Shouling Temple: The Sacred Gelug Sanctuary of Longevity Overlooking the Xianshui River

1.The Golden: Sanctuary on the "Treasure Vase" Mountain

Located approximately 3 kilometers southeast of the county seat of Luhuo, Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Shouling Temple (also known as Shouling Monastery or Shouling Chandin Temple) stands majestically on the slopes of Shouling Mountain. The mountain itself is shaped like a "treasure vase," a symbol of good fortune in Tibetan culture, overlooking the winding Xianshui River and the National Highway 548. As one of the most important Gelug (Yellow Hat) monasteries in the Kham region, Shouling Temple is renowned for its magnificent architecture, comprising a main assembly hall, a protector deity hall, the Living Buddha's residence, and extensive monk dormitories, covering an area of about 100,000 square meters. Its golden roofs and red walls shine brilliantly against the backdrop of the blue plateau sky and the green valley, creating a visual spectacle that embodies the grandeur of Highland Aesthetics.

A Legend of Longevity and Healing

2.The history of Shouling: Temple is a saga of the Gelug school's revival in the Xianshui River valley. Founded in 1729 (the 7th year of the Yongzheng Emperor's reign) by the Seventh Shouling Living Buddha, Quji Jianzan, the temple's establishment was inspired by the teachings of Tsongkhapa. The name "Shouling" translates to "efficacious longevity" (长寿灵验). Legend has it that the site was blessed by the Three Deities of Longevity (Amitayus, White Tara, and Ushnishavijaya). It is said that when the first Shouling Living Buddha practiced here, miraculous signs appeared, and a sweet mountain spring was found that could cure diseases, cementing the temple's reputation as a sacred place for praying for health and long life.

An Art Treasury of the Gelug School

Shouling Temple is not only a spiritual center but also a treasure house of Tibetan art. The main assembly hall is a masterpiece of architectural design, featuring imposing red pillars carved with coiled dragons and intricate floral motifs. Inside, visitors can find a towering copper gilded statue of Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelug school, radiating solemnity and compassion. The walls are adorned with exquisite murals depicting the life of the Buddha, protector deities, and the "Eight Auspicious Symbols," creating a profound religious atmosphere. The temple also houses rare cultural relics, including ancient Thangkas depicting the Three Deities of Longevity and precious ritual instruments, which reflect the deep connection between the temple and the imperial courts of the Qing Dynasty.

A Center of Learning and Debating

Unlike many remote monasteries, Shouling Temple maintains a rigorous academic tradition. It houses colleges for both exoteric and esoteric Buddhism, where hundreds of monks study the "Five Great Treatises" (including Prajnaparamita, Madhyamaka, and Vinaya). The temple is famous for its debating tradition. Every morning, the courtyard fills with the sounds of monks clapping hands and stomping feet as they engage in fierce logical debates to deepen their understanding of Buddhist philosophy. This dynamic display of wisdom is a highlight for visitors, offering a glimpse into the intellectual vitality of the Gelug tradition.

Festivals of the Golden Horse Valley

The temple comes alive during major religious festivals. The most significant are the Longevity Buddha Birthday on the 15th day of the 4th Tibetan month and the Tsongkhapa Memorial Day on the 4th day of the 6th Tibetan month. During these times, the monks perform the spectacular Vajra Dance (Cham dance) to exorcise evil spirits and pray for world peace and longevity. Thousands of believers from Luhuo and surrounding areas gather to witness these ceremonies, creating a vibrant scene of faith and culture that blends the solemnity of religion with the festive spirit of the Kham people.