Yungbulagang is most probably the most popular tourist attraction in Lhokha prefecture of Tibet. It is locate in the Nedong Country of the prefecture just 14 kilometres from the Tsedang downtown. The meaning of Yungbulagang is the Talismanic hill (Lagang) of Tamarisk (Ombu).
History of Yungbulagang Palace
Yungbulagang is reputedly a reconstruction of the old building in Tibetan History. Some sources state that when Nyatri Tsenpo emerged as the first king of Tibet, he was escorted to mount Tashitseri by his followers. The first palace was built on the top of its summit. This narrative is also depicted on the mural of the second floor of the building. Later the palace appears to have been refurbished by Lhatotori Nyentsen, the 28th king. During the time of Lhatotori Nyentsen Buddhist texts including the Karandavyuhasutra, are said to have miraculously fallen upon the palace roof. This is considered the first appearance of Buddhism in Tibet. It was known as an awesome secret (Nyenpo Sangwa). The text was not understood yet venerated until Songtsen Gampo embraced Buddhism.
The extension of the palace was added in subsequent centuries: Two lower chapels by Songtsen Gampo and gold roof by the fifth Dalai Lama.
Tourist Guide to Yungbulagang
You can reach the Yungbulagang from Tsedang. It is only 6 kilometres from the Traduk temple. To reach uphill, you will have to hike for about 30 minutes, and you can also choose to hire a horse to take you up there.
The Ante-Chamber to the lower chapel has the mural depicting the mystical vision of Tsongkhapa. Inside the lower chapel ( Originally Constructed by Songtsen Gampo), there is a central image of Buddha Shakyamuni in the form of Jowo Norbu Samphel. This image is flanked by the regal statues: Nyatri Tsenpo on the left and Songtsen Gampo on the right. Other images are Thonmi Sambhota, Trisong Detsen, and Lhatotori Nyentsen and on the right is Ralpacan, Namde Osung, and Minister Gar Tongtsen.
Enter the second-floor chapel through an open Terrace. Inside there is a gallery around which pilgrims walk to its fascinating murals and images. There is a gilded sandalwood Lokeshwara image ( similar to the Lakashwara image in Potala palace).
Here you will find two mural interesting;
1) One depicts the descent of Nyatri Tsenpo from Heaven and his arrival on this hill
2) Another depicting the arrival of Nyenpo Sangwa on the palace roof during Lhatotori Nyentsen.
Zorthang, is known as the first cultivated fields in Tibetan history. Farmers all over the plateau would come here for its soil to sprinkling on their field for a good harvest.
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