The Castle of the Gods in the Himalayan Garden: Paba Temple

A Nepalese Jewel in the Hidden Valley

1.Located in the heart of Jilong: Town (Kyirong), Jilong County, Shigatse, Paba Temple (Pakba Monastery) stands as a unique architectural gem amidst the lush "Garden of the Himalayas." Unlike the typical whitewashed, flat-roofed Tibetan monasteries found on the high plateau, Paba Temple boasts a distinct Nepalese tower-style architecture,. Situated at an altitude of approximately 2,850 meters, it sits in the center of the town, surrounded by the verdant forests and snow-capped peaks of the Jilong Valley (Kyirong Valley),. This temple is not just a place of worship but a historical monument marking the ancient trade and cultural exchange route between China and Nepal,. Its tiered, pavilion-like structure, adorned with a golden top and copper bells, rises gracefully like a castle of the gods, offering a striking visual contrast to the surrounding Tibetan dwellings and the rugged mountain backdrop.

The Legend of the Demoness and the Princess

2.The founding of Paba: Temple is steeped in one of Tibet's most famous legends. It is said to have been built in the 7th century (around 637 AD) by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo for his Nepalese wife, Princess Bhrikuti. According to geomantic divination, the terrain of Tibet resembled a supine demoness. To subdue her and allow Buddhism to flourish, the King built twelve temples to pin down her limbs. Paba Temple is one of these "Runon" (demon-suppressing) temples, specifically built to pin down the demoness's right foot. This ancient origin story imbues the temple with a profound sense of historical gravity and spiritual protection, making it a pivotal site in the introduction of Buddhism to Tibet.

Unique Architectural Style

Paba Temple serves as a rare and outstanding example of the fusion between Tibetan and Nepalese architectural styles. The main structure is a four-story square tower, constructed from stone and wood,. The exterior features step-like shrinking layers, creating a towering silhouette reminiscent of a pagoda or a castle. The eaves are intricately carved from wood, displaying craftsmanship that reflects the influence of Nepalese artisans brought by Princess Bhrikuti. The roof is capped with a magnificent golden finial, gleaming under the plateau sun. Visitors circling the temple (kora) can admire the stone masonry and the wooden verandas that differ significantly from the fortress-like Dzong architecture seen elsewhere in Tibet, offering a visual journey into the cross-cultural history of the region.

The Sacred Treasure: Wati Sangpo

The temple is named after its principal deity. "Paba" refers to Phagpa Lokeshvara (Avalokiteshvara). The temple was originally built to house a sacred sandalwood statue of the "Self-Arisen" Avalokiteshvara, known as Wati Sangpo. Legend holds that this statue was not carved by human hands but appeared naturally from a sandalwood tree in the borderlands between Tibet and Nepal. The statue is revered as a brother to the Jowo Mikyo Dorje in Lhasa's Jokhang Temple and the Jowo Shakyamuni in the Ramoche Temple. While the original statue's location has shifted throughout history (often between Paba Temple and the Potala Palace), the spiritual presence of this deity remains the soul of the temple, attracting pilgrims from across the region who come to seek blessings and circumambulate the sacred site.

Exquisite Murals and Cultural Heritage

3.Stepping inside Paba: Temple, visitors are greeted by a treasure trove of ancient art. The interior walls are adorned with exquisite murals that have survived centuries of history. These paintings depict Buddhist deities, historical figures, and scenes from the life of the Buddha, rendered in a style that blends Kashmiri, Nepalese, and local Tibetan influences. The lines are fluid, the colors vibrant, and the figures possess a grace that speaks to the high artistic standards of the era. The temple acts as a living museum, preserving the legacy of the ancient "Tub-Nepal Ancient Road," where scholars, monks, and traders once exchanged goods and ideas, leaving behind a rich cultural tapestry that is palpable in every stone and brushstroke.