Explore Popular Tsedang Choede Wo and Gon Monastery: History

Choede Wo Temple’s Rich Historical Background

Nestled in the Choede Township of Nedong County, the Choede Wo Temple (ཆོས་སྡེ་འོག།) occupies a significant space of 3,620 square meters. Oriented north to south, it measures 73.2 meters in length and 49.4 meters in width. Initially established as the dwelling and teaching venue for the Fifth Dalai Lama during his worship visits to Yatung, the temple retains the Dalai Lama’s original living quarters. The temple saw expansion during the era of the Seventh Dalai Lama, which led to its present size and grandeur.

The Architectural Majesty of Choede Wo Temple

The primary structure of Choede Wo Temple is a grandiose three-story hall, with dimensions of 54.4 meters in length and 10.4 meters in height. The unique design includes a ground floor built below the earth’s surface, with the second floor dedicated to the scripture and Buddha halls. The third floor of the temple historically served as the private quarters of the Dalai Lama. The scripture hall, notable for its spacious design, features 16 pillars, with two central pillars extending upward to create an expansive skylight.

The Buddha Hall: A Spiritual Retreat

At the rear of the temple lies the Buddha hall, supported by two pillars. This sacred space enshrines a prominent statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, accompanied by his principal disciples, Shariputra and Maudgalyayana, statues of the Sixteen Arhats, and the Eight Medicine Buddhas. The hall also houses a vast collection of sacred texts, including the Kangyur and Tengyur, displayed on traditional scripture racks. The intricate and exquisite murals that grace the walls of the Buddha hall enhance the spiritual atmosphere.

Choede Wo Temple (Lower): A Symbol of Tibetan Culture

Choede Wo Temple stands as a testament to the depth and richness of Tibetan Buddhism, showcasing the spiritual and architectural evolution over centuries. From its historical beginnings to its current revered status, the temple offers visitors an immersive experience into the heart of Tibetan culture and religious heritage. With its detailed murals, revered statues, and architectural splendor, Choede Wo Temple (Lower) is an essential destination for those seeking to explore and understand the mystical landscape of Tibet.

Choede Gon Monastery: A Tibetan Cultural Oasis

Choede Gon Monastery, also known as the “Tarling Choede Monastery” or “Upper Choede Monastery,” lies in the heart of Chosde Township in Nedong County. Surrounded by lush forests and serene streams, the monastery presents a picturesque and tranquil setting. Founded in the 11th century and part of the Gelug school, it has a rich history, with 24 generations of living Buddhas. Originally the residence of the great translator Hotsewa, the monastery expanded significantly during the time of the 13th Dalai Lama.

Architectural Grandeur of Choede Gon Monastery

The monastery, (ཆོས་སྡེ་གོང་།) measuring 131.8 meters in length and 91 meters in width, is encircled by perimeter walls. Its main structures include a four-story main hall and two-story monks’ quarters. The main hall, 72.2 meters long and 30.9 meters wide, features thick rectangular stone walls on the ground floor. The second floor houses the scripture hall and Buddha hall, with the third floor dedicated to a Buddha hall and the Dalai Lama’s bedroom. The top floor serves as the monks’ quarters. The scripture hall, spacious with seven sections wide and six deep, is supported by four 6.5-meter-high pillars, creating an impressive skylight.

Sacred Statues and Artifacts

The second-floor Buddha hall enshrines gilded statues of Tsongkhapa and his disciples, Shakyamuni Buddha, a combined metal statue of the 13th Dalai Lama, and a silver statue of Dandong Milarepa. The west side features statues of the Three Buddhas and Eight Great Disciples, while the east side houses statues of Dorje Chang Living Buddha, White Tara, and Amitayus Buddha. The third-floor central Buddha hall houses a statue of Dorje Chang Living Buddha, the Fifth Dalai Lama’s physician Losang Chokta, and reliquaries. The western hall enshrines a Thousand-Armed Avalokitesvara, and the eastern hall houses Twenty-One Taras statues.

The Monastery’s Artistic Wealth

Choede Gon Monastery is home to a rich collection of cultural artifacts, including three sets of the Kangyur, one set of the Tengyur, three large and two small thangkas. Among these, the silk Shakyamuni Buddha thangka, the Fifth Dalai Lama thangka, and the Mohair Zizaga protector deity thangka are particularly precious. The monastery’s walls are adorned with high-quality murals accompanied by Tibetan descriptions, offering visitors a glimpse into the rich artistic tradition of Tibetan Buddhism.

Visiting Choede Gon Monastery

Access and Transportation: The monastery is about 40 kilometers from Zedang Town, accessible by hired car or self-driving.
Annual Festivities: Every year on the 25th day of the fifth month of the Tibetan calendar, the monastery holds a grand Buddha-exhibition festival, attracting numerous devotees from across the region and bustling with activity.

Choede Gon Monastery stands as a testament to Tibetan spiritual and cultural heritage, inviting visitors to explore its historical depth, architectural beauty, and artistic treasures.

Popular Breathtaking Journey: Tsedang Choede Wo and Gon Temple:

Choede Wo Temple’s Rich Historical Background