Shalu Monastery

The History Of Shalu Monastery

Shalu monastery is about 21km from Shigatse city. Jetsun Sherab Jungnay established it in 1003. However, the flood severely damaged the Shalu area in 1304, and it was rebuilt and enlarged by the throne holder of the Shalu Jetsun Kunsang Drakpa Gyaltsen.

In 1321, Kunsang Drakpa Gyaltsen invited the Buton Rinchen Drupa, and under his guidance, they rebuilt most of the Shalu monastery and the murals. 

Shalu Monastery was the centre for trance-walking or trance-runners (Lung-gom), made famous by the flying monks of Alexandra David-Neel’s Magic & Mistery in Tibet. During some critical religious festivals, the monastery would select the monk with the most extraordinary physical and mental abilities to run to Lhasa without food, drink and rest. That’s the 200km distance from Shalu Monastery to Lhasa. 

Moreover, for the benefits of all the sentient beings, Buton Rinchen Drupa had taught many Buddhist doctrines to the disciples in the Shalu Monastery.

Inside the Shalu Monastery

The Shalu monastery divides into a Tibetan and Chinese style building. Most of the building themselves are Tibetan-style buildings in the 10th century and Chinese-influenced inner Serkhang (The golden chapel) founded in the 15th century. 

The monastery is about 18km away from Shigatse and then an extra 4km off the road. The monastery is easy to spot because of its Chinese style green tiled roof. 

Jstsun Kunsang Drakpa Gyaltsen built the mural of the protector chapel of the Shalu monastery in Kashmir style. They moved the newly rebuilt protector chapel to the southern side of the sanctuary. Inside the Yum Lhakang enshrined the great Yum (Mother of Buddha) and golden Buddha, blessed by Master Atisha, a forefather of Kadampa tradition.

On the other side, the chapel of King Tri-Ralpachen, Buddhas of ten directions, and so forth. These images are all built-in Chinese style.

Inside the main assembly hall of the Shalu Monastery, there are many photos such as blessed statues, scriptures, stupas, etc. However, the architecture’s main unique characteristics in this hall are the four wooden pillars that attract the tourist. 

Getting Shalu Monastery and Away

Shalu Monastery is one of the most accessible sights around Shigatse city. If you take any tour from Lhasa to Shigatse via Gyantse, you can add this worth visiting monastery to your itinerary. The monastery is only 4km south of the road between Shigatse and Gyantse.