Most Popular Monasteries in Tsedang annd Nedong Region

Tashi Doga Monastery

Tashi Doga Monastery བཀྲ་ཤིས་དོ་ཁ།, nestled in Trimon Township, Nedong County, is a site of profound spiritual significance, established by the renowned Tibetan Buddhist scholar Tsongkhapa Lobsang Drakpa (1357–1419) during the Ming Dynasty. The temple spans an area of 3300 square meters, with its length extending 55 meters from east to west and width measuring 60 meters from north to south.

Historical Background:

• Foundation: The temple was founded by Tsongkhapa, a central figure in Tibetan Buddhism.
• Legend: The name “Tashi Doga Monastery” is attributed to a heavenly saint, Tashi, who descended from the sky and crafted a statue of Tsongkhapa during his meditation at the site.

Architectural and Spiritual Features:

• Main Structures: The temple comprises a sutra hall, a Buddhist hall, and monk residences.
• Sutra Hall: Located on the second floor, it serves dual purposes – the upper floor as the lama’s bedroom and the lower floor for chanting sutras.
• Gongkang: This is the Dharma Protector Temple, situated in front of the sutra hall.
• Buddhist Hall: Houses statues of Tsongkhapa, Thousand-Armed Avalokitesvara, Four-Armed Avalokitesvara, Eight Medicine Kings, Infinite Life Buddha, Tara, Vajra, and Sixteen Arhats.
• Murals: The walls are adorned with murals depicting the Twenty-One Mothers and four King Kong murals at the doorway, noted for their artistic excellence.

Tour Tips:

1. Sacred Site: To the north of the temple, on the mountainside, lies Tsongkhapa’s practice cave, a site of great reverence.
2. Natural Surroundings: The temple is enveloped by lush forests and streams, offering a picturesque and serene environment.

Visiting Tashi Doga Monastery provides an opportunity to delve into the rich tapestry of Tibetan Buddhism and to connect with the spiritual legacy of Tsongkhapa. The temple’s serene environment, coupled with its historical and religious significance, makes it a must-visit for those seeking spiritual enrichment and a deeper understanding of Tibetan Buddhist practices and art.

Yasang Temple

Yabsang Temple གཡའ་བཟང་དགོན།, perched on ལྷ་ཤམ་པོ Yarla Shambo Mountain in Nedong County, Tibet, stands at an impressive altitude of 4330 meters. This temple, founded in 1206 by Yasang Chomon Sengge རྒྱལ་བ་གཡའ་བཟང་པ(1169–1233). It is the ancestral monastery of the Yasang Kagyu Sect, an influential branch of Tibetan Buddhism.

Historical Significance:

• Founder: Yasang Chosmon-sengge, a native of the Tsang region and belonging to the Nushi family, established the temple. He was a monk who initially studied under the Kadam sect and later became a disciple of Gedan Yeshe Sengge, gaining profound knowledge in Buddhist teachings.
• Spiritual Legacy: It is believed that Yasang Chosmon-sengge was the incarnation of Songtsen Gampo and attained the rainbow body, a high-level spiritual realization in Tibetan Buddhism.

Architectural Splendor:

• Layout: The temple faces east from the west and stretches across a considerable area, measuring 360 meters from north to south and 250 meters from east to west.
• Structure: Built along the mountainside, the temple’s multiple levels give the appearance of several rows of buildings adorned with dazzling golden domes.
• Main Buildings: Include a sutra hall, Buddhist hall, spiritual pagoda, and monk residences.

Cultural and Artistic Treasures:

• Main Buddha Statue: An alloy statue of Sakyamuni Buddha, reportedly taller than the one in Jokhang Temple by 20 centimeters.
• Amitayus Thangka: A highly revered satin thangka of Amitayus, known for its exceptional preservation and spiritual significance.

Tour Tips:

1. Historical Research: Yasang Temple houses the “History of Yasang Monastery,” a crucial document providing insights into the temple’s history, the Yasang Kagyu Sect, and Tibetan history.
2. Traditional Healing: The temple is known for a secret method of stroke treatment, passed down through generations and reputed for its effectiveness, attracting many seeking healing.

Visiting Yasang Temple offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich spiritual heritage of Tibetan Buddhism and witness the temple’s majestic architecture, set against the backdrop of the Tibetan highlands. The temple’s cultural significance and its role in traditional healing practices make it a significant destination for both spiritual and historical exploration.

Tse Tsokpa Temple

Zecuoba Temple (rtse-tshogs-pa-dgon), positioned on the foothills of a mountain resembling a lying elephant near Gongpotori Mountain in Nedong County, is a significant site in Tibetan Buddhism. Founded in 1356 by Pazhu Kaju Situ Bodhidang, this temple is part of the rich religious heritage of the region.

