Must-Visit in Lhasa | The Mysterious Zhaxi Temple, Unique Hall of the Wealth God
| The Mysterious Zhaxi Temple, Unique Hall of the Wealth God. Hey friends👫, you can't miss this incredibly distinctive Zhaxi Temple when visiting Lhasa! Today, let me take you inside this special temple~
Location: Situated on Zhaxi Road in the northern suburbs of Lhasa, it's easily accessible and simple to find.
🌟Origin of the Name
The meaning of "Zhaxi" has various interpretations. One theory suggests that "Zhaba" in Tibetan means "monk," while "Ji" is a Tibetan variation of the number "4." It's said that Zhaxi Temple was initially managed by four monks from Sera Monastery, hence the name. Another interpretation is that "Zhaxi" derives from "Zhashi," symbolizing auspiciousness, making Zhaxi Temple the "Auspicious Temple."
🌟Historical Tales
Tibetan historical records mention Zhaxi Temple sparingly. One account traces its origins to an earlier Guan Yu Temple. In 1728, when the Qing army entered Tibet, they built a new barracks at Zhaxi Tang in the northern suburbs. The Amban's office later relocated here and established a Guan Yu Temple. Over time, the temple first worshipped Guan Yu, then the wealth goddess Zhaxi Lhamo, until the worship of Guan Yu faded, leaving only the devotion to Zhaxi Lhamo. Another version holds that Zhaxi Temple was originally the Wanshou Temple built in Lhasa during the Qianlong era. Through historical changes and ethnic integration, it gradually became known as Zhaxi Temple. During the Cultural Revolution, the temple suffered damage but fortunately reopened in the 1980s, restoring its religious activities.
🌟Architectural Features
Zhaxi Temple is modest in size, with its main structure spanning four floors, facing south. It blends Tibetan Buddhism with Han Chinese Buddhist characteristics. The main gate, near Zhaxi East Road, features traditional Tibetan copper-wood doors flanked by majestic stone lions adorned with colorful khata scarves🎗. Above the gate, a striking blue-and-red-edged plaque with golden patterns bears the temple's name in Tibetan, Chinese, and English: "Zhaxi Temple." Inside, the compact and well-arranged halls exude unique charm in every detail.
🌟Deities and Worship Practices
Zhaxi Temple is most famous for its enshrined goddess, Zhaxi Lhamo, revered as the wealth deity🧚♀️. Her image is distinctive, with chicken feet and a protruding black tongue. Legend has it she particularly loves alcohol, so devotees bring a bottle of white liquor as an offering—a unique practice at Zhaxi Temple. Alongside liquor, butter and khata scarves are customary offerings. Every Wednesday, devotees and tourists form long queues outside the temple to worship or visit, making it exceptionally lively🔥. In Tibetan Buddhism, Zhaxi Lhamo is a worldly protector, still connected to sentient beings. It's said she often takes human form to interact with them, which is why followers devoutly believe she can fulfill their worldly wishes. Inside the main hall, Zhaxi Lhamo is enshrined on the left, while a local earth god statue stands on the right. Typically, Buddhists do not prostrate to them but make offerings, praying for their secular desires to be granted.
In short, though Zhaxi Temple may not match the scale of larger monasteries, its unique history, culture, and distinctive worship customs make it utterly captivating and well worth a visit~ Who knows? A prayer here might just bring the wealth god's favor your way💰
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