Jamtrin Temple: A Historical Marvel
Jamtrin Temple, also known as Jamtin Lhakang and referred to as “Qiangzhen Gajie Temple”. It stands as a remarkable historical site. Nestled in Bangxing Village, Gyirong Town, Shigatse, Tibet, this ancient temple boasts a history of over 1300 years. It was established during the era of Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo and is recognized as one of the four major temples erected to subdue the mythical Tibetan demoness, situated above her right knee.
Historical Significance and Mythology
Recorded in Tibetan historical texts like “Annals of Tibetan Kings” and “Records of the Tibetan Kings and Ministers, Jamtrin Temple’s founding is linked to a captivating mythological tale. Following Princess Wencheng‘s entry into Tibet, King Songtsen Gampo, guided by her astrological insights, initiated the construction of temples to suppress the ‘Rakshasa demoness’ and other malevolent spirits. Jamtrin Temple, in particular, was built to suppress the demoness’s right knee, as detailed in these ancient texts.
These documents also highlight the strategic placement of other temples on different parts of the demoness’s body, such as her left shoulder, right foot, right shoulder, and left foot, forming a mystical pattern to restrain her.
Architectural Marvel of Jamtrin Temple
Jamtrin Temple is an architectural gem, featuring a wooden, pagoda-style structure with four levels. Its square main body, with a hollow interior, is accessible via wooden stairs leading to the top. Each floor is beautified with overhanging eaves, windows, and unique peach-shaped pot doors on the second level. The temple’s pinnacle, adorned with a flame jewel, exemplifies the intricate craftsmanship of its time.
A wooden railing encircles the ground floor, forming an external corridor lined with 108 prayer wheels. The temple stands approximately 16 meters tall, with its widest part measuring 22 meters. Builders constructed the lower walls with slate stones and plaster. The upper floors, made from small fire bricks, rest on original wooden beams and stone slabs. The primary temple structures are located on the first three floors, showcasing the architectural style of the Tang Dynasty.
Jamtrin Temple, with its rich history and mythology, offers a unique window into Tibet’s cultural and spiritual legacy, making it an essential destination for history buffs and spiritual seekers alike.
Exploring the Layers of Jamtrin Temple: An Architectural and Spiritual Journey
The Ground Floor: A Gateway to Serenity
The west side of the ground floor of Jamtrin Temple features a porch supported by two pillars, spanning an area of 57 square meters. To the east of the porch, there are dual corridors, an external bright corridor and an internal dark corridor, each about 2 meters high. At the heart of these corridors lie six secret chambers, with each room covering an area of 3 to 4 square meters and a height of 1.8 meters. Small windows measuring 20 cm by 30 cm are carved into the walls of these chambers, illuminating the spaces with a soft, natural light.
The Second Floor: Sanctuary of the Protectors
The second level houses the Protector’s Hall, encircled by a corridor and containing five secluded chambers for Lama’s meditation practices. This floor serves as a spiritual retreat for those seeking to deepen their meditation and connect with the divine protectors of the faith.
The Third Floor: The Heart of Jamtrin
The third floor stands as the temple’s main structure, featuring a hall that spans three bays in width and depth, covering an area of 182 square meters. It proudly houses a 120 cm tall gilded bronze statue of Jamba Buddha, flanked by numerous gilded Buddha statues, each residing within one of the 18 niches. This floor also safeguards precious Buddhist scriptures, including the Kangyur and Tengyur texts. Despite the devastation during the Cultural Revolution, the temple was faithfully restored in 1986, preserving its spiritual essence and architectural grandeur.
The Murals of Jamtrin Temple
Across its layers, Jamtrin Temple boasts wall paintings that have largely withstood the test of time. These murals, potentially crafted by Nepalese artists or influenced by their style, depict a variety of themes from tropical and subtropical landscapes to serene mountainous and water scenes, complemented by architectural elements. Significant murals include depictions of the Western Pure Land, images of past Dalai Lamas, and the sixteen arhats, showcasing a blend of religious reverence and artistic mastery.
Porch and Ground Floor Corridor Murals
Over a thousand seated and standing figures of Shakyamuni Buddha decorate the porch and the external ground floor corridor walls. Artisans have outlined these smaller standing figures, approximately 20 cm in height, in blue on yellow walls, vividly capturing the essence of the Buddha’s form in a minimalist yet profound manner.
Inside the Protector’s Hall on the second floor, vibrant paintings of Vajrayana protective deities adorn the walls, set against a black background with yellow outlines and red accents, creating a visually striking space dedicated to spiritual guardians.
On the third floor, the pinnacle of Jamtrin Temple’s mural artistry comes to life in the main hall and surrounding corridor. Here, a rich array of themes, clear patterns, and vibrant colors celebrate Buddhist iconography. Murals depicting Amitayus Buddha, Guru Rinpoche, and the Fifth Dalai Lama, among other revered figures, highlight the temple’s deep spiritual heritage and artistic wealth.
