Trandruk Monastery
Overview
Location
Trandruk Monastery, built in the 7th century, was the first Buddhist chapel in Tibet. It houses a precious pearl Thangka brought here by Princess Wencheng. This Thangka is inlaid of thousands of pearls and hundreds of other gems. Located 5 kilometers south of Tsetang, the monastery is on the road leading to Yumbu Lakhang, the first palace in Tibet.
History
Legend said that it was only after Songtsen Gampo turned into a roc to conquer an evil dragon that it could be built there, which is the origin of its name, meaning a roc conquering a dragon. Songtsen Gampo and Princess Wencheng always visited the monastery after they moved to Lhasa. An apartment believed to be their lodgings during their visits in Trandruk is still left, however restoration is badly needed since it is in poor condition. Princess Wencheng left many willow trees around the monastery.
Attraction
The main building in Trandruk is its Tshomchen, in which Padmasambhava is enshrined. The Jokhang like building has many chapels, in one of which a precious pearl Thangka, representing Chenrezi in rest, is housed. The Thangka is made of about 30,000 pearls and hundreds of other gems like diamond, sapphire, turquoise, ruby and amber. Pilgrims throw money to the thangka to show their respect.
Features
The first Buddhist chapel in Tibet
