbol of good fortune. With the support of a noble family, Jamyang Choeje began the construction of the monastery, which he named “Palden Drepung Gonpa” meaning Rice Heap in Tibetan. Upon its completion, he was appointed as the first Tripa (throne holder). In 1464, colleges were established to teach tantra in the monastery.
The second Dalai Lama constructed the Ganden Phodrang palace within the monastery when he became abbot of the monastery. The third Dalai Lama was invited to the monastery as the first living Buddha, after which he went to Qinghai to preach, earning him the title “Ocean of Wisdom” bestowed upon him by Atai Khan, the leader of Mongolia. This led to the Title of Dalai Lama. Following this, he posthumously recognized the first and second Dalai Lamas. The fifth Dalai Lama also lived in the monastery until he obtained both political and spiritual power.
The Drepung monastery holds a significant place in the history of Tibetan history due to its esteemed status and profound impact. The Ganden Podrang Palace, located within the monastery, is considered the place where the Gelug Sect assumed administrative power, as it was the residence of the Dalai Lamas.
Drepung Monastery Architecture compound
The Drepung Monastery comprises the Tsokchen Hall, four Dratsangs and Gandan Phodrang. These sections also have their corresponding associated Kamtsen, monks’ residences, and other structures, creating well-organized construction units.
Each construction unit’s interior is mainly divided into three levels: the courtyard, sutra hall, and Buddha temple, forming an ascending position from the gate to the Buddha hall. The exterior of the hall and sutra hall is ornamented with Buddhist themes like the golden roof, phase wheel, treasure building, eight treasures, etc., which boosts the solemnity of Buddhism and creates a large-scale architectural group with a stunning scale.
The view of the group of floors is magnificent, one after the other, resembling a beautiful mountain city. As per the Tibetan tradition, visiting the Drepung Monastery requires following a turning path that rotates clockwise from left to right. Generally, visitors should first go to Gandan Pozhang, then to the Tsokchen Hall, followed by the Tantric courtyard, and then from the back of the mountain to the foot of the mountain. At the foot of the mountain, there is Naichung Temple.
Exploring the Wonders of Drepung Monastery: A Spiritual and Architectural Marvel
High on the slopes just outside Lhasa, Drepung Monastery stands as one of the greatest monasteries in Tibetan history. Once home to thousands of monks, it was among the largest monastic institutions in the world. Today, it remains a powerful symbol of Tibetan Buddhism, offering visitors a deep journey into spirituality, history, and traditional architecture.
Walking through its whitewashed buildings feels like stepping into a living museum. Every hall, courtyard, and chapel carries stories of devotion, learning, and cultural brilliance that have been preserved for centuries.
The Grandeur of the Tshomchen (Main Assembly Hall)
At the heart of Drepung Monastery lies the magnificent Tshomchen, also known as the Tsokchen Assembly Hall. This is the spiritual center of the monastery and one of its most impressive structures.
Architectural Magnificence
The Tshomchen covers an expansive 4,500 square meters and is supported by 183 massive pillars. Its scale alone reflects the importance of collective prayer and teaching in Tibetan Buddhism. The hall’s design showcases traditional Tibetan craftsmanship, with strong wooden beams, layered roofs, and carefully painted details that have stood the test of time.
A large skylight above allows natural light to pour in, illuminating the interior and creating a calm, sacred atmosphere.
Sacred Art and Relics
Inside the hall, visitors are surrounded by colorful thangkas, ancient murals, and rows of butter lamps that softly glow in the dim light. Statues of Je Tsongkhapa and his disciples stand with lifelike detail, reflecting deep respect for the founder of the Gelug tradition.
One of the most revered objects here is a sacred conch shell, believed to have been used by Shakyamuni Buddha and later discovered by Tsongkhapa. This relic adds a powerful spiritual connection between past and present.
Tombs of the Dalai Lamas
Behind the main hall, silver stupas hold the remains of the Second, Third, and Fourth Dalai Lamas. These tombs are important historical markers, linking the monastery to the lineage of Tibetan spiritual leadership.
The Ganden Phodrang Palace: A Historical Residence
Climbing the western steps of the monastery leads to the remarkable Ganden Phodrang Palace, a structure that once served both spiritual and political roles.
A Palace of Significance
Built in 1530 during the time of the Second Dalai Lama, this three-story palace later became the residence of the Third, Fourth, and Fifth Dalai Lamas. Its name, “Ganden Phodrang,” would eventually represent the Tibetan government itself.
The palace features distinctive windows, quiet courtyards, and layered living spaces that reflect both simplicity and authority.
Layout and Interior
From above, the palace reveals a clear three-section layout. Entering through the main gate, visitors step into a peaceful courtyard. On one side stands a two-story administrative building, while an ancient tree adds a sense of timelessness to the space.
