If you are planning a sightseeing trip in Lhasa then do not forget to visit the Sera Monastery, Lhasa. This is one of the ancient and renowned monasteries of Lhasa. The other two being Drepung Monastery and the Ganden Monastery. So come and enjoy your visit in the Sera Monastery, Lhasa.
A general overview of Sera Monastery, Lhasa
You may think why the monastery has been named "Sera" but there is a strong reason behind it. In Tibetan language "Sera" means wild rose and when the monastery was under construction the hill behind it was covered with wild roses. Constructed in 1419 by Jamchen Chojey, a disciple of the famous Buddhist monk Tsong Khapa, the said monastery draws tens of thousands of tourists from all over the world. Situated at the foot of Tatipu Hill in northern Lhasa this monastery is dedicated to a particular Tibetan Buddhist branch, Gelugpa or Yellow Hat Sect.
What to see inside Sera Monastery, Lhasa
Tourists paying a visit to this extremely spacious monastery can see a lot many things. These are:
You can have a glimpse of scriptures written in gold powder, fine statues, scent cloth, unparalleled murals and beautiful halls.
If you are interested in religious debates then participate in the in-house debate competition in the halls. The topics are based on various principles of Buddhist doctrines. For this you must arrive early.
Tourists coming here must not miss the Coqen Hall. This is a four-storey building and consists of an assembly hall and five chapels. If you want to enlighten yourself with the knowledge of various Buddhist rituals then visit the main assembly hall.
You can also have a rare glimpse of the priceless Gangyur of Tripitaka in Tibetan language. There are also three in-house Buddhist Colleges namely Me Zhacang, Je Zhacang and Ngaba Zhacang. These acts as an arena for the monks to study the Buddhist Classics. You can see the famous Hayagriva in the Je Zhacang.
If you want to form an idea about the living areas of monks then you will be glad to find as many as thirty-three dormitories or Kamcuns. They have halls to read the doctrine, houses, courtyards and tea houses.
Festivals in Sera Monastery, Lhasa
Different types of festivals are held in this monastery. On December 27th the religious Sera Bengqin Festival is held. Visit the monastery between June 30 and July 6 to have a rare glimpse of the Buddha-Unfolding ceremony which is held during the Shoton Festival. This is a fantastic occasion to worship the Buddha which is open to both locals and tourists.
Thus travel.mapsofworld.com provides all relevant information regarding Sera Monastery, Lhasa
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