Potala Palace Lhasa China History and Interesting Facts

Potala Palace Lhasa Quick Facts

Potala Palace Lhasa Overview

The Potla Palace is located on the Red Hill in the northwest part of the city of Lhasa, China. It is a splendid towering building as well as a typical architectural example of Tibet. It was built in 1645 AD by Ngawang Lobsang Gyatso during the Thubo reign of Tibet for his marriage to Princess Panchen of the Tang Dynasty.

This palace represents the three main hills of Lhasa "The three protectors of Tibet". But now it is a World Heritage Site in the form of a museum.

Potala Palace Lhasa History

The Potala Palace was built by Ljung Gyatso, also known as the Great Fifth Dalai Lama. It was built by him after the death of his spiritual advisor, Konchog Chopel, and states that the palace was ideal as the seat of government, as it is situated between the Dereng and Sera monasteries and the old town.

After this, the palace was badly damaged during the 1959 rebellion against China in Tibet. The Potala Palace was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1994, Jokhang Temple as an extension of the property in 2000 and Norbulingka in 2001 as a further extension of the property.

The palace representatives had demanded from the government to elaborate the structure of the palace. But the Chinese government responded by making a rule prohibiting the construction of any structure longer than 21 meters in this area.

Potala Palace Lhasa Interesting Facts

1. The Potala Palace is named after Mount Potala, the mythical abode of Bodhisattva Avalokitevara.
2. The Building occupies an area of ​​400 m east-west and 350 m north-south, with 3 m thick, and 5 m thick sloping stone walls at the base, with copper poured into the foundation to protect it from earthquakes. has gone.
3. The Palace is made up of thirteen-storey buildings with more than 1000 rooms, 10,000 temples and about 2,00,000 statues.
4. Above the central part of the palace's group of buildings is a large quadrangular shape, ending in a gilt canopy similar to that of the Jokhang.
5. The "Red Palace" because of this central structure and because of its Red color, the palace houses the main halls, chapels and temples of The Dalai Lamas. These have very rich ornamental paintings made from carvings and other versions.
6. The lower white part on the south side of the palace was used to hoist two giant thangkas, representing the figures of Tara and Shakyamuni, during the Satrang Festival on the 30th day of the month of February.
7. Lhasa has three main hills. Which represent the three protectors of Tibet. In which south of Potala is Chokpori, Vrajapani Atmaparvata, Manjushri ki Pongwari, and finally Marpori, but the hill on which Potala Palace is situated represents Avalokitevara Palace.

How to reach Potala Palace Lhasa

1. The Nearest railway station to Potala Palace is Lhasa Railway Station. The Palace is situated at a distance of 6.2 km from the station. From where the palace can be easily reached.
2. In addition, the Nearest airport to the Palace is Lhasa Gonggar Airport. It is located at a distance of only 9.4 km from the Palace.