Further inside lies another courtyard surrounded by residential quarters and corridors. At the rear, the main building rises slightly higher. The first floor contains sutra halls filled with religious texts and statues. The second floor once hosted the Fifth Dalai Lama’s throne room, along with private meditation and living spaces.
The Four Tantric Colleges: Centers of Learning
Drepung Monastery was not only a place of worship but also a major center of Buddhist education. It housed several colleges where monks studied philosophy, debate, and tantric practices.
Hubs of Buddhist Education
The main colleges include Loseling, Gomang, Deyang, Ngagpa (Ngapa), Shakor, and Thosamling. Each college has its own assembly hall and temples, creating smaller communities within the larger monastery.
These colleges played a key role in shaping generations of scholars and spiritual teachers.
Rigorous Study and Debate
Life here was disciplined and focused. Monks spent years memorizing texts, participating in debates, and attending teachings. The famous Tibetan debate tradition—marked by clapping and energetic discussion—can still be seen today.
At the end of their studies, monks were examined by senior teachers. Those who succeeded could earn the respected Geshe degree, a high academic title in Tibetan Buddhism.
The Tsokchen Assembly Hall: The Living Heart of the Monastery
The Tsokchen Hall is not just large—it is alive with spiritual energy.
Expansive and Sacred Space
A wide stone courtyard leads to the entrance, setting the stage for what lies inside. The hall itself contains over 200 rooms and numerous columns, all carefully arranged to support both structure and ceremony.
Artistic Grandeur
Inside, golden statues, long rows of oil lamps, and colorful fabric hangings create a rich visual experience. The beams and ceilings are decorated with traditional patterns, while the soft lighting enhances the peaceful atmosphere.
Exquisite Buddha Statues
Among the many artworks, the statues stand out the most. A central Bodhisattva figure is placed under a large ceremonial umbrella, symbolizing protection and compassion. The statues are detailed and expressive, making them not only religious icons but also masterpieces of Tibetan art.
Dusum Lhakhang: A Chapel of Early History
Hidden behind the main assembly hall is the quiet and ancient Dusum Lhakhang, one of the earliest chapels in the monastery.
Unique Architecture
This two-story structure includes three main rooms and features a high skylight that brightens the interior. Its design is simple yet meaningful, reflecting early Tibetan architectural styles.
Sacred Art and Layout
Inside, a pagoda-shaped niche holds statues of Shakyamuni Buddha and his two main disciples. Around them stand copper-plated pagodas, creating a unique visual arrangement rarely seen elsewhere.
The walls are decorated with images of important figures, including Vajrapani and Hayagriva, adding both artistic and symbolic depth.
Historical Importance
Built during the time of Jamchen Choeje, a key disciple of Tsongkhapa, this chapel preserves early murals that are valuable for understanding Tibetan religious art. Near the exit, an imperial plaque adds another layer of historical significance.
Miwang Lhakhang: The Sanctuary of Maitreya
Next to Dusum Lhakhang stands Miwang Lhakhang, a chapel dedicated to the future Buddha.
The Maitreya Statue
The highlight here is a large seated statue of Maitreya. The statue rises through two floors, making it both impressive and deeply moving.
Despite its size, the figure is gentle and calm, with soft features that create a sense of warmth and connection. Visitors often feel a quiet sense of hope and peace in this space.
Visiting Drepung Monastery is more than sightseeing. It is an experience that brings together history, religion, art, and daily monastic life.
From the grand Tshomchen Hall to the quiet chapels of Dusum and Miwang, every corner offers something meaningful. The monastery tells the story of Tibetan Buddhism—not just through texts and teachings, but through living spaces, sacred objects, and centuries-old traditions.
For travelers interested in culture, spirituality, or architecture, this monastery remains one of the most important and unforgettable places in Tibet.
Lubum Lhakang
To the right of Dusum Lhakhang lies “Lubum Lakang”. In its front, there are two smaller pagodas painted in white, known as “Lubum Pagoda”. At the rear, three silver Stupa are placed side by side. The centre Stupa is the Tomb Stupa of the third Dalai lama (Sonan Gyatso), measuring 6.16 meters. Towards the north, there is the Tomb Stupa of the Fourth Dalai (Yunten Gyatss), measuring 5.57 meters, with a 1-meter-high wooden-waisted seat, making it a total of 6.57 meters in height.
Towards the south, there is the (Desi Trinley Gyatso) Regent’s Tomb Stupa, which measures 4.6 meters in height. The tower is adorned with silver and embedded with jewellery, making it exquisite and luxurious. It took 14,800 taels of silver to construct it, which was used solely by the third and fourth Dalai Lamas.
