The Historic Gangda Monastery
Gangda Monastery, nestled in Juelong Village of Naxi Township, Mangkang County, is a beacon of the Gelug (Yellow Sect) school of Tibetan Buddhism. With its origins dating back over 500 years to the mid-Ming Dynasty, the monastery has withstood the tests of time and history. Despite suffering damage during the Cultural Revolution, it underwent significant repairs in 1988, preserving its historical and spiritual significance.
The monastery’s layout includes the main assembly hall and the Protector Deity Chapel, covering an area of 2,300 square meters. The assembly hall, constructed with traditional Tibetan architecture, features earthen and wooden structures with a flat roof decorated at the corners with prayer flags and a central bronze Dharma wheel flanked by two deer, symbolizing the teachings of the Buddha.
The Assembly Hall
Facing west, the assembly hall is the heart of the monastery, featuring a two-story structure without columns in the porch area, adorned with murals of the Four Heavenly Kings and the Wheel of Life. The hall is divided into a porch and scripture hall on the first floor, with the scripture hall hosting statues of Tsongkhapa, Padmasambhava, and other revered figures. The second floor contains smaller rooms used for meetings and as the Protector Deity Chapel, showcasing bronze statues of auspicious deities and protectors like Palden Lhamo and Nechung.
The Protector Deity Chapel
Located to the north of the assembly hall, this two-story structure serves as a storeroom for masks on the first floor and houses fierce protector deities like Mahakala and Vajrabhairava on the second, embodying the monastery’s commitment to safeguarding the Dharma.
Gangda Monastery remains a vital center for religious practice and community gatherings in Mangkang County. Its enduring presence reflects the resilience of Tibetan Buddhism in the region, serving as a spiritual haven for practitioners and a site of cultural heritage for visitors interested in the rich tapestry of Tibetan religious traditions.
