Ganden Monastery

Ganden Monastery


Just 40 km outside Lhasa, Ganden sits at 4500 metres above the Kyi-chu valley. Founded in 1409 by Tsongkhapa, it was almost totally destroyed by the Red Guards by artillery fire and bombing in 1959 and 1966. Rebuilt in the 1980's, more is being done every year.


Ganden (which means 'joyous')was the first Gelugpa monastery and the seat of this major Buddhist order. The views of the valley and the hour walk around the kora provide an amazing experience.






 There is a special place on the kora where sky burials are done, and while walking by several vultures flew overhead presumably waiting for something to happen...

Sky Burial site
The main Chapel, assembly hall




In addition there is a meditation cave on the kora where Tsongkhapa, the founder, had a hermitage with butter lamps and an image of Sakyamuni on the side.

Tsongkhapa's Hermitage










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