Lhasa Drepung Monastery

Drepung monastery is located on the slope of Gepel Utse ridge, 8 kilometres northwest of Lhasa. It is the biggest Gelugpa learning centre and was founded in 1416 by Jamyang Choeje Tashi Palden who was one of the main disciples of master Tsongkhapa. There are four main Dratsang or colleges which are Deyang, Gomang, Loseling, and Ngakpa the tantric college. 

Drepung Monastery Overview

§  Location: On the Gambo Utse mountain, about 5 km west of Lhasa, Tibet.

§  Founded: In 1416 by Jamyang Chöje Tashi Palden, a disciple of Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelug school.

§  Name Meaning: Drepung means “Rice Heap” in Tibetan, referring to the monastery’s white buildings spreading across the hillside like a heap of rice.

Religious and Educational Importance

§  It was once the largest monastery in the world, housing up to 10,000 monks.

§  Known as a major center of Buddhist learning, it contained four main colleges: Gomang, Loseling, Deyang, and Ngagpa.

§  The Dalai Lamas traditionally studied here. The Second, Third, and Fourth Dalai Lamas lived at Drepung before the Potala Palace was built.