Temple Layout and Architecture:

• Size: The temple covers an area of 3300 square meters, with dimensions of 55 meters in length and 60 meters in width.
• Main Hall: A three-story structure with several stone steps leading to the entrance. The hall houses 54 rooms and is supported by 40 pillars, forming a central patio.
• Sutra Hall: Located on the second floor, featuring sutra racks containing 1090 Buddhist scriptures.

Interior and Artistic Features:

• Buddha Statues: Includes a statue of Sakyamuni Buddha, Tara, and the Fifth Dalai Lama, along with small gold and bronze Buddha statues in a Buddhist cabinet.
• Back Hall: Home to statues of the Third Buddha and eight great Bodhisattvas, along with protector deities and statues of Tsongkhapa, Jia Caojie, Ke Zhujie, and Atisha.

Murals and Artworks:

• Murals: The temple is adorned with murals of the Third Buddha, Daojie Shenba, Dorjebu, and the Great White Umbrella Canopy Buddha.
• Dharma Protector Temple (Gongkang): Contains beautifully crafted statues of protector gods.

Tour Highlights:

1. Sakyamuni Buddha Tapestry Thangka: A temple treasure, reportedly embroidered by Princess Wencheng. It is displayed annually during the Buddhist Exhibition Festival.
2. Eleven-faced Bronze Statue of Guanyin Bodhisattva: A unique seated statue, highly valued for its distinct Indian influence.
3. Poluo Nai Seal: A historical document dating back to 1730, detailing the authority and scope of Zecuoba Monastery.

Visiting Zecuoba Temple offers a deep dive into the spiritual and artistic heritage of Tibetan Buddhism. The temple’s intricate murals, statues, and thangkas, combined with its historical significance, provide a rich tapestry of cultural and religious exploration.

Yumbulakhang

Yumbulakhang (yum-bu-lha-khang), an ancient and revered structure in Tibetan history, is perched atop Tashi Ciri Mountain on the east bank of the Yalong River in Nedong County. Its unique location on a mountain resembling the hind legs of a doe gives it the name “Yongbulakang,” meaning “the palace on the legs of a doe.” This site, steeped in history and legend, is considered the earliest building in Tibet and holds a pivotal place in the region’s cultural heritage.

Historical Significance:

• Origins: Yumbulakang was initially a palace for the leaders of the early Yalong tribe, dating back to the 2nd century BC (circa 114 BC), making it the first palace in Tibetan history.
• First Tibetan King: According to legend, the first Tibetan King, Nie Chi Zanpu (gnyav-khri-btsan-po), emerged around 237 BC, marking the beginning of the Tibetan monarchy. Yumbulakang served as his palace.

Architectural Features:

• Structure: The building, though small in scale, is spectacularly situated atop a mountain.
• Transition to a Temple: Originally a palace, it was converted into a temple with the addition of two-story halls during the reign of Songtsen Gampo (srong-btsan-sgam-po).
• Watchtower-Style Building: This structure, with thick walls and a small interior, is a significant part of the early palace architecture.

Key Components:

• Buddhist Hall: The hall contains important statues and murals, including those of Sakyamuni Buddha, Songtsen Gampo, Chisong Detsen, and Princess Wencheng.
• Dharma King’s Hall: Features statues of Guanyin Bodhisattva and Sakyamuni Buddha, along with valuable cultural relics.

Murals and Artifacts:

• Murals: The temple walls are adorned with exquisite murals depicting Tibetan history, religious figures, and legends.
• Divine Objects Legend: Yumbulakang is associated with ancient legends of divine objects descending from heaven, marking the introduction of Buddhism to the Yalong Valley.

Tour Tips:

1. Visiting Information: Requires ticket purchase; typically a 1-hour visit. Open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
2. Accessibility: Located about 11 kilometers from Zedang, accessible by minibus, tourist bus, or on foot.
3. Nearby Attractions: The Bangtang Palace ruins, associated with Princess Jincheng of the Tang Dynasty, are located nearby and worth visiting.
4. Agricultural Significance: “Xiesai Firewood” is a historically significant crop field at the base of Yumbulakang.
5. Historical Context: Yumbulakang is in an area rich in Tibetan history, with Xiaba village of Menzhi being the first village in Tibet according to historical records.

Visitors to Yumbulakang will find themselves immersed in the depth of Tibetan history, spirituality, and art, making it a must-visit destination for those interested in the roots of Tibetan culture and Buddhism.

Jiru Lakang

Jiru Lakang (skyid-ru-lha-khang), nestled in Jiru Village of Gesang Township, Nedong County, stands as a testament to the rich historical tapestry of Tibet. This ancient temple, dating back to the Tubo period, is a national key cultural relics protection unit, acknowledged for its profound contribution to the study of Tibetan history, religion, architecture, and sculpture.

