Ganden

The earliest and holiest monastic university of the Gelugpas

     Built in 1417, the Ganden Monastery near Lhasa housed more than 5,000 monks.  It was reduced to ruins during the Cultural revolution.   Established by Tsongkhapa (1357-1419), the founder of the Gelugpa sect,  in 1409 the main hall of the monastery was consectrated in 1417. Named after the paradise of Maitreya, Ganden became the premier Gelugpa monastery.  Described as a "calm, secluded center of learning and contemplation", the monastery is located in a spectacular setting is located on the upper slopes of Mt Drokri some 40 km east of Lhasa. By 1959 Ganden housed more than 5000 monks. The monks were forced out of the monastery in 1959, and it was effectively deserted by the mid-1960s. Destroyed by bombing and artilery fire in 1966, Ganden is slowly being rebuilt by the courage and devotion of monks with private funds. The monastery now houses some 400 monks.

When Tsongkhapa died at Ganden in 1419, it is reported that his body assumed the form of a 16 year old youth. The body was embalmed and enshrined in a large stupa. When it was broken into by the Red Guards, it is claimed that they found the body in perfect condition with hair and nails still growing.   Ganden is slowly being rebuilt with the courage and devotion of monks using private funds.  The two colleges of Ganden, Jangtse and Shartse, were founded by disciples of Tsongkhapa and have been re-established in Mundgod south India.

 (Source: Mary Craig)                           (Source: Mary Craig)

                      [1949]                                                            [A few repairs done by1980's]            

1936-50, Hugh Richardson                                                                          

[Color Photo of Ganden before Cultural Revolution]                                 

Date?,  Source: Maraini         1986, Marcos Prado

[After cultural revolution]