Potala Palace

Potala Palace 

Potala Palace

The Potala Palace is a historic and iconic architectural marvel located in Lhasa, the capital city of the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. It was originally built in the 7th century by King Songtsen Gambo after he moved the capital from Yarlung valley to Lhasa valley. The Potala Palace which towers above the city of Lhasa rises from the slopes of Mount Marpori. Due to reason, it is known locally as Tse Podang (Summit Palace). In the 17th century that the Fifth Dalai Lama moved his palace from Drepung to Potala Palace and expanded it to the present size. 

While the palace is divided into the red and white part. The Red Palace is used mainly for religious purpose. It includes chapels, meditation rooms, audience halls, offices and living quarters of Dalai Lamas and his tutors. The White Palace contains the main ceremonial hall with the throne of the Dalai Lama. Moreover, his private rooms and audience hall are on the uppermost level.

The Potala Palace is a symbol of Tibetan Buddhism and spiritual authority designated a World Heritage Site in 1994.

Potala Palace houses thousands of Buddhist scriptures, artworks, murals, and relics, Pilgrims and tourists alike visit to admire its sacred aura and unique architecture.