Pabonka Hermitage
Tibetan Buddhism·Tibet·Active (part of Sera Monastery)·7th century
Pabonka Hermitage, also known as Pha bong kha or Pawangka, is a significant historical hermitage located northwest of Lhasa in Tibet. Founded in the 7th century by Songtsen Gampo, it currently belongs to Sera Monastery and serves as the most important of its associated hermitages. It holds a crucial role in Tibetan Buddhist pilgrimage, marking the start of the "Sixth-Month Fourth-Day" circumambulation circuit around Sera Mountain.
Key Facts
- ›Founded in the 7th century by Songtsen Gampo.
- ›Located about 8 kilometers northwest of Lhasa, Tibet.
- ›Belongs to Sera Monastery.
- ›Considered the largest and most important of Sera's associated hermitages.
- ›Serves as the starting point for the Sera Mountain Circumambulation Circuit pilgrimage.
- ›Also known by the names Pha bong kha and Pawangka.
- Starting Point For the Sera Mountain Circumambulation Circuit Pilgrimage
Pha Bong Kha, Pawangka
Songtsen Gampo
About Pabonka Hermitage
Pabonka Hermitage, also referred to as Pha bong kha or Pawangka, is a historically significant hermitage nestled in the Nyang bran Valley on the slopes of Mount Parasol, located approximately eight kilometers northwest of Lhasa in Tibet. Its origins trace back to the 7th century when it was founded by Songtsen Gampo, a pivotal figure in Tibetan history and the unifier of the Tibetan plateau.
Today, Pabonka Hermitage is an integral part of Sera Monastery and stands as the largest and most important among Sera's associated hermitages. Its spiritual significance is further underscored by its role as the starting point for the "Sixth-Month Fourth-Day" (Drug pa tshe bzhi) segment of the Sera Mountain Circumambulation Circuit (Se ra’i ri ’khor). This pilgrimage route is a vital practice for many Tibetan Buddhists, drawing devotees to this ancient site for spiritual merit and contemplation.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Pabonka Hermitage founded?
Pabonka Hermitage was founded in the 7th century. It was established by Songtsen Gampo.
Where is Pabonka Hermitage located?
Pabonka Hermitage is situated in the Nyang bran Valley on the slopes of Mount Parasol, approximately 8 kilometers northwest of Lhasa in Tibet.
What is the significance of Pabonka Hermitage in Buddhist pilgrimage?
Pabonka Hermitage is the starting point for the 'Sixth-Month Fourth-Day' of the Sera Mountain Circumambulation Circuit. It is considered the largest and most important of the hermitages associated with Sera Monastery.
What are other names for Pabonka Hermitage?
Besides Pabonka Hermitage, it is also known by the names Pha bong kha and Pawangka.
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