Kangyur Lhakhang
On the second floor of the hall, there is only one “Kangyur Lakhang”, while the rest of the space is used as a warehouse. Kangyur has many classics, and three precious collections are present. One of them is the ideal version of the Great Tibetan Sutra, which was sent by Landlord Mu Zeng from Yunnan during the late Ming Dynasty. The other one is the Kangxi wood-cut scriptures of the Qing Dynasty. The last one is from 1675 (the fourth year of Kangxi), where Diba Lobsang Tudop celebrated the birthday of the Dalai Lama using gold.
Jampa Tongdol Lhakang
On the third floor of the hall, there is a small hall named “Jampa Tongdol Lakang”. The giant gold-bronze statue of Jampa Tongdol is believed to be the statue of Matriye Buddha when he was eight years old, built by the Local king Neu under the blessing of Tsongkhapa. The statue depicts a childish appearance, making it one of the best Buddha statues. In front of the Buddha statue, there is a conch, which is believed to be a magical object given to him when Tsongkhapa ordered Jamchen Choeje to build Drepung Monastery. Inside the statues have countless relics like Lama Tsongkhapa’s hair, his clothes, the hair of Master Asanga and his dress. etc
The Jampa Tongdol Lhakhang boasts a remarkable square spire golden roof. A Chinese Character plaque, bearing the inscription (穆隆元善)Mulong Yuanshan, hangs on the temple’s entrance. The plaque is adorned with an oval seal that reads “the seal of Mengqiu in the year of the Bingwu year of Daqing Daoguang”. On the back, two seals are engraved: one bears the words “Don’t Mu’s” and the other reads “The seal of Qishan”. This plaque was carved and donated by Qi Shan, who was then serving as a minister in Tibet, in July 1846 (the 26th year of Qing Daoguang) upon his transfer from Tibet.
Shakyamuni Buddha Hall
The fourth level of the temple houses the Shakyamuni Buddha Hall, which features a grand statue of Sakyamuni, believed to have been crafted from 500 taels of silver. On both sides stand 13 silver towers. The Arhat Hall is reserved for the ancestors of Buddhism, Arhats, and other deities, as well as the primary statue of the living Buddha of Drepung Monastery. The temple’s golden roof is accentuated by a splendid Gyaltsen (victory banner), inspired by mainland architecture.
Four Major Dratsang of Drepung Monastery
Dratsang is not only the educational unit of the Monastery, but also the top-level management institution below Tsokchen also referred to as the “College of Scriptures”. Initially, Drepung Monastery was divided into seven Dratsang, namely Gomang, Deyang, Loseling, Ngaba, Shakor, Tosamling, and Dulwa. Each of the seven disciples of Jamyang Choeje was in charge. Later, it merged into the current four large Dratsangs of Loseling, Gomang, Deyang, and Ngaba. The first three are Mahayana Dratsang, and the latter one is Tantric Dratsang.
Loseling College of Drepung Monastery
Loseling Dratsang is the largest Dratsang in Drepung Monastery, covering an area of approximately 1,860 square meters, comprising two parts: the sutra hall and the Buddhist temple. The Assembly Hall has an area of 1,053 square meters, with 102 columns. The meridians (about 60 meters long) on both sides of the sutra hall stand on the wall, which is full of various classic sutra. The furnishings in the classic hall are also extremely lavish. Behind the sutra hall is the Jampa Buddha Hall, which primarily worships the statue of the Maitreya Buddha. The Buddhist hall is connected with three rooms, and the front is connected.
The middle room is 11 meters wide and 6 meters deep. The back of the Buddhist temple is full of various Buddhas and Buddhisaatva, and only a narrow passage is left in front of pilgrims. There are 23 Khamtsen under its jurisdiction. The highest monk is Khenpo.
Gomang Dratsang
Gomang Dratsang is the second largest in the area, with two distinct parts – the sutra hall and the temple. The Dratsang spans over 985.5 square meters and consists of 102 columns, measuring 36 meters from east to west and 27 meters from north to south. The sutra hall is divided into three Lhakangs – Jigche Lhakang, Dolma Lakang, and Buddha Lhakang, and is served by monks from Inner Mongolia, Qinghai, and Naqu. Additionally, there are 16 Khamtsen under its jurisdiction.
Deyang Dratsang
In contrast, Deyang Dratsang is the smallest college, covering an area of approximately 952 square meters. The sutra hall is 7 rooms wide, with 62 columns, and a total area of 375 square meters. At the back of the sutra hall is the Buddha Hall, which is 7 rooms wide and 2 rooms deep, covering an area of 54.74 square meters. A tac-format screen door is located in the middle of the front, measuring 12.1 meters in width. There are two 1.7-meter-square-room warehouses on either side. The monastery and kitchen are located on the left, with irregular shapes. The Main statue inside the hall is Maitreya Buddha.
