Gyantse Pelkor Chode Monastery
Fast Fact:
Elevation: 3900 M
Founded: In the 14th century
Founded: By Prince of Kusang Rabten
The principal attraction: Golden statue of the Present Buddha
Gyantse Pelkor Chode monastery stands as the principal allure of the town, accompanied by that remarkably striking Nepali-style Stupa. Distinct from other Buddhist monasteries in Tibet, this monastery belongs to three different Tibetan Buddhism sects: the Gelug sect, the Sakyapa sect, and the Buton suborder of the Sakya Sect.
Constructed in the 14th century by the prince of Gyantse, Kusang Rabten, it is situated on the western side of Gyantse town. Once the third-largest city in Tibet after Lhasa and Shigatse, it served as the capital of the Tibet Kingdom and a major trading hub between the south and Lhasa.
Another important attraction of the monastery is Kumbum Stupa, Kumbum, which means “hundred thousands of holy images” in Tibetan, holds great significance as a spiritual site in Tibetan Buddhism. This extraordinary stupa was built with a three-dimensional Mandala structure. Standing approximately 35 meters or 115 feet in total height, it is encased in a golden tome.
Constructed by a prince of Gyantse in 1427, the stupa has nine levels and 77 chapels. Each chapel contains holy statues and ancient mural paintings adorning its walls. The main entrance of the stupa is on the southern side, and within each tier, there are stairs that lead to the next level. At the fifth tier, there is an exit door, from which visitors can behold a magnificent view of the main town and monastery. A visit to the stupa not only imparts a unique spiritual experience but also offers an excellent opportunity to understand the history of Gyantse.
There is a temple adjacent to the main assembly hall at the heart of the monastery, housing the prominent image of the Present Buddha, which constitutes the main attraction of the monastery. Although it endured some damage during the Cultural Revolution, visitors can still observe the damaged portions of the murals within the monastery even today.
This monastery bustles with activity during the month of Saga Dawa, the foremost religious festival in Tibet. Pilgrims congregate at the monastery to witness its consecration ritual dance known as Cham (a religious dance performed by the monks).
For those in pursuit of genuine and ancient Tibetan Buddhism, this monastery represents an ideal spiritual and cultural destination.