Jiru Lakang – A Historical Overview:

• Epoch of Origin: Established in the 8th century during the reign of Chidezuzan, Jiru Lakang spans 982 square meters, marking it as one of Tibet’s oldest surviving structures.
• Architectural Evolution: The temple’s architecture encompasses five distinct phases, each representing a significant period in Tibetan history, ranging from the early Tubo period to expansions in the 1950s.

Temple Layout and Artistic Significance:

1. Sakyamuni Buddha Hall: This central hall is an embodiment of Tibetan architectural ingenuity, featuring a dense beam and flat-top structure. Its stone walls and robust beams and columns reflect a style rooted in simplicity and strength.
2. Artistic Relics: The temple is adorned with vibrant lion, tiger, and dragon carvings on its pillars, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship. These carvings are characterized by their dynamic expressions and smooth lines, capturing the essence of Tibetan art.
3. Preserved Scriptures: Jiru Lakang safeguards shell-leaf and birch bark scriptures from the Tubo period, invaluable for their historical and cultural significance.
4. Clay Statues: The temple houses a collection of 13 painted clay statues, including a striking 3.2-meter-high Sakyamuni Buddha. These statues, embellished with traditional Tibetan attire and jewelry, are a testament to the intricate artistry of ancient Tibetan sculptors.

The Guanyin Bodhisattva Thangka:

• Unique Artifact: Jiru Lakang is home to a remarkable Guanyin Bodhisattva thangka, measuring 80cm in height and 23.6cm in width. The thangka features a standing Guanyin Bodhisattva, adorned with a jeweled silk ribbon and green shorts, exuding a sense of divinity and grace.

Visiting Jiru Lakang:

1. Access: The temple is located 7 kilometers from the Nyaungu Bridge in Tsetang’s Wen area, offering a serene journey through the scenic landscapes of Tibet.
2. Cultural Importance: With its ancient medicinal clay statues and over 200 Duohan Buddhist manuscripts, Jiru Lakang stands as a pivotal site for historical and cultural research.

Embark on a journey to Jiru Lakang, where each stone and scripture narrates the rich and mystical history of Tibet, offering a window into the spiritual heart of this ancient land.

Gadan Chosgo Ling

Gadan Chosgo Ling (bgav-ldan-chos-sgo-gling), nestled in the heart of Zedang Town, Nedong County, is a picturesque testament to Tibetan Buddhist architecture and art. Founded in 1900 by the revered Buddhist monk Jiayang Dondup (vjam-dbyangs-don-grub), this tranquil haven spans approximately 8090 square meters, offering a serene retreat for visitors and devotees alike.

Architectural Splendor of Gadan Chosgo Ling:

• Spatial Layout: The complex is thoughtfully designed, facing south with a square plan, ensuring an inviting and harmonious ambiance.
• Main Structures: The compound comprises the main hall, lakang, and monks’ residences, each reflecting the elegance of traditional Tibetan architecture.

Main Hall – A Centerpiece of Artistic Excellence:

1. Architectural Design: The Sutra Hall, a two-story marvel, greets visitors with a grand gatehouse adorned with six columns. The hall is spacious, with a depth of 7 meters and large pillars extending to the second floor.
2. Artistic Embellishments: The hall’s pillars are intricately carved and painted, showcasing a fusion of cloud patterns, petals, dragons, lotus flowers, and geometric designs – a visual feast for art enthusiasts.
3. Murals: The four walls of the Sutra Hall are bedecked with exquisite murals, adding to the hall’s splendor and spiritual resonance.

Cultural Highlights:

1. Murals in the Main Hall: The hall’s murals feature Buddha statues, each painted with precision and care. The north side displays four large Buddha figures, each sitting cross-legged and adorned in traditional attire. Between these statues are smaller Buddha figures, adding depth and variety to the art.
2. Unique Gold-gilt Saddle: A notable artefact within the temple is the gold-gilt saddle, believed to have belonged to the Tibetan King Polo Nai Sonam Dorje. This saddle, measuring 56cm in length and 26cm in height, is a marvel of craftsmanship, adorned with gilt copper, beads, and intricate patterns of curly grass, lotus, and treasure wheels.

Visiting Gadan Chosgo Ling:

• Location: Situated within the accessible locale of Zedang Town, the forest serves as a peaceful retreat for those seeking spiritual solace and cultural enrichment.
• Visitor Experience: The serene environment, combined with the rich historical and artistic heritage, makes Gadan Chosgo Forest a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Tibetan culture, history, and religion.

Embark on a journey to Gadan Chosgo Ling, where the whispers of history and the vibrancy of Tibetan art converge to create a uniquely tranquil and enlightening experience.

