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Yumbu Lakang
Yumbu Lakang is the oldest-known dwelling
in Tibet, its construction surrounded by various myths and
legends associated with the founding of the Tibetan civilization.
One such myth tells that King Nyatri Tsenpo descended from
heaven in the 2nd century BCE to build the castle. Another
legend claims that the 28th King of Tibet, Lha Totori Nyentsen,
resided here late in the 4th century.
Although some archaeologists support the
claim that the foundations of the building date back two
millennia, a larger historical consensus dates the structure
to the reign of King Songtsen Gampo (r. 608-650 CE). As
well as enlarging the structure that may have pre-existed
to a size far exceeding today's castle, he also set up the
two-story chapel here, investing the castle with a secondary
monastic function. Subsequent kings expanded the castle-monastery;
the Fifth Dalai (1617-82), declaring King Songsten Gampo
to be an incarnation of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara
gilded its roof.
Unfortunately, during the Cultural Revolution
(1966-76), Yumbu Lakang was severely damaged. Much of the
outer walls were destroyed and its interiors were gutted.
Consequently, much of the Indian inspired inner fittings
have been lost. With the exception of the building's ancient
foundations, much of the present structure dates to the
reconstruction of 1982.
The Yumbu Lakang complex, positioned dramatically
on the crest of a hill, consists of three components: the
tower, the chapels and the monks' quarters. The three-storied
tower, located at the east of the complex, contrary to its
appearance is only 11 metres (approximately 33 feet) high.
Each floor contains a small chapel located within its limited
interior space. The main chapel building was also originally
three stories high. However, only two of these storeys were
rebuilt during reconstruction in 1982. Of these, the first
is dedicated to the historical Kings of Tibet and the second
to local Buddhist deities. The final component of the structure,
the monks' quarters, are located to the south of the chapel
building. The Nyingma sect monks, whose duty it was to upkeep
the castle and chapel, were quartered on the first floor,
while the second floor room, adjacent to the chapel's second
floor, was reserved for the use of the Dalai Lama.
Not far from the ancient castle, is a plot
of land shaped like a scythe (when viewed from the air),
and enclosed by low walls. This is known as Zorthang, Scythe
Plain, and is reputed to be the first cultivated field in
Tibet. It is a tradition for pilgrims and farmers alike
to collect soil from this place and to sprinkle it on their
own plots to ensure a good harvest. Each year at sowing
time the small community of monks, still at Yumbu Lakang,
conduct rituals to propitiate its earth spirits.
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