Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The first chapel you reach from the parking area is Ngam Chö Khang, one of Genden's
oldest. It is built on the site of Tsongkhapa's original
dukhang
, and has a small shrine with
images of Tsongkhapa. On the left is a
gönkhang
that houses four protective deities, in-
cluding the local deity Genin.
Debating Courtyard
BUDDHIST
yard. You should be able to hear the clapping of hands as you pass if there is a debate in
progress.
Tomb of Tsongkhapa
BUDDHIST, CHAPEL
The red fortresslike structure of Tsongkhapa's mausoleum, also known as the Serkhang, is
probably the most impressive of the reconstructed buildings at Ganden. It's above the
prominent white chörten. Red Guards destroyed both the original tomb and the preserved
body of Tsongkhapa inside it. The new silver-and-gold chörten was built to house salvaged
fragments of Tsongkhapa's skull.
The main entrance leads to a new prayer hall with a small sand mandala and an inner
Sakyamuni chapel. The protector chapel to the right is the domain of the three main Ge-
lugpa protectors: Chögyel (far right), Dorje Jigje and Palden Lhamo. Women are not al-
lowed into this chapel.
Stairs lead to the upper floors and the holy Yangpachen Khang (or Serdung) chapel,
which houses Tsongkhapa's funeral chörten. The chapel is named after the stone in the
back left (covered in offerings of yak butter), which is said to have flown from India. The
images seated in front of the chörten are of Tsongkhapa flanked by his two principal dis-
ciples. The room also holds several holy relics attributed to Tsongkhapa. Pilgrims line up
to buy votive inscriptions written in gold ink by the monks. Protective amulets and high-
quality incense are sold outside the chapel.
You can sometimes climb up to the roof for good views.
Chapel of Jampa
BUDDHIST, CHAPEL
