Litang Chode

Litang Chode also known as Litang Chode Ganden Tubchen Chokhorling, in Chinese Pin-Yin “Chang Qing Chun Ke Er Si-长青春科尔寺” , is located on the slope of Moraca Mountain in the north of the town. Originally a Black-Sect (Bon) Monastery, during the Wan-Li Period of the Ming Dynasty (1580), the third Dalai Lama – Suo-Nan Gyatso changed it to the Yellow-Sect (Gelug Pa) monastery and had it Consecrated. It is the oldest and largest Yellow-Sect (Gelug Pa) monastery in the east Tibet of Kham.

“Chang Qing Chun Ke Er ” is indeed the pronunciation of Tibetan language, the first two words “Chang Qing” means Maitreya Buddha (the future Buddha); the “Chun Ke Er ” means the Dharma Chakra that is always turning,and with fine truth forever. The monastery covers an area of more than 500 acres with more than 4,300 monks, among of whom, about 800 are the permanent residents.

Litang Chode is built on the mountain. The main hall is located at the highest point in the center of the temple. Since the end of 20^th Century, this monastery has been rebuilt and maintained under the support of local authority, the temple has restored Maitreya Hall, Asemblly Hall, Thousand Buddha Hall, Xianggen Dormitory, Jinding Red Palace; One 19-meter-high Maitreya Buddha and the Three Thousand Buddha Halls were donated by the locals. There are unique Buddhist murals on the girders in the temple. The Golden Dome Palace features the spiritual towers of the 1^st and 2^nd Xiang-Gen (香根) Rinpoche. The gilded tower is engraved with various patterns and is also inlaid with Red turquoise,Dzi Bead,Agate, coral, amber and other treasures. There are also the footprints of the 3^rd and 5^thDalai Lama in the temple. If lucky, the ancient Buddhist scriptures of “Ganggyur” & “Dangyur” can be viewed.

Litang Chode Address & Contact

Add : Moraca Mountain, North Litang | 理塘县城城北莫拉卡山山坡

Litang Chode Major Events

Litang “8.1” Horse-Racing Festival: from 1^st to 15^th of August

Maoya Tent Puja : In Maoya grassland, on the 10^th month of Tibetan calendar

Lamp Festival : in Litang Chode and Leng-gu monastery, on 25^th on the 10^th month of Tibetan calendar

Tibetan New Year Festival: from 1^st to 15^th day on the 1^st month of Tibetan calendar

Mai-Lang-Qu-Ba Puja (麦郎曲巴法会): from 15^th to 16^th on the 1^st month of Tibetan calendar

Banish Evil Festival: on 19^th of the 12^th month of Tibetan calendar

Mountain Festival: In the August, this festival is organized by villages, no certain time to be confirmed