Gyegu Monastery in Yushu
Gyegu Monastery (结古寺), also known as Jyekundo Gompa or Gyegu Gompa, is a significant Tibetan Buddhist monastery located in Jiedu Town (结古街道) of Yushu City (玉树市), in Qinghai Province (青海省), China. This monastery is renowned for its historical importance and architectural grandeur and is one of the most famous sites in the Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (玉树藏族自治州).
Historical Background of Gyegu Monastery
Gyegu Monastery, originally known as Jyekundo, has a deep history that dates back to the Tibetan Bon religion, which was followed in the region before the Karmapa and Sakya sects took prominence. In the Ming Dynasty (明朝), the monastery underwent significant changes. The site of the current monastery was originally a Bonpo temple, but it transitioned into a Karma Kagyu monastery with a small nuns’ monastery and a Red Palace built by the Zawu Tribe (扎武部落).
In 1398, during the Ming Dynasty, Master Dakpa Gawa (当钦哇·嘉昂喜饶坚赞), a prominent lama of the Sakya Sect, visited the area and began missionary work, supported by the local Zawu tribe leader. The two original Kagyu monasteries were relocated, and the present-day Gyegu Monastery was built on the foundations laid by Dakpa Gawa.
The monastery flourished, and in 1937, the 9th Panchen Lama (九世班禅) Qüji Gönima (却吉尼玛) passed away here while returning to Tibet.
Architecture and Features of the Monastery
Gyegu Monastery is known for its majestic architecture and rich collection of cultural relics. The monastery is built on a mountain slope and consists of several temples and monk residences spread out across the terrain. The main temple, known as Du Wen Zhuang Jia Cuo (都文桑舟嘉措), can accommodate 100 monks for prayer and worship. The Sakya style of Tibetan Buddhism is evident throughout the monastery, with beautiful wood and metal sculptures and over 3,400 Buddhist statues, including representations of Shakyamuni Buddha (释迦牟尼佛) and other important deities.
Among the monastery’s treasures is the “World’s Largest Mani Stone Pile” (世界第一大玛尼堆), a massive collection of mani stones (刻有六字真言的玛尼石) with Om Mani Padme Hum (唵嘛呢叭咪吽) carved on them. The pile consists of over 2.6 billion stones that have been added over the centuries, and the structure is considered one of the most impressive spiritual landmarks in Tibetan culture.
The Mani Pile (玛尼堆) continues to grow, having been established by the First Gana Lama (一世嘉那活佛) during his later years. It is located in Xinzai Village (新寨村), just east of the monastery, and is renowned for its spiritual significance and breathtaking size.
Cultural and Religious Significance
Gyegu Monastery has played an integral role in the Tibetan Buddhist community, particularly in the Sakya tradition. It has been the main Sakya monastery in the Yushu region for centuries. The monastery also holds a significant place in Tibetan history, having been the site where many scholars and religious figures were educated. Gana Lama, a renowned Tibetan lama, is credited with introducing over 100 dances, known as the “Do Ding Qiu Zuo” (多顶求卓), which became a part of the local cultural heritage of the Yushu region. These dances helped establish Yushu as a famous center for Tibetan music and dance.
The monastery is also historically significant because it was the site of the death of the 9th Panchen Lama, who passed away here on December 1, 1937, during his return to Tibet.
Major Relics and Artifacts
Gyegu Monastery houses a rich collection of Buddhist relics, including Tibetan Buddhist scriptures such as the Kangyur (甘珠尔) and Tanjur (丹珠尔). The monastery also holds priceless cultural treasures, such as a Thangka of Shakyamuni Buddha gifted by Pagba (八思巴) and protective masks associated with the Indian goddess Tara (度母). Additionally, there are historical relics, including a sword brought from the ancient kingdom of Zhongxiong (象雄), once the cradle of Tibetan civilization.
Events and Historical Milestones
Throughout its history, Gyegu Monastery has been a place of religious learning and significant events:
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In 1937, the 9th Panchen Lama passed away here, a key moment in the monastery’s history.
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In the 1980s, the monastery underwent extensive renovations, revitalizing its religious and cultural role in the region.
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Today, it is an important pilgrimage site for Tibetan Buddhists and is a provincial cultural heritage site.
Visiting Gyegu Monastery
Main Attractions:
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The Great Mani Stone Pile: This awe-inspiring site is considered one of the largest mani piles in the world and draws spiritual pilgrims from across the Tibetan Plateau.
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The Beautiful Temples: The temples at Gyegu Monastery house countless statues, intricate murals, and stunning examples of Tibetan religious art.
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Sacred Relics: The monastery holds precious cultural artifacts and manuscripts, which add to its spiritual and historical significance.
Ticket Information:
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Entry Fee: 10 CNY (Chinese Yuan).
How to Get There:
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Gyegu Monastery is located on the north slope of Gyegu Street (结古街道) in Yushu City (玉树市).
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The taxi fare from Gyegu Street to the monastery is approximately 10 CNY.