The Artistic Tapestry of Jamtrin Temple: A Journey Through Murals
Interplay of Nature and Humanity in Mural Art
Between the portraits of revered figures, rich landscapes of mountains, rocks, flora, mists, flowing waters, and waterfalls adorn the murals of Jamtrin Temple, reflecting a profound sense of natural beauty. Artists have interspersed these scenes with depictions of half-naked figures engaged in everyday activities like dog feeding, pottery, and farming, highlighting the vibrant essence of secular life.
Main Hall Murals: A Spectacle of Divine Imagery
The north wall of the main hall features a magnificent depiction of the Western Pure Land. This grand painting, measuring 4 meters in height and 2.5 meters in width, is divided into three layers:
- The top layer presents Amitabha Buddha standing on a lotus pedestal, flanked by heavenly beings, with a depiction of a pagoda-style Buddhist temple. Surrounding the temple are ponds with playful swans, adding a serene touch to the celestial scene.
- The middle layer showcases Tsongkhapa and his disciples, ascending to the heavens amidst clouds, snow-capped mountains, and lush greenery. A clear stream meanders through a valley, where three deer are depicted drinking water.
- The bottom layer features protective deities like Palden Lhamo and Gonpo, surrounded by snow mountains, clouds, and deer, interspersed with the ‘Eight Auspicious Symbols.’
The West Wall: A Blend of Deities and Protectors
The central part of the west wall displays Tara, Avalokiteshvara, and Rigs Sum Gon Po. Below this, the Four Great Vajras and the temple’s guardian deity Begtse are portrayed. Begtse, depicted with a broad-brimmed hat, three faces and six arms, rides a mighty lion. This section also features Amitayus Buddha and Milarepa, among others.
The South Wall: An Ensemble of Divine Guardians
The south wall is dedicated to protective deities and the Medicine Buddha. The sixteen arhats, each with a unique posture and slightly exaggerated expressions, surround these central figures. The protective deity appears wrathful, adorned with a skull crown, six arms, and a tiger-skin skirt, trampling over demons. The Medicine Buddha, in a meditative pose, is flanked by attendants holding a staff and a bowl, adding depth to the rich tapestry of Buddhist lore.
Through these murals, Jamtrin Temple not only serves as a spiritual haven but also as a canvas for the rich cultural and artistic heritage of Tibetan Buddhism. The interweaving of divine imagery, natural landscapes, and everyday scenes creates a vivid tapestry that captures the essence of both the sacred and the mundane, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in a world where spirituality and artistry converge.
Highlights of Jamtrin Temple: A Treasure Trove of Buddhist Art
1. Sandalwood Buddha Sculpture:
Standing impressively at 220 cm, this round sculpture showcases masterful craftsmanship. It depicts the Buddha wearing a “mountain”-shaped high crown and large ear rings, baring his right shoulder. Draped in a monk’s robe and adorned with a neck collar, the Buddha holds a vajra against his chest with his right hand, while his left hand rests near his hip. Seated in a cross-legged position on a lotus pedestal, the Buddha embodies serenity. Renowned for its exquisite detailing and fine craftsmanship, this sculpture stands as a testament to artistic skill and devotion.
2. Bronze Statue of Vajrayana Protector Deity:
This 17 cm tall statue, a representation of the artistic richness of the Ming dynasty or slightly later, features a high bun and large ear rings. Adorned with necklaces, armlets, bracelets, and anklets, the deity wears a short skirt and sits barefoot on a lotus base with a tiger skin mat. The deity wields a battle-axe in the right hand, while the left hand holds a skull bowl. A human skin cloak drapes over the back, with its hands resting on the shoulders and the head hanging below the right rib, hair cascading down to the thighs. The figure’s full breasts and protruding abdomen emphasize feminine characteristics.
The statue stands as a significant piece, reflecting the cultural and religious artistry of its era.
3. Turquoise-Inlaid Bronze Statue:
This 24 cm tall Ming dynasty artifact stands with a high crown, topped by a stupa. A turquoise urna adorns its elongated face. Circular jewel ear rings and a robe covering both shoulders drape the deity, further embellished with neck and chest ornaments and strands of jewels. The deity’s upper body slightly leans to the left, with hands forming a teaching gesture and a lotus pattern in the left palm. Seated in a cross-legged position on a lotus base, ornate floral rings flank the statue.
Notable for its detailed inlay work and graceful posture, the statue stands as a testament to skilled craftsmanship.
4. Gilded Avalokiteshvara Bronze Statue
Standing 23 cm tall and dating from the Ming period, this statue features a high crown and double-layered lotus-shaped ear rings. Adorned with neck and chest decorations and strands of jewels, the Avalokiteshvara wears a robe covering both shoulders and foot anklets, marked by three urna (markings). The statue, in a meditative gesture, sits cross-legged on a lotus base. Its slender waist and full, dignified facial features stand out. The statue captures the spiritual and artistic essence of Avalokiteshvara in Buddhist art, embodying a deep sense of reverence and craftsmanship.
Visiting Tips:
- Admission: Free. Visitors are welcome to explore at their leisure.
- Opening Hours: 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Accessibility: Located 200 meters from the county forest management station, accessible by public road. Visitors can drive, hire a car, or walk to the temple.
These highlights showcase Jamtrin Temple not just as a place of worship, but also as a repository of rich cultural heritage and artistic expression, reflecting the depth and diversity of Buddhist art and iconography.