Ngaba Dratsang
Ngaba Dratsang, situated on the right side of the Tsokchen Assembly Hall, is the Tantric Academy of Drepung Temple. The construction of this academy is unique as it comprises a closed courtyard in the front, surrounded by monk’s rooms and a sutra hall at the back. The sutra hall is spread over an area of 467 square meters, with 9 rooms in width and 7 rooms in depth, supported by 48 columns. The walls of the hall are adorned with murals depicting tantra materials.
Jikchi Lhakang is located at the back of the sutra hall, covering an area of 56 square meters, with 3 wide rooms and 2 deep rooms. It houses a few Buddha statues, which are tall and fierce, with a horrifying appearance. The statue of Ra Lotsawa is said to be missing only one finger, which is quite intriguing. One of the three major tantras, the statue of Yamantaka, with 9 heads and 34 arms, is also present in the Hall. It is believed to be the incarnation of Manjushri Bodhisattva and was personally crafted by the Lama Tsongkhapa.
Drepung Monastery: A Treasure Trove of Tibetan Cultural and Religious Artifacts
Set against the hills near Lhasa, Drepung Monastery is more than just a spiritual center—it is a living archive of Tibetan history and culture. Known as the largest monastery in Tibet, it preserves a remarkable collection of artifacts that reflect centuries of religious devotion, artistic mastery, and cultural exchange.
From delicate porcelain to sacred scriptures, every object inside the monastery carries a story. Together, these treasures offer a deeper understanding of Tibetan Buddhism and the region’s rich heritage.
Porcelain Collections: A Journey Through Dynasties
One of the lesser-known yet fascinating collections at Drepung Monastery is its porcelain.
Diverse Dynasty Pieces
The monastery houses porcelain items dating from the Song Dynasty through the Ming Dynasty and Qing Dynasty. These pieces include finely crafted pressure cups and small bowls, each representing different styles and techniques from their time.
The evolution of glaze, color, and design across these dynasties can be clearly seen in this collection. It also reflects the cultural exchanges between Tibet and central China over many centuries.
Thangka Art: Masterpieces of Devotion
Thangkas are among the most striking visual elements in Drepung Monastery.
Elegance in Fabric
Many of the monastery’s thangkas date back to the Ming and Qing periods. These religious paintings, created on fabric, are rich in color and detail. They often depict Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, mandalas, and important teachers.
Inside the Tsokchen Assembly Hall, four special sets of thangkas stand out. These are known for their refined composition and luxurious materials, often described as representing the “four treasures.” Their artistic precision and spiritual symbolism make them priceless cultural assets.
Buddhist Scriptures: A Sacred Compilation
The written word holds a central place in Tibetan Buddhism, and Drepung Monastery safeguards an impressive collection of sacred texts.
108 Pieces of Wisdom
Among its most valued possessions is a complete set of Buddhist scriptures consisting of 108 volumes. These are carefully stored in 54 specially made wooden boxes, designed to protect the texts from damage.
Each scripture is printed and bound with great care, reflecting the deep respect given to Buddhist teachings. These texts are not only religious guides but also historical documents that preserve centuries of knowledge.
Statues and Stupas: A Legacy in Bronze
The monastery’s halls are filled with statues that capture both artistic beauty and spiritual meaning.
The Manjushri Statue
One of the highlights is a 1.29-meter statue of Manjushri, seated on a finely carved sandalwood base shaped like a mirror. This statue is believed to have been gifted by Emperor Shunzhi to the Fifth Dalai Lama, symbolizing the connection between Tibetan and imperial Chinese authorities.
Bronze Statuary
Beyond this, the monastery houses thousands of bronze statues, including figures of Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and important teachers. Many of the most exquisite pieces date back to the Yongle period of the Ming Dynasty, known for its high level of craftsmanship.
These statues are not just decorative—they serve as objects of meditation and devotion, connecting practitioners to deeper spiritual teachings.
Weapons and Armor: Glimpses of Tibetan History
While primarily a religious site, Drepung Monastery also preserves elements of Tibet’s military past.
Ancient Warfare Artifacts
Within the Tsokchen Hall, visitors can find a collection of ancient weapons and armor. These items provide a rare look into the defensive and military practices of historical Tibet.
The armor, in particular, is well-preserved and offers insight into craftsmanship, materials, and design used in earlier times. It serves as a reminder that monasteries were not only centers of learning and prayer but also part of a broader social and historical landscape.
A Living Museum of Tibetan Heritage
Drepung Monastery stands today as a remarkable blend of spirituality and cultural preservation. Its collections—ranging from fine porcelain and sacred thangkas to ancient scriptures and bronze statues—form a rich tapestry of Tibetan life across centuries.
For visitors, scholars, and spiritual seekers alike, the monastery offers more than visual beauty. It provides a deeper connection to Tibet’s religious traditions, artistic achievements, and historical journey. Every artifact, no matter how small, plays a role in telling the enduring story of Tibetan civilization.
