Muru Nyingba Monastery

Muru Nyingba is a Buddhist monastery next to Jokhang Temple in Lhasa, featuring a central lhakang temple positioned toward the north with monks' quarters lining three sides of a courtyard. The compound displays traditional Tibetan architectural design with richly decorated rooms for prayer and study.

The original complex was founded in the 7th century under Emperor Songtsen Gampo as part of early Buddhist expansion in Tibet. Scholar Thonmi Sambhota worked at the site developing the Tibetan writing system.

The monastery displays detailed murals of Guru Rinpoche and houses representations of five protective deities from the Nyingma school in glass cases throughout the rooms. These artworks show the spiritual importance of the place for local Buddhist worshippers.

The monastery can be reached from the north side of Barkhor Street and sits directly behind Jokhang Temple, making it easy to visit while exploring the temple complex. The site is open and accessible, offering a natural place to pause when walking the pilgrimage circuit around Jokhang.

The upper floor holds the Tsepame Lhakang chamber with a remarkable collection of one thousand miniature figures of Buddha Amitayas. This intricate assembly reveals the craftsmanship and spiritual devotion invested in the monastery's decoration.

Location: Lhasa

GPS coordinates: 29.65278,91.13278

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:22