Nechong Monastery

Nechong Monastery is not far away from Drepung Monastery. Nechong means small place in Tibetan. Nechong Monastery is just a small temple under Drepung Monastery. Even though, it is the highest learning institute for Buddhism in Tibet. Every year, lamas will come here to take the test on Buddhism and obtain a kind of diploma.

 

Nechong Monastery was established in early 7th century. There were many legends about the origin of the monastery. The temple and monastery were completely devastated during the Cultural Revolution. Recent efforts have helped to largely restore it to its former condition. It now also contains a huge, newly struck statue of Guru Rinpoche and is home to only a handful of monks.

The temple is laid out in a rectangle. At the gate stands two stone lions in the Han nationality style. On the two sides of the wall near the gate are painted portraits of Pehar Gyalpo and Guardian Buddha. The gate is followed by the main hall. There are several side halls around the major hall. The most famous is Pehar Gyalpo Hall in Northwestern corner. In the hall stands the ancient tree on which Pehar Gyalpo turned into a pigeon. In the northeastern corer is the Hall of Guardian Buddha.

One thing special about the temple is the mural along the corridor. They are quite different from those in Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple. Almost all murals are associated with fight against monsters, hell, disasters and torture. That reflects the complicated history of Nechong Monastery.

Location: Near Drepung Monastery
Opening hours: Daily 9am-4pm
Entrance fee: RMB 25 per person
Transportation: Take No.3 bus at the center of the city. or Take taxi.