Samye, Buddhist monastery in Zhanang County, Tibet, China
The central Buddhist temple Utse features three distinct architectural styles, combining Tibetan, Chinese, and Indian influences across its three floors and 8900 square meters.
Construction began in 762 under Emperor Trisong Detsen, taking twelve years to complete as Tibet's first monastery containing the three jewels of Buddhism: Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha.
The monastery layout follows Buddhist cosmology with the central temple representing Mount Meru, surrounded by temples symbolizing the sun, moon, and four continents.
The monastery maintains regular visiting hours between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM, with guided tours available in multiple languages through the main temple complex.
The temple complex includes four differently colored stupas - red, white, green, and black - positioned around the main temple to ward off malevolent forces.
Location: Zhanang County
Inception: 779
GPS coordinates: 29.32644,91.50422
Latest update: May 10, 2025 15:43
Buddhist monasteries in the Himalayan mountain ranges display religious and architectural traditions dating from the 11th century. The buildings house art collections, sacred texts, and cultural artifacts. Many monasteries function as religious schools and preserve Tibetan Buddhist teachings.
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