Samye monastery

Also called the Three Styled Temple and the centre of attraction for the Buddhists all around the world, Samye monastery is situated in the Shannan Region, to the north of the Tsangpo River. Comprising with three Buddhist idols, Buddha, Dharma and Sangha, this monasteries attracts a huge number of tourist every year not only for this religious value but also for its superbly beautiful construction. Tibetan king Trisong Detsen started the construction of this monastery back in 779 AD. After some time, the construction of the monastery was handed over to the famous Buddhist master Padmasambhava. At the opening of the monastery the King permitted the seven Descendents of blue blood to stay and cultivate in the monastery, who later became famous as “Seven Enlightened Disciples of Samye”. Now the monastery has become the national of china and is under the care of the government.

This temple is constructed in a unique way. This building is as exact replica of a Universe mentioned in the Sutras. Right in the centre the majestic hall represents the Mt. Meru, which is considered the starting point of the universe according to the Sutras. Then the sun and moon chapel are built to the north and south of the Wuzi hall similar to the positions of Sun and Moon. You will also find four large and eight small halls which represent the four large and eight small continents of the world. And these are just the outlays of the monastery, inside the monastery you will find many more amazing things and that’s a promise.

There is a reason this monastery is called Three Style Temple. The lowest floor is made in Tibetan style, the middle floor is made in Han style and the topmost floor is made in Indian style making this temple absolutely mesmerizing. Wall of this temple consist many encryptions about Tibetan History and many appealing murals. The walls also have the biography of the great Buddhism tutor Padmasambhava. If possible one should try to visit this temple on either January 5^th or May 6^th, for these days offer an opportunity to take a look at embroidery of Sakyamuni put on display for the pilgrims.

The temple is open from 9am to 4 pm and this monastery is easily accessible from the city centre. You can take a bus to the banks of River Tsangpo and you can enjoy a boat ride to the doorstep of the temple. From the other end of the river monastery’s bus service will take you to the monastery. You will have to pay a small amount of money to enter the temple but it’s all worth it. Anyone who is planning to visit this monastery is suggested to put aside half day for the trip.