Sangdan Ling

Sangdan Ling (bsam-gtan-gling), nestled at the western base of Kampot Mountain in Nedong County, is an exemplar of Tibetan religious heritage and architecture. As a revered nunnery (jo-mo-dgon), Sangdan Ling holds a special place in the cultural and spiritual landscape of the region. Founded during the tenure of the seventh Dalai Lama, it was established by the esteemed Khadrup Ngawang Drakpa (mkhav-grub-ngag-dbang-grags-pa), marking it as a site of historical and religious significance.

Architectural and Spiritual Essence of Sangdan Ling:

• Spatial Dimensions: The compound stretches impressively, measuring 56 meters in length and 27.2 meters in width. It comprises two-story buildings, all adopting the traditional Tibetan flat-roofed style.
• Structural Layout: The main entrance is strategically positioned to face south, welcoming visitors and devotees into its serene realm. Upon entry, a small Buddhist hall ushers in a sense of peace and reverence.

Highlights of the Nunnery:

1. Assembly Hall: The heart of Sangdan Ling is the assembly hall, where a revered eleven-faced Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva statue with thousands of hands and eyes is enshrined. This statue is steeped in legend, believed to be one of the four Avalokitesvaras sculpted by the legendary Songtsen Gampo himself. Its counterparts are housed in other temples such as Tongchui Forest, Juse Temple, and Nieguo Dratsang, making it a significant spiritual icon.
2. Diverse Deities: Alongside the Avalokitesvara, the assembly hall also hosts statues of the Third Buddha, White Tara, Green Tara, and other Buddhist figures, each embodying distinct aspects of Buddhist teachings and philosophy.

Preservation and Revival:

• Cultural Revolution Resilience: Remarkably, during the tumultuous period of the Cultural Revolution, the nuns resourcefully used stone walls to protect the forest and its buildings, ensuring its survival through challenging times.
• Contemporary Rejuvenation: In recent years, thanks to the implementation of supportive religious policies, Sangdan Forest has blossomed into a key destination for religious practitioners and pilgrims. The nunnery has become a hub for chanting sutras, practising meditation, and engaging in Buddhist worship, contributing to the spiritual vitality of the community.

Visiting Sangdan Forest:

• Spiritual Retreat: The nunnery serves as a peaceful retreat for those seeking spiritual solace and a deeper understanding of Buddhist practices.
• Cultural Insight: Visitors to Sangdan Ling have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Tibetan Buddhism, gaining insights into the nunnery’s unique history and religious significance.

Sangdan Ling stands as a beacon of Tibetan Buddhism, offering a sanctuary of peace, spirituality, and cultural richness. Its enduring legacy and continuous evolution make it a must-visit for anyone interested in exploring the depths of Tibetan religious and cultural heritage.

Jeblin Monastery

Jeblin Monastery (mdzes-po-gling), nestled in the heart of Zedang Town in Nedong County, embodies a significant chapter in Tibetan Buddhism’s rich tapestry. This monastery, originally an integral part of the Sakya Sect, tells a story of resilience and cultural perseverance. Founded by the renowned Tibetan monk Sonam Jiangzan (bsod-nams-rgyal-mtshan), Jeblin has weathered the tides of time, including destruction in the 20th century and subsequent restoration in 1940.

Architectural and Spiritual Significance:

• Spatial Layout: Occupying a modest yet dignified space, Jeblin spans 37.5 meters from east to west and extends 27 meters from north to south.
• Structural Design: The main hall, the heart of the monastery, rises two stories high, supported by 16 robust columns. Notably, two of these columns extend directly to the second floor, creating an impressive skylight that bathes the interior in natural light.

Sanctity and Artistry within the Walls:

1. Sacred Statues: The main hall once housed an 8-year-old statue of Maitreya Buddha, flanked by revered figures like Dorje Samba, Sakyamuni, Saban, Zhuogun, and Qudepa. This assembly of statues represents a pantheon of Buddhist deities and scholars, each holding deep spiritual significance.
2. Venerated Icons: Among these statues, the figures of Tara and “Tuba Azama” hold a special place in the hearts of devotees. Believed to possess the ability to speak, these statues are objects of deep reverence and are central to the monastery’s spiritual life.
3. The Tuba Azama Statue: A marvel in itself, this statue is said to be crafted from an alloy of 70 different types of gemstones, lending it a unique coloration with hints of purple-green. Its composition and craftsmanship make it a precious artifact within the monastery.

Jeblin Monastery Today:

• Cultural Beacon: Despite its modest scale, Jeblin stands as a beacon of Tibetan Buddhism, embodying the resilience and adaptability of the faith.
• Spiritual Oasis: For practitioners and visitors alike, the monastery offers a tranquil oasis for reflection, prayer, and a deeper understanding of Buddhist teachings.

Jeblin Monastery, with its rich history and sacred artifacts, continues to be a pivotal site for the study and practice of Tibetan Buddhism. It serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of the faith and its deep roots in the cultural and spiritual fabric of Tibet.