Place · Panchen Lama monastery · China
Tashilhunpo Monastery, Shigatse
Also known as Tashilhunpo
Tashilhunpo ('Heap of Glory') monastery was founded by the First Dalai Lama Gendun Drup in 1447 at Shigatse and has been the primary seat of the Panchen Lamas (the second-highest Gelug hierarch after the Dalai Lama) since the fourth Panchen in the mid-17th century. The 26-metre gilded Maitreya statue inside the Jamkhang Chenmo is the largest gilt-bronze Buddha image in the world. The current 11th Panchen Lama — Gyaincain Norbu, enthroned by Beijing in 1995 — is controversial among Tibetan Buddhists, as the Dalai Lama's rival recognition of Gedhun Choekyi Nyima was arrested at age 6 and has not been seen in public since. Tashilhunpo is re-established in exile at Bylakuppe (Karnataka) alongside the Sera monks.
- Function
- Religious institution & practice
- Confidence
- Established / referenced
- Location
- 29.265, 88.878
Connections (2)
- Site withinShigatse
Tashilhunpo monastery dominates the old quarter of Shigatse — the city grew up around the monastery after the first Dalai Lama founded it in 1447, and the Panchen Lama's seat has run the Tsang region's religious administration from here since the mid-17th century.
- Patron ofNgawang Lobsang Gyatso, the Great Fifth Dalai Lama
The Great Fifth Dalai Lama confirmed Tashilhunpo as the seat of the Panchen Lama lineage.
On these journeys
Sources
Standard reference.
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