Shodain Monastery
Location
Shodain Monastery is located in the center of Nagqu Town, Nagqu County (about 338 miles away from Lhasa) in Nagqu area.
Attraction Introduction
Shodain Monastery, which is governed by Ji Zhchang of Sera Monastery in Lhasa, was found in 1814. Its former name is “Shodain Yarba”, and it is also called “Shadain Monastery”. It is one of the most influential monasteries in Nagqu area, originally belonged to Nyingma Sect and then belonged to Geru Sect. There are two Zhachangs in the monastery: one is Mi Zhachang Shazhujiang Zangongbelin, short for Mini Zhachang; another is Juba Zhachang Sawangondo Aganli Shalin, short for Juba Zhachang. Before 1950, there are 350 lamas here, but now only 60.
Shodain Monastery can be qualified as the most famous Yellow Sect in north Tibet. The size of the monastery is not so big. There is a golden law wheel surrounded by tow golden sheep standing in the middle roof of the monastery as a symbol of this monastery, which is a little like Jokhang Monastery in Lhasa. This monastery has more than 200 years history. The 13th Dalai Lama had lived in Shodain Monastery for more than one month in 1908 when he came back to Tibet from Beijing via Nagqu. And he authorized Shodain Monastery to hold the Grand Summons Ceremony every January 4th in Tibet calendar. He not only indicated that all the lamas in Shodain Monastery could enjoy the treatment at the annual Buddhist service in Lhasa, but also ordered that the number of lamas in Shodain Monastery should be kept above 300. During a certain time period, this has been a very glory for Shodain Monastery, but now all this has become history.
Feature of the Monastery
Apart from the Grand Summons Ceremony regularly hold here, Shodain Monastery also holds the big religious dance, Changmo (an old song and dance tradition). The Changmo Dance in Shodain Monastery is quite unique in Tibet, which is called Je Changmo and Jusong Changmo Qin. Je means eight. Changmo means dance or hop. As it is a kind of Changmo in August, so is named Je Changmo. Jusong means thirteen. Qin means big or informal. Because it is a kind of big religious dance formally held on 13th, local people call it Jusong Changmo Qin. The performance on August 2nd without wearing Changmo costume is called Debula, which means portable or easy taking. Actually it is a kind of inner rehearsal, while the performance on August 8th wearing Changmo costume is called Jeyang Changmo. On August 13th, performers wear their best Changmo costume and give a formal show, which is called Jusong Changmo Qin. Lot of local people will go to the monastery to see the big performance. After the show, the monastery will hold a solemn ceremony of exorcising.
Related Articles & Posts
34 Comment ON "Shodain Monastery"
Asked by Ke** from Singapore
Cycling Tour to Mt Kailash
Hi , we are planning a Cycling Trip once Tibet opens for Tourism. The plan is we shall arrive to Kathmandu , travel to the border and enter via Kerung. Can you pls send a day to day Itinerary starting from Kerung - Lake Manasarovar - Darchen - Asthapath. We shall go around Kailash on foot and resume Cycling back to Kerung. We are a Group of 6-8 persons. Thanks Pls send ur reply to Kevin
Asked by Debo** from USA
Please can you tell me the prices and dates for the Tibet Luxury Tour.
Also, could you please provide a detailed itinerary - I want to see how many hours are spent on buses/vehicles. Thank you! Deborah
Asked by S** from HongKong
Tibet Tour from HK
May I know if holding Mainland Travel Permit for HK Residents. is it also need to get the visa permit to Tibet and what is the procedure if need to apply? Thank you
Asked by Na** from USA
Is Kailash Mansarovar Trip open for Indian Passport Holder?
Is it open for Indian Passport Holder?
Asked by A** from Singapore
Enquiry on private tour
We are planning a trip from Hong Kong to Tibet during the 12th to 21st of April. We want a private tour that covers all the scenic places as well as the EBC. Please advise an itinerary along with the cost breakdown. Thanks.
Asked by Na** from Canada
We would like to take the train from Xining to Lhasa
Asked by Gr** from Canada
The "Tibet Entry Permit" should be apply
Asked by Tam** from Singapore
Sightseeing Potala Palace
Asked by Ka** from Singapore
plan to travel to Mount Kailash
Asked by Nyen** from India
Lhasa potala place visit and monastery visit
Lhasa potala place visit and monastery visit, we are three people and 2 adults and 1 infant 2 Indian Passport and 1 Nepal passport. we have applied for a China visa also.