Kumbum Monastery

Spot Facts

Practical Info

1. Main Gate

   Start · Entrance
2. Eight Pagodas

   about 120 m (straight line) from the previous stop · Sight

   On entering the temple, first see the Eight Auspicious Stupas (commemorating the eight stages of Shakyamuni's life), then the core Great Golden Tile Hall: its gilded copper-tile roof gleams in the sun, and inside is the reliquary stupa of Master Tsongkhapa, with pilgrims bowing around it. About 1 hour. Why this route: The Great Golden Tile Hall is the symbol and soul of Kumbum Monastery; the solemnity of the golden roof and reliquary stupa commands reverence.
3. Dajinwa Hall

   about 360 m (straight line) from the previous stop · Sight
4. Grand Sutra Hall

   about 60 m (straight line) from the previous stop · Sight

   Visit the Great Sutra Hall: a grand hall that can hold over a thousand monks chanting, with pillars wrapped in colorful woolen blankets, thangkas covering the walls, and butter lamps burning continuously; if you catch a chanting assembly, the waves of sutra sound are stunning. About 40 minutes. Why this route: The Great Sutra Hall is the center of religious life at Kumbum Monastery; see the monks' daily chanting and feel the power of faith.
5. Butter Sculpture Hall

   about 230 m (straight line) from the previous stop · Sight

   Go to the Butter Sculpture Hall to admire butter flowers, the foremost of the "Three Arts": Buddhas, figures, and flowers molded from butter by monks, brilliantly colored and exquisitely crafted (winter displays are the most spectacular). About 40 minutes. Why this route: Butter flowers are a unique artistic treasure of Kumbum Monastery; faith at the fingertips is breathtaking.

Photos