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Lhasa Tour of
Ramoche Monastery
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Ramoche Monastery is situated in the northwest of
Lhasa, covering a
total area of 4000 square meters (one acre). This temple is one of
the key cultural relic protection sites of the Tibet Autonomous
Region as well as a hot attraction in Lhasa.
The original building complex has a strong Tang architecture
influence, for it was first built by Han Chinese architects in the
middle of the 7th century (during the Tang Dynasty). Han Princess
Wencheng took charge of this project and ordered the temple be
erected facing east to show her homesickness.
Ramoche Monastery fell into ruins and went through many
reconstructions - only the Buddha palace on the first floor is left
in its original state. The present temple is the result of the large
restoration of 1986. The main building in the temple has three
stories. The first story includes an atrium, a scripture hall, and a
Buddha palace with winding corridors. The third story was the
bedroom once reserved for Dalai Lama. Upon entering the main
building, one can see the ten pillars holding some of the remaining
Tibetan relics such as the encased lotus flowers, coiling cloud,
jewelry, and particular Tibetan Characters. The golden peak of the
temple with the Han-style upturned eave can be seen from any
direction in Lhasa city. Needless to say, the temple is a wonderful
example of the combination of Han and Tibetan architectural styles.
One of the temple's prized artifacts is the life-sized statue of the
12-year-old Sakyamuni. The Wencheng Princess brought it from the
capital Chang'an during the Tang Dynasty. As one of the precious
cultural relics of Tibet, the statue is now placed in Jokhang Temple
(Da Zhao Si), 500 meters (0.31mile) south of Ramoche Monastery.
Residing within the Ramoche Monastery is the life-sized statue of
the 8-year-old Sakyamuni. Carried into Tibet by the Nepalese Chizun
Princess, this figure is regarded as the greatest saint in Ramoche
Monastery.
Nowadays, the temple has become the very place for the Tibetan monks
to study the Mi Zong (one of the sects of Buddhism).
Tour Lhasa
with Great Wall Adventure Club, the best
Lhasa
tour agent to help
you with your hotel booking and transfers.
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