Nyethang Drolma Lhakhang: A Sacred Tribute to Atisha Near Lhasa

If you're exploring Lhasa and looking to step beyond the city's most famous sites while diving deeper into Tibetan Buddhism history, Nyethang Drolma Lhakhang is a must-visit. Located just a 30-minute drive southwest of Lhasa, this small yet profoundly significant monastery is a spiritual landmark dedicated to Atisha, the revered Bengali Buddhist master who played a pivotal role in reviving Buddhism in Tibet. Far from the crowds of Jokhang Temple or Potala Palace, Drolma Lhakhang offers a quiet, intimate experience where you can connect with centuries of spiritual heritage and learn about the important cultural exchanges between Tibet and Bangladesh. For travelers curious about Tibetan Buddhism's "second diffusion" and the stories of the masters who shaped it, this monastery is a treasure waiting to be discovered.

To understand the importance of Nyethang Drolma Lhakhang, you first need to know the story of Atisha. Born in 982 in what is now Bangladesh, Atisha was the second son of King Kalyan Shri of Eastern India. From a young age, he showed extraordinary talent for Buddhism, studying extensively and gaining widespread fame as a scholar and spiritual teacher. His teachings were transformative, laying the foundation for the second diffusion of Buddhism in Tibet during the 11th century—a period that reinvigorated the faith and shaped many of the Tibetan Buddhist traditions we know today. In 1042, the Tibetan scholar Dromtonpa traveled to Ngari to meet Atisha, inviting him to preach further and becoming his most devoted disciple. Atisha's journey took him across Tibet, and in 1040, he arrived in Nyethang, a peaceful area where he would spend his final years. He passed away here in 1054 at the age of 72, having lived in Tibet for 17 years and left an indelible mark on its culture and spirituality. His contributions to Sino-Bangladeshi cultural exchanges are also celebrated, making him a beloved figure among both Tibetan and Bengali people.

After Atisha's passing, his foremost disciple Dromtonpa sought to honor his teacher's legacy—and that's how Nyethang Drolma Lhakhang came to be. Built in the 11th century, the monastery was constructed to enshrine a sacred statue of Tara (Drolma in Tibetan) that Atisha had revered deeply. This wasn't just any statue; it was known as the "talking Tara," a relic believed to have spoken to Atisha during his lifetime, making it one of the monastery's most precious possessions. Surrounding the monastery, several stupas were erected to hold some of Atisha's remains, turning the site into a major pilgrimage destination for Tibetan Buddhists who come to pay their respects to the great master.

The monastery itself is small, so you can explore it thoroughly in an hour or two—plenty of time to admire the sacred Tara statue, the stupas holding Atisha's remains, and the intricate murals that depict scenes from Atisha's life and Tibetan Buddhist stories. The atmosphere here is calm and reverent, making it a lovely spot to practice a short meditation or simply sit quietly and reflect.

Conclusion

As with all Tibetan religious sites, remember to dress modestly—cover your shoulders and knees, and avoid loud talking to respect the spiritual environment. The best time to visit is in the morning, when the light is soft and the crowds are minimal, allowing you to fully absorb the monastery's serenity. You'll also notice local pilgrims here, many of whom circumambulate the monastery in a clockwise direction as a form of devotion; joining them for a short kora is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in local traditions.