Sera Temple, located at the foot of Jianzi Mountain in the northern suburb of Lhasa, is one of the three major monasteries in Lhasa and the second largest in Tibetan areas. The buildings in the temple are all in Tibetan style, and the hall is magnificent. There are many Buddha statues enshrined in the temple, as well as a large number of precious artistic treasures such as scriptures, exquisite thangkas, pile embroidery and murals. It is a good choice to visit or watch.

A famous debate

The debate in Sera Temple has always been famous in Tibetan areas, and it is also the focus of visiting Sera Temple. The debate ceremony of Sera Temple was held in the northernmost debate venue in the temple. It starts at 3 pm every day and lasts until 5 pm. Not available on Sundays and special festivals. Need attention. When debating scripture, monks often sit on the floor, while others stand opposite. It's interesting to argue classics with exaggerated movements.

Shangsela Temple Architecture

You can walk to see the architecture of Sera Temple. The perimeter of the whole temple is about 1.5km ... The layout of Sera Temple is centered on the Cuoqin Hall and surrounded by countless warehouse buildings. Different from the architecture of Chinese mainland Han Buddhism, Sera Temple is not symmetrically arranged on the central axis, but scattered among the mountains. The most famous temples are Matou Wangming Hall and Cuoqin Hall, which can be visited mainly. The Matou Wangming Temple was built for the most famous statue of Matou Wangming in Sera Temple. Ma Touming, the custodian of Tibetan Buddhism tantra, has a strong power to exorcise evil spirits and relieve Eritrea. According to legend, Master Zong Kaba, the founder of Gelug Sect of Tibetan Buddhism, heard the neighing of horses while walking and dug it up underground. Therefore, the legends of Tibetan Buddhism have powerful magic power to ward off evil spirits.

This is also the focus of believers going to Sera Temple. You can join fans and pray for yourself to ward off evil spirits. Zuoqin Hall in the center is the largest building in Sera Temple, supported by 108 columns, which can accommodate more than 8,000 monks in religious ceremonies. There is a statue of byams-chen-chos-rje, the founder of the temple. The hat on the top of the statue is unique, with Sanskrit written on it. This hat was personally given by Emperor Yongle of the Ming Dynasty when he was giving a lecture in the Mainland. You can find it yourself.

Climb the back mountain to see the prospect of Lhasa

The back hill of Sera Temple is located in a high position, and the top of the mountain can see the panoramic view of Lhasa, which is a holiday resort for mountain climbers. The relative height of this mountain is about 500 meters. It takes about 4 hours to climb the mountain, which requires a certain amount of physical strength. However, if you go up a little along the mountain road and look back at Lhasa, your vision will be very broad. Visitors who are unwell or have just arrived in Lhasa are prone to high reaction, so it is recommended not to go to the top of the mountain.

: special tips

1. Every year on February 27th of Tibetan calendar 12, there will be a festival to pray for King Kong in the temple. King Kong blessed by the Dalai Lama will bless believers and exorcise evil spirits. At that time, many believers will come here to attend the ceremony. Visitors can also come here to pray for exorcism.

2. According to the ritual of Tibetan Buddhism, you should walk around the temple, turn the scriptures and turn the temple clockwise.

Respect the local people's beliefs, don't point at the Buddha statue, take off your hat and keep quiet after entering the hall, and don't take pictures casually.

After 3 pm, many halls will be closed. It is suggested to visit here in the morning or at noon, and you can watch the debate in the afternoon.

Try to keep quiet when watching and filming the debate. Don't take pictures all the time, and try to reduce the influence on monks.

6. Sera Temple has a high altitude. Visitors to Lhasa for the first time should be careful not to take strenuous exercise to avoid being highly opposed. Climb the mountain behind Sera Temple, you should do what you can, and you don't have to force yourself to the top.

Tickets and opening hours

7:00- 17:00:50 yuan/person. /kloc-5 yuan/person after 0/7: 00 (the main hall of the temple is closed and the debate venue is closed). There is no scripture debate on Sundays and special festivals.

9:00~ 16:00

0 10 to 10 10, take bus No.5 at Niangze East Road Station (near Beijing