It is located to the west of Xigaze. It was built in 1447 by the 1st Dalai Lama, who was the disciple of Tsongkapa, the founder of the Gelug. Then, the head master gained the position of Panchen Lama, or the reincarnation of Maitreya. The monastery has been rebuilt and extended by successive Panchen Lamas, and became the political and religious center. It was said that the monastery once housed more than 4000 lamas during its flourishing period. After entering, right in front is the hall for the stupa of 10th Panchen Lamas. The stupa is over 11 meters high. And is painted with silver color and decorated with gold and jade. A 26-meter-high gold Maitreya statue is put in the main hall. |